Parts of a sewing machine
Parts of a sewing machine. Sewing machines are like a mini version of an automobile but more than twice the parts.
That makes sense because sewing machines have to move many more times than your typical non-industrial car would.
Most people who are new to sewing and want to learn how to use a sewing machine can get confused with all the equipment in one place.
You might even ask yourself what each little doo-dad does when you look at all of those buttons, dials and needles with confusion on your face.
No worries! We’re going to clear up exactly what every bolt, button, and lever does so that your time spent learning is well spent. Some Important parts of a Sewing Machine are given below.
Parts of a sewing machine
People often times may think that sewing machine parts are complicated and confusing .
But really, the parts of any sewing machine aren’t all that difficult to understand because they each serve their personal purpose and function.
Here’s a list of seven different parts on a standard sewing machine and what they are each used for.
Presser Foot
A presser foot is a metal piece in your sewing machine that helps keep the fabric in place and stable as you work on it.
A lever can control them for added stability and help depending on what type of material you are attempting to sew.
Simple presser feet have nails at their base, but more complicated ones glide back and forth or adjust just like an arch as you sew them into place.
Depending on what you are working with, you can find different presser feet, like seams, zippers, or even delicate fabrics.
Foot Controller
A foot pedal is something that many people have seen before but still find it difficult to describe what it does when they’re sewing something.
It goes underneath the table where the sewing machine is located, and while using this part of the machine, you push down on it with your feet to control the stitching speed.
This will be hard at first because you will use your hands again to do another task such as threading the needle.
But once you get the hang of using both hands and feet, you will see a lot fewer stress-related incidents occurring when working with a sewing machine.
Feed Dogs
The feed dogs are a part of your sewing machine that feeds the fabric beneath the needle.
It acts as teeth made from rubber or metal to help control the length of stitches while you’re making them.
While you might be tempted to try slowing down or speeding up your fabric, it’s best to let the feed dogs do their job so that you won’t risk snapping your needle.
Throat Plate
The throat plate is just one of the many parts of an industrial sewing machine. It’s a large metal cover under the presser foot and needle, both of which sit on top of it.
You can remove this plate to access the bobbin. The throat plate tends to have markings on it, usually in inches or centimetres, that guide seam allowances as you sew.
Needle
A long and thin needle, much like the metal pole that holds the flag on a sailboat in place.
A surgical needle has a small tip for precise tissue threading, unlike an embroidery or sewing needle with larger eyeholes.
The thread is typically looped around these needles to enable easier sewing.
Bobbin
Bobbins are weightless spools with thread wounds around them.
They’re called bobbins because they were originally used by people in olden times, who would spin thread out from the centre of a bushel of yarn to make something like a huge ball of wool or thread.
The part of the end inside the machine is called the spool pin, and it distributes weight evenly across the bobbin so that it does not move when stitched.
Bobbin Winder
This is a small fitting on the upper right-hand corner of the sewing machine. You place an empty bobbin here with a thread wound around it, usually by the worker who has a knack for detail work.
The location itself is called a bobbin winder. This rotates right and left to guide the thread through the gears and give your project’s fabric a thick or thin look.
Bobbin Case
The bobbin case is a small container in which the bobbin is placed and wound.
This small metal container is precisely shaped and sized specifically for this purpose to not impede the functionality of the overall operation of the machine.
As with any tool, the exactness of this component’s operation is vital for ensuring success when it comes to tasks requiring threads like sewing.
Spool Holder
A spool pin is a small rod on the sewing machine’s bottom. Its function is to hold and regulate thread supply.
No matter what type of stitch you are stitching or the fabric you are working with, the spool pins will ensure that your thread supply won’t run out midway into a project.
Spool pins can be horizontal or vertical, so it’s important to determine which fits you better if you want a smooth and uninterrupted stitching process.
Tension Regulator
The tension mechanism in a sewing machine controls how tight the top thread within the stitches is. If it is too loose, the fabric will not pucker but instead, lose its shape when being sewn.
However, if the tension is too tight, the stitches may come undone and be seen as a bump or ridge.
To adjust both tension levels on a traditional mechanical or computerized sewing machine, use the dial to adjust each level to match one another.
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