Safety first !
Always use any sewing equipment and tools with caution to avoid injuries to yourself or others near you. Here are a few suggestions:
- wear something comfortable, semi-fitted to the body (avoid long or loose sleeves for instance)
- keep jewellery to a minimum.
- Tie back long hair.
- Do not eat or drink near the whole sewing area.
- Always keep tables and floors clean and tidy.
- Make sure you sit comfortably and use good lighting.
- Place pins and needles in a container. Do not leave them loose on the table or floor. A magnetic pin holder is great to have!
- Do not put pins or needles in the mouth.
- Always keep scissors closed and in view on the table.
- Be careful when giving sharp objects to others.
- Sew at slow speed when starting a seam and with machine needle always down into the fabric.
- Place fingers on either side of the presser foot, not directly in front of or near the machine needle.
- Don’t force the fabric through the sewing machine. The needle can break.
- Do not sew over pins.
- Remove foot from foot control/pedal when stopping sewing.
- Turn off the sewing machine when not in use or leaving the room.
- Make sure the sewing machine cable is untangled and away from the traffic path.
- Unplug the sewing machine when cleaning it.
- Keep the sewing machine away from young children.
- Don’t forget to switch off and unplug the iron when not in use.
As a rule, if you feel tired or start to lack focus or concentration, my best advice is to switch off your machine and have a break or a Kitkat!!!….
Happy sewing!