Originally Posted by
heart of Dixie
My singer featherweight keeps shifting to the left as I am sewing. I tried to adjust the pressure foot but it doesn't seem to help. Can anyone give me another suggestion as to what I might do to correct this. Thanks in advance for your input.
Dixie
Dixie,
I'm thinking you mean the fabric is moving to the left as you sew. This can be caused by an out of alignment or worn presser foot, or broken, worn or out of adjustment feed dogs.
The quickest way to check for the presser foot alignment is to get two thin metal straight edge rulers. The pocket kind with the removable clips work great for this.
>Raise the presser foot, remove it and check the bottom of it and the hinged ankle for severe wear. If worn, replace it. If not put it back on. Continue with the checks.
>Remove the needle. ( It will be in the way and it's removal will prevent owies too.)
>Raise the feed dogs as high as they will go by turning the hand wheel.
>Use a magnifying glass to inspect the dogs. There should be no visible wear or broken points.
>Lay one of the rulers along side of the feed dogs making sure it is parallel with them.
>Lower the foot gently so as not to disturb the ruler.
>Gently lay the second ruler against the side of the foot on top of the first ruler.
>Sight down the edges of the rulers. If they are parallel the foot and dogs are aligned. If not the foot should be realigned with the feed dogs.
I've had to realign many of the machines we've got. Even the higher end machines can have out of alignment feet and feed dogs and that will cause them to feed the fabric crooked.
Joe