Fashion - Parts of a Machine

Located on the top of the machine to put thread on the bobbin.

Bobbin Winder

Switch that turns the machine off and on.

Power Switch

Lever or button that allows the machine to stitch backwards.

Reverse

Holds spools of thread in place; is the first step of threading the machine.

Spool Pin

Small, flat screw just above the needle that holds the needle in place.

Needle Clamp Screw

Part that holds the spool of thread on horizontal spool pins. 

Spool Pin Cap

The area under the slide plate that holds the bobbin.

Bobbin Case

Used to control the length of the stitches

Stitch Length Selector

Used to control the width of the stitches. 

Stitch Width Selector

Moves the needle and regulates the speed by your foot.

Foot Pedal

The plate that covers the bottom of the machine that shows seam allowances. 

Throat Plate

Regulates the amount of tension on your thread as it travels through the machine

Tension dial

Holds fabric in place while sewing when lowered by a lever.

Pressor Foot

Metal hooks and loops are used to guide the upper thread through the machine as the machine is threaded. 

Thread Guides

Part that you thread the upper thread through front to back that pushes the thread through the fabric to form the upper part of the stitches. 

Needle

Feeds thread from spool to needle as it moves up and down. Always have it in its highest position when starting to sew. 

Thread Take-Up Lever

Lever used to raise and lower the presser foot. 

Presser foot Lever

Moving this makes the take-up lever and needle go up and down. The main purpose is to be able to slowly turn the needle by hand, giving you control to position the fabric under the needle.

Hand Wheel

moves fabric forward or backward automatically under the needle as you sew

 Feed Dogs

small plastic or metal cylinder wound with thread that sits inside the lower part of a sewing machine to supply the bottom half of a stitch. holds bottom thread

Bobbin