Most sewers cannot do their job without a sewing machine. It is powerful equipment. Just imagine that you are sewing a Halloween costume for your kid or a king-sized quilt for your bed. It would take days to do by sewing it by hands. Using a sewing machine can minimize the time and effort. Sewing machines are convenient, efficient, and fast.
Sewing machines can be dangerous if you are not operating them without taking all of the proper precautions. Talking about the safety of using a sewing machine, it is much safer than skydiving or even just driving a car. The new sewing machines are electric and they have dangerous moving parts that can be a hazard for you.
What Are the Dangers of Sewing Machines?
There are dangers of using a sewing machine and to entertain our hobby. Every hazard needs a safety measure to avoid any kind of injury.
Needles Are Sharp
It would not be fun to get your fingers sewn. The fast-moving needles in the modern sewing machine are sharp and can easily go through your fingers making a hole. To avoid this risk, you can buy finger guards. You can buy it from the maker of the sewing machine. The finger guards will keep your fingers protected from the sharp needles.
Most people don’t prefer to use the finger guards while using the sewing machine. If you are a beginner then you can use them to avoid any kind of finger injuries.
Avoid Distractions
It is better to be away from the sewing machine when you are overly tired. The sewing machine is just like driving a car or operating another machine. If there are distractions, you may have an accident. Also, while using the sewing machine, try to avoid alcohol. Sewing requires a clear head and relaxed mind. Make sure that you are not under an influence of any kind of medications or alcohol.
Switch Off the Machine When Not in Use
Leaving a sewing machine idle is a hazard. On idle state when they are plugged into electricity, there are chances that it might get destroyed or damaged. If you have to keep it in an idle state and plugged into electricity, you can install a surge protector to your machine. It is a good safety check.
Also, the idling of the machine creates a humming sound. It attracts the attention of children and pets at home. As a result, they would touch it and might end up hurting themselves. It is better not to leave the sewing machine in an idle state. Instead, turn it off!
Be Cautious of Cords
If you are using the sewing machine in your room or a separate room, then you must be having the cords at the back of the machine. The cords should not be carelessly dropped on the floor. They can get in the way and might cause an accident. If not suitable, you can change the position of the sewing machine in the room to avoid accidents and injuries.
The best way to avoid any kind of injury is that you should tape the cords to the floor. In this way, they don’t get in your way and get tangled with your foot. Also, you can keep the cords at the back of your sewing machine.
If you are having pets in the house, then you should be looking for the cord after some time. Your pet could have ripped off the cord. It will cause an electric shock. If there are any bites on the cord, then change the whole cord instead of taping it.
Service Your Sewing Machine
Every machine needs service after some period. Even if it is your car, washing machine, sewing machine, or any other machine. Professional service ensures that your machine is working properly and on top of its efficiency. If there is any hidden malfunction or fault in your sewing machine, professional service makes sure that it is detected and fixed.
Unplug the Power Cord
It is recommended to remove the power cord of the sewing machine before opening it or fixing it. It is because, when the machine is connected to the electricity and you try to fix it, it will give you an electric shock.
Avoid Sewing Over Pins
All of the seamstresses across the globe express the fear of a broken needle flying into the eye. It is one of the phobias. Those who have experienced the broken needle consequences now wear eye protection such as spectacles and safety goggles. The broken needs are caused when you pull the fabric. There are some skipped stitches, a bent, and a broken needle.
The right way to keep the fabric straight is using your hands. It keeps the fabric flat and straight under the needle. The pull bends the needle and it will break at a certain point. Protect your eyes from broken needles by following the precautions and using high-quality needles.
Don’t Sew Through Tough Materials
The sewing machine you are having at your home is not a strong and high-performing machine. With this sewing machine, you can sew your torn clothes, sew a quilt cover, a dress for your child, etc. If you are thinking to sew tough or thick materials, then it will be a mistake. Sewing of thick material using a home sewing machine will damage the machine and might give you injuries.
For thick material sewing, you can have an industrial sewing machine. It will be expensive and costly to maintain. It might take up more space than a normal sewing machine.
Take Ergonomics into Consideration
A sewing table that is too high then your height will put stress on your back. When we try to focus or concentrate on something, we go inclined. By doing so, we affect the physical comfort which makes our back stiff. The best sitting position for working even for sewing is that elbows at a 90-degree angle and your feet on the floor.
Wear Shoes When Sewing
Mentioned all odds and dangers, wearing shoes will protect your feet against potential dangers. It includes electric shock and you might step on the sharp object of sewing. It could be pins or scissors. Ouch! There are chances that you might drop scissors or some heavy object on your feet. Wearing shoes will protect your feet from the direct impact of hazardous objects.
Getting Rid of Used Sewing Needles
If you are changing the old sewing needles with the new ones then it is preferred that you put the old needles in a sealable container or a prescribed bottle of needles. You can also use a soda can to keep the used sewing needles. It will help you to protect your children or pets from sharp needles.
If you put them in a bag, then there are chances that they might pierce through the bag and injure your children or pets.
Sewing Machine – Dangers of Sewing
Using a sewing machine is not only fun but also brings danger while operating it. The dangers of the sewing machine are inevitable. The potential dangers can cause severe injuries. You don’t want to hurt your eye, fingers, foot, etc. It is necessary to take all precautions before exercising anything related to the sewing machine. Make sure that you and your loved ones are safe from the sewing machine hazards.