To avoid breaking needles when making coil pots on the machine, try not to pull the work with the needle down. This can bend and weaken the needle causing it to break.

When you are sewing continuously there doesn’t seem to be a problem, it is at the start when you must take care.

After you have sewn the initial cross make sure that the centre spiral and the tail are making a nine.

Golden Rule 1: Always try and keep the tail straight.
Golden Rule 2: Always bring the centre spiral round to meet the tail.

Sew as shown below and remember: Steady as you go, just for the start.

First:

• Stitch the bit marked red in the diagram.
• Stop and lift the foot.
• Turn centre spiral to meet the tail.

Then:

• Stitch the bit marked blue in the diagram.
• Stop and lift the foot.
• Turn centre spiral to meet the tail.

Continue in this way, slowly, slowly and then gently start to turn as you sew (no need to stop).

Make sure the tail is kept straight and not wrapped around the centre.