Investing in a quality sewing machine allows you to make everything from beautiful quilts to clothes. If you’re a beginning sewer, make every sewing session as productive as possible by reviewing these safety tips. You’ll avoid injuring yourself and damaging your new machine.

How to Use a Sewing Machine Safely

1. Check the Cord

Check your machine cord before every sewing session for fraying and other signs of wear. Untangled it if it’s knotted. To avoid electrical shocks, replace any cord if it’s been damaged. Unplug your machine when not in use and before you oil or clean it. Also, never plug a machine into an already-overloaded outlet.

2. Turn On the Lights

Ensure you always have enough light when you sew. Poor lighting, which will make it difficult to see the needle and seam guide, may lead to finger and hand injuries. Insufficient lighting will also strain your eyes. Prevent headaches by turning on the lights.

3. Pull Your Hair Back

Pin your bangs up, or keep your hair in a bun or ponytail. Don’t let it fall into your seam guide or the path of your needle. If your hair gets caught in the machinery, you may have to cut if free. If you try to rip it free, you may damage your sewing machine.

4. Use the Right Needle

Work with a needle that accommodates the thickness of the fabric to avoid breaks. A broken needle will not only damage the fabric but also may cause pieces to fly in different directions. If you’re unsure which needle size to use, talk to the staff at a local fabric or quilting store, or take a beginner’s sewing class that reviews needle sizes.

5. Pay Attention

Don’t let your mind wander as you sew. Even a small lapse in concentration may result in your fingers coming into contact with a fast-moving needle. Work in a room where you can shut out distractions by closing a door. Try to clear your mind of everything but sewing.

Take a class at Olive Juice Quilts to learn all about sewing machine safety. This Onalaska-based fabric and quilting store serves sewers and quilters throughout La Crosse County, WI. They’ll provide the help you need to hone your craft and service your machine when it needs repair. Call (608) 782-3257 today with questions, or go online to shop.