How To Adjust Stitch Length On SINGER Sewing Machine
When you start with your sewing project, you never think of adjusting the stitch length. It is so common because it is automatically adjusted, but you need to adjust the stitch length with the type of sewing.
On the mechanical and modern sewing machines, changing length is more accessible than adjusting an old SINGER sewing machine’s length.
When you begin with the machine’s auto-updated dimensions, it is a good start but for beginners’ projects. You need to know everything about your machine for professional and high-trained projects, from its stitch length to the perfect fabric.
This article will tell you how to adjust the stitch length on the old SINGER sewing machine.
How To Adjust Stitch Length On SINGER Sewing Machine?
Contents
Stitch length is how long your SINGER sewing machine sews the stitch. Do you know how long a stitch length is required for the perfect stitching? Well, adjusting the stitch length modifies the feed dogs in the machines. They control how much fabric is required for each stitch.
You need less fabric for the short length, while you need more fabric for the longer one.
The old SINGER sewing showcases the range of 4 to 60. Though they can’t make long stitches, the range is for the number of stitches per inch. Hence, the bigger the number, the smaller is the stitch.
You may find different sewing machines today, but the old sewing machine will have a straight stitch. They are the necessary stitches you will require for the sewing works. As you become familiar with the machine you are using, it is essential to understand how to make the adjustments in the length of stitches that may affect your sewing.
So, to adjust the length, you need to check all these availabilities. Let’s now get into the detailed explanation of steps to adjust the stitch length on a SINGER sewing machine.
Steps To Adjust The Stitch Length On SINGER Sewing Machine
The old SINGER machine possesses the straight stitch, zigzag stitch, etc. that are the primary utility stitches used for most construction. These are some of the best stitches for sewing seams unless you require the stretchier stitch. Here are the steps to adjust the stitch length for stitches on the SINGER sewing machine.
Before getting any further, you need to know your machine correctly. An excellent way to know about your machine’s adjustments is by going through its manual. Keep in mind that distinct combinations work exclusively for distinct types of fabrics. With every new project, you need to use the fabric to determine which stitch is the best.
1. Adjusting Stitch Length in Straight Stitches
Learning everything about your machine, you now need to adjust the stitch length. When sewing the straight stitch, the standard adjustment is the stitch length. This may eliminate the puckered seams as well as the entire stitch appearance.
Setting the stitch length to the minimum will allow you to lock the stitch with a sew. The lock stitch is another way to anchor the stitching without appending the backstitching to your sewing.
Step 1 – adjust the machine in a range.
You need to adjust the machine to make a range from 6 to 30 stitches within an inch. It is indicated on the numerals stitch indicator plate on the SINGER machine.
Step 2 – lose the screw and move it to the bottom.
Next, you need to loosen the first screw, lowering it to the bottom of the slot. Besides doing so, you now need to move lever B until the top edge is in level with the number of desired stitches per inch.
Step 3 – raise the first screw.
Following the second step, you now need to raise the first screw as large as possible and tighten it. Now, set the machine to such a length that it will make the desired stitches in the forward direction.
Step 4 – move the second stitching lever.
If it is desired to reverse the stitching direction, you need to raise the second lever. Raise it until the upper side of the second lever aligns with the number of desired stitches. By doing so, the machine will provide the desired stitches in a reverse direction.
2. Adjusting Stitch Length in Zigzag Stitches
The zigzag stitches are another type of popular stitches done by SINGER sewing machines. They are used for the stretchy stitch and the seam finish over the fabric. Adjustments of stitch length in zigzag stitches will change the appearance of the stitch.
Step 1 – Set the needle position.
To change the stitch’s length in zigzag stitches, you need to change the needle position and make the needle swing. It will affect how the stitches will look after completion.
For the seam finish, the needle should be appropriately adjusted on the machine, but it should not catch the fabric’s fibers. You need to use the small zigzag stitch for the stretch stitch and make minor modifications in the needle’s position.
Step 2 – Move the lever to adjust the length in a range
Next, you need to mark the length you require for your stitching. Make sure you move the lever in the accurate direction of the range of length in your stitches. It will affect the width as well in zigzag stitches. Setting the shorter stitch length will produce the bar-like track, and the considerable length will make the stitches appear to be straight. So do it properly.
Step 3 – Test the stitches on scrap fabric pieces.
After adjusting the length, test the stitches on the scrap fabric pieces. It is essential to do so as it will let you know whether some more adjustments are required or not. It will give you the finished appearance.
These were the steps to adjust the length of stitches in both straight and zigzag stitch types.
Necessity to Adjust the Stitch Length
The stitch length is adjusted for several reasons like
1. For basting – in basting, a longer stitch is easier to sew, remove, and gather. So, adjust the stitch length longer rather than the short one.
2. For sewing the vinyl or leather fabric – here, the longer stitch reduces the number of holes punched within your fabric. So, always consider adjusting the length to produce longer stitches.
3. For top-stitching – the longer stitch length seems professional and occurs as a decorative finish. Setting the machine length to 90 to 16 will accommodate perfect stitches.
4. Sheer and lightweight fabrics require short stitch lengths to protect them from gathering and pulling.
5. The longer stitch performs better for heavy-weight fabrics as they protect the fabric from pulling or stretching.
6. The short stitch results in a strong seam, but a short one can also shred fabrics.
7. Thick threads require long stitches and fine threads require short ones, so adjust accordingly.
8. The short stitch length is adequate for smooth curves, and a long one may resemble the curve as an angular one. Hence, adjusting the stitch length as per the desired design is helpful.
9. Short stitches are hard to remove; hence adjusting the length to longer stitches is beneficial.
How and Why To Adjust Stitch Width and Tension in a SINGER Sewing Machine?
Following the above steps, you can also adjust the width and the tension in the SINGER sewing machine.
Adjusting the width will let you create a straight line seamlessly but will change the needle position. It will allow you to use several guides on sewing machines, providing the utmost control on where to land the stitching. You can adjust the needle position to the left, center, or right direction.
By making a tension adjustment, you may get a smooth stitching appearance. The fabric stitch will not stretch with tension adjustment even if you are working on the stretchy fabric. It will not produce a stretchy stitch on the fabric. Instead, it will provide a messy and puckered stitch.
Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years.
I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills.
It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.
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