Handwheel - backwards or forwards?
 

I tried to search topic in he search option but cannot find any answers to my query - of course i may hav missed it but here goes.....

I am pretty sure i read somewhere that a hand wheel on a sewing machine should only be used in one direction ? If this is true can someone tell me which way please? I don't know if it makes a difference but i currently own a janome 6600p

Your manual should have instructions.

Mine all are turned toward me as I set in front of the machine. Your specific machine's manual should tell you which way to turn yours. What way does it turn when you are sewing? That would be the direction to turn it.

I have a Janome 6600p and I'm sure I've cranked the handwheel forward and
backward...but not more than half a turn in either direction. I very seldom
use it. I use the up/down button mostly.

What ever is the wrong way is probably how I turn it. Is there any real harm in turning one way or the other?

I think the only problem with turning it the wrong way is that you might tangle the bobbin and needle threads. The "correct" direction is towards you. In other words, place your hand on top of the hand wheel and drag your hand towards you and down. I think all machines work that way. (Although I think at one time I had a vintage Necchi that worked the other way.)

All modern machines turn towards you. Turning the wheel away from you will cause thread jams. There used to be a few American made machines that turned the opposite way, Necchis did not.

Cari

Turning the hand wheel causes the feed dogs to move. You should turn it in the direction that causes the feed dogs to move the fabric from front to back. I know I've had machines that moved in different directions, but I can't remember which ones.

This depends on the machine, but for the most part it will not form a stitch if turned the wrong way as the hook is going backwards. I say "for the most part" because I own some vintage machines where that is not the case, but they are not common.

Maybe machines are more standard today, with vintage machines you will find both.

Thank you ! Really appreciate all your input.