{"id":25607,"date":"2021-07-24T19:36:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-24T23:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/?p=25607"},"modified":"2021-07-24T17:29:44","modified_gmt":"2021-07-24T21:29:44","slug":"safety-tips-sewing-machines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/safety-tips-sewing-machines\/","title":{"rendered":"Safety Tips for Sewing Machines: How to Sew Safe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"735\" height=\"1102\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/2-3.jpg\" alt=\"sewing machine safety\" class=\"wp-image-27658 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/2-3.jpg 735w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/2-3-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/2-3-434x650.jpg 434w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/2-3-100x150.jpg 100w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 735px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 735\/1102;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"735\" height=\"1102\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/2-3.jpg\" alt=\"sewing machine safety\" class=\"wp-image-27658\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/2-3.jpg 735w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/2-3-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/2-3-434x650.jpg 434w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/2-3-100x150.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In terms of safety, sewing is certainly\u00a0a lot safer than skydiving, bullfighting, or even just\u00a0driving a car. \u00a0That being said, sewing does still present some genuine dangers so sewing machine safety is critical. \u00a0Today's <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/maintaining-your-sewing-machine\/\" target=\"_blank\">sewing machines<\/a> are run by electricity and have dangerous moving parts like sharp needles; this means there are bound to be some safety concerns. \u00a0Here are some helpful safety tips to follow in order to stay safe whilst enjoying the hobby we all love so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Needles are sharp. &nbsp;Keep fingers away:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting your fingers sewn isn\u2019t a fun experience. One way of avoiding this risk is to buy finger guards from the maker of your machine. Such guards will keep your fingers protected from the needle but frankly, most people chose not to wear them. &nbsp;However, since more the 60% of sewing-related injuries which required treatment in hospital resulted from machine needles, it's important to keep your fingers safely away from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Avoid distractions:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"234\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_455255650-500x234.jpg\" alt=\"sewing machine safety\" class=\"wp-image-45776 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_455255650-500x234.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_455255650-300x140.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_455255650-768x359.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_455255650-150x70.jpg 150w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_455255650.jpg 1000w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/234;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"234\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_455255650-500x234.jpg\" alt=\"sewing machine safety\" class=\"wp-image-45776\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_455255650-500x234.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_455255650-300x140.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_455255650-768x359.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_455255650-150x70.jpg 150w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_455255650.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are feeling overly tired it's best you stay away from your sewing machine and, much like operating a car or other machinery, it's best to avoid alcohol as well. &nbsp;You are better off sewing when you're relaxed, clear-headed and under no influence of alcohol or other medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Switch off&nbsp;your machine when you're away for more than a minute:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When sewing machines are left to idle, they always generate heat and this can result in them being damaged or destroyed when they remain plugged into electricity. A good safety check for this is to install a surge protector to your machine. Turning off your machine instead of idling also keeps the attention of children and household pets away, who may otherwise be drawn to the humming of an idling machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Be cautious of cords:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_745895794-500x334.jpg\" alt=\"sewing machine safety\" class=\"wp-image-45777 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_745895794-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_745895794-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_745895794-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_745895794-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_745895794.jpg 1000w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/334;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_745895794-500x334.jpg\" alt=\"sewing machine safety\" class=\"wp-image-45777\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_745895794-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_745895794-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_745895794-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_745895794-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_745895794.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The best place for cords to be is at the back of the machine and not carelessly dropped on the floor where they can get in the way and possibly lead to an accident. However, should the need to place them on the floor arise for some or other reason, it's always best to secure them&nbsp;down with tapes. Better still, change your location so that it's not necessary. If there are pets at home, it's important to monitor your machine\u2019s cord. If there is any form of damage to the cord, change the cord entirely instead of using tape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Service your machine at least once every&nbsp;two years:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular, professional service ensures that your machine is in top form and that every hidden or potential risk is exposed before it takes you by surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unplug the power cord before you open your sewing machine:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you wish to change your <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Incandescent_light_bulb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">light bulb<\/a>, for instance, it's advisable that you unplug the cord of your machine in order to ensure your safety, as with all electrical appliances, there is always the danger of shock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Avoid sewing over&nbsp;pins:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you end up doing this, you make break your needle, your pins will get bent and you will most likely botch your work. &nbsp;For more on the dangers of broken needles, please check out our post: &nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/broken-needle-best-practice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Broken Needle: best practices to prevent it happening to you<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/broken-needle-best-practice\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"434\" height=\"650\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/broken_needle-434x650.jpg\" alt=\"broken needle\" class=\"wp-image-23392 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/broken_needle-434x650.jpg 434w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/broken_needle-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/broken_needle-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/broken_needle.jpg 735w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 434px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 434\/650;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"434\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/broken_needle-434x650.jpg\" alt=\"broken needle\" class=\"wp-image-23392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/broken_needle-434x650.jpg 434w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/broken_needle-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/broken_needle-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/broken_needle.jpg 735w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don\u2019t make your machine sew through thick or tough materials:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Doing so can lead to damage to your machine or inflict injury on you. If you must sew through tough materials, you may\u00a0need an industrial machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take ergonomics into consideration when setting up your sewing table:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"335\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_1081248083-500x335.jpg\" alt=\"sewing machine safety\" class=\"wp-image-45775 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_1081248083-500x335.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_1081248083-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_1081248083-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_1081248083-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_1081248083.jpg 1000w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/335;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"335\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_1081248083-500x335.jpg\" alt=\"sewing machine safety\" class=\"wp-image-45775\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_1081248083-500x335.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_1081248083-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_1081248083-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_1081248083-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_1081248083.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A sewing table that is too high will put stress on your back. Plus, when we concentrate we might be inclined to disregard our physical discomfort, leaving us stiff and sore at the end of it. The best sitting position is with your elbows bent at a 90-degree angle and your feet flat on the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ensure that you wear shoes when sewing:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As odd as this may appear, wearing shoes will protect your feet against a variety of potential dangers including possible electric shock and stepping on one of the many sharp objects associated with sewing, such as pins and scissors. &nbsp;You could also accidentally drop scissors or other heavy&nbsp;objects on your feet. &nbsp;Ouch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exercise caution when getting rid of used sewing needles:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The best way of doing this is by putting the needles in a sealable container like a soda can&nbsp;or a prescription bottle. This will stop them from piercing the bag and posing a risk to people (and children) in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">There has to be sufficient lighting in your workstation:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This helps reduce the strain on your eyes, high concentration in dim light can lead to headaches,\u00a0migraines,\u00a0and damage to your eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have pets, like cats, keep thread spools away from them:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_339109559-500x334.jpg\" alt=\"sewing machine safety\" class=\"wp-image-45774 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_339109559-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_339109559-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_339109559-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_339109559-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_339109559.jpg 1000w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/334;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_339109559-500x334.jpg\" alt=\"sewing machine safety\" class=\"wp-image-45774\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_339109559-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_339109559-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_339109559-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_339109559-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/shutterstock_339109559.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The reason for this is that cats love playing with spools and may end up swallowing them, leading to health complications that require expensive operations and cause all kinds of suffering for you and your beloved pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With all you've learned so far, ensuring the safety of yourself and your loved ones around your sewing machine shouldn't be a problem at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Happy sewing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n<h2>If You'd Like To Support Our Site<\/h2>\r\nIf you want to help us continue to bring you a wide selection of <a href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/free-sewing-patterns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">free sewing patterns<\/a> and projects, please consider buying us a coffee.\u00a0 We'd really, really appreciate it.\r\n\r\n<center><div class=\"ko-fi-button\" data-text=\"Buy me a coffee!\" data-color=\"#ff5f5f\" data-code=\"\" id=\"kofiShortcode902Html\" style=\"float: none; text-align: left;\"><\/div><\/center>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In terms of safety, sewing is certainly\u00a0a lot safer than skydiving, bullfighting, or even just\u00a0driving a car. \u00a0That being said, sewing does still present some genuine dangers so sewing machine safety is critical. \u00a0Today&#8217;s sewing machines are run by electricity and have dangerous moving parts like sharp needles; this means \u2026 <a class=\"continue-reading-link\" href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/safety-tips-sewing-machines\/\"> Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr; <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":309,"featured_media":27658,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","wds_primary_category":0},"categories":[15,4,163],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25607"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/309"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25607"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25607\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":70348,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25607\/revisions\/70348"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25607"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25607"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25607"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}