Annya

I too like to use a bigger stitch length but I thought you had to, to make it look like hand stitching. When I stipple quilt I shorten the stitch length and DO NOT drop the feed dogs. I gives me a more uniform stitch and I can manoeuvre and control it better. It is really up to you what you like the look of.

Poodles

I hear you all speak of raising or dropping the feed dogs. Now I think I know what the feed dogs are but how do you drop or raise them? I have been looking on my machine and mine doesn't do anything except move when I turn the wheel. I told wall I didn't understand nothing. I can sew pretty good if it is not too complecated but I don't know a lot about all the things you all talk about. I guess I am just a sew forward leave needle in and turn material if need be person. I am so glad too have yall teaching each of us different things/

Jo Belmont

The best case would be if you have the sewing manual for your machine, and the fastest way to see if you have a lever or knob (usually in the bottom back of a machine) for that purpose is to look at the early pictures in the manual where they name the parts. There are some machines on which the feed dogs do not drop, but most of them do.

Sometimes they even put the page number in the manual where a particular part is further discussed.

Absenting that, there are places online where you can get a manual for your machine in most cases, but give a try here first by letting us know what kind (and model?) machine you have.

In the meantime, check around the back of your machine and if you see a lever type knob that goes back and forth, move it. Then (because you usually won't see anything happen simply by moving the lever), turn the wheel slightly - you should see the feed dogs drop ever so slightly below the plane of the foot. Reverse the action to re-engage them.

Let us know how you do.

Poodles

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately I have no manual. I called the Singer place and she said Good Lord that book is 34.95 and I wouldn't pay that for the manual. She told me if I would bring it over too the shop she would show me some things and how too operate it. Unfortunately since I am physically challenged and the machine is heavy, I can't carry that over there. I can figure most of the workings of the machine but trial and error so I will check out what you told me. Thanks again for your time

Jo Belmont

Okay, let's not give up though. Can you find a model number anywhere on it? There's usually a small metal plate somewhere inconspicuous; might even be on the bottom. If so, let us know and we'll bird dog it some more.

nell moon

Don't feel bad. I quit working for mental health years ago and the first thing I did was teach myself how to quilt. I had one pattern and I went to a fabric store and bought 10 yards of three kinds of fabric, thinking surely that would be enough. I believe that was 30 something years ago, maybe closer to 40 now. Today I am a pretty good quilter because I am pretty much a perfectionest (I wouldn't recommend being one). My feed dog control is beside my bobbin case. I have an old pfaff machine and a new something or the other machine. I forget. Everytime I take the Pfaff off my table she cries. ha ha. Enjoy quilting, every part of it. It is your quilt, do it your way. One of these day you will look at the one in your hand that you are working on and say "Goodness Gracious, I do believe this quilt doesn't have any boo boos"! You want believe it at first! ENJOY!

Annya

I was wondering if one of our members have a manual--could you scan the pages into the computer and send them to Poodles, She can print them out. It may take a few emails but then she will have a copy for free instead of paying such a price for new one. Just put the pages into a folder so then she can refer to it any time she wants. the other idea is get Poodles address and post the copies directly to her.

Jo Belmont

I would be happy to do that, but I need to know the model number.

Poodles

Its a Singer Fashion Mate model 239. Hope you can help. I don't know how old this machine is but looks good. Also have two other singers and one New Home without manuals.

bigsister63

check the singer web site to see if they have the manual there. Maybe you can call their customer service and they can help. My singer that was about 10 yrs old could not drop the feed dogs but there was a thin plate that could go over the dogs to keep them from moving the material. Maybe you have the plate or can buy it at a store. Try a Joann's that does not have a Viking sewing center. They will carry accessories for Singers that are cheaper than the Viking Center.