Getting started with sewing machines can be intimidating; therefore, it is crucial that you become acquainted with its basic components before diving in. Machines tend to come equipped with multiple parts and compartments which may seem complex at first.
Beginning your project is easier with this primer on essential machine parts! Be more confident as you start your first venture!
Needle and Thread
The best embroidery machine for beginners and Sewing machines produce stitches by threading both the bottom (bobbin) and top thread (needle) with thread from their respective spools, to form even stitches. By keeping both taut, keeping needle height at an appropriate level, and maintaining taut thread spools you’ll ensure consistent stitches every time.
Choose a sharp needle with a slim point to easily pierce fabric and reduce skipped stitches. Practice on scraps until you gain familiarity with your foot pedal (if available) as well as using both hands to guide both fabric and machine.
Referring to your manual for instructions on winding and inserting the bobbin. If your machine is bottom loading, access can be gained by taking steps such as removing table extensions and flipping down panels. Finally, locate and turn toward you the hand wheel in order to start and stop sewing.
Bobbin
A bobbin is the small spool of thread that sits at the bottom of your sewing machine and works alongside its top thread to produce stitches. Also referred to as the “bottom thread,” or backing thread, these bobbins may be metal or plastic and will likely take specific styles of bobbins depending on which style of machine it fits on. Ruffles and Stuff offers detailed instructions for winding and threading your machine bobbin, while Mollie Makes offers another helpful Youtube video tutorial.
Your machine’s bobbin should fit into a case that snaps onto its front panel and be loaded with thread by rotating a lever towards you. Your manual should provide instructions for its usage – once in place, your machine is ready to create!
Spool Pin
The spool pin may seem inconsequential to your sewing process, yet this crucial piece of equipment plays an essential role. It keeps thread from shifting around while it passes through guides and tension mechanisms in your machine ensuring even and precise stitches.
Some machines also feature long spool pins to hold taller spools of thread, making this machine particularly helpful when working with hard-to-work-with types. If your spool pin becomes damaged or worn, simple repairs include loosening and then replacing its retractable part of screw, while an easier solution might involve simply cutting a piece from an empty milk or soda bottle and sliding it over its spool pin as a makeshift cap.
Needle Position Knob
There should be a knob located either behind or on either side of the needle assembly that allows you to lower or raise the presser foot, depending on which machine model it belongs to. Please referring to your owner’s manual for more details regarding its exact placement.
Sewing machines can be an indispensable resource for small projects and daily repairs, from shortening jeans to fixing holes in shirts or creating crafts or accessories. Becoming familiar with its spool pin, bobbin winder, thread guide, rotary attachment tension dials and tension dial will allow you to get the most from it; also familiarizing yourself with its straight stitch, seam guides and reverse stitch button will be beneficial in using it effectively.
Reverse Stitch Button
Now that you understand how to thread and locate all of the parts on your sewing machine, you can start testing out its basic functions. Be sure to read your machine’s manual thoroughly so as to familiarize yourself with its parts prior to actually stitching!
Find and press/hold your reverse stitch button (depending on your type of machine). When stitching, press and hold this button while slowly depressing pedal to start stitching backwards. This feature can be particularly helpful when finishing seams at both beginning and end to ensure all forward stitches remain secure.
Start practicing this on some scrap fabric before beginning any of your actual projects – this will save you from errors and headaches later!