You need to familiarize yourself with the different parts of a sewing machine before you start the war. If you want to develop your skills in sewing, learn the functions of all parts and their usage.
Things might look different depending on the machine size and features, but the bellow lists are the most common parts of all sewing machines.
Basic parts of a sewing machine
The spool wheel and bobbin case
In most of the machines, you will find the bobbin compartments just under the needle and it’s usually front loading. When the spool wheel is filled with thread, you will fit it in the bobbin case. To wind the bobbin, you have to fit it in the bobbin pin and it will load thread onto the bobbin.
Feed dog
It controls the movement of fabric while stitching. While stitching to keep the line straight, you have to use your hand. Through the pressure you will impose on the foot paddle, the feed dog will move fast or slow. So to move fast, you need to press down the paddle harder.
Presser foot, lever and regulator
You find this metal under the needle and upon the feed dog. It holds your fabric from slipping. There is also a lever through which you can pull up or down the presser foot. You will find a regulator that maintains the pressure to hold your fabric.
Needle and the plate
It’s a long, slim metal through you will be able to stitch your fabric. There you will find a needle clamp that holds the needle to keep it straight. The needle goes down through the needle plate, which allows you to determine how far your stitches are from the edge of the fabric.
Hand wheel
In a mechanical sewing machine, you have to sew the fabric using by flywheel. It will lower and raise the needle to sew. In an electrical sewing machine, the motor controls the flywheel.
Power switch and reverse switch
Through the power switch, you can start and stop the machine. Most of the time, it is found near the power cord. If you need to reverse stitching, then you can use this button.
Tension disc and regulator
If you need to adjust the tension of the threading, the disc will help you. If you want tight or loose stitches, then the tension regulator will allow you to lower or raise the tension. It controls the tension of the top thread and the bobbin thread in your sewing machine.
Stitch regulator
This regulator allows you to choose the length of the stitches. You can choose a specific stitch for a particular job. You can also adjust the width of your stitching needs.
Beside those important parts you will find some other parts as stitch selector knob to decide your stitching pattern as straight stitch, zigzag, buttonhole, blind hem, etc. To pull the thread and to distribute it to the needle, the sewing machine has a take-up lever. When it moves down, it pulls the threads.
Read also: 5 Sewing Toolkits You Need Like A Professional Sewing Master