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= Sewing Machines
= Latest News =


== Tips ==
[[File:Sewing.jpg|300px|right]]


Wednesday nights at Noisebridge is when the communty gets together to give classes. I would like to attend and hopefully other crafters too and we can see what organically grows from it.
*For the latest announcements, please subscribe to the email list here: https://www.noisebridge.net/mailman/listinfo/sewing/
The sewing area has been remodeled! Some machines have been added and others have been repaired. Also, there is a new [[SCoT|Sewing and Crafting]] event. Come join us on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month from 6:30pm to 8:30pm


Sewing machines currently at noisebridge...edited by Maria on June 30, 2015
= Overview =


Pfaff 2022.  This machine is in working order.  I purchased it from the original owner recently. It was never used.  This machine has IDT which is a fancy way to say dual feed.  If you have any questions on using the machine you can text or call me @ 415-850-3704.  My name is Maria and I live about in the Mission, close by. This Pfaff machine is a good machine.  It does many different stitches.  However, you have to adjust the machine and the pressure foot to execute them properly. 
We have three mostly functional sewing machines:
*Straight Stitch Drop Feed (Juki DDL 5550-6)
*Five-thread Overlock Serger (Juki MO-2416)
*130-Stitch Computerized Sewing and Quilting (Brother XR1355)


Brother machine works as well.
= Tips =
* Please DO NOT unthread the sewing machines unless you must. (e.g. to remove a spool of thread, simply cut it close to the spool so that the next person can simply tie a knot with the next thread and pull it all the way through to the needle)


Walkingfoot is working.
* Needles, bobbins, and other parts  are located in labeled drawers underneath the pegboard (PLEASE KEEP IT ORGANIZED).
** The closest place to get parts is at Apparel City, on Howard between 11th & 12th. 
** Needles may differ between machines and come in sizes (10, 12, 14, 16, etc.). The higher numbers are heavier gauge needles suitable for thicker fabrics.  Leather needles have a tiny blade at the tip. Don't use a leather needle for other fabrics, though, it will cut the threads rather than squeezing between them, leaving holes that may start rips.
**Needles for the straight stitch machines must be inserted with the scarf facing right. Please check the respective manuals.


Single needle juke has a few issues that need to be fixed.
* If you've never operated a sewing machine before, ask some people at Noisebridge (Kyle or Ely). Sewing machines are not self-explanatory and this page does assume a certain amount of prior general knowledge.
**Read the manual and do some research online.
**Printed manuals for the two Juki Machines and the Thompson are located in a grey binder on the bookshelf


The overlock also a juke is has issues and needs to be fixed.
*Use scraps for testing to determine thread tension and sewing speed.


The Viking is broken but can be used for parts.
*Recommended reading:


The New Home cast iron is retired but we use it for decoration.
[http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3751/machine-needle-know-how About sewing machine needles]


We are working hard to make the space a functional and pleasent space to create.
[http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/6847/perfect-machine-tension-every-time Understanding thread tension]
 
= Sewing Work Area =
 
== 2015 Upgrade ==
As a spinoff of the [[Maker Faire 2015|Noisebridge Booth for Maker Fair 2015 project]] the sewing area is going to be upgraded. Recently people have started maintaining and using the sewing area regularly again. The casework being built for Maker Faire 2015 will actually be designed for the sewing area so that after the show it may form the basis of the sewing area upgrade project.
 
I have started collecting inspiration images that will be used to design the cabinets and new sewing area. This project is currently in the conceptual design phase, so if you have ideas please add them here. Not pictured are ideas for storage of donated materials and fabrics. I think there should also be some clothes rods for hanging up projects and materials. Maybe a trip to a fabric store(s) could help with storage ideas.


[http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=25126&st=0 Sew heavy material]


[http://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/wo.jsp?WO=2002000984&IA=US2001041173&DISPLAY=STATUS What is a thread wiper?]


[[File:SewingInspiration_Page_1.jpg|none|640px|thumb]]
==Winding a Bobbin==
*Juki DDL-5550-6 & Artisan 618-1SC
**To wind a bobbin, place the empty bobbin on the horizontal spindle to the right of the machine body (near the hand wheel).  Run a second thread through the upper holder, down to the tensioner at the back of the right side of the machine, in line with the spindle.  Thread the end through one of the holes in the bobbin side, from the inside to the outside.  Press the lever to push the spindle down in contact with the sewing machine belt.  While holding the thread end so it doesn't just whip out of the bobbin, press the pedal to run a couple of inches (if there were fabric in the machine).  Soon enough you can let go of the thread end as it will have been caught by windings on top of it.  If you are doing a lot of sewing, you can start a new bobbin before the current one is empty, and let it wind up as you sew.  When the bobbin is full, the lever will automatically snap out away from the belt and stop winding thread.
*Thompson PW-500 may not wind evenly tensioned bobbins automatically. It may be better to wind the bobbins on a different machine.


[[File:SewingInspiration_Page_2.jpg|none|640px|thumb]]
== Repairing a Sewing Machine ==
* If a sewing machine is actually broken and non functional, as opposed to just you can't figure out how to make it work, please call Billy from Apparel City at 415-816-8645 (mobile) and schedule an appointment for him to come fix it. 
** He usually charges around $80 per hour, plus parts. 
** Email the [https://www.noisebridge.net/mailman/listinfo/sewing/|sewing list] and people will chip in to cover this.  If you can't manage this process, email the sewing list and find someone else who can.  Also, please put a note on the machine so people know what is going on with it.


= Sewing Machines =


[[File:SewingMachineStack.jpg|Mystery Sewing Machines in a Stack|thumb]]
== Straight Stitch Drop Feed (Juki DDL 5550-6) ==


Single needle juke
*DO NOT use the thread cut function (DO NOT depress the back part of the pedal)
**The machine is missing a thread wiper and needle guide for thread cutting.
**[[Juki Maintenance Notes]] - Replacing the counter knife, needle bar, thread guides, etc.


==== Official Manual for the Juki Sewing Machine DDL-5550-6 ====
=== Overview ===
PDF - Manual for the Juki Sewing Machine DDL-5550-6 -- https://noisebridge.net/wiki/File:Juki-ddl-5550-6.pdf
* General fabrics, light-weight materials and medium weight materials.
** '''Not for leather or book binding.''' Please use the right tool for the job.
* Electronic Motor
** The top speed of the machine can be adjusted using one of the knobs on a box under the table, next to the motor.  It is the second knob down. Right is faster, left is slower.


=== Tribal Knowledge Juki Sewing Machine ===  
=== Manual for Juki DDL-5550 ===
PDF - https://noisebridge.net/wiki/File:Juki-ddl-5550-6.pdf


* The term 'industrial sewing machine' does not mean that it can poke a hole through anything. It means that it will work reliably on ordinary fabrics for years on end. Please do not sew heavy materials like leather on this machine.
=== Overview ===
* This machine does only straight stitches, no zig-zag (and no button holes).
*Portable machine for heavy materials like denim, upholstery fabrics, and heavy canvas
* It can go very fast. It has an automatic thread cutter which is triggered by pushing down on the treadle with your heel, the opposite from how you push to have it make stitches.  There's a set of buttons on a widget atop the machine which control automated backstitching.  If the top light is lit, the machine will do a backstitch when you start a seam.  If the bottom light is lit, it will do a backstitch prior to cutting the thread, when you push back on the treadle.  Push the associated button to toggle the backstitching.  If this isn't clear yet, take some scrap fabric and play around with it until it makes sense.  There's scrap fabric in the wheeled canvas bins under the table by the window.
*Very similar to the Sailrite LS-1 (refer to Sailrite instructional videos and manual)
**Instructional videos: http://www.sailrite.com/Cap-Spring-Hook-Needle-Bar-Driver-Timing-for-Ultrafeed


* Bobbins are kept in the drawer under the left side of the machine's table.  Also in that drawer are thread snips, replacement needles, and a little screwdriver to change the needle with. Note that the needle faces to the left, instead of to the front, as on most home sewing machines.  If you replace a broken needle and put it in facing forwards, nothing will break but the machine will not form stitches.
=== Manuals for Thompson PW-500 ===
*Hard copy only (located on bookshelf in grey binder)
**Can also refer to Sailrite manual: https://saic.instructure.com/courses/1344494/files/52934323/download


** To wind a bobbin, place the empty bobbin on the horizontal spindle to the right of the machine body (near the hand wheel).  Run a second thread through the upper holder, down to the tensioner at the back of the right side of the machine, in line with the spindle.  Thread the end through one of the holes in the bobbin side, from the inside to the outside.  Press the lever to push the spindle down in contact with the sewing machine belt.  While holding the thread end so it doesn't just whip out of the bobbin, press the treadle to run a couple of inches (if there were fabric in the machine).  Soon enough you can let go of the thread end as it will have been caught by windings on top of it.  If you are doing a lot of sewing, you can start a new bobbin before the current one is empty, and let it wind up as you sew.  When the bobbin is full, the lever will automatically snap out away from the belt and stop winding thread.
== Five-thread Overlock Serger (Juki MO-2416) ==


The top speed of the machine can be adjusted using one of the knobs on a box under the table, next to the motor. It is the second knob down. Right is faster, left is slower. Feel free to adjust this -- use a scrap piece of fabric to determine a good top speed for your skill level and project needs.
*Pulling fabric out of the machine may cause thread breaks. It is best to feed thread with the pedal when removing your workpiece.
*DO NOT UNTHREAD THE SERGER. It takes about 30 minutes and a lot of patience to thread this machine.


=== Overview ===
*The threads lock around the seam to prevent fraying for '''lightweight fabrics only''' (used for clothing, especially stretch fabrics)
*This machine does three kinds of stitches: a three-thread overlock, a chainstitch/overlock combination, or a four-thread overlock.  Normally it is set up to do the three-thread overlock, which only requires one needle, and doesn't use the rear thread trace or the second upper thread trace. 


Full manual: [[Media:Juki-ddl-5550-6.pdf]]
*This machine has a knife placed to cut the fabric as you sew, and it *is possible* to cut your finger badly on this knife if you are not careful. BE CAREFUL. This machine also can go extremely, sometimes startlingly, fast.


[[Juki Maintenance Notes]] - Replacing the counter knife, needle bar, thread guides, etc.
=== Manual for Juki MO-2416 ===


* PDF - [[Media:JukiMO240424142416.pdf]]


Recommended reading:
[http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3751/machine-needle-know-how About sewing machine needles]


[http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/6847/perfect-machine-tension-every-time Understanding thread tension]
== 130-Stitch Computerized Sewing and Quilting (Brother XR1355) ==


[http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=25126&st=0 Sew heavy material]
*This machine is stored away in one of the sewing area cubbies.


[http://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/wo.jsp?WO=2002000984&IA=US2001041173&DISPLAY=STATUS What is a thread wiper?]
=== Overview ===
*This machine does 130 different stitches including lots of cool decorative flowers and patterns. It is also the only machine that can do a zig-zag stitch.
*'''Light fabrics only!'''


== The industrial Juki serger ==


=== Overview of the Juki Serger ===
=== Manual for Brother XR1355 ===
This machine does three kinds of stitches: a three-thread overlock, a chainstitch/overlock combination, or a four-thread overlock.  Normally it is set up to do the three-thread overlock, which only requires one needle, and doesn't use the rear thread trace or the second upper thread trace. 


* PDF - http://download.brother.com/welcome/doch001142/xr1355ug02en.pdf
*Spanish copy located on bookshelf in grey binder.


This machine has a knife placed to cut the fabric as you sew, and it *is possible* to cut your finger badly on this knife if you are not careful.  The location of the knife is pointed out in bright orange nail polish on the machine.  BE CAREFUL.  This machine also can go extremely, sometimes startlingly, fast.
[[Category:Pages with a Noisebridge Tiny URL]]


==== Manual for the Juki Serger ====
== Grand Reopening Poster ==


* Full manual (pdf) for the Juki Sergerl: [[Media:JukiMO24
[[File:Sewing-Area-Poster.jpg|none|300px]]

Revision as of 21:09, 2 May 2016

Latest News

Sewing.jpg
*For the latest announcements, please subscribe to the email list here: https://www.noisebridge.net/mailman/listinfo/sewing/

The sewing area has been remodeled! Some machines have been added and others have been repaired. Also, there is a new Sewing and Crafting event. Come join us on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month from 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Overview

We have three mostly functional sewing machines:

  • Straight Stitch Drop Feed (Juki DDL 5550-6)
  • Five-thread Overlock Serger (Juki MO-2416)
  • 130-Stitch Computerized Sewing and Quilting (Brother XR1355)

Tips

  • Please DO NOT unthread the sewing machines unless you must. (e.g. to remove a spool of thread, simply cut it close to the spool so that the next person can simply tie a knot with the next thread and pull it all the way through to the needle)
  • Needles, bobbins, and other parts are located in labeled drawers underneath the pegboard (PLEASE KEEP IT ORGANIZED).
    • The closest place to get parts is at Apparel City, on Howard between 11th & 12th.
    • Needles may differ between machines and come in sizes (10, 12, 14, 16, etc.). The higher numbers are heavier gauge needles suitable for thicker fabrics. Leather needles have a tiny blade at the tip. Don't use a leather needle for other fabrics, though, it will cut the threads rather than squeezing between them, leaving holes that may start rips.
    • Needles for the straight stitch machines must be inserted with the scarf facing right. Please check the respective manuals.
  • If you've never operated a sewing machine before, ask some people at Noisebridge (Kyle or Ely). Sewing machines are not self-explanatory and this page does assume a certain amount of prior general knowledge.
    • Read the manual and do some research online.
    • Printed manuals for the two Juki Machines and the Thompson are located in a grey binder on the bookshelf
  • Use scraps for testing to determine thread tension and sewing speed.
  • Recommended reading:

About sewing machine needles

Understanding thread tension

Sew heavy material

What is a thread wiper?

Winding a Bobbin

  • Juki DDL-5550-6 & Artisan 618-1SC
    • To wind a bobbin, place the empty bobbin on the horizontal spindle to the right of the machine body (near the hand wheel). Run a second thread through the upper holder, down to the tensioner at the back of the right side of the machine, in line with the spindle. Thread the end through one of the holes in the bobbin side, from the inside to the outside. Press the lever to push the spindle down in contact with the sewing machine belt. While holding the thread end so it doesn't just whip out of the bobbin, press the pedal to run a couple of inches (if there were fabric in the machine). Soon enough you can let go of the thread end as it will have been caught by windings on top of it. If you are doing a lot of sewing, you can start a new bobbin before the current one is empty, and let it wind up as you sew. When the bobbin is full, the lever will automatically snap out away from the belt and stop winding thread.
  • Thompson PW-500 may not wind evenly tensioned bobbins automatically. It may be better to wind the bobbins on a different machine.

Repairing a Sewing Machine

  • If a sewing machine is actually broken and non functional, as opposed to just you can't figure out how to make it work, please call Billy from Apparel City at 415-816-8645 (mobile) and schedule an appointment for him to come fix it.
    • He usually charges around $80 per hour, plus parts.
    • Email the list and people will chip in to cover this. If you can't manage this process, email the sewing list and find someone else who can. Also, please put a note on the machine so people know what is going on with it.

Sewing Machines

Straight Stitch Drop Feed (Juki DDL 5550-6)

  • DO NOT use the thread cut function (DO NOT depress the back part of the pedal)
    • The machine is missing a thread wiper and needle guide for thread cutting.
    • Juki Maintenance Notes - Replacing the counter knife, needle bar, thread guides, etc.

Overview

  • General fabrics, light-weight materials and medium weight materials.
    • Not for leather or book binding. Please use the right tool for the job.
  • Electronic Motor
    • The top speed of the machine can be adjusted using one of the knobs on a box under the table, next to the motor. It is the second knob down. Right is faster, left is slower.

Manual for Juki DDL-5550

PDF - https://noisebridge.net/wiki/File:Juki-ddl-5550-6.pdf

Overview

Manuals for Thompson PW-500

Five-thread Overlock Serger (Juki MO-2416)

  • Pulling fabric out of the machine may cause thread breaks. It is best to feed thread with the pedal when removing your workpiece.
  • DO NOT UNTHREAD THE SERGER. It takes about 30 minutes and a lot of patience to thread this machine.

Overview

  • The threads lock around the seam to prevent fraying for lightweight fabrics only (used for clothing, especially stretch fabrics)
  • This machine does three kinds of stitches: a three-thread overlock, a chainstitch/overlock combination, or a four-thread overlock. Normally it is set up to do the three-thread overlock, which only requires one needle, and doesn't use the rear thread trace or the second upper thread trace.
  • This machine has a knife placed to cut the fabric as you sew, and it *is possible* to cut your finger badly on this knife if you are not careful. BE CAREFUL. This machine also can go extremely, sometimes startlingly, fast.

Manual for Juki MO-2416


130-Stitch Computerized Sewing and Quilting (Brother XR1355)

  • This machine is stored away in one of the sewing area cubbies.

Overview

  • This machine does 130 different stitches including lots of cool decorative flowers and patterns. It is also the only machine that can do a zig-zag stitch.
  • Light fabrics only!


Manual for Brother XR1355

Grand Reopening Poster

Sewing-Area-Poster.jpg