Sewing Machine Parts Consumer Guide
The various sewing machine parts can be quite confusing to the beginner that is seeking to purchase one to accomplish various sewing projects.
Having a good understanding of the elements and parts of a sewing machine helps you effectively and efficiently utilize all of its aspects, and make the work more productive and easy to accomplish.
In addition, you will save a lot of money if you know how to take care, troubleshoot and fix your machine when you come across minor problems. Because when things don't work, bringing your sewing machine to the shop for repair or calling a mechanic is often very time costly and expensive.
Knowing the different parts and how they function will also help to evaluate the pricing when shopping, whether you are searching for a new, or buying used and second hand models. Below you will find purchase recommendation for common sewing parts.
Cases
A sewing machine case is normally made of plastic with locks and a handle and can be purchased to accompany your product for safe and easy transportation. Usually, you can only find cases for the domestic and semi-industrial models.
There is a large assortment of cases for these types of devices, including specific brand name cases or universal cases, such as the Brother 5300 Universal Sewing Machine Carrying Case.
When searching for a case that will manage all your portability needs, checking that there is extra space for the tools, accessories and other essential sewing machine parts will ensure that you can carry everything you need in one neat package.
Lights
A built in or portable light is a recommended accessory, whether you purchase a domestic or industrial machine because it illuminates the materials that you are working on and it makes a safer workspace for the sewing person.
The domestic models normally come with a light that is preinstalled, but the sewing machine light on the industrial models are quite often sold separately.
When you are purchasing a light for sewing, be sure to look for products that are made specifically for use with sewing devices and are manufactured with a solid, stainless steel frame that will provide stability and durability, so they won't rust over time.
There are light fixtures that are easy to maneuver. They maintain the ability to fold 360 degrees and adjust to different heights. These products will allow the sewer an array of different positions to work from and maximum lighting while working on a variety of different sewing projects.
Also keep in mind that incandescent white light is much easier on the eye, saves energy, and is not as hot when close to the body in comparison to that of the yellow warm light.
Motors
The motor is essentially the powerhouse and the most important of sewing machine parts. The higher the wattage, the stronger the motor and the faster stitches the machine can perform.
The brushless motors are more durable and efficient and tend to be less noisy to operate. The direct drive, or otherwise known as gear drive sewing machine motors do not require a belt, reducing the amount of friction and increasing the efficiency.
These gear drive motors are known to be less noisy, have a longer lifetime due to the simplicity of the construction and maintain a longer lifespan because there are less moving parts, such as a belt, to fail.
Belts
The sewing machine belts connect the driveshaft to the motor. Each machine has its own separate specs for belts, so be sure that you have the right belt for your model.
If there is anything important that you should know about this sewing machine part, it is that you should always keep the belt of the machine oiled frequently for the smoothest operation.
Bobbin and Bobbin Cases
The bobbins are used to thread the cotton and are also commonly known as shuttles.
The bobbin case is the part that holds the bobbin when it is installed in the machine.
Usually, industrial models use the same standard sized bobbin, but the domestic models and brands can vary in size.
There are advanced machines that contain pre-wound or automatic bobbin winders, which is convenient because they do not require the seamstress to remove the bobbin from the machine and rethreading can be done with a simple push of a button.
Other Sewing Machine Attachments
Presser Feet are used to press down on the fabric to hold it steady and allow for different types of stitching. There are several types of presser feet: walking foot, Teflon foot, zipper foot, invisible zipper foot and gathering foot. Make sure that the presser foot that you buy for your model fits correctly; otherwise you may find that the needles will continuously break or the whole device may be compromised.
Feed Dogs is the metal piece with teeth under the presser foot that look like a flat jigsaw blade that feed the fabric through the machine. Most feed dogs have the ability to feed the fabric both forwards and backwards at certain stitch lengths - the most essential parts of a sewing machine.
Needles - the bare essentials when shopping for sewing machine parts. Each product will use certain size needles. The typical sizes for needles are 11, 12, 14 and 16. If you plan to sew heavy material, like upholstery, it is recommended to buy special needles for heavy duty use.
Magnetic Tape - some novice sewers utilize magnetic tapes, which are short pieces of magnet pieces that are usually cut into a half inch wide by an inch long and used on the feed dog metal cover in order to guide the width of the stitched seam.
Related Guides & Reviews:
Sewing Machine Tables and Cabinets - The Benefits of Sewing Machine Furniture
Used Sewing Machine - What to Know About Old and Used Industrial Sewing Machines?
Heavy Duty Sewing Machines Information and Buying Tips - What to Look For?
