Sewing Lab Safety Rules

Avoid threading the machine while it’s turned on Avoid threading the machine while it’s turned on. Keep the machine turned off when threading or don’t plug in the foot pedal.

Use the tray for the sewing machine as much as possible Use the tray for the sewing machine as much as possible! The tray gives your fingers more room and reduces the possibility that they could slip under the needle.

Let the Feed Dogs do their job The Feed Dogs are teeth that move the fabric through the machine. Don’t force/push fabric through the machine!

The presser foot holds the fabric in place while you sew. Do not let your fingers cross over the Presser Foot! If they do, they are in needle territory. The presser foot holds the fabric in place while you sew.

Needle Carries the thread and pierces the fabric. Keep your fingers away from it! It can pierce you and it will hurt!

Holds the needle in place. Never loosen, unless changing a needle Needle Clamp Holds the needle in place. Never loosen, unless changing a needle

Thread Tension Adjustment Wheel Controls the tightness on the thread. Never touch this wheel it can mess up your stitching!

Always turn the handwheel towards you!

To raise the machines, push down in the center and the handwheel side To raise the machines, push down in the center and the handwheel side. Not the needle side, as it can cause the machine to split open. NO!!!

Don’t be a speed demon. Use the Foot Pedal responsibly  The Foot Pedal controls the speed at which the fabric moves through the machine. If you go too fast the machine may catch & sew your finger!!

Never Sew over Pins! They can damage the machine or fly at your face!

Rotary Cutter Rules Always use a ruler with a finger guard Always cut away from you – like cutting a pizza Always lock the blade Never leave an unlocked blade on the counter Never point a rotary cutter at someone else Always use a rotary mat and check the dimensions

Ironing Rules Do not use the wonder under irons unless you are in the 9th grade class Do not touch the bottom (hot surfaces of the iron) Do not let the cord hang in the way of a walkway Do not leave the iron with the metal plate side down – it can get hot and start a fire Always unplug the irons at the end of class Do not point irons at other students

Gingher Scissor Rules Never cut paper with the gingher scissors (silver colored). Paper makes them become dull and no longer cut fabric effectively. Always cut away from you.. These scissors are very sharp! Always put them away in the wooden carriers.