Sewing Machine Parts Defined
Welcome to the wonderful world of sewing machines! If you're new to sewing, the machine can seem a bit like a complicated contraption full of mysterious knobs, levers, and little metal bits. But don’t worry—soon, all these parts will feel as familiar as an old friend. Just like people, sewing machines come in different shapes and sizes, and no two models are exactly the same. However, there are some standard components that you'll find on most sewing machines. Learning what each part does will help you feel more comfortable and confident as you begin your sewing journey.
Here’s a breakdown of the main parts you’ll encounter, along with their basic functions:
1. Bobbin
The bobbin is a small spool that holds the bottom thread used in your sewing. It sits inside the bobbin case and provides the lower half of the stitches that form in your fabric.
2. Bobbin Case
The bobbin case holds the bobbin securely in place and helps control the tension of the bottom thread. It can be located under the throat plate or in a front-loading compartment, depending on your machine.
3. Bobbin Winder Spindle
This is where you place your bobbin to wind it with thread. When the spindle is engaged, it fills the bobbin as you run the machine.
4. Bobbin Winder Tension
The bobbin winder tension disc helps guide the thread during bobbin winding, ensuring the bobbin fills evenly.
5. Buttonhole Knob
If your machine can sew buttonholes, this knob or dial is used to adjust the size and settings for perfect buttonholes.
Get full access to 2,000+ classes by becoming a Craftsy member today!6. Detachable Machine Bed
Some machines come with a removable portion that reveals a "free arm," which is helpful for sewing smaller or tubular items like sleeves and pant legs.
7. Feed Dogs
These are the tiny metal teeth that move the fabric through the machine as you sew, controlling the stitch length and direction.
8. Feed Dog Control
This lever or switch lets you lower the feed dogs, which is especially useful for free-motion sewing or embroidery.
9. General Purpose Presser Foot
The default presser foot on your machine, used for most sewing tasks. It holds the fabric in place as the needle goes through.
10. Presser Foot Lifter
This lever raises and lowers the presser foot, allowing you to insert or remove your fabric.
11. Presser Foot Pressure Control
This dial adjusts the amount of pressure the presser foot applies to your fabric. Different fabrics may require more or less pressure for even stitching.
12. Needle Clamp
The needle clamp holds the sewing machine needle securely in place. You'll loosen it to change the needle and tighten it to secure the new one.
13. Seam Allowance Guide
These markings on the throat plate help you sew straight seams with the correct seam allowance. They’re a handy reference to keep your stitching accurate.
14. Spool Pins
Spool pins hold your thread spool in place, feeding the thread to the machine. Some machines have one or two pins for different threading options.
15. Stitch Pattern Selector
The stitch pattern selector lets you choose the type of stitch your machine will sew, from basic straight stitches to decorative patterns.
16. Stitch Length Selector
This control adjusts the length of your stitches. Longer stitches are great for basting or gathering, while shorter stitches are best for more secure seams.
17. Stitch Width Selector
When sewing zigzag or decorative stitches, the stitch width selector determines how wide the stitch will be.
18. Take-Up Lever
The take-up lever moves up and down with the needle, pulling thread from the spool to form stitches. Make sure the thread is correctly threaded through the lever.
19. Top Tension Control
The top tension control adjusts the tension on the upper thread. Proper tension keeps your stitches balanced and prevents puckering or loose stitching.
20. Top Tension Discs
The top tension discs help regulate the thread tension by squeezing the thread as it passes through, providing a balanced stitch.
21. Thread Cutter
Often located on the side of the machine, this handy tool trims your thread after finishing a seam—no scissors required!
22. Thread Guides
Thread guides help route the thread smoothly from the spool to the needle, ensuring it stays in the correct path.
23. Throat Plate
The throat plate is the metal plate beneath the needle, with an opening for the needle to pass through and markings to help guide your seam allowance.
24. Handwheel
The handwheel manually raises and lowers the needle. Turn it toward you to position the needle exactly where you need it.
25. Light Switch
Brighten up your work area by switching on the sewing machine's light—perfect for illuminating those small details.
26. Variable Speed Switch
This feature, available on some machines, lets you adjust how fast or slow the machine sews, giving you greater control over your stitching.
27. Power Switch
The power switch turns the sewing machine on and off. Some machines may also have a separate switch for the light.
While different sewing machines may have slight variations in design and additional features, these basic parts will help you get familiar with your machine. Now, you’re ready to start threading, winding, and stitching your way to sewing success!
