How to customize a sewing machine

The sewing machine is a dependable and useful tool for individuals who prefer to create high-quality products for personal use or for selling. Like any piece of equipment, it may require occasional repairs and adjustments, which are best handled by a skilled professional. However, if there is no such expert nearby, it is possible to perform these tasks independently with a little attention and care. How can one adjust a sewing machine on their own and what guidelines should they follow?

How to customize the device?

Despite their age, old models of sewing machines are still impressive in terms of their endurance and durability. The quality of their work remains on par with modern products. Proper adjustment of the sewing machine relies on a clear understanding of its operating principle:

• On the right side, there is a coiler (wheel) that is manually driven. The adjacent lever is used for adjusting the stitch length.
• The left side is equipped with a fixed hook and a presser foot with a needle.
• There are slats attached to the working surface which facilitate the movement of the fabric during sewing.

To start off, you must select the quantities of needles and threads that will enable you to work with a wide range of fabrics. Moreover, it is crucial to pay attention to the stitching technique. However, before you commence your work, it is imperative to thoroughly familiarize yourself with all the settings in order to determine the most suitable stitch. The tension of the thread from the bottom is regulated by the screw positioned on the cap of the bobbin, while the upper thread is adjusted near the presser foot lever using a special regulator.

What parameters can be adjusted?

One common reason for needing to make adjustments when using sewing machines at home is selecting the wrong thread and needle numbers for the type of fabric being worked with.

NOTE: Sewing with a coarse fabric calls for a higher needle number and a lower thread number. Conversely, sewing with a fine fabric calls for a higher thread number and a lower needle number.

There are certain fundamental parameters that can be independently adjusted, including:

• The stitch length can be adjusted based on the type of material being used. For classic material, a stitch length of 2 mm is recommended, while finer materials may require more frequent stitching and coarser materials may require less frequent stitching. The maximum stitch length is 4 mm and can be adjusted using a special regulator with a digital scale. When the regulator is fixed in the upper position, the fabric will not be fed. To ensure the fabric is fed properly, the regulator should be lowered, resulting in a longer stitch.
• In addition to sewing in the straight direction, it is also possible to sew in the opposite direction. This is achieved by adjusting the lever to a specific position. When sewing in the opposite direction, the stitch length remains the same and there is no need to remove the fabric or stop sewing.
• There is an option to adjust the foot pressure in order to accommodate different types of fabrics. For lightweight and delicate fabrics, it is typically necessary to reduce the presser foot pressure slightly. On the other hand, coarser fabrics require an increased presser foot pressure. This adjustment can be made using a scale screw.

Another factor that affects the quality of sewing is thread tension. Ideally, both threads should be intertwined in the middle of the fabrics being stitched. In this case, the stitching should look the same from both the bottom and the front side of the fabric.

Process of setting up the PMZ sewing machine

The PMZ sewing machine is known for its exceptional ability to handle fabrics of any density and thickness, making it a popular choice among craftsmen despite its age. Many households have the Podolsk manual machine. To ensure proper and efficient operation, follow these setup steps:

1. The thread winding device is located at the back of the machine near the flywheel, where the tensioning device is also attached.

NOTE: The flywheel wheel must be disengaged when threading the thread to prevent operation. Use the friction screw on the master to do this.

1. Install a bobbin on the coiler.
2. A rod holds a bobbin with thread.
3. The thread is pulled underneath the tensioner washer and up to the bobbin.
4. The bobbin winder frame is pulled down until the pulley rim and handwheel make contact.

NOTE. Throughout the procedure, make sure to hold the free end of the thread to ensure even winding.

The bobbin is secured in the cap with an oblique slit at the top for the thread to pass through to the spring and come out again through the end slit. The entire structure is firmly attached to the machine and the shuttle device is closed.

To ensure proper placement of the needle, position the needle driver in the upper setting. Rotate the blade’s groove to the right, while aligning the flat side of the bulb to the left. Afterwards, secure the thread-pulling lever in the upper position and wind the upper thread, while turning the handwheel towards you. Thread the machine starting from the bobbin and up to the eye of the needle. As you turn the handwheel, pull the lower thread outwards, allowing the needle to descend and catch the thread from the shuttle, and then upwards again.

It is highly advised that you acquaint yourself with the subsequent crucial points:

• Ensure that the thread does not get entangled in the hook in order to enable the handwheel to rotate freely.
• When the machine is not being used, the presser foot should be lifted.
• When starting the machine, make sure the fabric is positioned under the foot, as failing to do so may result in dulling of the teeth.
• It is strictly forbidden to tug or push the fabric while working, as the needle is delicate and can easily break.
• Always keep the plate above the hook closed.

Newer sewing machines are equipped with a pressure spring for the bobbin, which older models lack. To address this issue, there is a simple trick that can be used – cutting a paper or fabric circle with a diameter slightly smaller than that of the bobbin and creating a hole in the center. This circle can then be inserted into the bobbin cap, lubricated with machine oil, and used to secure the bobbin in place.

Basic rules for making the adjustment with your own hands

Even a novice can make independent adjustments. To achieve this, certain guidelines should be followed:

• Begin by adjusting the spring that lifts the thread. Rotate it to a position that prevents the thread from unravelling when the bobbin is fixed.
• Ensure the thread is at the optimal tension by using the mechanisms on the underside shuttle screw and on the front panel of the device.
• Inspect the machine’s performance by using an extra piece of fabric. After completing the task, check the stitch. If there are any loose loops, it means that the upper thread is too tight and needs to be adjusted. If the machine is properly set up, the seam should be even and have discreet knots in the middle.
• To adjust the correct presser foot pressure, turn the special bolt that controls the spring. In most models, this bolt is conveniently located and easy to rotate for quick adjustment.

IMPORTANT. Make sure not to overtighten or loosen the bolt too much. Overtightening can result in torn fabric, while insufficient pressure may cause a crooked seam.

• Verify the accuracy of the electric drive. If the regulator in the pedal is not set correctly, it can cause the product to malfunction. A wrongly set sewing speed also hampers efficient operation – the machine triggers abruptly even with slight pressure on the pedal. Rectify these issues by removing, cleaning, and reinstalling the pedal.

The last preparatory step involves examining the needle holder, the selected stitch length, the sharpness of the fixed needle, and its suitability for the chosen fabric. It is even possible to adjust an older manual machine.

How to adjust the sewing machine after a long period of inactivity?

If the device has not been used for a prolonged period of time, it is necessary to perform adjustments and cleaning before using it. This is essential to ensure that all mechanisms and components are functioning properly and free from rust. To accomplish this, it is recommended to disassemble the old manual machine and treat all of its parts with machine oil. Once this is done, the machine can be reassembled and run at a low speed to allow the oil to evenly distribute across the components.

IMPORTANT. The needle must be replaced before threading the thread.

During the initial run, it is advisable to use unnecessary fabric to prevent any drops of machine oil from getting on it. If the stitches are correct, you can proceed with your work confidently.