Parts of a Sewing Machine. Names, Pictures and Function.

Today I will teach you all about the Parts of a Sewing Machine, their names, and what they are for.

Knowing every part of your sewing machine and its function is essential to learn, especially when you are just starting to learn to sew.

There are a lot of pieces on your machine that you can set so to get better finishes on your projects.

And not knowing how or what is just missing out on the vast possibilities your machine has to offer you.

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There is a vast amount of different sewing machines for beginners. Some of them have more or fewer functions depending on the model.

However, they all have the same structure, most of the parts, and mechanical elements. 

So, once you learn all their names and functions it will be straightforward for you to control and sew with any sewing machine.

Table of Contents:

1. What are the essential parts of a Sewing Machine
2. Which are the parts of a bobbin case?
3. What are the parts of a sewing machine I can replace?
4. Sewing Machine Diagram
5. Parts of a Sewing Machine. Name and description.

What are the essential parts of a Sewing Machine? 

Every single part of a sewing machine is essential. But I believe that there are two in particular that one must know better than the others. That’s the needle bar and the bobbin case.

The needle bar (see picture below) is the part of a machine that holds the needle and the presser foot. 

Needles and presser feet constantly change depending on the fabrics or techniques we are sewing with. 

As for the bobbin case, it is the part that holds the bobbin. 

If you read my post about how to thread a sewing machine, you must know by now that threading the correct way is imperative to a nice flawless seam.

The same happens with the bobbin thread. You must know how to thread a bobbin the right way.

And part of that is how to install it into the bobbin case in the right direction. Otherwise, the thread won’t come up and form a neat chain stitch.

What are the bobbin parts of a Sewing Machine?

The bobbin is made up of six elements:

1. Thread exit
2. Bolt
3. Perforated bolt
4. Spring
5. Tensioning screw
6. Latch

The bobbin is indispensable, so knowing the parts that make it up is important.  In my publication, how to thread a bobbin, you can learn more about its importance, functions, and how to use it.

Which parts of my Sewing Machine can I replace and How? 

Before buying a new sewing machine, you should consider having access to spare parts if they break.

That’s why I pointed this up in my post about the best sewing machines for under $300 as an essential thing to consider when buying a new sewing machine.

Parts of a Sewing Machine. Diagram

Here you can see in one place all the parts of a sewing machine.

Now let’s go one by one.

The function of the Parts of a Sewing Machine. Version Home Machine

1. Stitch selector disk.

The stitch selector is the part of the machine where you can choose which from all the types of stitches your device can do are displayed you want to use.

On most the primary machines for beginners, this selector is on a disk that you rotate to change, for example from a straight stitch to a zig-zag stitch.

There are more professional machines such as electronic or with an LCD screen where you can choose your stitches with buttons or directly from the screen.

2. Stitch length selector disk.

This selection disk has numbers from 0 to 8 or 9, and they increase or decrease the length of each of the stitches on your seam. These numbers correspond to millimeters.

This part of a sewing machine is essential because you need to change the stitch length to make better seams on different types of fabrics.

For example, on lightweight fabrics, you need a smaller stitch. On heavyweight fabrics, a longer stitch is better.

3. Stitch display

You will find the stitch display usually at the front right of your sewing machine. This part displays the scheme of options for stitch design. 

Once you know which type of sewing machine stitch you want to use, you will use the stitch selector to set it up.

The amount of stitches available depends on the type of sewing machine.

4. Bobbin winder.

The bobbin winder has a spin where you can insert your bobbin so you can thread it quickly and evenly.

You have to pass the thread through the bobbin winder guides before getting to the bobbin.

Then you usually push the bobbin to the right so it can activate the winding mode with the foot pedal.

5. Spool holder.

Holds the upper thread spool when sewing or loading the bobbin.

To use it, push it up, insert the thread spool and if needed use a spool cap to hold the thread in its place.

6. Pre-Tension disk.

This element helps us to regulate the tension of the upper thread when loading the bobbin.

7. Thread take-up.

It helps us to supply the needle with the necessary amount of thread.

All this to make the stitches and sew without problems.

8. Tension dial.

The tension dial or tension disk regulates the amount of tension of the thread guides. 

To make better seams you should modify the tension settings depending on the type of fabric you are sewing.

Learn how to fix and balance the thread tension here.

9. Front cover.

You can find the bulb that lights your work area in your sewing machine inside the front cover.

In addition, this can be removed to oil or repair your machine if needed.

10. Needle bar.

The needle bar is the piece that holds the sewing needle, and it is placed in the middle and accessed going up and down either manually using the handwheel or automatically with the foot pedal.

11. Needle plate.

This place is the metal plate with a central hole where the needle goes down. It also has the feed dogs which allow the fabric to be pushed away from you while sewing.

Most needle plates have measuring guides on the right side. 

Use these guides to measure the distance from the needle to the edge of the fabric.

13. Presser foot lifting lever.

This lever is located behind the needle bar at the back of the sewing machine.

It helps to lift the presser foot so you can put or remove your fabric.

O some machines this lever has two settings (or two levels of rising) to work with thick fabrics.

Always remember to lower the presser foot when you start sewing or your seams will be a disaster.

14. Reverse stitch lever.

This is the part of a machine that you press to make a backstitch. 

By pressing this lever the machine reverses the sewing direction allowing you to sew over the seam you just made to secure the stitches on the beginning and the end.

It is used to make back tacks and prevent the stitches from unraveling at the beginning and end of the seams.

15. Presser foot.

The presser foot works with the feed dogs to hold and feed the fabric while sewing.

There is a variety of presser feet adapted to the different needs we have or tasks we want to perform on the machine.

16. Handwheel.

A handwheel that helps you control the machine manually turns to lower and raises the needle.

17. Power Switch.

The switch powers your sewing machine. It turns it on and off.

18. Foot pedal.

This pedal is connected to our sewing machines and it activates de sewing function when we press it with our feet.

We can manage the speed by pushing harder or softer on it.

19. Bobbin-compartment

The place where the bobbin goes. 

In here you insert the bobbin and then pull the thread tail into the bobbin case guides to finally cut it.

After that, you need to close the bobbin case and pull up the bobbin thread with the needle thread.

20. Thread Cutter

A small blade attachment on the side of a sewing machine allows you to cut the extra thread easily.

How many of these Parts of a Sewing Machine you didn’t know? Which ones do you think we are missing?
Let us know in the comment box below!!