No job is so important and no service is so urgent that we cannot take time to perform our work safely. Things go wrong when do not follow important safety rules, when we avoid them saying nothing will happen and I will be safe.
Now you would wonder that there’d be only some silly safety rules to be followed while operating a sewing machine, but did you know not following these safety rules can cause catastrophe.
You must be familiar with the havoc that a single small stitching needle can cause.
So, better understand and follow the following essential safety rules to be practiced when sewing in general and when on your machine.
Separate Box for Pins and Needles
Do not mix your pins and needles with the thread spools! Place the pins on the pincushion, for easy reach and the needles in a separate medium-sized box.
You definitely do not want to get hurt while looking for a pin in your messy little box mixed with needles, pins, and threads.
And try to keep a strong magnet in the needle box to avoid them from lying loose in the box as they can fall when you open the lid of the box.
Do not keep the pins in your mouth between the teeth like those seamstresses- it is one disaster waiting to happen and you will be the one asking for it.
Switch off the machine when setting it up
You must switch off your sewing machine when threading the needle or inserting the bobbin. Switch it on only when your machine is fully set up on a sturdy tabletop with a comfortable chair.
Relaxed and focused environment
Sit with your sewing machine in a relaxed and focused environment. Avoid any mess around your table or any disturbance while working. You can place a table lamp with good light near your machine to let you see everything clearly.
Any disturbance in the background can distract you from sewing and you might end up with your hand slipping into the needle assembly or ruining anything else.
To avoid fatigue and laziness, maintain a good posture throughout the process.
Wear a protective gear
You will have no idea when anything gets wrong and the needle breaks or any other part breaks and falls in your eyes; wear protective gear on your eyes as a smart precaution.
Always go slow initially
When you just switch on your sewing machine to start sewing, go slowly. Do not just run into the process but give it a small initial kick and maintain your desired speed as you sew gradually.
This way you will also have better quality control over the machine.
Create a no-finger zone
Either mark or just visually create a no-finger zone around the needle assembly. It will ring a bell each time you are in this zone and help you protect your fingers from the fast-stitching needle.
Never bring your fingers near to the needle assembly while sewing, even if you have to guide the fabric. Maintain a fixed distance between your hands and the sewing machine needle.
Do not wear loose clothes or hair
You know sometimes you have to lean over the machine to get a closer look at things? That is when this untied hair or lose garments will cause you trouble. They can get caught up in the needle assembly or in the rotating switches and cause a mishap.
So, always tie your hair at the back and wear tight yet comfortable clothes.
Remove the pins in time
Do not sew over your pins. They can break and fall into your eyes and damage your machine and fabric at the same time. Take the pins out of our fabric well in time as you go sewing.
Do not forget the hot iron
The most common mistake that sewers make is that they forget the hot iron. Do not be so careless! Keep the iron away when it is hot and you have stopped using it. And do not just touch the iron pad with bare hands- keep this thing in mind each time you are near an iron.
Switch it off when not in use
Always switch off the machine when you are going to leave the machine unattended, especially when you have children at your home. While you are away, children may touch the machine and try using it unknowingly which can harm them.
On the other hand, this will also help you save electricity.
Get it serviced regularly
It is really important to maintain your sewing machine in proper condition and get it serviced regularly. You can go to a professional and get it serviced just like a car. This would avoid any mishaps that a broken or internally damaged machine can cause.
You can also look inside your manual and learn the maintenance tips for your particular sewing machine.
Ensure good safety around sharp objects
Place sharp objects like scissors, closed and preferably inside protective covers when you are not using them.
You should never leave them lying around on your table because they might fall on the ground and pierce your feet. It’s also important to always move the rotary cutter away from your body. You should never move it toward yourself because it might slip from your fingers and cause an injury.
So, concentrate as you use any sharp object and be careful with your fingers and keep the thing away safely after use.
Read your manual
This is why we always emphasize the fact that keep your sewing machine’s manual handy; do not throw it away.
You will learn more about the machine from the manual and also learn the safety rules or precautions to be taken while operating a sewing machine. And never skip any point! It may be an important one!
Final Words:
It is better to be safety conscious than unsafe and unconscious. You must follow safety rules in any work you do to avoid any accident or incident, avoid any economic loss, and protect human life.
So, be careful and follow the above-mentioned detailed safety rules while using a sewing machine. Comment down any query you have regarding the same.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and happy sewing!
