However,
if you are going to be using a sewing machine, you need to know how to use it
safely. They may not be the most dangerous machine that you ever use but that
doesn’t mean that you should throw caution to the wind. In this article, we
will look at 10 safety tips that you should employ every time you sit down at
your sewing machine to create your next project.
1.
Learn the Distance
The
most obvious risk when you are using a sewing machine is the moving needle that
you are feeding your fabric through. The best thing you can do is the easiest
step: keep your fingers a safe distance away from the needle. Generally
speaking, this is considered about an inch away from the needle at all times.
Of
course, there are those times that the fabric you are working with needs some
extra guidance. However, do not do this by bringing your fingers closer to the
needle. If you head to your local craft store, you can find tools to help guide
the fabric that doesn’t put your fingers in danger.
2.
Keep Your Hair Out of the Way
If
you have long hair, it will be a nightmare if you aren’t careful and allow it
to get caught up in the workings of your sewing machine. Unfortunately, when
you are working, leaning over your machines to get a closer look, your hair can
be a danger if you aren’t careful. Luckily, though, you can easily avoid any
mishaps by just pulling your hair back with a hair tie while you work.
3.
Concentrate
When
you are working on your sewing machine, to stay safe you will need to focus on
what you are doing. If you aren’t, it’s easy for an accident to happen such as
a simple slip of the hand. To avoid this, only use a sewing machine when you
are able to focus on what you are doing.
This
also means that if you are under the influence of anything that could affect
your focus – such as medication – you might want to avoid the sewing machine
until you can focus properly.
4.
Make Sure Your Pins and Needles Are Intact
When
you are setting your sewing machine up, you are going to want to make sure that
any pins and needles that you use are completely whole and undamaged. Not only
could a broken needle lead to damage to your machine or the destruction of your
fabric, it could potentially become a dangerous projectile.
5.
Don’t Sew Over Pins
In
the same strain as our last tip, you are going to want to make sure that you
take pins out of our fabric as you go. Sewing over pins can cause them to break
and potentially fly out at you. In addition to the potential danger, though, a
breaking pin could also damage your machine or fabric.
6.
Use the Right Machine
If
you are planning on sewing throw strong or thick fabrics, you might want to
consider using an industrial sewing machine rather than a standard household
machine. Otherwise, you risk breaking your machine which can lead to dangerous
situations.
7.
Be Mindful of Electricity
When
you are using your sewing machine, you are adding electricity to the mix. So, you
need to be careful of the damage electricity can do. You can keep yourself safe
by taking simple steps such as not overloading outfits and not using cords that
are frayed, cut, or otherwise damaged with your machine.
8.
Listen to Your Machine
A
theme that you might have noticed as we have gone through these tips is that a
broken machine can spell danger. As such, you should make sure to listen for
any problems your machine could have. If you hear any rattling or grinding, for
example, you should consider taking your machine to get checked out.
9.
Service Your Machine
A
sewing machine, much like a car, needs regular maintenance. About every 2
years, you should take your machine to get serviced by a professional so you
can avoid the mishaps that a broken machine can cause.
10.
Turn It Off When Not in Use
Don’t
let your sewing machine sit on idly even if you are only stepping away from a
project for a minute to avoid any accidents. You should especially make sure
the machine is off and unplugged before you start making any repairs – the last
thing you want is to have your hand in the machine and for it to cut on.
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