What is free arm on a sewing machine A free arm on a sewing machine is a feature that allows you to sew small, tubular, or circular items easily by providing a smaller and removable area to work on.
Identify Free Arm On Sewing Machine
To identify if a sewing machine has a free arm, follow these steps:
- Look at the sewing machine bed, the flat surface that supports the fabric. A free-arm machine will have a removable extension that exposes a narrow cylindrical shape beneath it.
- Check for a lever or button on the machine that allows you to detach the extension or cover the free arm.
- The free arm is usually located at the front of the machine, and it is typically smaller in diameter than the sewing machine bed, making it easier to sew cylindrical items like cuffs, sleeves, and pant legs.
- Look for a diagram in the sewing machine manual or a picture online to help identify the location and shape of the free arm on your specific machine.
Once you have identified the free arm on your sewing machine, you can use it for a variety of projects that require sewing in tight spaces.
Types Of Free Arm On Sewing Machine
There are two main types of free arm on sewing machines: horizontal and vertical.
- A Horizontal Free Arm Sewing Machine features a free arm that is located at the rear and extends in a horizontal direction. It is ideal for sewing items such as cuffs, sleeves, and the legs of trousers. Such machines are often used for clothing and similar projects.
- The Vertical Free Arm Sewing Machine has an arm on the side of the device which juts out vertically, providing an excellent area to work with on hems, collars, and pockets. This type of free-arm machine is most commonly seen with quilting, embroidery, and related applications.
Benefits Of Using Sewing Machine Free Arm
There are several benefits to using the free arm on a sewing machine, including:
- With the free arm, you can sew things like cuffs, collars, and sleeves without struggling.
- Having a smaller free arm allows you to observe and direct your sewing with greater precision, especially when completing fine details.
- The free arm enables you to sew more efficiently by making it easier to maneuver your fabric and work on different parts of your project without having to constantly adjust the fabric or machine.
- With a free arm, you can sew a wider variety of projects, including clothing, accessories, and home decor items like curtains and pillowcases.
- Sewing with a free arm on a machine provides great results, especially for intricate items that need detailed stitches.
- An advantageous and simple-to-operate free arm makes completing sewing tasks both speedy and hassle-free, making it an attractive option for sewists of all experience levels.
Tips for using the free arm
Here are some tips for using the free arm on a sewing machine.
- When using the free arm, you may need to adjust the machine settings, such as the stitch length, width, and tension, depending on the type of fabric and project you are working on.
- Make sure to use the right presser foot for the type of fabric and project you’re working on.
- Use the free arm to sew tubular or small items like cuffs, collars, and sleeves. be careful not to pull or stretch the fabric too much, as this can cause uneven stitches or puckering.
- If you are new to using the free arm, practice on scrap fabric first to get a feel for how it works and to make any necessary adjustments to your machine settings.
- Remember to always follow the safety instructions in your sewing machine manual when using the free arm or any other part of the machine.
- Before using the free arm, you need to remove the extension table or accessory tray that covers it.
By following these tips, you can create professional-looking results in your sewing projects.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the free arm is a valuable and versatile feature on a sewing machine that can help you achieve professional-looking results, work more efficiently, and expand your sewing capabilities. Whether you’re working on clothing, accessories, or home decor items, the free arm can make it easier to access.