Objective: To identify the basic parts of a sewing machine and understand their functions.

Sewing Machine Parts

This presentation will show you pictures of the part and the Name of the part, followed by a definition of the part’s function

Basic Sewing Machine

1. Reverse Lever

The reverse lever allows you to stitch in reverse. We use reverse to make our stitches secure at the beginning and end of seams.

2. Pattern Selector

The pattern selector lets you determine what kind of stitch you will be making, such as straight stitches or an embroidery stitch or zig-zag.

3. Stitch Length

Stitch length determines the length of the stitch

The range on our machine is from 0 to 4.

0 the shortest stitch, 4 the longest.

4. Bobbin Winder

The bobbin winder winds the thread from the spool to the bobbin, mechanically.

5. Spool Pin

Spool pin holds the spool of thread.

6. Thread Tension

Thread tension determines the tightness or looseness of the stitch.

*Students are reminded not to move this dial; each machine is set for the number on the tension dial that it needs.

7. Pressure Dial

The pressure dial determines how much pressure the presserfoot will have on the fabric.

More pressure may be needed for light weight fabrics, and less pressure for heavy, or thick fabrics.

8. Face Plate

The face plate is a cover that covers all the inner working parts of the sewing machine.

9.Check Spring Holder

The check spring holder is actually hidden in our machines. It works with the thread tension to slow down the amount of the thread going to the needle.

10. Sewing Light

The sewing light helps you to thread the needle and to see your stitching; both day and night.

11. Feed Dogs

Feed dogs are a “teeth-like”part that works with the presserfoot to pull your fabric through the machine.

12. Throat Plate

The throat plate has stitching guide lines on it and has a hole for the needle to pass through to the bobbin casing

13. Slide Plate

The slide plate is a clear plastic cover that covers the bobbin case to keep dust and dirt out of the moving parts area of the bobbin case.

14. Presserfoot

The presserfoot holds the fabric against the feed dogs; so the feed dogs can pull your fabric through the machine.

15. Needle Clamp

The needle clamp is a black clamp that tightens to hold the needle in place.

16. Presserfoot Lifter

The presserfoot lifter gently lifts the presserfoot up and lowers it against the feed dogs.

Note: the presserfoot must be lowered before you begin to sew; or fabric will not move through the machine!

17. Take-Up-Lever

The take-up-lever pulls the thread back after each stitch, so that the stitches will lay evenly into the fabric.

18. Handwheel

The handwheel raises and lowers the needle. You must always pull the handwheel towards yourself to prevent tangling of the threads.

19. Clutch Knob

The clutch knob is located inside of the handwheel. It is a safety feature of the sewing machine that when pulled out, prevents the needle from jabbing up and down when winding a bobbin.

20. Power Switch

The power switch turns on the power on the sewing machine and also turns off the power, electrically.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO POWER “OFF” YOUR MACHINE!

21. Power Socket

The power socket connects the power source to the sewing machine.

22. Foot Pedal

The foot pedal operates the speed of the sewing machine, electrically.

23. Thread Cutters

The thread cutters cut the threads at the end of a row of stitching to disconnect your fabric from the sewing machine.