Sewing Machine Needles

Sewing Machine Needles are the specialized needles used in a sewing machine. It must always be sharp and straight for smooth sewing.

                     

The needle thread and the fabric combination are very important. Using a wrong combination such as heavy fabric like denim with a small needle may bend or break the needle. The lower the thread number the thicker the thread and higher the needle number the thicker the needle. (For replacing the needle hold the needle with the left hand and using the screwdriver turn the needle clamp screw anti clockwise to remove the needle. Replace the new needle with the flat side toward the back of machine until it touches needle stopper and then tighten the needle clamp).

Bobbins

A bobbin is a part of sewing machine which is cylinder in shape and holds the thread. Bobbins come in many different sizes and may be of metal or plastic. Threading the lower portion of the machine involves the threading of the bobbin i.e., the machine makes the stitch by catching the bottom thread from the bobbin and top thread from the needle to form a stitch. Only use the bobbins that comes with the particular model of the machine as each sewing machine requires a specific type of bobbin.

Handle

 The handle is used to carry the machine during transportation.

Foot Controller Jack Socket

The foot controller jack socket is used to connect the foot controller plug to the machine and connect the machine to power supply.

Presser Foot Lever

 The presser foot lever is used to raise and lower the presser foot.

Flat Bed Attachment

Slide the Flat Bed Attachment to the left to open it. The accessories can be stored in a compartment inside this Flat Bed Attachment.

 

Foot Controller

The foot controller is used to control the sewing speed and to stop and start sewing. By pressing the foot controller down lightly the machine will run at a low speed and by pressing it harder the speed of the machine will increase.

Buttonhole Fine Adjustment Screw

The buttonhole fine adjustment screw is used to adjust the stitching (too open or too tight) while sewing a buttonhole. Using a screwdriver provided with the model it is turned into '-' or '+' direction depending on the adjustment one needs.

Presser Foot

The presser foot is a small attachment used to hold the fabric flat as it is fed through the machine during sewing. One should turn off the machine before changing the presser foot and only use the one which is designed for your particular model of the machine.

Depending on the type of the presser foot holder the method of releasing the presser foot will vary (pulling it down vertically or pressing the button at the back of the presser foot)

Main Power And Sewing Light Switch

Turn "ON" the main power and sewing light switch to use the machine. One should take care not to turn on the machine while pressing down the foot controller so that it may cause personal injury or damage to the machine.

Pattern Selection Dial

Rotate the Pattern Selection Dial in either direction to choose the stitch you need.

In contrast the stitches are selected on a main screen in computerized sewing machines.

Reverse Sewing Lever

The lever is pushed to stitch in the opposite direction. This helps to lock the stitches and secure seams so that the stitches don't come apart (back tacking and reinforcing).

To reverse sew, push the lever and hold it in that position while lightly pushing the foot controller. Then release the reverse sewing lever to sew forward.

Upper Tension Control Dial

This dial controls the tension of the upper thread. The tension of the thread will affect the quality of the stitches.

If the upper tension is too tight, loops will appear on the surface of the fabric therefore the tension is reduced by turning the upper tension-control dial to a lower number.

If the upper tension is too loose loops will appear on the back of the fabric therefore the tension is increased by turning the upper tension-control dial to a higher number.

Thread take-up lever

The thread from the spool is passed from thread guide and then through the thread take-up lever. This lever controls the flow and movement of the spool thread.

During the threading of the machine, if the take-up lever is lowered the upper thread cannot be passed through the take-up lever. Therefore, one should raise the needle by turning the handwheel clockwise i.e., towards you so that the mark on the wheel points up.

Thread Cutter

 Pass the thread through the thread cutter to cut them.

Thread Guide

The thread guide is used while winding the thread onto the bobbin and then in threading the machine. There may be one or more thread guides depending on the model of the machine.

Bobbin Winder

The bobbin winder winds the thread into the bobbin for use as the lower thread (that is load thread from a larger spool to small round spool).

Spool Pin

Spool pin are for thread spool to rotate freely during the sewing process. Depending on the model it can be horizontal or vertical in place. The thread spool sits right on the spool pin.

In modern machines an extra spool pin can be placed in the hole on the top of the machine so that a second spool of thread can be placed for sewing with the twin needle.

Handwheel/Balancewheel

 It is a round wheel located at upper right of a sewing machine. This wheel controls the movement of the thread take up liver and needle. The handwheel must always be turned towards your direction.

Parts Of Sewing Machine

To work with a sewing machine, one should know the operation and maintenance of it. To know about the function of sewing machine, knowledge of its different parts is necessary. Although some special parts are only available for certain models (such as needle threader or quick set bobbin) knowing the main parts of sewing machine is essential.