The Anatomy of a Sewing Machine: Understanding Its Key Components
Sewing Machines can be overwhelming, regardless of your machine type. The first step to mastering your sewing machine is understanding the parts and functions. Once you learn one sewing machine, it's easy to transition to other machines. In this article, we will go over the following:
Foot Control Pedal & Power Cord
Bobbin Tension Disc
SEWING MACHINE 101
1. Side of the Machine
Foot Control Pedal & Power Cord
The Power On button is on the right side of the machine, and it is typically right by the Power cord and Foot Pedal. Often these two cords are connected, and you plug it into the machine and the power cord into the wall. Using a Machine is similar to driving. The Foot Pedal controls the needle, and pressing it controls the speed of the machine as you use it.
Hand Wheel
The Hand Wheel is a manual option to control the needle. The Hand Wheel is used when threading the machine to prepare it to sew. It is also used if the needle is experiencing difficulty going on the fabric.
2. Top of the Machine
Spool Pin
The Spool Pin holds the thread spool while you are sewing.
Bobbin Winder Stop
The first step to preparing your machine to sew is the make sure you have a bobbin with the same color thread as your larger thread spool. You do this by placing an empty bobbin on the smaller spool pin and using the Bobbin Winder stop until the Bobbin is full. (This will be covered in detail in a later post!)
Bobbin Tension Disc
This is also only used when winding the Bobbin, and this disc is used to guide the thread while winding onto the Bobbin.
Thread Guide
The Thread Guide is used when threading the machine for sewing. (I will cover this in detail in a later post!)
Tension Control
When you begin sewing, this wheel controls the tension of the upper threading. The Number 9 will make the tension on the thread through the needle tighter, while 1 is the loosest it can go.
3. Front of Machine
Stitch Wheel/Selector
Use the stitch wheel to select the stitch you want to sew with.
Backstitch
This is used to secure your stitch when sewing a running/straight stitch.
Length & Width
This adjusts the length and width of the stitch you are sewing. All machines do not have this function.
4. Needle Plate
Needle
The needle is the critical part of using your machine, and it must be threaded from the front for the machine to work correctly. When using different fabrics, the needle should be replaced regularly to accommodate the thickness or thinness of the material.
Needle Clamp
The needle clamp secures the needle in place, and you must loosen this with a screwdriver to replace your needle.
Needle Threader
The needle threader threads the needle for you. Some machines do not have this feature meaning you must thread it manually.
Presser Foot
The Presser Foot holds the fabric in place while using your sewing machine. Your machine may come with presser feet for different stitches.
Presser Foot Lever
The Presser Foot Lever lifts and lowers the presser foot. You should also use this when you are changing out your presser foot.
Bobbin Case
The Bobbin Case is where the Bobbin is placed when sewing.
Feed Dogs
The feed dogs are embedded into the needle plate; these move the fabric while feeding it into the machine while you are sewing.
If you are more of a visual learner, check out my Tiktok video going over this exact topic!
NEXT POST
The next post will be focused on threading your machine! Some of these terms may not make total sense to you yet, but understand that every post is a step toward an overall goal to make you a Sewing Machine PRO!
If you have any questions or appreciate this post, please leave a comment or a like! Happy Sewing :) Weslyn Harmon
A College student passionate about sewing, creating, law, nonprofit work, and justice. Instagram: @_harmon.e