Don't let all the wizbangery of modern sewing machines scare you off. Basic sewing is simple. You'll be surprised at what you can accomplish with just an afternoon of practice. Today's sewing machines maximize your sewing experience with their ease of operation, and professional results. The parts of a sewing machine are easy to identify. I can get out my pointer if you'd like.

Models and makes of sewing machines differ in layout and features, but the basic parts are similar. Your machine's manual should show a detailed diagram of your specific model. If you don't have a manual, check the manufacturer's website. Often, manuals can be found online and downloaded. Consult your machine's manual for specific instructions on use and care.

1. Spool pin: Holds a spool of thread.
2. Bobbin winder spindle: Bobbin is placed here during winding.
3. Bobbin winder stopper: Stops winding the bobbin when it reaches capacity.
4. Stitch width dial: Controls the width your stitch. It is used to create a zigzag stitch.
5. Pattern selector dial: Turn the pattern selector dial to set the symbol of the desired stitch pattern. On computerized machines, stitches are usually selected on a menu screen.
6. Handwheel: The large knob on the right side of your machine. Manually raises and lowers the needle.
7. Stitch length dial: Controls the length of the stitch. Shorter stitches for finer fabrics, longer for heavier fabrics, basting and gathering.
8. Reverse stitch lever: The machine will sew in reverse while the lever is pushed. Depending on your machine model, this may be a button.
9. Power switch: The off-on switch is usually located on the right side of the machine, beneath the handwheel.
10. Bobbin winder thread guide: A thread guide used when a bobbin is being wound.
11. Thread tension dial: Controls the tension on the top thread. If too tight, the bobbin thread appears on the right side of the fabric. If set too loose, the needle thread loops on the underside of the fabric.
12. Thread take-up lever: The top thread passes through the thread take-up lever. It moves up and down with the needle.
13. Needle clamp screw: This clamp holds the needle in place.
14. Presser foot: When lowered using a lever on the back side of the machine, this foot holds fabric in place.
15. Bobbin cover: Covers and protects the bobbin holder while sewing. 
    
16. Bobbin cover release button: Releases the cover for access to the bobbin.
17. Feed dog: The feed dog pulls fabric forward while sewing.
    
18. Needle: A needle pushes the thread through the fabric to form a stitch.
19. Needle plate: A metal plate beneath the needle and presser foot. It has an opening for the needle to pass through as it stitches, and another for the feed dogs to emerge and help move the fabric forward during sewing. Also called a throat plate.

Comments (16)

High School Student said:

... Thankyou thankyou thankyou for this it will help me for my test about labelling parts for a sewing machine.

February 02, 2012

... said:

... hi thank you this was very helpful and helped me to do my homework about a sewing machine

January 29, 2012

o said:

... this picture helped me perfectly thanks 4 showing this on here

January 04, 2012

Compliment said:

... Now I know where everything goes and what everything is!

December 03, 2011

lucas said:

... thanks so much for your help.now i can claim that i know a sewing machine

October 18, 2011

Mary Jeanette said:

... Thank you for such a great picture!! This is perfect for teaching a troop of girls sewing basics. Like Mandy, I would like to use the "Basic Parts of a Sewing Machine" as a handout. We will also include the "sew4home" logo and web address as authors.

October 18, 2011

Emma said:

... Thanks this really helped me study for my Home Eck test that i DIDNT have my papers for and now i got a good grade, better than I expected!!! Thanks Alottt(:

October 04, 2011

A.U said:

... Nice im now going to be perfect thanks really appriciate

July 12, 2011

pydg said:

... nice tnx. for having this

June 27, 2011

H said:

... Thank you for getting back to me, that's wonderful!

March 02, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... No worries -- no question is silly. What you are asking about is actually there -- it has been slid off to the very right-most part of the spool. It is called a Spool Cap. You should be able to get a replacement one at your dealer.

February 22, 2011

H said:

... Hi, this probably seems like a silly question. But, I'm missing the part that slides onto #1 and keeps the thread from coming off. What is that called? And can I purchase it anywhere?

February 22, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Parsion Elleben -- you are very welcome. I'm glad to know this tutorial helped you out.

September 20, 2010

Parsion Elleben said:

... thank you it really helped me in my fingering out of my machine my guide did not work for me great thanks

September 20, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Mandy. Thanks for asking permission - as all our content here at S4H is copyrighted material. You can use this information as a hand out. All we ask is that you put our logo and web address on the hand out as authors of the information. Glad you are out there teaching others how great it is to sew!

June 10, 2010

Mandy said:

... This is such a great illustration for the parts of the sewing machine. May I inquire for permission to print this as a hand-out for my sewing students?

June 09, 2010

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