Different Parts Of A Sewing Machine And Their Function

Knowing the different parts of a sewing machine is essential for sewing. Whether you are using a simple straight-stitch type or computerized sewing system, these machines are made of many important parts that work together to ultimately, create a stitch.

Common Sewing Machine Parts

Here are some common parts and their functions that you need to be familiar with.

Spool Pin

It is located on the top of the arm that holds the spool in place and controls the direction of the thread while it feeds through the machine.

Spool Cap

It is placed at the end of a spool pin to keep the spool in place.

Handwheel

It is used to control the upward and downward movement of the needle manually. It is mostly used for sewing thick cloth and fabric by pulling the bobbin thread up through the needle plate to sew the fabric carefully.

Bobbin Winder

It can be found in the front, top, or end of the machine that is used to wind the thread on the bobbin.

Thread Guide

It directs and holds the thread in place while it goes through the needle to the spool. It may come in the form of a disc, hoop, or shaped like a flat metal that prevents the thread from tangling.

Take-Up Lever

It is a metal finger that moves up and down and keeps the tension of the thread at the right level. The movement of the take-up lever feeds the thread to the needle and tightens the loop while feeding it through the machine.

Needle

It holds the thread for creating a stitch that fits into the needle bar. It comes in different forms and sizes that are specialized for specific stitching needs.

Needle Bar

It holds the needle in place with the use of a small screw or clamp that gives motion to the needle.

Needle Plate

The flat metal plate is located under the needle and on top of the bobbin case. It is also called a stitch plate or throat plate, and its main function is to allow the needle to pass through it. The slots in the needle plate allow the feed dog to move the fabric along.

Bobbin Case

This can be found under the needle plate, usually with a plastic piece that flips up to cover the bobbin case when the machine is not in use. It catches the movement of the top thread to form a stitch as the needle goes down into the bobbin chamber.

Presser’s Foot

It keeps the fabric in place by putting pressure on it and avoids wrinkling that could mess up the stitch.

Presser Foot Lifter

It raises and lowers the presser foot to hold the fabric while sewing and adjust it when necessary.

Feed Dog

These are rough metals below the needle plate that move upward and downward to push the fabric along as the needle moves.

Foot Control

It’s a foot pedal that regulates the speed of a sewing machine the same way as a car pedal. The more pressure applied by your foot, the faster you sew.

These are just some of the most common parts of a sewing machine and what they do. Each part has its unique characteristics and functions that are very important in a machine no matter how big or small they are.

To know more about the different parts of your own particular sewing machine, you should read the user manual that came with it.

You can also find information online if you need a part or want to learn how to use a particular feature. You can find videos on almost any product on YouTube.

You can also find plenty of great sewing ideas and tips throughout this website to make your sewing experience much more fun.