Sewing Machine

Parts and its Functions

Upper Part of Sewing Machine

Arm - is the curve part of the head containing

mechanism for operating the needle.

Bed: The working surface of the machine

under which is located the mechanism that
handles the lower thread. On a flat-bed
machine, the bed rests in the cutout of the
table.

Bobbin winder: The part that fills a bobbin

while the machine is stitching

Feed dogs: The toothed mechanism beneath

the presser foot that moves the fabric forward
and backward.

Hand wheel/ Balance wheel: The part that

controls the motion of the machine manually
and/or electrically.
Head: The part of the machine above the table,
containing the stitching mechanism.

Needle: The part that penetrates the fabric. It

carries the thread to the hook or shuttle and up
again to make the stitch.

Needle bar: A vertical bar that holds one or

more needles and moves the needles up and
down.

Needle screw (needle bar clamp): The screw

that holds the needle in the needle bar.

Presser bar: The bar to which the presser foot

is attached.

Presser bar lifter: A lever at the back of the

presser bar used to raise and lower the presser
foot by hand. It is used to raise the presser foot
when winding a bobbin and when not stitching.
Presser foot: A device that holds the fabric in
place for stitching.

Pressure regulator (pressure dial): Control that

regulates the amount of pressure on the presser
foot.

Slide plate (slide or bed slide): A removable

cover at the left of the machine bed that allows
access to the lower mechanism.

Stitch regulator: A device that regulates stitch

length.

Table: The cabinet on which the head rests. It

generally has a drawer on the left side.

Tension Regulator: used to control tightness or

looseness of the upper thread to avoid puckering
problems.
Thread Take-up lever: The part that first loosens
the top thread during the stitch formation, then re-
moves any slack to set or lock the stitch.

Take-up lever guard: A piece of metal in front of

the thread take-up lever.

Thread guides (thread eyelets): The parts that

guide the thread from the thread cone to the
needle. They smooth the thread and protect it
from abrasion.

Thread stand: A metal device that holds thread

cones.

Throat plate: The smooth surface directly under

the presser foot that includes the stitch hole and
surrounds the feed dog. It protects the lower
mechanism from a buildup of excess lint.

Reverse switch control: used to restitch over a

very shot area to increase seam strength.
Lower Part of Sewing Machine
Power Switch - a power switch is used to supply
the electricity to the machine.

Oil Pan - is attached under the bed with volts and

is the reservoir for oil that gets pumped
throughout the hose to lubricate the cool moving
parts.
It is usually made of steel or aluminum. A drain
plug on the bottom can be removed to drain and
replace oil.

Motor - is connected to the main shaft with V-belt,

it runs constantly when the machine is on, so you
always hear the quickly identifiable humming
noise. They are hard for some people to control
the speed unless the pulley replaces into smaller
to become slow.

Knee Lifter - it raises and lowers the presser foot

so that your hands do not leave the fabric when
doing the fiddler parts of sewing.
Pitman Rod - this rod connects the pedal to the
clutch motor that when the pedal pressed, the
drive wheel revolves.

Legs - it supports the upper parts of sewing

machine.

Pedal/ Treadle - it is where the feet are placed to

drive the band wheel through the pitman rod.
Sewing Tools
and
Equipment
 IV. Sewing Tools and Equipment

A. Measuring Tools
1. Measuring Tape: A flexible tape used 3. L-Square Ruler: Used for creating right

to measure body dimensions, fabric angles and measuring fabric and patterns

lengths, and other dimensions. It's accurately.

available in various lengths and units 4. French Curve: A curved template used for

of measurement. creating smooth curves in pattern drafting,

2. Ruler: A straight-edged measuring tool such as armholes, necklines, and sleeves.

used for precise measurements. A 5. Hip Curve Ruler: A curved ruler

clear grid ruler is commonly used for specifically designed for making accurate

pattern drafting and cutting. curves around hips and waistlines.

 IV. Sewing Tools and Equipment

A. Measuring Tools
6. Seam Gauge: A small ruler-like tool
with a sliding marker that helps you
measure and mark consistent seam
allowances and hems.
7. Pattern Grading Ruler: A ruler with
multiple sizes marked on it, used for
grading patterns to different sizes.
8. Hem Gauge: A ruler with a slider that
can be set to specific hem depths,
ensuring even and precise hems.
 IV. Sewing Tools and Equipment

B. Cutting Tools 3. Rotary Cutter: A circular blade tool

1. Fabric Scissors/Shears: High-quality used with a cutting mat for precise straight-
scissors with sharp blades designed line cutting. It's particularly useful for
for cutting fabric smoothly and cutting multiple layers of fabric.
accurately. It's important to use fabric
scissors exclusively for fabric to keep
them sharp.
2. Pinking Shears: These scissors have
zigzag blades that help prevent fabric
edges from fraying. They're often used
for finishing seams and edges.
 IV. Sewing Tools and Equipment

3. Cutting Mat: A self-healing mat that 5. Thread Snips: Small, sharp scissors
protects surfaces and provides a cutting designed for quickly cutting threads while
surface for rotary cutters. It's marked with sewing.
measurements for accurate cutting.

6. Seam Ripper: A tool used to remove

4. Scissors: are used for cutting paper, stitches and seams. It has a pointed end for
patterns and threads. cutting stitches and a curved end for safely
lifting threads.
 IV. Sewing Tools and Equipment

C. Marking Tools
1. Fabric Marker/Pen: Used to mark
fabric temporarily for cutting lines,
darts, pleats, and other design
elements. Chalk comes in various
colors and forms.
2. Tailor's Chalk: A larger, flat chalk
used for marking fabrics with precision,
especially on darker materials.
 IV. Sewing Tools and Equipment

C. Marking Tools
3. Tracing Paper and Wheel: Tracing
paper is used with a tracing wheel to
transfer markings from a pattern to fabric,
creating a temporary guide.
4. Vanishing or Water-Soluble Pen:
These pens create marks that disappear
with water or time, making them ideal for
marking fabric without leaving permanent
traces.
 IV. Sewing Tools and Equipment

D. Pressing Tools
1. Iron and Ironing Board: A crucial tool
for pressing seams, setting creases, and
giving a polished finish to fabric. Use the
appropriate heat setting for your fabric type.
2. Pressing Cloth: A lightweight cloth
placed between the iron and delicate
fabrics to prevent damage or shine.
3. Steamer: Used to apply steam to fabrics
to relax fibers, remove wrinkles, and set
creases. Useful for fabrics that can't be
ironed directly.
 IV. Sewing Tools and Equipment

D. Pressing Tools
4. Tailor's Ham and Sleeve Roll: These
curved pressing tools help shape and
press curved areas like darts, seams, and
sleeves.
5. Clapper: A wooden tool used to press
seams flat and set them quickly. It's often
used in tailoring.
6. Seam Roll: A cylinder-shaped pressing
tool used for pressing long seams, such as
those on trousers or skirts.
 IV. Sewing Tools and Equipment
E. Sewing Tools
1. Sewing Machine: The cornerstone of
your sewing setup. Choose a machine
suitable for your skill level and the type of
sewing you plan to do.
2. Needles: Different types of needles are
designed for various fabrics and purposes,
like ballpoint needles for knits and sharp
needles for woven fabrics.
3. Thread: High-quality thread that
matches your fabric is crucial for strong
and durable seams.
4. Pins: Straight pins hold fabric layers
together for sewing. Ball-head pins are easier
to see and handle.
5. Pincushion: Keeps your pins organized
and easily accessible while sewing.
6. Bobbins: Filled with thread and used with
your sewing machine to create stitches.
7. Thimble: Protects your fingers while hand-
sewing and prevents needle pricks.
8. Needle Thr eader : Hel p s y o u t h r e a d
needles more easily, especially if you have
difficulty seeing the eye of the needle.
9. Pattern Paper: Used for tracing and
altering patterns without damaging the original.