Difference between revisions of "Sewing Machine"

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  |Is used in domain=Cloth
 
  |Is used in domain=Cloth
 
  |Has name={{PAGENAME}}
 
  |Has name={{PAGENAME}}
 +
|Has model=3160QDC
 +
|Has make=Janome
 +
|Has serial number=8H2036666 / 8H2036653
 +
|Has life expectancy=
 +
|Has year of manufacture or purchase=
 +
|Has replacement cost=
 
  |Has icon=File:Sewing_machine.png
 
  |Has icon=File:Sewing_machine.png
 
  |Has icondesc=Sewing Machine
 
  |Has icondesc=Sewing Machine
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  |Has imagedesc=Janome 3160 QDC
 
  |Has imagedesc=Janome 3160 QDC
 
  |Has description=(???)
 
  |Has description=(???)
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  |Has certification=(???)
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  |Has certification=https://georgefox.instructure.com/courses/1264
−
|Has model=3160QDC
+
  |Has ace =Gail Dowler;gdowler@georgefox.edu
−
|Has make=Janome
+
 
−
|Has serial number=8H2036666 / 8H2036653
 
−
  |Has ace =Needed;Needed
 
 
}}
 
}}
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−
 
 
[[{{#show: {{FULLPAGENAME}}|?Has icon|link=none}}|140px|left|top|{{#show: {{FULLPAGENAME}}|?Has icondesc}}]]
 
[[{{#show: {{FULLPAGENAME}}|?Has icon|link=none}}|140px|left|top|{{#show: {{FULLPAGENAME}}|?Has icondesc}}]]
 
[[{{#show: {{FULLPAGENAME}}|?Has image|link=none}}|300px|thumb|upright=1.5|{{#show: {{FULLPAGENAME}}|?Has imagedesc}}]]
 
[[{{#show: {{FULLPAGENAME}}|?Has image|link=none}}|300px|thumb|upright=1.5|{{#show: {{FULLPAGENAME}}|?Has imagedesc}}]]
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Location: {{#show: {{PAGENAME}} |?Is located in facility}}
 
Location: {{#show: {{PAGENAME}} |?Is located in facility}}
 +
  
 
__TOC__
 
__TOC__
 +
 +
==Safety First==
 +
[[File:Safety First HD2.png|left|150px]]
 +
Here are some safety instructions for the {{PAGENAME}}. Remember ... SAFETY FIRST!!!
 +
*'''Sharp Hazard''' – needles are very sharp and can pierce your skin. Turn off the sewing machine when inserting/removing needles to avoid bumping the foot pedal and moving the needle assembly. Never place your fingers directly underneath the needle.
 +
*'''Crush Hazard''' – be aware of all moving parts and keep your fingers away from any pinch points.
 +
*'''Entanglement''' – ensure that loose clothing, long hair, or any other dangling/loose items do not become entangled in the machine. Hair that extends below the collar should be tied up.
 +
*'''Eye Injury''' – needles can break if they hit a solid object while sewing. The broken tip can fly off and become lodged in your eye. Eye protection is recommended when using the sewing machines.
 +
*Do not sew over pins. This can break or bend the needle.
 +
*Ensure the needle you are using is undamaged before you begin sewing.
 +
*Make sure the needle is installed correctly. Well seated with the needle clamp screw tightened.
 +
*Verify that you are using the correct presser foot. When changing out the presser foot, manually check that the needle’s travel will clear the foot by turning the handwheel one full rotation toward--not away from--you before using the foot pedal.
 +
*Do not run thick fabrics or many layers of fabric through a standard sewing machine. Use the industrial sewing machine for these applications.
 +
*When you finish using the sewing machine, disconnect the power cable and the foot pedal from both the machine and the wall outlet/power strip. Coil the power cable and foot pedal cords neatly, and stow on the free arm beneath the dust cover.
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
 +
There are currently four Janome 3160 QDC sewing machines available for use in the Maker Hub. This model features 60 different stitch patterns. It has automatic fabric feeding, one hand needle threader, and easy to follow instructions, making it an ideal machine for first time sewers. Some of its more advanced features include buttons for lock stitch, needle up or down, and automatic thread cutting. It has an extension table that can be attached to make sewing larger projects a breeze.
  
−
The table saw is a fundamental part of any woodshop and can be used for cutting wood or acrylic. There are two basic cuts that are normally performed. A rip cut is made along the grain and a cross cut is done perpendicular to the the grain. A fence is used to keep the material straight when pushing material through the saw. While the saw is usually used for cutting the long side of material, jigs and tools are also available for doing cross-cuts on the table saw. Fixtures make sure the material stays in place as it’s pushed through and helps keep it straight.
+
Two machines are kept in the Tool Room on shelf 10. Accessory feet are also kept in the Tool Room, and may be checked out as needed by qualified students. A reference copy of the manual is in the top drawer of the storage unit in the sewing area. There are phone stands in that same drawer for use while following tutorials or reading the copy of the manual available on this page on a phone or tablet. The extension tables for the two machines in the sewing corner are in the third drawer of the storage unit.
  
−
The SawStop table saw has a unique safety feature. A spring loaded cartridge is located in the machine. Any conductive material that makes contact with the blade fires and jams the cartridge block into the blade. The blade then stops spinning and drops down out of the way into the body of the saw. All this happens within 5 milliseconds, helping to ensure the blade inflicts minimal damage. If the material you are cutting is wet or has gold paint or leaf it will most likely trigger the saw stop feature. Do not cut any wet lumber or metal coated materials with this machine. Charcoal is also conductive so any laser cut areas of lumber should not make contact with the blade while cutting. 
 
  
 
Here is an example of this piece of equipment being used.
 
Here is an example of this piece of equipment being used.
−
{{#evu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNKqNFnWQPs}}
+
{{#evu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo_xT1Gfg5M}}
  
 
==Documentation==
 
==Documentation==
  
−
[https://www.sawstop.com/images/uploads/manuals/PCS%20Owners%20Manual%20Model%20PCS31230%20V5.0%2009-13.pdf User Manual]
+
[[Media:Inst-book-3160qdc-en.pdf|Sewing Machine User Manual]]
 +
 
 +
* [https://www.janome.com/machines/sewing/3160qdc-b/ Product Home Page]
 +
 
 
====Terminology====
 
====Terminology====
  
−
* Rip - Cuts made along the length of the wood.
+
* Spool pin - Holder used for thread.
−
* Cross-cut - Cuts made across the grain along the shorter side of the wood.
+
* Bobbin - Cylinder on which is wound thread that comes from beneath the work
−
* Push stick - A piece of wood or plastic used to push the wood being cut through the blade while keeping fingers away from the blade.
+
* Presser foot - piece of metal that presses the fabric against the feed dogs when sewing.
−
* Fence - A guide for measuring the cut and guiding the wood.
 
−
* Riving Knife - A flat metal device that mounts behind the saw blade. This device prevents material from closing up on the blade and causing a dangerous condition called a material kickback.
 
−
* Sled  - A fixture that is placed on top of the table to assist with cross cuts.  The sled keeps material perpendicular to the blade and helps to prevent the blade from kicking back material.
 
  
 
==Training==
 
==Training==
 +
All information on these specific machines can be found in the [https://www.janome.com/siteassets/support/manuals/computer-models/inst-book-49360.pdf User Manual] and on the [https://www.janome.com/machines/sewing/3160qdc Product Home Page]
 +
 +
How to set up the machine. This video shows a similar set up process to our machines, but be sure to compare to the manual.
 +
<br />
 +
{{#evu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMTzXsyOVoI}}
 +
<br />
 +
A quick video on basic stitching techniques:
 +
<br />
 +
{{#evu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMoJWSmZI-U}}
 +
<br />
 +
YouTube is a great resource for learning new things. If you are new to sewing, try watching a few videos to get a general understanding before jumping into sewing.
 +
 +
For more pro tips on sewing visit this website that explains [https://nancysnotions.com/stitch-length-doesnt-have-to-be-confusing/ stitch length].
 +
 
====Operation====
 
====Operation====
  
−
The SawStop table saw has a unique safety feature. A spring loaded cartridge is located in the machine. Any conductive material that makes contact with the blade causes the aluminum cartridge block to fire into the blade. The blade then stops spinning and drops down out of the way. All this happens within 5 milliseconds, helping to ensure the blade inflicts minimal damage. This galvanic response safety mechanism is great for preventing injuries but will permanently damage the blade if triggered. If the material you are cutting is conductive it will trigger the saw stop feature. Do not cut any wet lumber, pressure treated, or metal coated materials such as gold leaf with this machine. Charcoal is also conductive so any laser cut areas of lumber should not make contact with the blade while cutting. There are a few other things to keep in mind regarding your material as well. Make sure the material you are cutting is free of all foreign objects. Do not cut materials that may have nails or screws as they will damage the blade and may cause injury to you. If the blade comes in contact with a conductive material (metal or human fingers), the safety mechanism will stop the saw blade by jamming a block of aluminum into the blade and probably permanently take the blade out of commission. Also, if the material contains a loose knot it can break free and create a safety hazard.
+
<u>Winding the bobbin</u>
−
 
+
* Choose your thread. Make sure you find the end before you put the spool of thread on the spool pin. Use a spool cap to hold it in place. Make sure there is no gap between the cap and the spool of thread. The thread being drawn from the spool when sewing can become tangled in any gap and break.
−
If your material looks good, the next step is to set up the saw itself. When setting up the saw the blade, it should protrude no more than 1/4" above the material top. This limits the amount of blade that is exposed and makes for a good cut. You will also want to hook up the adjacent dust collector to the rear of the machine, make sure it is plugged in, and turned on. The dust collector must be used with the table saw to help keep the dust out of the air. As you make a cut, it is imperative that you keep the wood firmly against the fence to make the cut square. Therefore, you should double check to see if you are reading the right measurement on the fence, especially because the fence can be moved to either side of the blade which is why there are two distance indicators, only one of which is correct for each set up. Make sure to ask the supervisor about the available jigs because they can be helpful for specialty cuts. Once the supervisor has demonstrated the use of a jig feel free to use it in the future but do not play around with jigs you are unfamiliar with.
+
* Follow the diagram on the machine housing in order to fill a bobbin. Place the bobbin on the bobbin winder spindle that is on the right top of the machine. Slide the bobbin winder shaft over to the right to lock it.  
 +
* Hold the thread for couple seconds at the beginning as you press the foot pedal gently and slowly. Once it becomes even or uniform, you can let go of the thread and go faster with the foot pedal.
 +
* Cut the thread once you are done and place the bobbin in the bobbin case. (Before you load the bobbin in the bobbin case, cut off the tail that may be hanging from the hole through which you initially threaded the bobbin.) The drop-in bobbin is covered by a plastic cover that you can remove by gently pulling the hook cover release button. Load the bobbin by following the diagram on the plastic cover. Replace the cover.
 +
<u>Threading the machine</u>
 +
* Draw thread from the thread spool and thread the machine by following the directional numbered arrows on the housing of the machine. Make sure the thread is well-seated between the tension discs at the numbered dial and is through the eye of the take-up lever--part 7 in the manual. At the end, thread the needle.
 +
<u>Changing settings</u>
  
−
After the saw is set up make sure the small dust collector is ready to go.  The dust collector hose needs to be connected to the table saw exhaust port.  It's a good idea to gently press against the lower dust collector bag with your hand or use the clear sight window to see how full the dust bag is prior to turning it on.  If the sawdust level is above the clear sight window you need to let the supervisor know.  Turn the power switch on for the dust collector. Turn on the saw main switch and wait for solid green light. Make sure the blade is clear and pull the start/stop paddle next to the main power switch and slowly push the material through, making sure to keep your hands away from the blade. Do not stop pushing the material until after the cut is finished unless there is an emergency, in which case, carefully use one hand or your hip to bump the off switch. Also not let go of your work piece during the cut or it will be forced back towards you.
+
* When altering the stitch length, stitch width, or choosing a different stitch pattern make certain the needle is in the needle-up position.
  
 
====Demonstration====
 
====Demonstration====
  
−
Demonstrate you can safely setup the saw and rip a board. You will then proceed to cross cut one of the remaining pieces. Remember to set the blade height so it is protruding less than 1/4" out the top of material for less exposure. When performing a rip cut the fence is used to guide the lumber into the blade. You want to make sure that the distance between the fence and blade is the width of desired cut. Mark the edge of the material when doing a cross cut so you can align the material with the blade in the sled. You can also use a miter gauge for making cross cuts but make sure the material is long enough and well supported.
+
The demonstration will include several steps. Demonstrate you can safely setup the sewing machine, which includes winding the bobbin, threading the machine, and removing/replacing the needle. Finally, sew a mini pillow.
  
 
====General Procedure====
 
====General Procedure====
−
[[File:TABLE_SAW_CONTROLS.jpg|none|thumb|600x600px]]
+
# Wind the bobbin and thread the machine
−
 
+
# Pick two pieces of fabric and place right sides together--the 'pretty' side. Align the raw edges of the two pieces.
−
'''Rip Cut'''
+
# Sew a 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch seam on three sides, using a straight stitch.
−
 
+
# At the beginning and end of each side it's best to shorten the stitch length and stitch off the edge of the fabric. It makes a more durable corner--the bulk can be trimmed out of the corner, too, which makes a cleaner (pointy-er) corner. To change the stitch length: stop sewing; leave the work in place under the presser foot; raise the needle; change the stitch length and resume stitching. Lift the presser foot to remove the work. Break the thread tails on the thread cutter, or clip with scissors.
−
1. Ensure that the material you are cutting has at least one straight edge and no nails or foreign objects. The straight edge will slide against the fence when ripping.
+
# Press seams flat, then turn the work right-side out and press. Turn raw edges of the open end to the inside 1/4", and press.
−
 
+
# Stuff your pillow! Sew open side shut by stitching with straight stitch close to pressed edges.
−
2. Measure the width of the board and determine the width of cut desired. 
+
(Note: you can use pins to hold things in place, but you need to remove the pins as you stitch. Never sew over pins. It breaks or bends needles, and can mess up the rotation/timing of the bobbin's oscillations.)
−
 
 
−
3. Lift the locking handle on the fence and slide the fence to the desired cut width using the scale. Make sure you use the scale for the correct side of the blade.    
 
−
 
 
−
4. Lock the fence by pressing down on the locking handle.
 
−
 
 
−
5. Use the elevation handle on the front of the saw to set the height of the blade approximately 1 tooth above the height of the material by placing the material next to the blade as a guide. This limits the exposed blade. 
 
−
 
 
−
6. Turn on the main power switch on the front of the saw and the dust collector. The green light on the saw will flash and turn solid green when the saw is ready.
 
−
 
 
−
7. Make sure nothing is touching the blade. Turn on the saw by gently pulling on the red start paddle switch located on the front of the machine. The paddle switch is also the off switch when pressed. 
 
−
 
 
−
8. Line up the flat side of the material with the fence without touching the blade. The fence is a guide and the material should be pressed firmly into the fence as well as down on the table. If the board is warped make sure that curved side is face downward.
 
−
 
 
−
9. Slowly feed the material in towards the blade while keeping your fingers at least 6" from the blade. Use a push stick to keep fingers away from the blade.
 
−
 
 
−
10. Make sure you keep a firm hold on the material and do not stop feeding the material until it has passed beyond the blade.  
 
−
 
 
−
11. It is helpful to have someone assisting on the back side of the saw to help hold material being fed off the table. Make sure the person helping does not pull on the material.  
 
−
 
 
−
12. When the saw cut is complete, press in on the paddle switch to turn off the saw and lower the blade below the table to keep anyone from accidentally cutting themselves.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
'''Cross Cut'''
 
−
 
 
−
1. Move the fence off to the side by lifting the brake handle and sliding the fence off to the side.  
 
−
 
 
−
2. Place the cross cut sled on the table by aligning the table slots with the rails on the sled.  
 
−
 
 
−
3. Slide the sled over the blade and use the material to set the blade height using the blade height handle on the front of the saw. The blade should be roughly one tooth taller than the top of the material.
 
−
 
 
−
4. Place the material flat edge against the back of the sled and align the material with the edge of the blade. 
 
−
 
 
−
5. Once the blade is clear pull the red paddle switch to turn on the saw.
 
−
 
 
−
6. Slide the sled forward to cut through the material at the desired location. 
 
−
 
 
−
7. Slide the sled back to you so it clears the blade.
 
−
 
 
−
8. Power down the saw by pressing the red paddle switch located on the front of the machine.
 
−
 
 
−
9. Lower the blade below the table using the crank handle on the front of the machine.
 
−
 
 
−
10. Reset the space by cleaning up any dust, turning off the equipment, and lowering the blade below the table to keep anyone from accidentally cutting themselves.
 
−
 
 
−
==Safety==
 
−
There are several hazards you need to be aware of when using a table saw. 
 
−
* The blade is very sharp and it spins very fast. Keep your fingers away from the blade even when its not spinning. Use a push stick to keep your fingers a safe distance from the blade.  
 
−
* Always wear proper safety equipment, i.e. ear protection and safety glasses, to prevent injury. 
 
−
* Hold onto material firmly and keep it against the table and fence to help prevent the material from catching on the blade. If material catches on the blade the material can shoot back at you and this is called a kickback.
 
−
This is a video of a kickback:
 
−
{{#evu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7sRrC2Jpp4}}
 
  
 
==Certification==
 
==Certification==
 +
Complete <strong>The Hub - {{PAGENAME}} Module</strong> at the link below to gain access to the {{PAGENAME}}. The Maker Hub Canvas course pertains to all facilities and equipment contained in the Maker Hub; simply complete the quizzes for the facilities/equipment you wish to use in the Maker Hub. Please email <span style="color:blue">makerhub@georgefox.edu</span> if you have any questions.
  
−
[https://foxtale.georgefox.edu/moodle/course/view.php?id=31322 Foxtale Course]
+
[https://georgefox.instructure.com/enroll/G7CTPX Maker Hub Canvas Course]
  
 
==Troubleshooting==
 
==Troubleshooting==
−
If the blade appears to need sharpening ask the tech to change out the blade.
+
There are many different types of problems you can have while using a sewing machine, but here are a few basic problems.
−
 
 
−
A sign of a dull blade is as follows:
 
−
 
 
−
1. Burning of material
 
  
−
2. More resistance when cutting
+
# The needle thread breaks: Check the threading of the needle as it may not be threaded properly. It is also possible that the needle needs to be changed. Learn this skill from one of the sewing volunteers or aces so that you can perform a needle change when needed.
−
 
+
# The needle breaks: Make sure the needle is installed correctly and is tight.  Verify you are using the correct presser foot.
−
3. Rough cut edges
+
# Machine does not run smoothly: Verify the hook race and bobbin holder are free from lint.
−
 
+
# Clearing a thread jam: Because the rotation of the bobbin in the bobbin case is pretty sloppy, thread jams can happen fairly frequently. Use the screwdriver keys that came with the sewing machines to open the needle plate (a.k.a. the throat plate) and access the bobbin case. Use the lint brush and tweezers to remove any tangled thread you find.
−
4. Increased cutting noise
 
−
 
 
−
5. Increased motor noise
 
  
 
==Maintenance==
 
==Maintenance==
 
====General maintenance====
 
====General maintenance====
  
−
Keep the saw clean and use the dust collector. There are several lubrication points on the saw that need to be checked by the tech.
+
Keep the sewing machine clean and free from lint. Make sure to reset the space when you are done sewing.
  
 
====Specific Maintenance Tasks====
 
====Specific Maintenance Tasks====
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|Lubricate mechanisms  
 
|Lubricate mechanisms  
 
|Semester
 
|Semester
−
|Sample
+
|Tech
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Clean machine interior
 
|Clean machine interior
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|Tech
 
|Tech
 
|-
 
|-
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|Change the blade
+
|Change the needle
 
|As Needed
 
|As Needed
−
|Tech
+
|Users
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
−
 
−
 
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{{#set:
 
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|Is equipment=True
 
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|Is located in facility=The Hub
 
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|Is used in domain=Cloth
 
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|Has name={{PAGENAME}}
 
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|Has icon=File:Sewing_machine.png
 
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|Has icondesc=Sewing Machine
 
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|Has iconwname=File:Sewing_machine_icon_name.png
 
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|Has image=File:Sewing_machine_image.png
 
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|Has imagedesc=Janome 3160 QDC
 
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|Has description=(???)
 
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|Has certification=(???)
 
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|Has model=3160QDC
 
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|Has make=Janome
 
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|Has serial number=8H2036666 / 8H2036653
 
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|Has ace =Needed;Needed
 
−
}}
 
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[[{{#show: {{FULLPAGENAME}}|?Has icon|link=none}}|140px|left|top|{{#show: {{FULLPAGENAME}}|?Has icondesc}}]]
 
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[[{{#show: {{FULLPAGENAME}}|?Has image|link=none}}|300px|thumb|upright=1.5|{{#show: {{FULLPAGENAME}}|?Has imagedesc}}]]
 
−
 
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Make: {{#show: {{PAGENAME}} |?Has make}}
 
−
 
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Model: {{#show: {{PAGENAME}} |?Has model}}
 
−
 
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Serial Number: {{#show: {{PAGENAME}} |?Has serial number}}
 
−
 
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Ace: {{#show: {{PAGENAME}} |?Has ace.Has name}} ({{#show: {{PAGENAME}} |?Has ace.Has email address}}).
 
−
 
−
Location: {{#show: {{PAGENAME}} |?Is located in facility}}
 
−
 
−
==Description==
 
−
There are currently four Janome 3160 QDC sewing machines available for use in the Maker Hub. These machines feature 60 different stitch patterns. It has automatic fabric feeding, one hand needle threader and easy to follow instructions, making it an ideal machine for first time sewers. Some of its more advanced features include buttons for lock stitch, needle up or down and automatic thread cutting. It has a add on platform that can be attached to make sewing larger materials a breeze.
 
−
 
−
The current Ace of the {{PAGENAME}} is '''{{#show: {{PAGENAME}} |?Has ace.Has name}}''' ({{#show: {{PAGENAME}} |?Has ace.Has email address}}).<br />
 
−
__TOC__
 
−
 
−
== Documentation ==
 
−
 
−
* [https://www.janome.com/machines/sewing/3160qdc Product Home Page]
 
−
* [https://www.janome.com/siteassets/support/manuals/computer-models/inst-book-49360.pdf User Manual]
 
−
 
−
== Training ==
 
−
All information on these specific machines can be found in the [https://www.janome.com/siteassets/support/manuals/computer-models/inst-book-49360.pdf User Manual] and on the [https://www.janome.com/machines/sewing/3160qdc Product Home Page]
 
−
 
−
How to set up the machine. This video shows a similar set up process to our machines, but be sure to compare to the manual.
 
−
<br />
 
−
{{#evu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMTzXsyOVoI}}
 
−
<br />
 
−
A quick video on basic stitching techniques:
 
−
<br />
 
−
{{#evu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMoJWSmZI-U}}
 
−
<br />
 
−
YouTube is a great resource for learning new things. If you are new to sewing, try watching a few videos to get a general understanding before jumping into sewing.
 
−
 
−
<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
 

Latest revision as of 13:34, 3 April 2024

Sewing Machine
Janome 3160 QDC

Make: Janome

Model: 3160QDC

Serial Number: 8H2036666 / 8H2036653

Ace: Gail Dowler (gdowler@georgefox.edu).

Location: The Hub


Safety First

Safety First HD2.png

Here are some safety instructions for the Sewing Machine. Remember ... SAFETY FIRST!!!

  • Sharp Hazard – needles are very sharp and can pierce your skin. Turn off the sewing machine when inserting/removing needles to avoid bumping the foot pedal and moving the needle assembly. Never place your fingers directly underneath the needle.
  • Crush Hazard – be aware of all moving parts and keep your fingers away from any pinch points.
  • Entanglement – ensure that loose clothing, long hair, or any other dangling/loose items do not become entangled in the machine. Hair that extends below the collar should be tied up.
  • Eye Injury – needles can break if they hit a solid object while sewing. The broken tip can fly off and become lodged in your eye. Eye protection is recommended when using the sewing machines.
  • Do not sew over pins. This can break or bend the needle.
  • Ensure the needle you are using is undamaged before you begin sewing.
  • Make sure the needle is installed correctly. Well seated with the needle clamp screw tightened.
  • Verify that you are using the correct presser foot. When changing out the presser foot, manually check that the needle’s travel will clear the foot by turning the handwheel one full rotation toward--not away from--you before using the foot pedal.
  • Do not run thick fabrics or many layers of fabric through a standard sewing machine. Use the industrial sewing machine for these applications.
  • When you finish using the sewing machine, disconnect the power cable and the foot pedal from both the machine and the wall outlet/power strip. Coil the power cable and foot pedal cords neatly, and stow on the free arm beneath the dust cover.

Description

There are currently four Janome 3160 QDC sewing machines available for use in the Maker Hub. This model features 60 different stitch patterns. It has automatic fabric feeding, one hand needle threader, and easy to follow instructions, making it an ideal machine for first time sewers. Some of its more advanced features include buttons for lock stitch, needle up or down, and automatic thread cutting. It has an extension table that can be attached to make sewing larger projects a breeze.

Two machines are kept in the Tool Room on shelf 10. Accessory feet are also kept in the Tool Room, and may be checked out as needed by qualified students. A reference copy of the manual is in the top drawer of the storage unit in the sewing area. There are phone stands in that same drawer for use while following tutorials or reading the copy of the manual available on this page on a phone or tablet. The extension tables for the two machines in the sewing corner are in the third drawer of the storage unit.


Here is an example of this piece of equipment being used.

Documentation

Sewing Machine User Manual

Terminology

  • Spool pin - Holder used for thread.
  • Bobbin - Cylinder on which is wound thread that comes from beneath the work
  • Presser foot - piece of metal that presses the fabric against the feed dogs when sewing.

Training

All information on these specific machines can be found in the User Manual and on the Product Home Page

How to set up the machine. This video shows a similar set up process to our machines, but be sure to compare to the manual.


A quick video on basic stitching techniques:


YouTube is a great resource for learning new things. If you are new to sewing, try watching a few videos to get a general understanding before jumping into sewing.

For more pro tips on sewing visit this website that explains stitch length.

Operation

Winding the bobbin

  • Choose your thread. Make sure you find the end before you put the spool of thread on the spool pin. Use a spool cap to hold it in place. Make sure there is no gap between the cap and the spool of thread. The thread being drawn from the spool when sewing can become tangled in any gap and break.
  • Follow the diagram on the machine housing in order to fill a bobbin. Place the bobbin on the bobbin winder spindle that is on the right top of the machine. Slide the bobbin winder shaft over to the right to lock it.
  • Hold the thread for couple seconds at the beginning as you press the foot pedal gently and slowly. Once it becomes even or uniform, you can let go of the thread and go faster with the foot pedal.
  • Cut the thread once you are done and place the bobbin in the bobbin case. (Before you load the bobbin in the bobbin case, cut off the tail that may be hanging from the hole through which you initially threaded the bobbin.) The drop-in bobbin is covered by a plastic cover that you can remove by gently pulling the hook cover release button. Load the bobbin by following the diagram on the plastic cover. Replace the cover.

Threading the machine

  • Draw thread from the thread spool and thread the machine by following the directional numbered arrows on the housing of the machine. Make sure the thread is well-seated between the tension discs at the numbered dial and is through the eye of the take-up lever--part 7 in the manual. At the end, thread the needle.

Changing settings

  • When altering the stitch length, stitch width, or choosing a different stitch pattern make certain the needle is in the needle-up position.

Demonstration

The demonstration will include several steps. Demonstrate you can safely setup the sewing machine, which includes winding the bobbin, threading the machine, and removing/replacing the needle. Finally, sew a mini pillow.

General Procedure

  1. Wind the bobbin and thread the machine
  2. Pick two pieces of fabric and place right sides together--the 'pretty' side. Align the raw edges of the two pieces.
  3. Sew a 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch seam on three sides, using a straight stitch.
  4. At the beginning and end of each side it's best to shorten the stitch length and stitch off the edge of the fabric. It makes a more durable corner--the bulk can be trimmed out of the corner, too, which makes a cleaner (pointy-er) corner. To change the stitch length: stop sewing; leave the work in place under the presser foot; raise the needle; change the stitch length and resume stitching. Lift the presser foot to remove the work. Break the thread tails on the thread cutter, or clip with scissors.
  5. Press seams flat, then turn the work right-side out and press. Turn raw edges of the open end to the inside 1/4", and press.
  6. Stuff your pillow! Sew open side shut by stitching with straight stitch close to pressed edges.

(Note: you can use pins to hold things in place, but you need to remove the pins as you stitch. Never sew over pins. It breaks or bends needles, and can mess up the rotation/timing of the bobbin's oscillations.)

Certification

Complete The Hub - Sewing Machine Module at the link below to gain access to the Sewing Machine. The Maker Hub Canvas course pertains to all facilities and equipment contained in the Maker Hub; simply complete the quizzes for the facilities/equipment you wish to use in the Maker Hub. Please email makerhub@georgefox.edu if you have any questions.

Maker Hub Canvas Course

Troubleshooting

There are many different types of problems you can have while using a sewing machine, but here are a few basic problems.

  1. The needle thread breaks: Check the threading of the needle as it may not be threaded properly. It is also possible that the needle needs to be changed. Learn this skill from one of the sewing volunteers or aces so that you can perform a needle change when needed.
  2. The needle breaks: Make sure the needle is installed correctly and is tight. Verify you are using the correct presser foot.
  3. Machine does not run smoothly: Verify the hook race and bobbin holder are free from lint.
  4. Clearing a thread jam: Because the rotation of the bobbin in the bobbin case is pretty sloppy, thread jams can happen fairly frequently. Use the screwdriver keys that came with the sewing machines to open the needle plate (a.k.a. the throat plate) and access the bobbin case. Use the lint brush and tweezers to remove any tangled thread you find.

Maintenance

General maintenance

Keep the sewing machine clean and free from lint. Make sure to reset the space when you are done sewing.

Specific Maintenance Tasks

Maintenance Procedure Frequency Done By
Lubricate mechanisms Semester Tech
Clean machine interior Monthly Tech
Change the needle As Needed Users
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