Parts of Sewing Machine: Must-learn

Are you a beginner in sewing who has a plan of taking sewing seriously and building career around it? In that case, you must be well up of not only types of sewing but also the parts of sewing machine.

Because if you don’t know where the brain is and how it does work, how can you operate a surgery on it? Can any doctor make it possible?

However, today, we’re here to introduce you to the parts of a sewing machine and their working process. You mustn’t miss this elementary level of learning to understand your machine properly and operate it like a boss.

Very Basic Parts of sewing machine

To make you understand of the machine parts, we have adopted a modern sewing machine as a specimen. So, some of the parts may not be available in your machine if it’s obsolete.

Moreover, the positioning of the following parts may vary from that of your machine. In this case, you must scan your user manual to explore the parts’ positioning.

Don’t Forget to Read: How to Draw Sewing Patterns

Spool pin

Spool pin holds the thread spool from where you get upper thread supply while sewing. The pin usually stands on the top right of the machine. In your machine, it might be vertical or horizontal. This doesn’t make much difference.

Bobbin winder spindle

Look at around the spool pin, there you will get this bobbin winder spindle. The spindle holds the bobbin while winding is on.

Bobbin winder stopper

You don’t have to be concerned for stopping the winding. Because machines now-a-days feature winding stopper. This stops winding automatically when the bobbin is full.

Stitch length and width dial

On the front of the machine, you must see two dials – length and width. Length dial helps you control the stitch length while the width one controls the stitch width on the fabric. These two dials help you significantly to customize your creation as per the demand.

Stitch chart

Modern sewing machines come with larger scope of sewing for you. Using the machine, you can produce stitch not only of top quality but also in large numbers. You might not be familiar to all of the stitches that the machine offers.

This is why almost all the machines contains a stitch chart on its front. Scanning through the chart you can decide which stitch is going to be suitable for your current project.

LCD screen and push buttons

Just like the chart, you will have these two on the front of your machine. The buttons must be just below the screen. Using the two together, you can select your preferred stitch. By using these two, you can even change the settings of the machine.

However, if you’re a mere learner, at first, you must learn the operation of the buttons and screen from machine-manual.

Stitch dial

There are still many modern sewing machines that feature stitch dial instead of screen and push buttons. The function of this dial is similar to the two – screen and buttons. But, its use is far easy. Simply turn it right or left to select your stitch and lock it.

Automatic needle threader

Most of the modern sewing machines come with this advantageous feature. It doesn’t require you to undergo the time-killing and stress-creating manual threading process. Instead, you just need to touch a lever to get the machine threaded automatically. Most interestingly, the overall process takes only a few moments.

Reverse stitching lever

A reverse stitching lever is not less than a great blessing to increase the stability of your creations. Giving top priority upon stability, many of the modern sewing machines comprise this addition. The addition allows you to sew backward just after the completion of the original sewing.

To use the feature, you just need to touch the lever made specified.

Needle

A needle is the part of a machine that takes a direct part in the creation of the stitches. It features a tiny hole on the top of it. You are to insert the thread end via it if there is no automatic needle threader.

Hand wheel

The era of hand wheel hasn’t yet ended. Probably, there hasn’t been any better substitution for it. However, you will have it in you machine just on the opposite side of the needle. You can rotate it either clockwise or counter clockwise to raise and lower the needle.

Thread guides

Before you touch the automatic needle threader lever or pass the thread end via the needle hole, the thread must come via these guides. These, you will get on the front of the machine as marked or labelled.

Presser foot

A presser foot is a vital part to keep your sewing material stable. It remains just behind the needle and comes in many types. There are normally these presser feet: all-purpose, zipper, buttonhole and button sewing.

You must decide accurately which foot you need and use that with your sewing.

Feed dog

Just below the needle there is a part named needle plate. On that plate, you will see a notched surface that moves when you start sewing. This notched moving part is the feed dog of your machine. It basically pulls the sewing material forward.

Free arm

It’s a true fact that very few sewing machines feature this mind-blowing addition. It is always found around the needle plate area. The feature lets you reach the seemingly unreachable or tough-to-reach sewing areas. For example, with it, you can sew cuffs and collars with more professionalism and elegance.

LED

If you are lucky enough then your machine may come with LED light. The light illuminates the sewing area. This is why you can continue sewing even when it’s a dim environment. This is both a healthy and time-saving addition.

Final words

So, these were the parts of sewing machine about which you must have a sound knowledge. Although there are many more parts yet you will always be in a direct touch to our listed and discussed ones.