Basic Sewing Series - Lesson #1

Parts of a Sewing Machine  

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WELCOME ♡

Today we are starting with the first lesson in my new series - Basic Sewing

I think that the best place to start, and get everyone used to their machines, will be to learn all the names of the different parts of the sewing machine.

Lets get started!!

The Front

 1.  Pressure foot pressure dial - the thicker your fabric, the less pressure you want to use (0).  The thinner your fabric, the more pressure you need (3)

2.  Take up lever - It is always important to ensure that this lever is at its highest point when you stop the machine.  Use the hand wheel to move it up and down.

3.  Upper thread guide - top thread is hooked here before moving down to the needle.  It's also used when winding the bobbin.

4.  Thread tension dial - controls upper thread tension.  It is notoriously difficult to get the tension just right, so leave this dial for time being.

5.   Stitch width dial - changes the width of zigzag and other stitches.

6.  Pattern selector dial - use this dial to choose between the different stitch patterns.

7.  Spool pin - Top thread goes here

8.  Bobbin winder spindle - to wind bobbin.

9.  Bobbin winder stopper - to automatically stop when bobbin is full.

10.  Hand wheel - use this wheel to move the needle up and down by hand.  Always turn it TOWARDS you.

11.  Stitch length dial - to change the length of your stitches.

12.  Power cord and cord to foot pedal

13.  Reverse button - to stitch backwards.

14.  Foot pedal - tread to stitch  ;)

 15.  Needle plate - covers moving parts.

16.  Extension table - Extends the work surface of your machine.  Also slides out to reach shuttle and bobbin case and also to stitch cylindrical projects, like sleeves and pant legs.

17.  Presser foot - clamps the fabric down so that it can be fed through as you stitch.

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The Right Hand Side

The on/off switch - on my machine this merely switches the light on and off and I have to unplug it to ensure that it won't stitch if someone should accidentally step on the foot pedal.

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The Back

1.  Thread cutter - to cut the thread.

2.  Presser foot lever - to lift the presser foot.

3.  Thumb screw - holds the presser foot in place.

4.  Needle clamp - holds the needle in place.

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Under the Extension Table

1.  Bobbin case - holds the bobbin.

2.  Shuttle cover - covers moving parts of the shuttle.

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That is it for today!

All the parts you need to know to start operating your sewing machine.

Your machine may differ from mine, but these are the basic parts that all sewing machines have, you may just have to go searching for some of them on your own machine.

Leave a comment if you have a question :)

Any questions are welcome and I am glad to help where I can.

If you are ready to give sewing a try, but still need a sewing machine..
Here is one that I found on Amazon:
Singer 1304 Start Free Arm Sewing Machine*
It is a very basic little machine with 6 stitch options and Singer is a well known brand.

Next week we'll look at basic nicessities you need to start sewing

♡

See you then!!

Best Wishes

RC

xxx