Lesson 4- Parts of the Sewing Machine

Objective

In the end of the lesson, you will be able to identify the different parts and functions of the sewing machine.

Exploration

Hand sewing is a very important skill. Using a sewing machine makes the person's work faster and easier.
Hence, sewing machine is necessary for garment manufacturers.

Sewing machines are different from one another in terms of appearance, but their functions are the same.
One of the most common types of sewing machine is the manual sewing machine. It is ideal for beginners and is
operated by the foot. It helps in practicing coordination of the body movements to be able to operate the sewing
machine. It takes practice to be able to maneuver any kind of sewing machine in order to create a good quality
product.

Go and Learn

Having a sewing machine at home is an advantage. It saves the person time to mend and alter garments. A
person who is an expert in using the sewing machine can already start customizing their clothes. Moreover, instead
of going to a tailor shop, he or she can do the basic hem at home without spending money. Sewing machines differ
according to their use or purpose. It is a must that you should first decide what garment you want to make, then
choose the right sewing machine that is appropriate for the task.

Kinds of Sewing Machine

Here are some of the most common kinds of sewing machine.

1. Domestic sewing machine is also called

as lockstitch sewing machine. Manual
sewing machine is operated by foot but can
be converted to electric power machine.
 2. Hi-speed lockstitch sewing machine has automatic lubrication.
It can create 1,000 stitches per minute. It can also be called as
straight stitching machine or industrial sewing machine.

3. Serger machine is a small machine that is used for finishing the raw
edges of the cloth to avoid its unraveling. It is also known as over edging machine.

Parts of a Sewing Machine

Before using a sewing machine, you have to familiarize yourself with its different parts to be able to use it
correctly and efficiently.

1. Spool pin holds the spool of thread as well as controls the direction of the thread.
2. Thread guides hold the thread in position after passing it through the spool pin.
3. Tension disc is where the thread passes after the thread guide. It consists of two small discs.
4. Thread take-up lever has an up and down motion that helps in the movement of the thread toward the
needle.
5. Needle clamp/bar has a screw that holds the needle in place.
6. Feed dog has a set of teeth that is responsible for moving the cloth during the sewing process.
7. Presser foot holds the cloth in place when it is lowered.
8. Presser foot lifter is responsible for putting the presser foot up or down.
9. Stitch regulator controls the length of the stitches.
10. Bobbin winder is where the bobbin is winded.
11. Sliding plate is used to remove the bobbin case through sliding without lifting the machine, which is
rectangular in shape.
12. Bobbin case is located below the sliding plate that gets the top thread from the spool pin and creates a
lockstitch.
13. Balance wheel is also known as hand wheel. It is used to move the needle up and down manually
especially when dealing with thick cloths.
14. Clutch is located in the middle part of the balance wheel. When this is loosened, the sewing machine
will not work.
15. Foot pedal is where the feet rest during the sewing activity. The more pressure is operated, the faster it
sews.