Sewing Machine Parts

Introduction

Sewing machines come in many different colors. Their shapes even vary. The one constant, however is the fact that all sewing machines have the same basic parts.

Some of the parts shown in the illustration below may not be located in the same place on your sewing machine, but rest assured, they are there.

Many of the more advanced computerized or electronic sewing machines may have parts not described here, but those specialty parts are very few, and they still have the basic parts shown and described here.

1. Power switch

Nearly all electric sewing machines, whether mechanical, electronic or computerized, have a power switch. The power switch is often located on the front or right side of the sewing machine, though some are found on the back.

Some older models, however, may not have power switches. Provided they are not treadle or crank operated, these machines are powered as soon as they are plugged in.

Because anything that is connected to an electrical source has power – even when turned off – it is recommended that any sewing machine that is not in use be unplugged.

Unplugging your sewing machine is the best way to prevent damage caused by power surges, especially during severe storms or power outages.

2. Presser foot

The presser foot holds the fabric in place while sewing. Presser feet come in several styles to accommodate different sewing machine construction… slanted, straight, short and long. There are many different types of presser feet.

In short, there is a presser foot for every sewing task imaginable… attaching buttons, inserting zippers, straight stitch, zigzag stitch, appliqué, gathering, quilting, rolled hem, etc.

3. Presser foot lifter

Raises the presser foot to allow easy insertion of fabric. Many sewing machines have a presser foot pressure control that allows you to lift the presser foot higher than usual to accommodate very thick layers of fabric.

4. Feed dogs

Guide the fabric beneath the presser foot toward the back of the machine while sewing. On most sewing machines, the feed dogs can be lowered to accommodate certain sewing tasks like darning, quilting, machine embroidery, attaching buttons and free hand sewing.

5. Throat plate

Also referred to as needle plate: An interchangeable cover that fits around the feed dogs and covers the bobbin mechanism underneath. Needle plates on many newer sewing models have seam guides etched on top to help sewers maintain seam uniformity.

6. Needle

The most essential part of any sewing machine. Regardless of the type of sewing machine you are using, they all have at least one needle. Some sewing machines are capable of using double needles or are built to accommodate more than one needle at the same time.

7. Thread take up

Part of the process of threading the sewing machine needle. The tread take up can be either stationary or movable, depending upon your sewing machine and the way it is made.

8. Upper tension regulator

Most sewing machines come with a tension adjustment dial somewhere near the needle. This gauge is used to adjust the tightness or looseness of the upper thread.

As you work with different fabric types and thicknesses, you will find it necessary to make tension adjustments to prevent your stitches from bunching, looping or binding.

When your tension is properly set, your stitches will be consistently even, smooth and secure. Many sewing machine owner’s manuals have tension guides to eliminate all of the guesswork by telling users the proper tension setting for specific fabrics and stitch options.

Several sewing machine models have an automatic tension adjustment feature. I have found that these are, for the most part, very reliable timesavers.

9. Thread guide

Maintains thread stability as it is guided toward the needle. Depending on the threading process of your particular sewing machine, you may have more than one thread guide.

Before attempting to thread any sewing machine, be sure to thoroughly read and understand the threading instructions described in the owner’s manual.

10. Spool pin

Holds your thread spool while you are winding the bobbin and sewing. Many sewing machines have more than one spool pin, making it possible to easily work with two different thread colors.

Two spool pins also come in handy with sewing machines with the capability of winding bobbins while sewing.

11. Bobbin winder

This is where you load your empty bobbins with thread before starting your sewing project.

12. Balance wheel

Also called fly wheel. Linked directly to the sewing machine motor, usually by a rubber belt. The balance wheel is activated by pressing the foot pedal and is the main moving part.

When the balance wheel is in motion, the motor is engaged and the sewing machine runs. In some cases the balance wheel is by pressing the start/stop button on some of the newer sewing machines.

The balance wheel can also be turned by hand to raise or lower the needle. This is particularly useful on sewing machines that are not equipped with a needle up/down button.

13. Stitch length regulator

Adjusts the length of stitches. This option is helpful when basting, sewing curves and creating decorative effects.

14. Stitch width regulator

Adjusts the depth of zigzag and decorative stitches.

15. Bobbin/bobbin case

Holds the bobbin in place while sewing. See items 18, 19 and 20 below.

16. Foot control

Also referred to as foot pedal. Almost every sewing machine has a foot pedal which is the sewer’s way of making the sewing machine actually sew.

As stated above, some sewing machines are equipped with a start/stop button. Some are controlled by a lever at the knee which functions in the very same way. Knee controls are most often found on industrial sewing machines.

17. Needle clamp

Holds the needle in place; must be loosened to remove the needle when it is time for a new one.

18. Bobbin

Small spool which feeds the thread beneath the needle.

19. Bobbin case

Contains and holds the bobbin in place while the machine is in operation. Lower tension is adjusted by turning a tiny screw in the bobbin case to the right or left.

20. Race hook

Houses the bobbin and bobbin case, holding the two in place as it moves, feeding the thread up toward the needle while the machine is operating. The race hook is the part of the sewing machine that makes it possible for the bobbin thread do its job.

Most sewing machines also have on board lights, which are controlled by switches located either on the very front, the right side or behind the needle threading mechanism.

When reading reviews on this site, you will often run into the terms reverse stitch, work space and free arm.

Most sewing machines made after 1950 have a reverse stitch control of some sort. This function is primarily used to lock stitched seams at the beginning and end to prevent them from loosening. Some newer sewing machine models have an automatic seam locking feature which does this for you.

The work space or work table generally refers to the space between the needle and the upright arm on the right side of the machine as you face it.

The free arm is exposed when part of the workspace is removed, making it possible for you to sew small items, like cuffs, children’s clothes, collars, etc.

Conclusion

Whether your sewing machine is a vintage model or one that was made just last week, you will find that every essential part of your machine is described here.

As stated above, some of them may not be located in the same position as shown in the diagram, but with just a little patience, you will find each and every part described here with the possible exception of a power switch and an upper tension adjustment dial.

If you have any questions about a part on your sewing machine or want a little more clarification about how it works, please check the Q&A section or send me an e-mail.

If I do not know the answer to your particular problem, I will certainly do all I can to help you find a resource to help you solve it.

Happy Sewing