Lesson 3 - Getting Started with the Sewing Machine

Sewing is an essential skill that transforms fabric into beautiful, wearable garments. But before you can bring your creative designs to life, you need to master the most important tool in the process—the sewing machine.  

In this session of our Sewing & Pattern Drafting Class, we focused on helping beginners understand  the parts of a sewing machine.

  

Are you familiar with your sewing machine?

Do you know the function of its various parts? 

While it might not seem like a big deal, understanding the parts of your sewing machine can save you from unnecessary stress and delays.  

When your sewing isn’t turning out as expected, knowing what part of the machine is responsible for the issue is critical. This ensures your workflow is unhindered, as you will know what to do before calling in a technical personnel.

Here are some key parts of a sewing machine:  

• Tension Disc: Controls thread tension.  
• Take-Up Lever: Moves thread up and down during stitching.  
• Presser Foot: Holds the fabric in place.  
• Throat Plate: Guides and protects the needle.  
• Spool Pin: Holds the thread spool in place. 
• Feed dog
• Stitch regulator, etc

Detachable parts like the machine needle, bobbin, and bobbin case are just as important. These tiny components can make or break your sewing experience. A bent machine needle or a misaligned bobbin case can cause your machine to malfunction.

Bobbin—is used in a sewing machine to hold the bottom thread, which is the underside of any stitch. 

Bobbin Case—Holds the bobbin and has a specific threading pattern that provides tension to the bobbin thread.

I am sure we know that a straight sewing machine makes use of two threads to form a stitch... The upper thread, from the spool pin and the lower thread from the bobbin.

Anyway, if you don't know,  now you know. this is how a straight sewing machine works☺️

The sewing machine is a mechanical device that needs care to perform at its best. Regular oiling ensures that it runs smoothly and extends its lifespan.

P. S: Bobbin and bobbin case is called reeler and shuttle in the Nigerian market... Please take note.☺️

Leave a comment if you have any questions.

Next Lesson: Your Growth Plan for Mastering the Sewing Machine

Previous Lesson: Understanding Fabric and Style: The First Step to Making a Garment