17 Juki Sewing Machine
General Technique Tips
Instructions on 1) Inserting and threading the needle, 2) Drawing up the bobbin thread, 3) Pedal operation, 4) Changing and threading the bobbin case, 5) Stitch length regulation, and 6) Reverse sewing.
1) Inserting and threading the needle
The needle size and needlepoint style are dependent on the material. The needles are found in the drawer of the sewing machine. Each machine has it’s own style and size of needle.
Bring the needle bar to the highest point, loosen needle set screw (A) then insert the needle and push it up as far as it will go.
Make sure its long groove faces toward the left. This groove allows the thread to enter the material. Both the Singer and Pfaff are loaded this way, but notice that other machines may have this groove facing a different direction.
Tighten the needle set screw securely.
2) Drawing up the bobbin thread
Hold the end of the needle thread and turn the balance wheel in the sewing direction until the bobbin thread comes up through the needle hole in a loop. Draw the bobbin thread out of the needle hole and lay it back under the pressure foot.
3) Pedal operation
The pedal is sensitive to various pressures, similar to a gas pedal in a car. However, instead of having just a forward motion, it rocks forward and backward. There is a neutral position, forward position and a break. The neutral position is the resting position. To start the machine sewing forward, press the pedal forward.
To sew slowly, press the pedal slightly. To sew up to top speed, press the pedal forwards all the way.
To engage the break, rock the pedal backward by pushing your heel down.
4) Changing and threading the bobbin case
5) Stitch length regulation
6) Reverse sewing
7) Thread tension
You will notice when sewing different types of materials that
your stitches may not be even. The tensions in both the needle and bobbin threads need to interlock evenly in the center of the material to set the stitches tightly. (Fig 11)
In Fig 12 you can see that the tension between the needle and bobbin threads are not even. Here the upper tension is too loose, or lower tension too tight.
Upper tension is too tight or lower tension too loose (Fig 13)
Regulating the needle thread tension
To regulate the needle thread tension, turn the tension knob in the desired direction. When the regulating screw is turned clockwise, the pressure of the presser foot on the material is increased. When the screw is turned counterclockwise, it is decreased.
***Please NEVER change the tension on the bobbin!