Parts of a Sewing Machine

Parts and Operation of a Sewing Machine 

• On/Off switch

• Handwheel

  • Used when you need to control exactly where stitching ends, or if something gets jammed, or to turn a corner

  • ONLY pull towards yourself

  • DON’T PULL BACKWARDS – it could mess with the machine’s timing

    • Timing

      • When the thread wraps around the bobbin thread

• Stitch Selection Dial/Panel

• Stitch Length Selector

  • Stitch length is how far FORWARD the needle moves before creating the next stitch

• Stitch Width Selector

  • Stitch width is how far SIDE TO SIDE the needle moves to create the stitch

• Tension Dial

  • The tension dial controls how much tension is placed on the needle thread

    • Tension discs put tension on the needle thread

    • The higher the number the higher the tension, and vice versa.

• Uptake lever 

  • Needs to be all the way up for stitch to be finished

• Spool Pins

• Bobbin Winder

• Pressure Dial

• Feed dogs

  • They move the fabric, the sewist just guides/steers

• Bobbin

  • Bobbins are BRAND SPECIFIC

• Needle/throat plate

  • Seam allowance guides

    • CM vs In

• Needle

• Needle Clamp

• Presser Foot

  • Must be down to sew

  • Must be up to thread the machine

  • KEEP FINGERS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THIS AREA TO PREVENT SEWING THROUGH YOUR FINGER

• Backstitch Lever or Button

• Foot Peddle

• Free Arm

• Presser Feet (for different applications)

• Cutter