How to Avoid Injury Using a Sewing Machine

Sewing machines make quick work out of piles of mending, but many people take for granted that a sewing machine is a potentially harmful instrument! Each year people accidentally harm themselves at home or at work while sewing on a machine. Here are a few guidelines to minimize your chance of injury.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sewing machine
• Eyewear
• Office chair

How to Avoid Injury Using a Sewing Machine

1. Examine the sewing machine to make sure that it is fully assembled and well maintained. Depending on your model of sewing machine or serger, the manufacturer has guards on various parts of the machine. Make sure that these guards are fully in place before using the machine.

2. Evaluate the ergonomics of your workspace. Is your chair ergonomically correct in terms of height, tilt, back support, etc.? Do you need a footrest? Does your chair or stool adjust? proper furniture can go a long way in combatting repetitive stress disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

3. Clear your surroundings of clutter and debris. Besides the psychological stress of a cluttered workspace, sewing machines can overheat. Extra flammable materials in your work area increase the danger. Also, extra threads, scraps, etc., can become lodged in moving parts, causing jams or unpredictable operation.

4. Turn on a light. Eyestrain is a common injury for anyone performing the fine detail work of sewing. Good lighting also helps reduce the chance of unwanted material being drawn into the machine.

5. Follow the instructions! Take some time to familiarize yourself with the sewing machine, as well as the manufacturer's recommended best practices.

6. Wear protective eyewear. You could accidentally sew over a pin or break a needle. Why take the chance of an eye injury?

7. Learn how to sew correctly. Improper habits such as sewing over the same area repeatedly can lead to needle breakage or trip other hazards.

8. Avoid using fingers to feed fabric into the machine. Develop healthy habits of keeping fingers away from the feeder, as well as using chopsticks to hold fabric up close.

Tips & Warnings

• Accidents happen! Take steps to minimize danger before it occurs.

[AbbyNormal]

on 6/18/2008 Excellent article.