Safety in the Sewing Lab

Try to prevent problems before they happen. Prevention is better than a cure. Desiderius Erasmus

General Safety 1. Have fun, but take sewing seriously. 2. Keep work areas tidy and uncluttered at all times. Take only what you need to work areas. 3. Minimize noise while in the lab for everyone’s best concentration. 4. Report all accidents to the teacher immediately.

Shears 1. Always cut away from you. 2. Place the blades together when finished. 3. When handing to someone, pass with the handle first. 4. Don’t place shears too close to the edge of the table

Pins 1. Never put pins in your mouth. 2. Always keep your pincushion close to store your pins. If you drop a pin or needle, pick it up IMMEDIATELY.

Seam Rippers 1. Always point away from you while using it. 2. Make sure the cover is placed on after you finish using the seam ripper.

Irons 1. Store the iron on its heel. Never leave in the down position. 2. Don’t get your hands too close to the base of the iron. 3. Make sure the iron is unplugged when filling with water. 4. Always unplug when finished for the class period. 5. Pull the plug, not the cord when disconnecting.

Sewing Machine Start at a slow speed and build up as you get more comfortable. Don’t get your fingers too close to the needles. Keep your face back from the machine when sewing in case the needle breaks. Never sew over pins. ALWAYS turn off machine when not in use. Unplug machines at the end of the class period.