Sewing machines provide the ability to repair worn or damaged clothing and create items such as curtains and home storage containers from old business shirts that you no longer wish to throw away.
To use a sewing machine effectively, it is necessary to understand its parts and their functions. Here are some of the more frequently found components and their respective uses:computer controlled embroidery machine
Needle
The needle is responsible for creating the stitches in fabric. It consists of numerous segments, each with their own name and function.
The shank of a needle is the thicker part that houses its point, while its slim point (or eye) allows thread to pass through it. Finally, there is an opening cut called a scarf in its body which allows hooks or shuttles to set closer to its point in order to prevent skipped stitches.
Thread Guide
Most sewing machines feature thread guides near the needle that look like screws or hooks and may be difficult to spot. Thread guides serve to hold and guide thread through the machine as it passes.
Thread guides hold both spool and bobbin thread, with the former threading through an upper guide while its counterpart passes through a lower one.
Thread Take-Up Lever
Thread take-up lever (commonly referred to as the goose) is an integral component of your sewing machine, helping prevent thread tangling while providing an even supply for each stitch.
Sometimes the goose can get clogged with fabric scraps and lint, limiting thread supply or creating difficulties when backsewing. To clear away this debris buildup and keep backsewing going smoothly, simply push down on its lever until its lowest position is reached.
Thread Cutter
Thread cutters for sewing are metal tools used to safely cut threads cleanly and avoid snags when sewn. Their purpose is to avoid issues related to thread snags and other related problems when sewing.
Thread cutters are placed on the underside of needle plates featuring needle holes. This thread cutter cuts needle and bobbin threads located between workpiece cloth and rotary hooks comprising an outer rotating hook and inner bobbin case, in order to facilitate thread cutting processes.
Thread Tension Dial
Thread tension dials or knobs can be found on top of sewing machines. A spring regulates pressure between two metal discs, with numbers on the dial controlling top thread tension.
Threads Magazine has provided this handy checklist before reaching for those tension dials! To make sure that everything is set appropriately!
Bobbin Winder Spindle
Bobbin winders feature a short arm that locks into place once the bobbin is full, helping ensure an even wind and avoiding thread tangles during sewing.
A bobbin spindle is typically constructed of either plastic or metal and features a small hole to house thread. Furthermore, tension plates may also be included to regulate how much thread winds onto its bobbin.
Bobbin Holder
The bobbin holder of a sewing machine is an essential piece, holding onto lower thread. It may come as part of the machine itself or be housed within its metal housing.
These machines typically feature an easily opened plastic cover plate made of durable plastic that allows users to access its inner workings quickly. Their shapes may include round, straight or box shaped models – each connects bobbin thread and spool thread for continuous sewing cloth movement.
Bobbin Cover
Also referred to as the throat plate, this metal plate sits directly underneath your needle and presser foot, offering various lines that serve as sewing guides.
Thread guides are flat metal shapes designed to guide and pinch thread through machines without it becoming tangled and with optimal tension levels. Different thread guides exist for different stitch types.
Bobbin Winder Stopper
This fast winding machine comes equipped with both a power cord and two AAA batteries for fast winding capabilities. Additionally, its auto shut off feature ensures nothing jams in its mechanism.
Always double-check that the bobbin thread is properly inserted in its case and clean the machine regularly to eliminate lint and dust build-up that may pose issues for accuracy of machine. Doing this may also prevent plastic bobbin from bulging and thus compromising accuracy!
Presser Foot
Presser feet are changeable components that make sewing different fabrics simpler, with many types available to cater to specialized projects.
Free motion embroidery feet provide you with the ability to stitch curves. Zipper feet feature openings on both sides for sew-along zippers.