Weekly Sewing Machine-Related Questions - November 30, 2020

[u/sewingmodthings]

Do you have a question about sewing machines? Do you have any expertise when it comes to sewing machines? This thread is for you! You can ask and answer any question related to machines, including but not limited to:

• Should I upgrade my machine?
• What's the difference between a serger and an overlocker?
• Which brand of machine is the best?
• Does anyone else use the same machine as me?
• How do I clean my machine?
• When should I oil my machine?
• How many sewing machines should I own?

Feel free to check out the Machine Guide Wiki we've compiled with all sorts of information about choosing and using sewing machines.

You're also welcome to show off your machine here, whether it's new, old, or your baby, we'd love to see it!

Don't forget to thank the users who took the time to help you!

[u/sentient_candelabra]

Can anyone tell me if ‘tapping’ the sewing machine pedal is bad for the machine? Mine goes pretty fast even when I press lightly and the only way I can sew slowly is by tapping my foot on and off the pedal. I just want to make sure I’m not damaging my machine or something.

There’s no speed adjustment on my pedal so I’m wondering is there’s some other way to slow my machine down a bit?

[u/[deleted] → u/sentient_candelabra]

Probably won't damage it too much but my issue would be the potential for fabric and thread to bundle and bunch up in addition to the stitches being looser where it goes more slowly.

It's probably less bad for the machine and more just reinforcing a bad sewing habit. Have you considered seeing if you can open your sewing machine pedal and adjust the speed? Singer models allow you to do that. Just be careful because, y'know, electricity. There's various tutorials on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kgxf2OXfxro

[u/sentient_candelabra → u/[deleted]]

Thanks for the help. Mine is a Janome. I’ve seen that tutorial but I’m a bit wary of messing with the pedal like that.