Getting Started

• 1
  Needles should be straight and sharp.Sewing Machine Needle image by C Agoncillo from Fotolia.com
  
  Check the needle to ensure it is straight and sharp, or change it, if necessary. Find the rectangular plug that fits into the side of the sewing machine just below the power switch. Connect the wall plug to a polarized outlet. Check that nothing is on the foot pedal. Twist the rubber cushion on the front left side of the machine bottom, if necessary, to ensure it is stable. Turn on the power switch.
  
  
• 2
  Bobbin shuttleshuttle for sewing machine image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
  
  Thread the upper and lower thread onto the machine.
  
  
• 3
  Varying stitch lengths can provide decorative interest.Shoe stitching image by Matthew Cole from Fotolia.com
  
  Adjust the stitch length knob to the desired setting. The stitch length knob has options from "0" to "4" millimeters. A setting of "0" for the stitch length will not feed the fabric through the machine. It is generally used for buttons. A "5" setting will produce a satin stitch, when combined with an appropriate stitch width. A stitch length of "2" to "4" can be used for straight or zigzag stitching, depending on the desired affect.
  
  
• 4
  Decorative stitches are obtained by manipulating the stitch width switch while sewing.tape image by Hubert from Fotolia.com
  
  Adjust the stitch width. The stitch width knob ranges from "0" to "5" and regulates the width of a zigzag stitch. A setting of "0" will produce a straight stitch.
  
  
• 5
  A variety of machine accessories and tools are available to help you create the project of your dreams.sewing accessories image by Joyce Wilkes from Fotolia.com
  
  Test your settings on a scrap piece of the fabric you plan to sew. Place the fabric under the presser foot and lower the presser foot onto the fabric. Apply light pressure to the foot pedal. Gently guide the fabric as the machine draws it through. Check the appearance of the stitches. Adjust tension and other settings, if necessary.