From the inception of sewing machines till now, sewing machines have been helping people make different designs. They are handy, but at the same time, they can be hazardous for people.
So that is why I brought a detailed guide of my 11 proven tips on how to avoid injury using a sewing machine. So read all the points and be safe next time.
How To Avoid Injury Using A Sewing Machine – Proven tips
1. Be Focused During Sewing
In my opinion, most injuries that occur due to sewing machines are just because of your loss of focus during sewing work. This means you sew when you are ill, not mentally well, are alcoholic, tired, or whatsoever. So during these states, it is most probable that you will injure your body, especially the fingers, because of sudden needle dips.
Also, when you are not focused, you will accidentally press the foot pedal, which may be dangerous for your fabrics and your fingers if you have placed fingers there.
So, try to be mentally present, stay active and fit, and sew. If you are unwell for any reason, take a break and then sew if everything goes well.
2. Switch Off Your Sewing Machine When Not Sewing
This doesn’t apply to hand-operated sewing machines but to electricity-operated ones. It is common that most sewers intentionally and accidentally forget to Turn their sewing machines Off and then take a break. But I highly suggest switching off the machine when not in use or even if you want to cut your fabrics.
Because if you forget to turn the machine off, you may most probably injure yourself from the needle, handwheel, presser foot, etc.
3. Keep Your Hair Out Of The Way
According to Statista, around 70% of Women in the US use sewing machines which is a great number. The same is worldwide. It means women are most prone to injuries because they have long hairs which may trap inside the needle plate, feed dog mechanism, presser foot, and other mechanisms.
So whether women or men with long hair should keep their hair out of the way, always tie your hair with anything then sew it will have two main benefits: saving your hair from damage and allowing you to give clear visibility.
4. Control Sewing Speed
Domestic sewing machines have a speed of around 650 to 1000 stitches per minute, and industrial sewing machines have about 1600 SPM. But it doesn’t mean you will reach the maximum speed level, as it can be seriously dangerous for you, especially since the needle may most probably pass through your fingers while you control the fabrics.
5. Don’t Put Pins or Other Sharp Accessories in Your Mouth
During sewing work, you will need sharp accessories like Pins, sewing clippers, and different sewing scissors, which can be dangerous when you don’t take proper care.
Especially during embroidery work, when you put the pins on the fabrics and hooks in your mouth, they are near your approach. There is the possibility that you may swallow the pins, or the pins may injure your mouth.
6. Check Needles Regularly
The needle is the most used part of a sewing machine that you must replace frequently. However, if the needle gets rusty, bent, or dull, it may not pierce through fabrics; as a result, the needle will break and fly away, which can hit the Eyes, face, or other body parts. According to my experience, you need to change the needle after every 8 hours of operation.
7. Recognize The Potential Risks
One of the easiest ways of avoiding injury using a sewing machine is knowing the risks associated with it. This means if you know that a needle can injure your finger badly, next time, you will not play with it or take your finger near it. The same goes for other parts as well.
Moreover, if you are a sewing teacher or parent and teach sewing to children, you must tell them about the risks connected with sewing machines.
8. Wear Glasses For Eye Protection
Wearing glasses during sewing work is uncommon, especially for domestic uses. However, some people use glasses for industrial sewing machines in factories because they sew faster, and the chances of injury are high. Moreover, there are different industrial sewing machines with varying shapes of the body, so during usage, you need to be keen.
9. Ironing
Ironing is the most important part of sewing work because you will need an iron to remove the wrinkles before cutting or mostly during sewing. So when you don’t place Pressing Iron in a good place, you may wound your hand because of burning. So always use it carefully, buy a pressing board and place it a little far when not in use the best practice is switching it off when not in use.
10. Know Electricity Hazards
While using a sewing machine, you have to deal with the different wires and cords. Such as cord connecting with the foot pedal and wires connecting sewing machines with the main power supply. So before using a sewing machine, ensure that your cables are not damaged or frayed.
11. Position The Sewing Machine Correctly and Ensure Your Comfortable
When sewing for too long, you may feel unwell in most body parts, such as the neck, back, shoulders, etc. Try to have an adjustable seat that provides good lumbar support and keeps your back straight while saving you from exhaustion.
Moreover, your feet should be flat on the floor, so they don’t feel exhausted. Additionally, some people have faced kidney problems during sewing, especially those who sit on the floor for sewing.
According to the Scientific American Website, the majority of Women are more prone to injuries due to sewing machines than men.
What Injuries can we get with a sewing machine?
The following are the most common injuries you can get from sewing machines, especially when you are a beginner.
- Needle hitting the Eye or Face when it breaks and flies at your face.
- Accidentally sewing through fingers.
- Backache or Shoulder exhaustion from hunching while sewing works.
- Burned by Pressing Iron or Sewing Machine Bulbs.
- Fingers get injured by Knobs and Levers.
- Hair trapped in sewing machine mechanism.
- Injury from Pins or Swallowing them accidentally.
- Injuring Fingers from Sewing Scissors.
- Getting electrical shocks from Foot pedal cords or power supply.
Summary
Overall, you may or will get injured when using a sewing machine, and injuries may be severe or, in most cases, minor. But by implementing the above 11 proven steps to avoid injury using a sewing machine, you will safely be saved next time. Also, I have listed a few most common damages caused by sewing machines that you must avoid.