How to Mount Fabric on a Sewing Machine

Sewing on a sewing machine is a satisfying and less expensive way to create your own clothes or goods. Once you learn how to thread the machine and make appropriate adjustments for various types of fabrics, you're ready to get started. The first step in sewing a project is to mount the fabric.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Test fabric
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Replacement needles

1. Place the fabric on the sewing machine, underneath the needle clamp. Be sure to raise the presser foot and needle to the highest point so you can position the fabric easily.

2. Lower the presser foot to secure the fabric in place. Underneath the presser foot are the "feed dogs" which will allow the fabric to be pulled through the machine as you sew.

3. Adjust the tension level and the stitch-length required for your project.

4. Move your foot onto the foot control, and gently push to start the machine sewing. Continue to feed the fabric through the sewing machine until you've completed your project. Press the foot control lightly to move the needle slowly or harder to move the needle more quickly.

Tips & Warnings

• Test your stitches on a practice fabric before starting your project to avoid mistakes due to the wrong stitch length or incorrect tension level.
• Keep replacement needles on hand in case one breaks in the middle of your project.
• Begin every sewing project with a new needle for best results.
• Be sure to keep your guide hand away from the needle clamp to avoid hand injury, as the needle moves very quickly and can be difficult to see as you're feeding fabric through the machine.