Pull both top and bobbin threads back of the presser foot. Place a double thickness of cloth under the presser foot and make several inches of stitching. Inspect the stitch. Does it look the same on both sides? If not, have the tension adjusted until it does. Use 12 stitches to the inch for the type of sewing you will be doing. Have your leader show you how to adjust the length of the stitch. When you have finished sewing, raise the needle as far as it will go. Raise the presser foot and pull the fabric back about 4 inches from the needle. Cut the thread with your scissors or on the cutting knife on the side of the needle-bar. [Illustration: Sewing machine needle] Use a cloth gauge A cloth gauge placed to the right of the needle will aid you in making straight seams. Place a strip of colored scotch tape, band aid, or adhesive tape to the right of the needle if you do not have a gauge. Watch the edge of your cloth as it follows along the gauge rather than watching the needle when stitching. This will help you make a straighter seam. Your posture at the machine Posture is important. If you sit “tall,” you will be less tired and will do better work. Become a 4-H machinist There is a special activity planned to help you learn how to use the sewing machine. It is called “Know Your Sewing Machine.” Ask your leader and county home agent about this. Learning to use the machine is the most important part of this clothing project and it is a lot of fun. Bring your mother to club with you the day you study machines so she can enjoy it with you. When you have learned to use the machine and can pass your test for a 4-H sewing machinist, your leader will sign your certificate. You are now ready to start to sew. Have you learned to: [_] Start and stop the machine? [_] Run the machine smoothly? [_] Wind the bobbin and place it in its case or shuttle? [_] Thread the machine, top and bobbin, and pull up the bobbin thread? [_] Adjust the length of stitch? [_] Stitch on straight lines, corners, and curves? [_] Guide, not force, the fabric? [_] Tell a good stitch? Learn to press cotton Examine the iron—locate the different parts. Set the heat indicator of your iron for cotton. This will keep the iron at the correct temperature. Cotton may be ironed on either the right or the wrong side. If your fabric does not iron out smoothly or take a sharp crease, dampen it. Here is how to do it: Dampen a piece of cheesecloth and squeeze it tight. Do not make it wet. Place it over the cloth you want to press and set iron on it. Steam will form and dampen the cloth. Always iron or press with the grain of the cloth. Follow the warp or the filling threads. Do not iron on the bias. [Illustration: STRAIGHT and BIAS] Sew—have fun