How to Move a Take Up Lever on a Sewing Machine

The take up lever helps regulate the machine's tension.

You can use a sewing machine to make everything from beautiful quilts to functional clothing to decorative curtains. In order to use a sewing machine effectively, you need to know what the basic parts of the machine are and what they do. The take up lever on a sewing machine helps to regulate the machine's tension as it goes up and down. Sometimes the take up lever is visible on the machine and other times it is behind the machine's cover. When you thread a sewing machine, you pass the thread over or through the take up lever. In a machine that is working properly, the take up lever should move up and down smoothly as you sew.

Instructions

Using the Hand Wheel

1. Sit in front of your sewing machine.

2. Turn the hand wheel at the far right-or left-hand side of the sewing machine. You can turn the wheel either toward or away from you.

3. Turn the wheel until the take up lever is at its highest point.

Using the Foot Pedal

1. Thread your sewing machine according to the directions in your manual.

2. Press the foot pedal gently to start the machine and move the take up lever.

3. Release the pedal when the take up lever is in the desired position.

Tips & Warnings

• If your sewing machine's stitches are uneven or your thread tangles, rethread your machine carefully according to your manual.

• Do not force the hand wheel to turn if it resists. If it does not turn at all your sewing machine could be jammed. Open the cover and look for an obstruction or take it to a reputable repair shop for assistance.

References

• Sewing 101: The Parts and Function of a Sewing Machine: Caitlin Head: 2009
• Tools for Self Reliance: Getting Started- How a Sewing Machine Works: 2006

Resources

• Ultimate Sew and Vac: Troublehshooting Sewing Problems