1. Don't use dull or bent needles, they can't be sharpened or straightened, throw them away.

2. Never sew without fabric under the foot.

3. Never try to sew with the tension set at 0.

4. Don't sew with the bobbin-winder engaged. Tighten the clutch after winding the bobbin.

5. Avoid pushing or pulling the fabric, just guide it lightly but firmly.

6. Don't pull the fabric out of the machine. Only remove the fabric by turning the hand-wheel toward you to raise the needle to its highest position. Doing this will also release the "third" thread you sometimes get when ending a seam.

7. It is best not to sew over pins, however, if you just must, put them in horizontal to the seamline with the heads sticking out to the right for easy removal.