by margiepink 11 Aug 2010

How many cuties out there know that the handwheel turns when you embroider? After all these years of embroidering I just happened to notice.

2133

by 02kar Moderator 12 Aug 2010

Interesting stories! I never thought about it, probably because I knew it turned. I am grateful on my multi-needle that it is towards the back of the machine.

168959
by leenova54 12 Aug 2010

I knew on my regular sewing machine that it did but to tell you the truth, I can't see the wheel from my chair angle so I didn't even notice there was a wheel, lol! I worked in a sewing factory making ladies sportswear for a couple of years, you'd think I'd know it all but boy, I DO NOT!!! I tend to scratch my head a lot and ask cuties questions!

33579
by quilter124 12 Aug 2010

leaned this many years ago when my sister got some hair caught in mom's old singer.

1 comment
keeponsewing by keeponsewing 12 Aug 2010

oh my! I bet that hurt... (and what a mess to clean up.)

15874
by asterixsew Moderator 12 Aug 2010

Yes

114488
by mops Moderator 12 Aug 2010

Yes, I know. I learned to sew on a treadle machine and the foot movement turns the handwheel by a leather band. At first it never turned a complete circle, but only forwards and backwards, until I got the hang of it.

1 comment
keeponsewing by keeponsewing 12 Aug 2010

I remember that. I also know that on my regular sewing machine the wheel goes around. But I guess because these machines go so fast and they are so long you don't see the wheel and don't realize they are moving. It was truly a DUH moment for me the other day. LOL

145196
by bevgrift 12 Aug 2010

I knew this, Glad you and others also found out. Did you know also to find the exact spot/stitch or mark that you will embroider next, turn the handle by hand and see where the needle is going to go into the fabric, turn back up, then press start. Use this also when you have to back space some stitches ,when your bobbin or thread breaks.
From Bev

4 comments
mops by mops 12 Aug 2010

I have always been told never to reverse the handwheel. The thread may easily come undone in the tension wheel and that would cause threadnests. So if you do it check if yor thread is still threaded correctly.

keeponsewing by keeponsewing 12 Aug 2010

Martine, when I put my other machine in reverse wouldn't the wheel go reverse also? HUMMMM? I'll have to check it out. This might be another DUH moment. I think my gray hairs are turning blonde. hehehe....

keeponsewing by keeponsewing 12 Aug 2010

Bev, I don't know why when I got this machine my sewing brain just went out the window. I guess cause everything is automatic I didn't think things like hand placing could still apply... Thanks for the reminders. Margie, thanks for this post also, it has opened my eyes to think again and not let the machine do everything. hehehe...

bevgrift by bevgrift 13 Aug 2010

Sorry I see I did't make myself clear. We don't want to turn the handle backwards a number of times .It must just be Forward a little ,look where the needle will enter, Then turn back until the needle is up again ( a pretend stitch).
The back space is on the machine in the embroidery function like when you search for a place in the embroidery reading the stitch counter.
I sometimes have to unpick a mistake/tangle, Then you press and press again to jump back a number of times till you find the place in the embroidery design, so you can carry on over where you unpicked.

7875
by mariahail 11 Aug 2010

This is so funny! Hugs.*********

60484
by jofrog2000 11 Aug 2010

Yes, if the needle is going up and down, the wheel is turning. It isn't involved in winding a bobbin, hence it doesn't. It's a good idea if you are using a thread stand, to not have it sitting next to the right side of the machine.

32948
by auntbaba 11 Aug 2010

Oh yes, I know. I got some thread tangled in it once, and it was a total disaster! Take it from me, keep your thread away from the wheel. *4U

29871
by shirlener88 11 Aug 2010

Glad that you noticed and you let us know dear.

211078
by keeponsewing 11 Aug 2010

Margie... hehehe... you aren't the only one that didn't know, I discovered it the other day. Not sure why I would think otherwise, it has too go around when in motion, but it was one of those DUH moments for me. hehehhe...Glad to know I'm not the only one. LOL..Terre

36693
by lani02 11 Aug 2010

duh :) ya, you will notice it if thread gets caught around it soon enough.

1 comment
msfancyvip by msfancyvip 12 Aug 2010

That's funny...I quess that incident would make you a quick study for sure. Thanks for the chuckle! ~Rita

10084
by gerryvb 11 Aug 2010

sorry, I did know.I always warn my grands to stay away of the turning wheel, because i'm afraid they would harm their fingers. But I'm sure many of us did not notice before.

740429