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= Sewing Machines =
= Latest News =


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


* Does anyone know what's going on with the sewing machines? Which are working or not working?
*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


== Overview ==
= Overview =


We have sewing machines at Noisebridge
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 ==
= Tips =
* For both industrial machines, please DO NOT unthread them unless you must, to fix a snarl. Instead, to remove (say) your own 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.
* 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 for these machines are <b><span style="color:red">NOT</span></b> sold at most fabric stores.  Both kinds take the same type of needle, luckily. The closest place to get them is at Apparel City, on Howard between 11th & 12th.  Tell them you want needles for a Juki DDL 5550 and they'll give you the right kind.  Needles come in sizes; size 10, 12, 14, 16 are good for most purposes. The higher numbers are heavier gauge needles suitable for thicker fabrics.  Leather needles have a tiny blade at the tip; they aren't absolutely necessary for sewing on leather but they make it easier, especially for many layers. 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, 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 such as Rachel, Rachel, Crutcher, Alex, Ariel. Or do some research online.  You are very unlikely to damage the machines by simply messing around with them, but they are not completely self-explanatory and this page does assume a certain amount of prior general knowledge. A good time to get help is Wednesday evenings, when [[SCoW]] meets.
* 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


=== Repairing a Sewing Machine ===
*Use scraps for testing to determine thread tension and sewing speed.
* 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.


= Hardware =
*Recommended reading:


== The industrial straight stitch Juki sewing machine DDL-5550-6 ==
[http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3751/machine-needle-know-how About sewing machine needles]


=== Current Status of the Juki Sewing Machine ===
[http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/6847/perfect-machine-tension-every-time Understanding thread tension]
* Current Status: '''This machine is not currently working.''' ''The needle thread guides are being ordered and replaced.''


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


=== Overview ===
[http://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/wo.jsp?WO=2002000984&IA=US2001041173&DISPLAY=STATUS What is a thread wiper?]
* General fabrics, light-weight materials and medium weight materials.
* '''Not for leather or book binding.''' Sorry, please use the right tool for the job.


==== Official Manual for the Juki Sewing Machine DDL-5550-6 ====
==Winding a Bobbin==
PDF - Manual for the Juki Sewing Machine DDL-5550-6 -- https://noisebridge.net/wiki/File:Juki-ddl-5550-6.pdf
*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.


==== Official Product Page for the Juki Sewing Machine DDL-5550-6 ====
== Repairing a Sewing Machine ==
* http://www.juki.co.jp/industrial_e/products_e/apparel_e/1needle_e/ddl5550n7.html
* 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.


=== Tribal Knowledge Juki Sewing Machine ===  
= Sewing Machines =  


* This machine does only straight stitches, no zig-zag (and no button holes).
== Straight Stitch Drop Feed (Juki DDL 5550-6) ==
*  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.


* 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.
*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.


** 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 outsidePress 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.
=== 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 motorIt is the second knob down.  Right is faster, left is slower.


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


=== Overview ===
*Portable machine for heavy materials like denim, upholstery fabrics, and heavy canvas
*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


Full manual: [[Media:Juki-ddl-5550-6.pdf]]
=== 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


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


Recommended reading:
=== 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. 


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


[http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/6847/perfect-machine-tension-every-time Understanding thread tension]
=== Manual for Juki MO-2416 ===


[http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=25126&st=0 Sew heavy material]
* PDF - [[Media:JukiMO240424142416.pdf]]


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


== The industrial Juki serger ==
== 130-Stitch Computerized Sewing and Quilting (Brother XR1355) ==


=== Overview of the Juki Serger ===
*This machine is stored away in one of the sewing area cubbies.
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.


=== 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!'''


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.


==== Manual for the Juki Serger ====
=== Manual for Brother XR1355 ===


* Full manua (pdf) for the Juki Sergerl: [[Media:JukiMO240424142416.pdf]]
* PDF - http://download.brother.com/welcome/doch001142/xr1355ug02en.pdf
*Spanish copy located on bookshelf in grey binder.


=== Thread Tension on the Juki Serger ===
[[Category:Pages with a Noisebridge Tiny URL]]
* Thread tension is controlled by the knobs on the right front of the machine.  Mostly they're adjusted properly, and for most uses of serging the tension is not critical.  If the serged stitching is really wonky, though, try messing with the tension dials - be sure the thread is caught properly between the tension plates, as it occasionally gets into the springs instead.
 
* DO NOT UNTHREAD THE SERGER.  If you want different colored thread, simply cut off the current threads near the cone spools, and tie on a new thread.  Then either pull the threads through from the needle area (this can be difficult as they are somewhat knotted and you'll have to pull one out through the guts of the machine), or serge for a few inches on some scrap until the new color is pulled through.  You may or may not find that the knot catches on the hole in the needle.  If it does, just cut it, rethread the needle, pull 6 or 8 inches of thread through, and keep serging for a bit.
 
* If a thread breaks and forms a tangle, or breaks somewhere in the middle of the threading, you can find a map of how to rethread it on the inside of a little door that opens up just to the right of the knife.  It opens downwards and lets you get at the levers and such of the thread traces.  Each thread trace is drawn in a different color, however note that the tension dials are of mismatched colors, so follow the guide not the tension dial coloring.


* If you have to replace the needle, the notch in the needle faces backwards and it threads front to back.
== Grand Reopening Poster ==


== The portable Necchi ==
[[File:Sewing-Area-Poster.jpg|none|300px]]
This was the only one of our functional sewing machines that can make buttonholes. Unfortunately, it is not working properly at this time.
[http://www.instructables.com/id/Noisebridge-Sewing-Machine/ Instructions for the smaller Necchi sewing machine.]
 
[[Category:Pages with a Noisebridge Tiny URL]]

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