The Sewing Machine

Topic: The Sewing Machine

WEEK: 8

A sewing machine is a device used to sew fabric and other materials together with thread. The machine consists of several parts, including a needle, a spool of thread, and a mechanism to move the fabric and thread through the machine.

Basic Components of A Sewing Machine

The basic components of a sewing machine include the following:

Needle: A pointed metal rod that pierces the fabric and creates a hole for the thread to pass through.
Bobbin: A small spool that holds the lower thread, which is used in conjunction with the upper thread to create a stitch.
Feed dogs: A mechanism that moves the fabric through the machine as the needle sews.
Tension control: A mechanism that regulates the tension of the upper and lower threads, ensuring that the stitch is tight and even.
Stitch length control: A mechanism that controls the length of the stitch.

Sewing machines come in different types and sizes, including mechanical, electric, and computerized models. Mechanical machines use a hand-operated wheel to move the needle and feed dogs, while electric and computerized machines use motors and electronic controls to automate the sewing process.

Sewing machines have revolutionized the textile industry and made it possible for people to sew faster and more efficiently. Today, sewing machines are used in a variety of industries, including fashion, upholstery, and automotive manufacturing, as well as in homes for personal sewing projects.

Types of Sewing Machines

There are various types of sewing machines available in the market, each designed for specific purposes. Here are some of the most common types of sewing machines:

Mechanical Sewing Machines: These are basic sewing machines that use mechanical power to drive the needle and shuttle. They are suitable for simple sewing tasks and are less expensive than other types of machines.
Electronic Sewing Machines: These machines use electronic power to drive the needle and shuttle. They come with a variety of features such as programmable stitch patterns, automatic thread cutters, and automatic buttonholes.
Computerized Sewing Machines: These machines are similar to electronic sewing machines but come with advanced computer technology that allows for more customization and control over stitch patterns, buttonholes, and other features.
Embroidery Sewing Machines: These machines are designed specifically for embroidery work and are capable of producing intricate designs on fabric. They come with built-in embroidery designs and can be connected to a computer to download new designs.
Quilting Sewing Machines: These machines are designed for quilting and can handle multiple layers of fabric. They come with features such as a large sewing table, adjustable speed control, and a walking foot to help move multiple layers of fabric smoothly.
Serger Sewing Machines: These machines are also known as overlock machines and are designed to finish raw edges of the fabric by trimming and binding them with an overlock stitch. They are particularly useful for sewing stretchy fabrics.
Industrial Sewing Machines: These machines are heavy-duty and are designed for use in factories and other commercial settings. They are capable of handling high volumes of sewing work and come with features such as automatic thread trimmers and multiple needle positions.

Parts of A Sewing Machine

parts of a sewing machine and their functions:

Part of the Sewing Machine	Function
1. Bobbin	Holds the lower thread and feeds it to the needle to create stitches
2. Bobbin case	Holds the bobbin in place and controls the tension of the lower thread
3. Feed dog	Moves the fabric under the needle and helps create uniform stitches
4. Needle	Pierces the fabric to create stitches
5. Needle clamp	Holds the needle in place
6. Presser foot	Holds the fabric in place while sewing
7. Presser foot lever	Raises and lowers the presser foot
8. Thread guide	Guides the thread from the spool to the needle
9. Tension dial	Adjusts the tension of the upper thread
10. Stitch length dial	Adjusts the length of the stitches
11. Stitch width dial	Adjusts the width of the stitches for zigzag stitching
12. Reverse lever	Allows the machine to sew stitches in reverse for secure seams
13. Thread cutter	Cuts the thread after sewing
14. Handwheel	Controls the movement of the needle and feeds the dog by hand
15. Power switch	Turns the machine on and off
16. Foot pedal	Controls the speed of the machine
17. Light bulb	Illuminates the sewing area
18. Bobbin winder spindle	Holds the spool of thread for winding the bobbin
19. Bobbin winder stopper	Stops the machine from sewing when the bobbin is full
20. Needle plate	Covers the bobbin case and feeds the dog, and has markings for seam allowances

Note that the functions of some parts may vary depending on the type of sewing machine.

Guidelines for Choosing Sewing Machines

Purpose: Determine the purpose of the sewing machine, whether for basic sewing or specialized sewing projects like embroidery, quilting, or heavy-duty fabrics.
User Level: Consider the skill level of the user, whether beginner, intermediate or advanced. Choose a machine with features and functionalities that will match the user’s skill level.
Price: Determine your budget and look for a machine that is within your price range. Note that the more features and functionalities a machine has, the higher the price.
Brand Reputation: Choose a brand with a good reputation for producing quality sewing machines. Research the brand’s history, reviews, and customer service.
Machine Type: Choose between a mechanical or computerized machine. Mechanical machines are simpler and more affordable while computerized machines offer more features and functionalities.
Stitching Options: Choose a machine with a variety of stitching options, including straight stitch, zigzag stitch, buttonhole stitch, and decorative stitch.
Needle Position: Choose a machine with an adjustable needle position that allows you to move the needle from left to right. This is especially useful when sewing zippers and piping.
Speed Control: Choose a machine with adjustable speed control that allows you to adjust the machine’s speed to match your sewing speed.
Feed Dogs: Choose a machine with adjustable feed dogs that allow you to control the fabric’s movement under the needle.
Accessories: Choose a machine that comes with essential accessories like bobbins, needles, and presser feet. Also, consider whether the machine has a free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves.

Care and Maintenance of Sewing Machines

Keep your sewing machine clean: It is important to regularly clean your sewing machine to ensure it runs smoothly. Use a soft brush to remove dust and lint from the machine, and wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.
Change the needle regularly: Sewing machine needles can become dull or bent over time, so it’s important to replace them regularly. A damaged needle can cause fabric damage and can also affect stitch quality.
Oil the machine: Regularly oiling your sewing machine helps to keep it running smoothly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for oiling your machine, and use only the recommended oil.
Keep the machine covered: When not in use, keep your sewing machine covered to protect it from dust and other particles that can accumulate on the machine.
Use high-quality thread: Poor-quality thread can cause thread breakage, uneven stitching, and other problems. Using high-quality thread will ensure your stitches are strong and even.
Use the correct needle and thread: Different fabrics require different needles and threads. Using the wrong needle or thread can cause fabric damage, stitch problems, and other issues.
Check the tension: The tension on your sewing machine affects stitch quality. Make sure the tension is set correctly for the fabric you are using.
Use a fresh bobbin: Make sure to use a fresh bobbin when starting a new project. Using an old or partially used bobbin can cause tension problems and other issues.
Keep the machine in a dry place: Moisture can damage your sewing machine. Store your machine in a dry place, and avoid using it in damp or humid conditions.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your sewing machine. This includes instructions for cleaning, oiling, and maintenance, as well as instructions for using the machine properly.

Sewing Machine Faults, Causes and Remedies

common sewing machine faults, their potential causes, and remedies:

Fault	Cause	Remedy
1. Thread Breaks	Tension too tight or too loose, damaged or old thread	Adjust tension, replace thread, use a new needle
2. Skipped Stitches	Dull or bent needle, improper threading, improper tension	Replace the needle, re-thread the machine, adjust the tension
3. Machine Jams	Incorrectly threaded machine damaged needle or bobbin	Re-thread the machine, replace the needle or bobbin
4. Uneven Stitches	Uneven tension, incorrect needle or thread size	Adjust tension, use the correct needle and thread size
5. Fabric Pulling	Improper needle, tension too tight, incorrect pressure	Adjust needle, tension, and pressure settings
6. Bobbin Winding Problems	Improper winding, incorrect bobbin size, dirty bobbin case	Rethread and wind bobbin properly, clean bobbin case
7. Loud Noises	Loose screws or parts, broken gears or belts	Tighten screws, replace broken parts or belts
8. Machine Running Slowly	Dirty machine, low power, tangled thread	Clean the machine, check the power source, and remove the tangled thread
9. Fabric not feeding	Dirt under the feed dogs, incorrect pressure foot	Clean feed dogs use the correct pressure foot
10. Breaking Needles	Using an incorrect needle, improper needle insertion	Use the correct needle, insert the needle correctly
11. Needle hits bobbin case	Improper timing, bent needle or hook, loose parts	Check to time, replace bent or damaged parts
12. Stuck or Loose Needle	Improper needle installation, damaged needle clamp	Reinstall the needle properly, repair or replace the clamp
13. Tangled Thread	Incorrect threading, improper tension or needle	Re-thread the machine, adjust the tension and use the correct needle
14. Needle won’t go up/down	Loose or broken parts, incorrect settings	Tighten or replace loose or broken parts, adjust settings
15. Uneven Feed	Dirty feed dogs, incorrect pressure foot, worn feed dogs	Clean feed dogs, use correct pressure foot, replace worn feed dogs

It’s important to note that some faults may have multiple potential causes and remedies, and troubleshooting sewing machine issues can often require a bit of trial and error.