Originally Posted by
PatriciaPf
It should be lighter pressure for thinner fabrics or those with nap to prevent marring, and greater for heavier fabrics so they feed well. It is probably a good idea to test the pressure with some scraps before you start your project. Fabric should feed without puckering (too much pressure) yet be held securely. Turn the pressure knob on top clockwise to increase and counterclockwise to decrease, usually. My Pfaff 1473 pressure increases by pushing downward in increments.
I hope this helps.
pat
That is what I've always heard, too. I think that I read somewhere about possibly increasing the pressure when doing buttonhole attachment. I think I've just left mine somewhere in the middle and when I used the buttonhole attachment I did it from the wrong side as I liked the look of it better. I also read that some decorative stitches one should increase the pressure. I also read that lighter pressure is used when darning and I would think that would apply to FMQ as well.
I know that I have seen manuals that in essence seem almost the opposite like Donna's Kenmore than
Singer Sewing Skills says & Pat put so well.
Three examples (besides Donna's):
- Singer Sewing Skills - "Heavy materials require a heavy pressure and light materials a light pressure."
- Kenmore 1430 and others - "When sewing multiple thickness or heavy fabric, reduce the pressure. Increase pressure when sewing lighter weight fabrics."
- The Imperial manual states: "For sewing thin or light fabrics, press the top of the A pressure regulator (B) down lightly to get the required slight pressure of the fabric. For sewing thicker or heavier fabrics, push the top of the pressure regulator down further, in order to get a stronger pressure on the presser foot."
One way to test would be like in
Singer Sewing Skills - "It is advisable to test for pressure adjustment on a lengthwise scrap of fabric by stitching without thread. When all seam edges are handled evenly the correct pressure adjustment has been reached."
Another way to test would be like Miriam stated at
http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...ml#post7362730 "Put the paper under the foot, try to pull the paper out forward/toward you. If the paper tears there is too much pressure. If too much, loosen the pressure until the paper pulls out. Then tighten it a bit. There is a sweet spot. Then check it with fabric. I usually adjust the pressure until it just holds the fabric."
Soooo, Christy, how did you adjust it to get it close?
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.