3. Raise the presser foot.
How to start the machine
You are now ready to get the “feel” of running the sewing machine. You will first practice starting the machine off slowly and evenly.
If you use an electric machine, you must learn how much pressure to put on the knee or foot control. Remember there is a lot of power in an electric machine.
If you use a treadle machine, put both feet on the treadle, one ahead of the other. With your right hand, move the balance wheel forward or back, whichever is right for your kind of machine. Take your hand off the balance wheel and treadle with your feet, pressing first with your toes and then with your heels. Practice treadling until you can run it smoothly at a moderate speed.
How to stop the machine
Try stopping the machine by slowing down the treadling or releasing the pressure on the electric control. With your right hand, stop the balance wheel. Turn the wheel slowly until the needle is raised as high as it will go. Always do this when you stop the machine. Practice starting and stopping. You will do this many times while you are sewing. Try stitching both forward and backward if there is a reverse lever on your machine.
Practice sewing on paper
Now that you can run the machine, practice sewing by first stitching on paper. Draw some straight and curved lines on paper as a guide to follow as you stitch. Here is how to do it: