_The balance wheel_—This is the wheel on the right-hand side of the machine. When you can recognize these parts and know their use, you are ready to learn to run the machine. Check these points before you start to use the machine: 1. Remove the bobbin and top thread. 2. Have the needle up as far as it will go. 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. [Illustration: Sewing.] 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: Place the end of a line under the needle. Lower the presser foot. This holds the paper securely and helps feed it through the machine. Start the machine by turning the balance wheel. Treadle slowly or press on the foot or knee release of the electric machine. Guide the paper with both hands. Place the left hand in back of the needle and the right in front of the needle. Keep your hands at a safe distance from the needle when stitching. When you can stitch straight and control the speed of the machine, you are ready to learn to thread the machine and start sewing an easy-to-make article. Thread the machine You can best learn to thread the machine by having your leader show you how to thread it. Then practice while she watches you. Watch closely when she draws the bobbin thread to the top and see how she pulls both threads back of the presser foot. Learn about the tension. The tension determines whether or not you have a good stitch. Until you are older, have your leader or mother adjust the tension for you. Watch her while she does it. Check the stitch