In what direction should the hand wheel on a sewing machine be turned?

Turning the hand wheel on a sewing machine towards you is the recommended practice for several important reasons. First, this motion allows the machine to advance the needle down into the fabric, which is crucial for stitching. When the needle goes down, it engages the fabric properly and prepares to come back up, ensuring that the stitches are formed accurately.

Additionally, turning the wheel towards you aligns with the design of most sewing machines, which are engineered to operate smoothly in this direction. This also allows the user to maintain better control over the needle's position and avoid accidental movements that can occur if the wheel is turned away.

It's vital to understand that using the correct direction enhances not only the functionality of the sewing machine but also the safety of the user, as an improper turn could potentially lead to accidents or damage to the fabric or the machine itself.