Like the Nike slogan says, “Just do it!” When I get a new machine, I don’t want to waste time reading the manual. I want to dive in and try all the new great features, but I usually find myself frustrated because I don’t know exactly how to make these new features work. This is when pulling the manual out comes in handy.
Enjoying the Manual
I like sitting with the manual and my machine so I can try all the features as I’m reading about them. Those who have been sewing for years should still read the manual because every machine is different, and new features are always added.
Comparing Manuals
There is always a difference in manuals. For example, I have the Pfaff Creative 1.5 machine and the Husqvarna Viking Topaz 50 machine. Both machines are similar, in that they have approximately the same number of stitches and they both have embroidery capabilities, but their manuals are quite different. The Topaz 50 manual has approximately one-third more pages, and the information is much more detailed than the Creative 1.5 manual.
Another great comparison is the BabyLock Presto II and the Brother PS300T. Both machines offer 100 different stitches, each comes with seven different feet, and similar other accessories. Again, there is a notable difference in their user manuals. The BabyLock manual is 114 pages with great illustrations for the visual learner. The brother manual is 69 pages. Yes, it has illustrations, but I don’t think they compare to the illustrations in the BabyLock manual.
If you haven’t purchased a machine yet, you should go to the website of a few different machines that you are interested in and look at the machine manuals. You will know if it is a manual you will enjoy reading, or dread having to read.
At any rate, reading your machine manual is extremely important.
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