Feed mechanism of single needle machine

Feed systems relate to the combination of the needle, throat

plate, and pressure foot and feed dogs which control the feed of
the material from stitch to stitch whilst regulating the relationship
between the plies being sewn .
After you've determined which type of industrial sewing machine best fits
• . needs best, the next step is to choose how many and which type of
your
feed mechanism you should purchase. Different industrial sewing
machines offer several ways to feed the material. Typically, industrial
sewing machines that deliver numerous feed capabilities are more
expensive. The main types of feed mechanisms are:

Drop feed: The feed mechanism lies below the machine's sewing surface.
This is probably the most common feed type.

Needle feed: The needle itself acts as the feed mechanism, which

minimizes slippage and allows workers to sew multiple layers of fabric.

Walking foot: The immobile presser foot is replaced with a foot that

moves with the feed, which allows easier performance on thick, spongy or
cushioned materials.

 Puller feed: The machine grips and pulls straight-seemed material as it is

sewn and can perform on large, heavy-duty items such as canvas tents. 
• Manual feed: The feed is controlled entirely by the worker, who can
do delicate, personal work such as shoe repair, embroidery and
quilting. On industrial sewing machines, it is sometimes necessary
to remove the feed dogs to obtain a manual feed.
 Different Types of Sewing Machine Feed
Mechanisms

•  classifications according to stitch type capabilities

 and body design, sewing machines can also be
categorized according to the kind of feed mechanism
that they use.
• Feed mechanism is defined as the process by which the
fabric is moved forward in the feeding zone of the sewing
machine. Basically, it refers to how the needles, bobbins,
loopers, auxiliary feed mechanism parts, and the fabric
being sewn itself moves. The feed mechanism is
important because advancing the fabric is the only way
for the needle to be able to engage the next portion of
the material being stitched.
 The most common types of sewing machine feed mechanisms are as
follows:
Drop feed mechanism – The drop feed mechanism is commonly found in
domestic sewing machines and a majority of industrial sewing machines.
Also known as regular feed mechanism, the drop feed mechanism involves
the movement of serrated metal strips known as feed dogs, which are found
in slots in a sewing machine’s
needle plate. As the needle is retracted from the fabric, the feed dogs
underneath drag the fabric or material horizontally in order to move the
workpiece.
Differential feed mechanism – Sewing machines that use a differential
feed mechanism have two independent sets of feed dogs. These feeds
dogs can be manipulated so that the material or fabric around the needle
can be stretched or compressed as needed.
Needle feed mechanism – Many industrial sewing machines, especially those
that use double needles, use the needle feed mechanism. They rely on the
needle itself to act as the primary feeding element that moves or advances the
fabric through the feeding zone.
Walking foot mechanism – Machines that use the walking foot mechanism
swaps a regular immobile presser foot with a moving walking foot that actively
works to move the material being sewn. It usually works in conjunction with other
types of feed mechanisms.
 The walking foot mechanism makes it easier to sew weighty fabrics
and other heavy materials like leather, as well as cushioned work
pieces like quilts or bedding materials. The walking foot mechanism
is also useful when sewing multi-layered materials, which can be
challenging to sew with a stationary presser foot because of the
possibility of the layers accidentally shifting from their position as
they are being stitched.
• Puller feed mechanism – Sewing machines with a puller feed
mechanism use supporting rollers that grip and pull the fabric or
material being sewn. It is useful for sewing large and heavy work
pieces like leather upholstery, tents, and car covers.

If you would like to learn more about the different types of feed
mechanisms found in industrial sewing machines, please don’t
hesitate to get in touch with our experts at ABC Sewing Machine.
We can be reached toll-free by phone at (213) 444-9249 or (213)
747-9555. You can also come visit us at 2100 South Main Street in
Los Angeles, California
• Unison feed:
This system is also known as a ‘walking foot’ system because the pressure foot
has two independently driven sections: the holding and the feeding feet. These two
sections alternately advance and holds the plies in alignment, an important
requirement when sewing bulky seams in heavy weight materials.
Differential feed:
• These systems have two independently operated feed dogs, one behind and one in
front of the needle. The feed dogs can be regulated so as to create fullness on the
upper or lower ply of the seam; for example, easing the back shoulder seam onto the
front shoulder seam.
• There are also a number of mechanisms which are used as auxiliary feed systems
where there are special feed requirements, such as embroidery machines and
automatic long-seamier used for closing the leg seams of trousers.   
• Basic functions:
•        a)     To advance the fabric in the feeding zone of the sewing machine.
•        b)    To decide the length of individual stitch that is SPL.
•        c)     To form the individual stitches properly.
• Necessity of sewing m/c feed mechanisms:
•        a)     Appearance and performance.
•        b)    To avoid seam puckers.
•        c)     To avoid any stitching defect.
•        d)    To feed the fabric in the sewing m/c uniformly
Thank you