If you have recently taken up sewing, you are bound to encounter some frustrating moments with your machine. However, as a newbie, you may be leaning toward taking your equipment for repairs when there is any sign of problems, when in some cases some simple troubleshooting may help alleviate your problem. One standard issue that comes about when starting out with a new sewing machine is the continual swallowing of fabric. However, this does not automatically mean your appliance is worse for wear. Try the following tips for troubleshooting the swallowing of fabric before seeking professional attention for your sewing machine.

Switch to a fine-tipped needle

A typical reason why sewing machines may start to swallow fabric is that you are making use of a thick needle. The problem with a thick needle is that it inadvertently pushes the fabric directly into the hole located under the machine's presser foot. Take note that a blunt needle can also do this and frustrate your sewing attempts to no end. Try changing your needle to a sharp, fine alternative and check whether the problem persists.

Conceal the hole beneath the presser foot

You might be thinking that having to cover the hole beneath the presser foot while sewing is going too far, but it may be imperative to stop your machine from swallowing fabric. Notably, if you are sewing very delicate material, the material can easily become compromised if not handled properly. Luckily, concealing the hole does not have to be a complicated task. Instead, all you need is some sticky tape that you can strategically place over the hole. Thus, while sewing, the needle can still penetrate the tape without leaving sufficient room for the fabric to be swallowed in the process.

Avoid sewing from a raw edge

A newbie mistake that is commonly made is beginning to sew fabric at a raw edge. This technique is a surefire way of ensuring that your fabric becomes lodged in the process. When you start sewing from a raw edge, the edge can easily fold directly into the hole from the pressure of the needle, since it is not as sturdy as the rest of the fabric. If you need to sew a dart or a pleat on your fabric, you would be better advised to sew from the inside going out towards the edge. Alternatively, you could choose to seam the edges before you begin to sew the fabric.

To learn more, contact a company that offers services like Singer sewing machine repairs.