Parts Of Sewing Machine In The Arm And Head

Often people get confused about the parts of a sewing machine, so here are some important elements for you to know. As you go about your daily business, you might notice that there is something about a sewing machine that seems familiar. It’s not a painting or a piece of furniture, but it is a sewing machine, and many of us have one in our homes. The good news is that you probably know a lot of the parts that make up your sewing machine and what they all do.

1. Bobbin case

A bobbin case is a small, cylindrical piece of a sewing machine that holds the bobbin in place. The bobbin is a small, spool-shaped piece of thread that is used in the sewing process. The bobbin case is typically located in the bottom or side of the sewing machine, and it is responsible for holding the bobbin in the correct position and ensuring that the thread is fed through the machine in the proper way. The bobbin case is a crucial part of the sewing machine, and it must be in good working condition in order for the machine to function properly.

2. Needle plate

A needle plate is a flat metal or plastic plate that is located on the bed of a sewing machine, beneath the needle. It has a small opening or slot that guides the needle as it moves up and down, and it also helps to keep the fabric in place as it is sewn. The needle plate serves as a guide for the needle and fabric, ensuring that the fabric is sewn in a straight line and that the needle doesn’t hit the metal parts of the machine. It also helps to protect the machine from damage caused by the needle hitting the metal parts. Some needle plates have designs or marking to help with the alignment of the fabric

3. Feed dog

A feed dog is a small, toothed mechanism located in the bed of a sewing machine, near the needle plate. It is responsible for moving the fabric through the machine as it is sewn. The feed dog typically has several small teeth that grip the fabric and move it forward as the machine sews. The teeth are usually triangular or V-shaped, and they help to ensure that the fabric is moved forward at a consistent rate, creating a smooth and even stitch. Some sewing machines have multiple feed dogs, which can help to move the fabric more efficiently.

4. Bobbin winder

A bobbin winder is a mechanism on a sewing machine that is used to wind thread onto a bobbin. It is typically located on the top or side of the machine, and it is used to create a bobbin that is filled with thread that can be used in the sewing process.

The bobbin winder typically consists of a spindle or a cone where the empty bobbin is placed, a tensioner that regulates the thread tension, and a mechanism that spins the bobbin.

It can be activated by a separate lever or button or it can be activated by engaging the winding function on the machine’s stitch selector. When activated, the bobbin winder spins the bobbin while the thread is fed from the spool, creating a full bobbin of thread. Once the bobbin is full, the winding process stops automatically, and the bobbin can be removed and placed in the bobbin case of the machine.

5. Foot pedal

A foot pedal is a device that controls the speed of a sewing machine. It is typically a small, rectangular pedal that is located on the floor and is operated by the user’s foot. The foot pedal is connected to the sewing machine’s motor, and when the pedal is pressed, it sends a signal to the motor to start or increase the machine’s speed. When the pedal is released, the signal is sent to slow down or stop the machine. The foot pedal can be used to control the speed of the machine while sewing, which allows the user to sew at a comfortable pace and adjust the speed as needed. This makes it easy to sew intricate or delicate fabrics that require a slower speed or to increase the speed when working on thicker fabrics. The foot pedal is an essential component of a sewing machine, as it allows the user to control the machine’s speed and make adjustments as needed.

6. Power cord

A power cord is an electrical cable that connects a sewing machine to a power source, typically a wall outlet. It supplies power to the sewing machine, allowing it to operate. The power cord typically has a plug on one end that is inserted into the wall outlet, and the other end is connected to the sewing machine. The cord can be a variety of lengths, depending on the user’s needs and the location of the sewing machine.

It’s important to check that the voltage of the sewing machine is the same as the one in your country and the plug on the power cord should match the power socket.

It is also important to ensure that the power cord is in good condition, with no frayed or damaged wires, to avoid any electrical hazards.

It’s also essential to unplug the machine before cleaning it or changing the needle, presser foot, or any other parts of the device.

7. Handwheel

A hand wheel, also known as a hand crank, is a small wheel located on the side or top of a sewing machine. It is used to manually raise and lower the needle of the machine. When the hand wheel is turned towards the user, it raises the needle, allowing the user to change the needle or thread the machine. When the hand wheel is turned away from the user, it lowers the needle, allowing the machine to start sewing.

The hand wheel is also used to manually move the fabric under the needle when the machine is in reverse. This is useful when sewing in tight spaces or when the user wants to sew in reverse for a few stitches for reinforcement.

It is an essential component of the sewing machine, as it allows the user to control the needle’s movement and make adjustments as needed. The hand wheel is usually made of plastic or metal and should be turned gently to avoid damage to the machine.

8. Thread tensioner

The thread tensioner is typically located near the thread spool, and it works by applying pressure to the thread as it is fed through the machine. This pressure helps to control the amount of slack in the thread, which affects the tightness of the stitches.

The tension of the thread should be adjusted depending on the type of fabric, thread, and type of stitch. If the tension is too tight, the thread will be pulled too tightly, and the stitches will be tight and puckered. If the tension is too loose, the thread will be loose, and the stitches will be loose and flimsy.

A thread tensioner is a critical part of a sewing machine, ensuring that the thread is pulled through the machine with the correct amount of tension so that the stitches are even and consistent. It is important to learn how to adjust the thread tensioners to achieve the best results while sewing.

9. Presser’s foot

It is located at the front of the machine, directly under the needle and it is typically clamped or snapped onto the machine’s shank.

The presser foot applies pressure to the fabric as it is sewn, holding it in place and preventing it from bunching or shifting. It also helps guide the fabric through the machine, ensuring that the stitches are straight and even. Different types of presser feet are available for different types of sewing tasks, like zigzags, invisible zippers, buttonholes, and more.

The most common presser foot is the universal presser foot, which is suitable for general sewing tasks. Other presser feet include the zipper foot, buttonhole foot, and blindstitch foot. Each presser foot has a different shape and design to accommodate the specific needs of the task.

it holds the fabric in place and prevents it from bunching or shifting, it also helps guide the fabric through the machine, ensuring that the stitches are straight and even. Changing the presser foot for different tasks will make the job easier and give better results.

10. Stitch selector

The stitch selector is usually located on the front or side of the machine and it can be used to select the desired stitch. Some machines have a digital screen or LED displays that show the available stitches, while others have a dial or lever that can be turned or moved to select the desired stitch.

The number and types of stitches that a machine can produce vary between models and brands, some machines have a limited number of stitches while others have more than a hundred. Some of the basic stitches include straight, zigzag, and stretch stitches, while more advanced machines may have more specialized stitches such as buttonholes, quilting, and embroidery stitches.

The stitch selector is an important feature of a sewing machine, it allows the user to choose the type of stitch they want to use, depending on the task and the fabric, it will make the sewing easier, and give better results.

11. Throat plate

A throat plate is a flat, metal plate that is located on the bed of a sewing machine, near the needle plate. It surrounds the needle and bobbin area and has a small opening or slot that guides the needle and fabric as they move through the machine. The throat plate serves as a guide for the needle and fabric, ensuring that the fabric is sewn in a straight line and that the needle doesn’t hit the metal parts of the machine. It also helps to protect the machine from damage caused by the needle hitting the metal parts.

The throat plate is typically removable, so it can be cleaned or changed as needed. The plate can have different designs or markings to help the user align the fabric or to indicate the maximum width of the zigzag stitch, for example.

It’s important to keep the throat plate clean of any lint or thread build-up, as this can cause the machine to jam or malfunction. It should be cleaned after each use, and it’s good practice to check it regularly. It also helps to protect the machine from damage.

12. Bobbin

A bobbin is a small, spool-shaped piece of thread that is used in the sewing process. It is typically made of plastic or metal, and it is used in conjunction with the sewing machine’s upper thread to create the stitches. The bobbin is placed in the bobbin case, typically located at the bottom or side of the machine, and the thread from the bobbin is pulled through the machine to create the stitches.

Bobbins come in different sizes, shapes, and materials depending on the type of sewing machine you are using. Some machines require specific bobbins, while others can use universal ones. The bobbin is usually filled with thread before it is placed in the bobbin case. The thread is wound around the bobbin by using the bobbin winder, a mechanism on the sewing machine.

It’s important to use the correct bobbin for your machine and to make sure that it is wound correctly and placed in the bobbin case correctly. A poorly wound or incorrectly placed bobbin can cause the thread to become tangled or jammed, resulting in uneven or broken stitches. it is used in conjunction with the sewing machine’s upper thread to create the stitches. It is placed in the bobbin case and it’s important to use the correct bobbin for your machine and make sure that it is wound and placed correctly.

13. Needle

A needle is a thin, pointed metal shaft that is used in a sewing machine to pass through the fabric and create the stitches. The needle is typically made of steel and it has an eye, the hole through which the thread is passed, at the top, and a sharp point at the bottom. The needle is inserted into the needle bar of the sewing machine and is held in place by a needle clamp.

Needles come in different sizes and styles, each designed for a specific type of fabric or task. The size of the needle is indicated by a number (e.g. size 9, size 14) and the style of the needle can be universal, denim, stretch, leather, embroidery, and more.

It is important to use the correct needle for the fabric and task you are working on. Using the wrong size or type of needle can cause damage to the fabric, uneven stitches, or even breakage of the needle, which can be dangerous.

Needles should be changed regularly, depending on the frequency of use and the type of fabric you are working on. A worn or damaged needle can cause skipped stitches, uneven stitching, and even damage to the fabric.

A needle is a critical component of a sewing machine, it is responsible for passing through the fabric and creating the stitches, it is important to use the correct needle for the fabric and task you are working on, to avoid damage to the fabric, uneven stitches or even breakage of the needle.

13. Spool pin

It is typically located on the top of the machine, near the thread tensioner. The spool of thread is placed on the spool pin, and the thread is unwound from the spool and fed through the machine to create the stitches.

Spool pins come in different sizes and styles depending on the type of sewing machine. Some machines have a single spool pin, while others have multiple spool pins, allowing the user to work with multiple threads at the same time.

The spool pin should be used with the proper size and type of thread spool, to avoid thread tangling or breaking. Some machines have a horizontal spool pin suitable for flat-bottom spools, while others have a vertical spool pin suitable for cone-shaped spools.

It is important to check that the spool pin is tightened and in good condition. A loose or damaged spool pin can cause the thread to become tangled or jammed, resulting in uneven or broken stitches.

The spool pin is an essential component of a sewing machine, it holds the spool of thread in place and allows the thread to be unwound and fed through the machine. It is important to use the proper size and type of thread spool and to keep it in good condition to avoid thread tangling or breaking.

14. Finger guard

A finger guard, also known as a needle guard, is a small, plastic or metal attachment on a sewing machine that is designed to protect the user’s fingers from the needle while sewing. It is typically located at the front of the machine, near the needle.

The finger guard is designed to keep the user’s fingers away from the needle while sewing, reducing the risk of injury. It is typically a removable piece that can be easily attached or detached depending on the task. Some machines have a built-in finger guard that is a part of the machine’s design.

The finger guard is an important safety feature of a sewing machine, it is designed to protect the user’s fingers from the needle while sewing, reducing the risk of injury. It is important to use the finger guard whenever you are using the machine and to check that it is securely attached before starting to sew.

It is also important to be aware of the location of the needle at all times when sewing and to avoid putting your fingers near the needle. It’s also good practice to unplug the machine before cleaning it or changing the needle or presser foot.

15. Lightbulb

A lightbulb is a small electric lamp that is used to illuminate the sewing area on a sewing machine. It is typically located near the needle plate and it helps the user to see the fabric and the needle while sewing. The lightbulb is usually powered by the machine’s electrical circuit and it can be controlled by a switch or button located on the machine or in the power cord.

Lightbulbs come in different types, the most common is incandescent, but LED and fluorescent bulbs are also used in some machines. LED bulbs are energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs.

It’s important to use the correct type and wattage of lightbulb for your machine, as specified in the manual. Using the wrong type of bulb can cause damage to the machine or even cause a fire hazard. it helps the user to see the fabric and the needle while sewing, it is important to use the correct type and wattage of the lightbulb and to change it regularly to ensure proper visibility while sewing.

16. Motor

A motor is an electrical device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, it powers the sewing machine’s mechanism, allowing it to operate. It is typically located inside the sewing machine and it is connected to the machine’s power supply by a power cord. The motor is responsible for driving the machine’s mechanism and controlling the speed of the machine.

Motors can be AC or DC, the most common type of motor used in sewing machines is AC, it can be controlled by a foot pedal, allowing the user to adjust the speed of the machine. Some machines have a built-in speed control feature that allows the user to set the speed of the machine.

The motor is one of the most important components of a sewing machine, as it provides the power to operate the machine. It is important to use the correct voltage of the motor and to check that the power cord is in good condition. A malfunctioning motor can cause the machine to stop working or even cause a fire hazard.

Regular maintenance of the motor is important to ensure the longevity of the machine, it should be cleaned and lubricated as specified in the manual. It is also important to unplug the machine before cleaning or performing any maintenance tasks.

16. Power switch

A power switch is an important safety feature of a sewing machine, it allows the user to turn off the machine quickly in case of emergency or when not in use. It is important to turn off the machine when not in use or when performing maintenance tasks such as cleaning or changing the needle or presser foot.

It’s also important to note that a power switch is not a substitute for unplugging the machine. Even when the switch is off, the machine can still hold a charge and can be dangerous if tampered with. It’s always good practice to unplug the machine when not in use or when performing maintenance tasks.

A power switch is an important component of a sewing machine, it controls the flow of electricity to the machine, allowing the user to turn off the machine quickly in case of emergency or when not in use. It is important to turn off the machine when not in use and to unplug it when performing maintenance tasks.

17. Speed control

Speed control is an important feature of a sewing machine, it allows the user to adjust the speed of the machine to suit the task at hand. For example, when working with delicate fabrics or when doing detailed work, it is best to sew at a slower speed to avoid any mistakes or accidents. On the other hand, when working with thick or heavy fabrics, a faster speed can be used to get the job done more quickly.

Some machines have a built-in speed control feature that allows the user to set the speed of the machine, others have a foot pedal that can be adjusted to control the speed.

18. Reverse lever

It is typically a lever or button located on the machine that can be moved from a forward position to a reverse position. When the lever is in the forward position, the machine sews in the normal direction. When the lever is moved to the reverse position, the machine sews in the opposite direction.

The reverse lever is used to lock the stitches in place at the beginning and end of a seam, it’s important to use it for this purpose to prevent unraveling. It can also be used to make reinforcement stitches at the beginning and end of the seam or to create a decorative effect.

It’s important to note that the reverse lever should be used with caution, as it can cause the machine to vibrate and make it difficult to control. Also, it’s always good practice to unplug the machine before adjusting the reverse lever to avoid any accidents.

19. Foot controller.

A foot controller, also known as a foot pedal, is a device that is used to control the speed of a sewing machine. It is typically a small, pedal-shaped device that is connected to the machine by a cord. The user can control the speed of the machine by pressing down on the pedal with their foot. The harder the pedal is pressed, the faster the machine will sew. Releasing the pedal will slow down the machine or stop it depending on the machine’s design.