How To Adjust Feed Dogs On A Sewing Machine in 8 Simple Steps
The feed dogs on a sewing machine are one of the most important parts that directly affect the stitch quality and ease of fabric feeding. Properly adjusted feed dogs ensure smooth and even fabric movement under the presser foot as it is guided towards the needle.
If your sewing machine is showing signs like uneven stitching, puckered seams or difficulty feeding fabric, it likely needs feed dog adjustments.
This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about adjusting the feed dogs on your sewing machine for optimal performance.
What Are Feed Dogs and Their Role in Sewing Machines?
The feed dogs are the small metal teeth located under the needle plate of sewing machines. They are designed to grip onto the fabric and move it through the machine in sync with the needle and bobbin to create stitches.
As the sewing machine operates, the feed dogs raise and lower with the needle through slots in the needle plate. On the upward motion, the feed dog teeth grip the underside of the fabric and move it along a precise distance. This feeds the fabric towards the needle so a stitch can be formed in the next cycle.
Key functions of feed dogs:
- Feeding the fabric evenly through the machine under the presser foot
- Ensuring stitches are uniform in length and spacing
- Preventing fabric from slipping or puckering as it is sewn
Without feed dogs, the fabric would not move at the correct pace and your seams would be uneven, too loose or too tight. The feed dogs essentially control the stitch length and integrity of the seam.
Figure 1 – Diagram of how feed dogs grip and feed the fabric
When Do You Need Feed Dog Adjustments?
In most cases, the feed dogs are pre-set on sewing machines to handle a variety of lightweight to midweight fabrics. However, there are several instances when the feed dogs may need adjustments:
1. Fabric Puckering or Bunching
If you notice your fabric is gathering or forming puckers along seams, the feed dogs could be set too high. When the teeth extend too far above the needle plate, it causes them to grip and feed the fabric faster than the stitch length can handle. This results in gathered and distorted seams.
2. Loose, Uneven Stitches
Loose, inconsistent stitches can indicate the feed dogs are too low. When the teeth don’t extend far enough above the plate, they fail to grip the fabric well enough. This allows the fabric to slip resulting in uneven stitch length.
3. Heavy or Difficult Fabrics
The pre-set feed dog position may not work well with thick fabrics like denim, vinyl, canvas etc. These materials require more grip and control as they go under the presser foot. Switching to a set of heavy duty feed dogs can help.
4. Lightweight Delicate Fabrics
Delicate, sheer and loosely woven fabrics are easily distorted. The standard feed dog teeth could be too coarse. Replacing them with a fine needle plate and lighter teeth prevents damage.
5. Sewing Specific Techniques
Some sewing techniques like free motion quilting or darning require the feed dogs to be lowered completely so you can manually control the fabric movement.
Adjusting the feed dog position and type can fix these common issues when sewing a variety of fabrics.
Adjusting Feed Dog Height on a Sewing Machine
The most basic feed dog adjustment is changing their height relative to the needle plate. Here are the steps to adjust height on most domestic sewing machines:
Step 1: Remove the Needle Plate
Turn off and unplug the sewing machine. Remove the presser foot and unscrew the needle plate to expose the feed dogs underneath.
Figure 2 – Removing needle plate to access feed dogs
Step 2: Locate the Feed Dog Height Adjustment Screw or Dial
Refer to your sewing machine manual to identify the feed dog adjustment. It is usually located towards the back or on the side. Many machines have a small screw that can be turned with a screwdriver. Some models may have a numerical dial instead.
Figure 3 – Feed dog height adjustment screw
Step 3: Change the Height Setting
Turn the adjusting screw or dial to increase or decrease the feed dog height. Going clockwise raises the teeth, counter-clockwise lowers them. Make small increments of 1/4 to 1/2 turns and test sew fabric between adjustments.
For a starting point, set the feed dog teeth so the valleys are flush with the needle plate at their highest position.
Step 4: Test Sew on Fabric
Replace the needle plate. Sew test strips of the same fabric together, making at least 10-15 stitches.
Evaluate the stitching quality. If there are still puckers, lower the feed dogs slightly. If stitches are uneven, raise the feed dogs.
Make changes of only 1/8 to 1/4 turns and retest on fabric between each adjustment.
Figure 4 – Sewing test fabric to check stitch quality
Step 5: Replace the Needle Plate Once Adjusted
When optimal stitching and feeding is achieved on test fabric at a specific feed dog height, secure the locking screw. Reattach covers and needle plate.
Fine tuning the height of feed dogs based on your fabric thickness and type is key to preventing issues with the seam quality.
Adjusting Feed Dog Angle or Position
Besides height, some sewing machines also allow adjusting the angle or horizontal position of the feed dogs. This helps center them properly under the presser foot and needle.
Follow your manual instructions to identify the feed dog position adjustments. Common ways to adjust angle or position include:
- Loosening a setscrew and moving a lever to tilt feed dogs forward or back.
- Sliding an entire feed dog assembly to move horizontally under the needle plate.
- Turning a knob to finely adjust lateral positioning.
Adjust angle and position with the feed dogs raised. Check that they align with the needle and do not rub against the edges of the needle plate slots.
Proper alignment prevents the dogs from impairing smooth feeding. It also reduces wear on the feed dog teeth.
Replacing Feed Dogs on a Sewing Machine
Some sewing machines allow changing out the feed dogs completely to switch between light duty and heavy duty sets.
Follow steps to remove the existing feed dogs and install replacements:
Step 1: Remove the Needle Plate
Unplug machine, remove needle plate and presser foot to access feed dogs. Clean any lint or debris around the feed dogs.
Step 2: Remove the Existing Feed Dogs
Figure 5 – Removing existing feed dogs from sewing machine
Use a small screwdriver to loosen the screws holding each feed dog in place. Lift them out carefully without losing any small springs/flat bars attached.
Step 3: Install New Feed Dogs
Figure 6 – Installing new set of feed dogs in sewing machine
Place the new feed dogs with attached bars/springs in the machine openings. Do not fully tighten screws yet.
Step 4: Check Alignment
Make sure feed dogs sit flat and centered under the presser foot and do not extend beyond the needle plate slots. Adjust position if needed before tightening.
Step 5: Replace the Needle Plate
With feed dogs aligned, tighten the securing screws fully. Replace needle plate and other covers before sewing.
Choose fine, smooth feed dogs for lightweight fabrics and coarser ones for heavy materials. Maintain both sets for versatility.
Feed Dog Maintenance and Care
Like other sewing machine parts, the feed dogs also require regular maintenance for optimal performance. Here are some key tips:
- Clean the feed dog teeth often using a brush or compressed air to remove lint, oil and fuzz buildup.
- Apply just 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil periodically on the feeding mechanism to prevent rust and ensure smooth movement.
- Inspect teeth regularly and replace immediately if any are damaged, bent or worn down. Damaged teeth cannot grip fabric properly.
- Be gentle and avoid knocking feed dogs while cleaning the bobbin case area around them.
Proper care will improve feed dog longevity and functionality.
Conclusion
Adjusting the feed dog settings on your sewing machine is crucial to fix common issues with uneven stitches, puckered seams and poor fabric handling.
Follow the steps outlined to properly adjust feed dog height, position and angle based on your fabric. Maintain the feed dogs well for longevity. Investing some time to optimize the feed dogs will lead to frustration-free sewing and high quality finished projects.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to perfectly adjust your sewing machine’s feed dogs in just a few simple steps before starting any project!
Recommended Sewing Machine Feed Dog Accessories
Here are some useful accessories related to adjusting and maintaining sewing machine feed dogs:
- Singer Adjustable Fabric Guide – helps keep fabric aligned and feeding straight
- Dritz Feed Dog Brush – cleaning lint and fuzz from feed dog teeth
- Neiko 01201A Screwdrivers – for adjustment screws
- Tear Mender Tip Taps – protects teeth from damage
- Mary Ellen’s Best Press Spray Starch – temporary adhesive to grip slippery fabrics
- June Tailor Quilting Bar – alternative to feed dogs for free motion work
Investing in quality sewing tools for adjusting feed dogs and keeping them in top condition will help any sewist avoid headaches and stitch perfectly.