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Sometimes I just wander into my sewing room and look around, trying to come up with a topic for a Friday Confession. Recently I was scanning the controls of my sewing machine and the speed button jumped out at me. As you can see, I have an extremely expensive, top-of-the-line sewing machine, that has (brace yourself) TWO speeds. Yup - sometimes the amount of choice just overwhelms me... ;)
Anyways, I don't pay much attention to it when I'm sewing - apparently I usually have it on "HIGH". Who knew? But it got me wondering if other people do think about this when they sew...
So, how about you? How many speeds does your machine have? What speed do you usually have it set on? Do you change the speed under certain circumstances? If so, when and why? I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say! :)
16 comments:
My machine has a sliding speed control - so I can choose anything from fast to slow and anywhere in between.
That said, I never take it off of the fastest setting. Most of the time, I want to zip along as quickly as possible. When I do want to go slower, I just put less pressure on the foot pedal (which, BTW, I always use - I just can't get used to the stop/start button - I guess I'm just old school).
My machine has a normal and a "snail" setting. I find that I use the slower setting when I'm top or edge stitching. The slower, steady pace increases my control. I also used it when teaching my neighbor to sew in order to make the sound and mechanics less intimidating. Good topic.
I can limit my machine to half speed. For regular sewing I have it on high all the time but when I'm free-motion quilting I limit the speed. That way I can put my foot down and not worry about trying to keep the speed even. Free-motion quilting is enough of a challenge witihout trying to control speed as well. :)
There are speed settings ?! LOL
...ok, just checked - apparently my Necchi Mira has a Hi/Low speed - it's set to High.
None of the others have one and I usually just adjust with the foot pedal.
My previous machine had no speed setting, and I actually broke the ankle on my foot once trying to sew faster then it was capable of. My current machine has a slider, and it's usually set at slightly over halfway. I use the fastest setting when I'm embroidering and I know everything is set up correctly, and I use a slower then normal setting when I'm free motion quilting or top stitching.
My Pfaff doesn't have speed control. My Janome 1600P does & I keep it on the fastest setting all the time. Same with my Enterprise it set to the fastest for most embroidery projects.
I have a high / low speed button. Mostly I sew on high.
Every now and then I switch to low, but I am struggling to remember why...and it always takes me a few minutes to work out why my machine isn't working properly for the following sewing session!
I think if something is tricky (tight corners, multiple layers etc) I slow down to do a neater job.
I might also use it for sewing hundreds of metres of elastic sequins onto dance costumes, where the needle has to slide between the sequins. That way I am less likely to break a needle.
I also use it if I ever let the kids use my machine.
Perhaps you could ask readers if they have any topics for Friday Confessions. I know I often find myself thinking, "I wonder if I could ask Gwen to do a Friday confession on this for me?"
My machine has 3 settings, usually set at med. If I need to go slower I just adjust my foot pedal pressure.
For long straight seams I'll usually switch to high and let it go! Honestly though I don't use high very often. It's really fast and sort of scares me!LOL
My machine has speed control, and I think it has three speeds. I keep mine on high, but I can still control the speed with the foot pedal. I think that my speed increments set the maximum speed.
Since I couldn't think what to post on my blog this week, I might take a picture of my machine's speed settings and track back to you!
My machine also has a slider to regulate machine speed. I never go top speed. When I am stitching that requires a great deal of care, I set the machine to a slower speed.
My "newest" sewing machine is 30 years old, the speed control is determined by the amount of pressure put on the foot control. I very rarely use the top speed. My usual speed is medium and then I slow down to the speed of a snail on crutches for curves and corners seams.
no speed settings here either. when i have used a machine with speed settings, i have it on high. i control the speed with the foot pedal anyway. i LOVE industrial machines with their super duper top speeds. :)
My machine has a slider for speed control. I keep it on medium when I am sewing and turn it down slower when a new student uses it which isn't often.
During my normal sewing medium is just fine. If I get going too fast, I make mistakes. I do slow it down for fine work that has to be precise.
Linda T
I did it! I posted about my machine's speed control, and tracked back to you: http://mary-sews.blogspot.com/2011/08/does-your-sewing-machine-have-speed.html
Having an older model Bernina, I'm pretty sure the speed of mine is "however heavy of a foot I have on the pedal." ;)
My machine has a sliding speed control, too. That said, I keep it on the highest setting except for free motion quilting for which I do not want to be out of control. For anything else, I know my machine well enough to control the speed through the foot pedal. I will slow down the machine when my children are using it, they don't have the control that years of practice brings.
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