Classification Of Feed

Classification of feed
– Drop feed(bottom feed
– Needle feed(compound feed)
– Unison feed
– Differential drop feed
– Variable top & bottom feed
– Variable top & bottom differential feed
– Bottom feed & alternating drop feed
– X-feed (specified
 Drop feed(bottom feed)

In a drop-feed system, the feed dog feeds the fabric from the bottom while the needle is up
 Needle feed(compound feed)

A compound feed is the combined simultaneous feed action of a needle feed and drop
oscillation feed and is useful for sewing with a low inter-ply frictional co-efficient. In a
compound feed system, the needle and feed dog together feed the fabric while the needle is
down and inside the fabric.
 Unison feed

The feed dog, needle and presser foot all move together to feed the
fabric while the needle has penetrated inside the fabric plies. The
presser foot is split into two parts; one part has teeth beneath and moves
in direction of feed while the other part moves only up and down and
holds the fabric in between feed strokes, that is during stitch formation.
 Differential drop feed

Here two feed dogs are arranged in a series differential position in which the feed dog
lengths follow one another in a straight line, one behind the needle and another in front
of the needle. The rear feed dog (away from the operator) is called the main feed dog
while the front feed dog (closer to the operator) is called the differential feed dog.
Generally all overlock and/or cover stitch sewing machines have a differential feed system.
 Variable top & bottom feed

The presser foot is in two sections, one holding the fabric in position while the stitch is being
formed and the other having teeth on the lower side and moving or walking in such a way
that the top ply is taken along positively while the needle is out of the material. Positive
control of the top ply allows for adjustments so that the fabric plies will either be fed through
exactly together or, if required, the top ply is gathered into the bottom ply. The feeding foot
works before the needle to create a gather in the top ply, for example giving fullness while
sleeve setting in the armhole of a blazer, and works behind the needle to create smooth
seams, for example centering the back seam of blazer.
 Variable top & bottom differential feed

The feed difference that can be created between the top and bottom plies at the best
creates visible gathers in one ply. This feed system is available with an overedging
machine; a long panel join in skirts with a smooth flat seam without inter-ply slippage
is possible, as well as a waistline join in a dress with a bottom ply gathered and sewn
with a smaller bodice block.
 Bottom feed & alternating drop feed
One feeding foot at top and one feed dog below the throat plate moves in
synchronisation to feed the fabric plies together. The bottom of the feeding foot has
teeth beneath. Feeding takes place while the needle is outside the fabric plies. The
presser moves up and down alternatively with the feeding foot. This feed system is
used for difficult-to-feed materials and multilayered portions of medium and
heavyweight material like synthetic leather products, vinyl coating products, leather
products, rubber clothing and sponge clothing, with great precision.
 X-feed(specified)

X-feed from Typical Corporation is characterised by needle feed and alternating drop feed.
The feed dog is split into two independent feed dogs; the central one has a needle hole and
acts like a needle feed, and the side one acts like a drop feed. During the first half of stitch
length, the needle enters the material and also through the hole of the central feed dog
(which is in ‘up’) and transports the fabric just like the compound feed mechanism; the side
feed dog is below the throat plate level.
When the needle is leaving the material and going up, the central feed dog goes down and
the side feed dog comes up and transports the material in the sewing direction just like the
drop-feed mechanism. As the side feed dog is transporting the material in the sewing
direction, the thread take-up lever is pulling the thread, an effect that stretches the stitch
like on a puller machine.
Due to the alternating movement of both feed dogs, material transport is continuous and
calm in comparison to the intermittent feeding of drop feeding.
Thank