Sewing machine 101: parts of a machine
Getting started using a sewing machine is straight-forward and fun. Once you’ve threaded your needle and bobbin and chosen your stitch, you’re ready hit the pedal and drive.
There are so many parts of a sewing machine that all come together to make sewing possible, some parts you’ll automatically use each time you sew like the hand wheel to lift the needle and others like the backstitch button you may not realise you need. That’s why getting to know the parts of your sewing machine is so useful.
Benefits to understanding your sewing machine
If your sewing machine stops working or problems arise like the wrong tension, leading to loose stitches, you’ll save time and money if you know how to fix the issue yourself. Arming yourself with the knowledge of what each part of your sewing machine does could be all you need to know to be able to sort it out and get back to sewing.
Even the most experienced sewer who has been sewing projects like clothes and soft furnishings for years may not be familiar with all the parts of a sewing machine. Our guide isn’t just for beginners, but for any sewers that would like to know more about their machine.
Types of sewing machine
There are different types of sewing machines with different purposes, for example, specific models that are designed for quilting and large industrial sewing machines which work at high-speed and are favoured by the fashion industry. In this guide, we’re focussing of the parts of a general domestic home sewing machine.
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Parts of a sewing machine: top part
Think of your sewing machine as being split into three parts. The top section where your cotton spool sits, the middle where the main functionality is and the bottom where the pedal is.
Spool pin
Sewing machines have either one or two pins that stick up at the top where your spool of thread will sit. In some models, the pins are removable or it may be possible to press them up and down.
Bobbin winder
Typically, these are located on top of a sewing machine not far from the spool pin. It looks like a short pin and has a lever next to it to hold the bobbin in place to allow the thread to wrap around it while it’s being wound. When the bobbin is full it will automatically stop winding.
Thread guide
This helps you as your thread your needle, you may have one or several guides on your machine. Often, they are numbers which makes it easy to remember how to thread your sewing machine.
Hand wheel
This is what you operate with your hand to manually lift the needle up and down. It helps you position the needle exactly where you want it to start sewing from. If your needle or stitches get stuck, the first thing you’ll want to do is try and lift it up using the hand wheel.
Tension control
You can choose how tight or loose your stitches are using the tension control, which on mechanical machines is a numbered dial which you turn to the stitch length you’d like.
Mostly it will be on an average tension but you’ll need to adjust it according to the fabric you use, for example heavier fabrics like denim may need a tighter tension than a thin cotton dress fabric. On computerised sewing machines, the tension control is visible but it should change automatically to adapt to your fabric.
Stitch selector
The appearance of your stitch selector will vary according to your model. Computerised sewing machines have a digital screen that displays all the different stitches that your machine can do.
On a mechanical machine it may look like a round dial where you see different stitches marked on and you simply move it to the stitch you want, such as straight stitch or zigzag. Or, it may look like a lever which is beside a chart that shows the stitches and you simply move it to where you’d like it to go.
Light
The machine's lightbulb is inside so you may not realise it's there. For newer models the lights comes on automatically. Older sewing machines may require you to turn it on if you need, for example if you're sewing in the evening and need extra light. The bulbs can be easily replaced.
Parts of a sewing machine: middle section
Power stitch
This is the ‘On/Off’ button that you need to flick before you can sew and it’s typically placed next to the plug. Make sure you turn it off if you’re doing any sewing machine maintenance. It will also prevent any sewing happening if you accidentally step on the foot pedal when you didn’t mean to.
Needle
The needle is a sewing machine accessory and you’ll need to replace it when it breaks. Sewing machine needles come in different sizes suitable for different types of fabric. But there are also universal sizes that work in all machines.
Needle clamp
This is the mechanism that hold your needle in position. Loosen it with the dial on the side of it to release the needle when you’re changing it and then tighten it back up once a new needle is in it.
Needle lever
You’ll find this at the back of the needle clamp. You need to flick the lever down before you start sewing and the lift it up in order to move the fabric or cut the threads.
Thread cutter
Most sewing machines come with a handy notch that allows you to easily and quickly cut the threads on your fabric without having to reach for your scissors. The exact location of the varies on different models but it’s a part of a sewing machine that once you start using, you’ll be thankful for!
Needle plate
A small metal plate that sits over your bobbin, the needle plate guides your needle as you sew. It’s also removable and you can unscrew it to clean underneath where dust can often build up affecting the smooth running of your sewing machine.
Feed dog
These are the metal teeth that stick up under the needle plate. Their purpose is to keep the fabric moving as you stitch.
Presser foot
A sewing machine foot helps keep your sewing straight and your fabric flat as you stitch. There are different types of feet that you can attach to your machine, simply by removing the foot and adding a new one. For example, a zipper foot helps you sew over zips.
Bobbin and bobbin case
The bobbin is a small spool that carries the underneath thread of your stitch.
One of the most common problems when sewing is bobbin tension, due to a bobbin not been wound properly or having the correct tension. The bobbin sits inside a metal bobbin case. Typically, you’ll have several bobbins with different coloured threads and one bobbin case.
Extension table
The main sewing area of your machine can be made larger and wider by attaching an extension table which simply slots in. These come with your sewing machine but you can also buy them separately. Some sewers prefer to use a table and others prefer the arms of the sewing machine as they are.
Reverse stitch button
This allows for a handy sewing hack, securing the first and last stitches of your project. When you press it down your sewing machine will stitch backwards, making the sewing stronger and less likely to come undone.
Parts of a sewing machine: lower section
Drawer
This is a part of your machine that acts either flips open or can be removed and is a storage area where you can keep small sewing tools like a spare bobbins and needle unpickers.
Foot pedal
This is the part of the machine that sits on the floor and is what you press in order to sew. The speed of you sewing is controlled by how you press the pedal. For slower stitching, press down gently or for speedy stitching, press down fully.
Now you know all the different parts of a sewing machine it’s time to get sewing!
Follow our guide for how to use a sewing machine to get started and book on a sewing class.
Do you love crafting? Share your creations with us by tagging @primamag in your pictures on Instagram!
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