Straight to the Point:
Read Your Sewing Machine Manual
Expanded Version:
During a class I taught recently, one of the key points was to shorten the stitch length on the students’ sewing machines. I repeated this instruction several times during the early part of the class, as I always do.
This was one of my students, but not the one who couldn’t adjust her stitches.
As I moved around the room to help students begin sewing, I asked one who was having a particularly difficult time if she had shortened her stitches. “I don’t know how to do that,” was her reply. I located the adjustment knob easily enough, but I walked away perplexed that a person who sews and pays money to attend a day-long class could be so unfamiliar with her machine.
When the three HQ Stitch models came to my house, the first thing I did was to read the manuals. I did so while sitting near each machine so that I could refer to the various parts and places the manual was explaining.
And then I read them again. All three!
And then I did it once more for good measure.
I can’t say that I have done this for every machine I’ve owned (which is many because I’m a sewing machine junkie). But every time I have done it, I have learned something new about the machine. And now I always do it, and I recommend that you do the same.
It’s important that you understand the control panel. You should know what each of these symbols means, and how and when you should activate each feature.
None of these buttons should be a mystery to you. You want to be very familiar with each one and what it does.
If your machine has a “hood” like the HQ Stitch 710, you should know what goes on under the hood. Each dial does something, and it’s your job to understand what.
All the moving parts and features of a new machine can be overwhelming, but reading your manual will demystify it. Taking the time to try out the various features is even better, but reading the manual is the first step, the absolute must for any sewing machine owner.
Even if your machine is as old as the hills, find the manual and read it. And if you don’t have the manual, check to see if you can download it online. Many are available at no cost or for a small fee. You really need to have the manual. And you need to read it.
I can almost guarantee that something in it will pique your interest, and you’ll want to learn more. That’s a great thing! The more familiar you become with your power tool (aka sewing machine), the more effectively you can use it to create whatever you want.
Your Sewing Machine Manual:
It’s a Good Read!
I must say the HQ Stitch 710 had a very thorough user manual…Handi Quilter gets an A+ from me for this great guide. There is a pretty good video explaining quickly the features. I wish they would do some videos using the functions on this machine like making something using the decorative stitches and lettering. I plan to try to use them to design my own personal label for my projects.
That’s good feedback. Making some videos is next on my list!