How to Slow Down the Speed of Sewing Machine: Learn it!

Adjusting the foot pedal and adjusting the tension are the most common ways of slowing down the speed of your sewing machine. If your sewing machine has a speed controller, you can adjust it to make the speed slow. Moreover, for industrial sewing machines, you can install a speed reducer to do the job. 

Only knowing the methods in short won’t help you much. This article incorporates the whole process of each method. So keep on reading!  

Understanding Sewing Machine Speed

Before we dive into how to slow down your sewing machine, it’s important to understand how sewing machine speed works.

The motor and the foot pedal determine the speed of a sewing machine. The motor is responsible for powering the machine, while the foot pedal controls the speed at which the fabric moves through the machine.

Reasons for Slowing Down Your Sewing Machine

You might want to slow down the speed of your sewing machine. For example:

• You might be a beginner who needs more time to get used to the machine
• You might be working with delicate fabrics that require slower stitching
• You might want to create intricate designs that require more precision.
• You might be experiencing difficulty controlling the speed of your machine.

Whatever your reason for wanting to slow down your sewing machine, there are several methods that you can use to achieve this.

How To Slow Down The Speed Of Sewing Machine

Now that you comprehend the reasons for slowing down your sewing machine, let’s explore how to achieve it.

Method 1: Adjust the Foot Pedal

The foot pedal is the mechanism that controls the speed of the sewing machine. By adjusting the foot pedal, you can control the speed at which the machine operates. And it’s the very first step to slow down the speed of the sewing machine. 

First, turn the dial or screw. Some machines have a dial or screw on the foot pedal that alters the pressure required to activate it. This is how you can control the machine’s speed.

If you have a basic machine without a speed regulator, you can slow down by gently pressing on the foot pedal. That basically reduces the pressure for a slower speed.

Moreover, in certain machines, the foot pedal has a lever. So you can press the left side which will slow down the machine. 

Method 2: Adjust the Tension

The next step is to adjust the tension. If the tension is too tight, it can cause the machine to sew faster than desired. In such cases, loosening the tension can help slow down the machine.

To do this, locate the tension dial/knob on the top of the machine near the thread spool and adjust it to a lower number or symbol. Remember to test on scrap fabric to ensure the tension is correct for your project. 

However, only adjust the tension if stitches are not coming out correctly. if the stitches are fine but the machine is still too fast, adjusting the foot pedal is the better option.

Method  3: Adjust the Sewing Machine’s Speed Controller

Slowing down the speed of a sewing machine can be achieved by adjusting the speed controller. 

To do this, locate the speed controller on the front panel, which may be a slider or a dial, and move it to a lower setting. This will decrease the machine’s speed. After that you should test on scrap fabric will help ensure the right speed for your project.

However, not all machines have a speed controller; industrial sewing machines often use a servo-drive motor for speed control. If your machine lacks a speed controller, adjusting the foot pedal is the best alternative.

Method 4: Install a Speed Reducer

To slow down the speed of an industrial sewing machine, installing a speed reducer is an effective method. A speed reducer not only decreases the motor’s speed but also enables more precise and controlled sewing. 

To do this, first, purchase a suitable speed reducer from an industrial sewing machine parts manufacturer or supplier. As the installation requires mechanical expertise, it’s best to have a professional technician install the speed reducer. 

However, instructional videos are available online to guide you through the process if you wish to attempt it. Ensure compatibility with your sewing machine before purchasing the speed reducer by checking with the manufacturer or supplier.

Method 5: Practice

Finally, engaging in regular sewing practice can indirectly aid in slowing down the sewing machine’s speed.

As you practice, you can gain better control over the foot pedal. You can adjust your sewing technique by becoming familiar with the pedal’s sensitivity and your foot pressure to sew at a slower pace.

Practicing sewing techniques, such as smooth and even fabric guiding, can help you maintain a slower and more controlled speed. Moreover, with increased experience and confidence in your sewing skills, you may naturally slow down your sewing speed. 

Safety Precautions while Slowing Down the Speed of Sewing Machine

When adjusting the speed of your sewing machine, it’s important to take certain safety precautions to ensure that you don’t injure yourself or damage the machine.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Always turn off the machine before adjusting the foot pedal, tension, or speed control settings.

2. Keep your hands and fingers away from the machine’s needle and other moving parts while operating.

3. Ensure the needle is properly inserted and tightened before starting the machine. A loose needle can break or cause other damage to the machine.

4. Avoid sewing over pins or other objects, as they can damage the machine or cause the needle to break.

5. If you’re working with heavy fabrics or multiple layers, take your time and sew slowly to avoid jamming the machine or breaking the needle.

By following these safety precautions, you can slow down the speed of your sewing machine without putting yourself or the machine at risk.

Have the Right Machine for the Job

Before you begin sewing, make sure you have the right machine for the job. A heavy-duty machine is not always necessary for a simple project that doesn’t require many stitches or layers of fabric.

A lightweight machine will move more quickly than a heavyweight model, allowing you to sew faster and with less effort.

If your needle is dull or bent, it won’t pierce through materials as easily as a brand-new one would. If your thread snaps frequently while stitching, try changing brands or thicknesses until you find one that works better for your project.

Also, check out how much tension there is on your bobbin; if it’s too tight or loose, it could cause problems like skipped stitches and broken threads (or even damage).

Lastly: make sure that any attachments being used are compatible with the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) specifications for safety reasons—not just because they might speed up production time!

Slow Down Your Sewing Speed Intentionally

You can slow down your sewing speed intentionally by using a slower needle, changing over to a heavier-weight thread, or even picking a larger stitch length.

This will give you more control over the fabric and allow you to sew more accurately and precisely.

These techniques can be helpful when:

• You’re sewing with delicate fabrics like silk, chiffon, and lace. These fabrics are easily damaged by an accidental snag so taking it easy is important! If there’s any chance of this happening, slow down!
• You’re trying out new techniques on difficult seams like flat-felled seams (where one seam is sewn inside another). The slow speed will help ensure that everything goes well as it can be easier to make mistakes at faster speeds! It’s also worth noting that if this seam has bulk such as interfacing or lining then it may not work well at high speeds either so take note of what’s going on around those areas too before rushing ahead without thinking first.”

Check Your Thread And Needle Size.

• Thread size. Needle size is determined by thread size, so it’s a good idea to check your thread first. If you’re using a thicker or thinner thread than recommended, the needle won’t be able to penetrate through properly and will just “catch” on the fabric instead of cutting through smoothly.
• Needle type. Make sure you don’t have an incorrect needle for your machine—especially if it’s an old one! The sewing machine needle types are often very specific as well: for example, there are different kinds of needles for woven fabrics versus knits or denim versus silk.

You may want to slow down your sewing machine so you can sew more accurately, or speed it up to lessen the amount of time spent on a project.

If you’re a beginner, you may want to slow down your sewing machine so that you can sew more accurately. If you have experience with sewing machines, however, it might be easier for you to speed up the process and get through projects faster.

Most sewing machines have a dial on top of them that allows users to adjust their speeds between 0 and 10. 

This can be helpful if you’re working on projects where speed is important or if there are multiple pieces that need to be completed in one sitting. You may also want to check out how-to videos online for further advice on speeding up or slowing down your own machine!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How Do I Turn Down The Speed on My Singer Sewing Machine?

Singer sewing machines have a speed controller that allows speed adjustment. Slide the sewing speed controller to the left to slow down the machine or to the right to increase the speed.

How Do I Control The Speed of My Brother Sewing Machine?

Brother sewing machines feature a speed controller for adjusting the machine’s speed. However, its location may vary depending on the model. To adjust the speed, turn the sewing speed controller to the left to slow down the machine or to the right to increase it.

What’s The Average Speed of a Home Sewing Machine?

The majority of home sewing machines have a sewing speed ranging from 650 to 1000 stitches per minute. It is important to take this limit into consideration if the speed exceeds it.

Is Hand Sewing Slower Than Machine Sewing?

Yes, compared to machine sewing, hand sewing is generally slower. However, hand stitching offers the advantage of being highly portable. That makes it a suitable choice for travelers or those without access to a sewing machine.

Conclusion 

Now, you know how to slow down the speed of the sewing machine. 

Slowing down your sewing machine enhances sewing ease and comfort. By adjusting the foot pedal, and tension, or using the speed control, you can find your ideal speed. Also, practice makes a man perfect, so, with practice, you’ll master sewing at your own pace like a pro.