13 Sewing Machine Parts and Safety
Sheri Deaton
Sewing Machine Parts and Safety
Knowledge is Power
You have likely heard before that “knowledge is power.” This is true in many areas of life, and sewing is no exception. The more you know about sewing machines and how to operate them safely, the better equipped you will be to handle issues that will inevitably arise. Machines will break down, parts will be discontinued, and issues will have to be addressed. Knowing how a machine works and the names of the parts involved will help you pinpoint issues and communicate clearly if your machine needs repair (Deaton, 2021).
For example, did you know that the size of the sewing machine needles varies? According to Westfall (2013), the following sizes should be used for the following fabric weights:
- Size 9-11 for lightweight fabrics
- Size 12-14 for medium-weight fabrics
- Size 16-18 for heavy fabrics
This simple piece of information can save you a host of time, frustration, and fabric. The more we know about sewing machine parts and how to operate a machine safely, the better equipped we are to accomplish projects in the apparel production laboratory.
Photo by cottonbro: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-sewing-while-sitting-on-chair-3738088/
Regardless of the brand of sewing machine you are operating, the names and parts are going to be similar. For this text, Janome Sewing Machines will be referenced and used as a resource due to their availability and ease of use in the classroom.
TIP: Consider the socioeconomic conditions of students enrolled in your classroom. Consider purchasing machines comparable to the type of machine they could afford if they wanted to purchase one for home projects. Having a few higher-end machines in the classroom is a good way to showcase a variety of price points; however, the machines they use daily should be similar to those they could afford and use at home. Discuss these concepts with your students, encouraging them to purchase a machine that best fits their needs, lifestyle, and budget, while also informing them of other options they could pursue at different points in their life (Deaton, 2021).
- Read this article on Janome Life discussing the importance of knowing the parts of your machine.
Bobbin
- The bobbin is wound with the thread that will make up the underside of a machine stitch. Machines have either a top drop-in style of bobbin, or a front-loading bobbin.
Bobbin Case
- The bobbin case holds the bobbin. Some machines use metal bobbins, others use plastic. Use only the bobbins the manufacturer recommends for your model, or the machine may not work properly.
Bobbin Winder
- This is where you place an empty bobbin to be filled with thread from the spool. It is best to always start with an empty bobbin to ensure that the thread winds evenly.
Feed Dogs
- These small metal or rubber teeth feed the fabric through and help pull it between the presser foot and throat plate. The feed dogs also regulate the stitch leng