Basic Sewing Machine Parts Every Beginner Should Know

Upon purchasing my first sewing machine, I made sure I know everything about it from top to bottom. Though sewing machine parts may look complicated at first glance, it’s really to understand what their functions are. Here’s a list of its key components and what they are used for.

Basic Sewing Machine Parts And Its Functions

1. Presser Foot

What the presser foot does is it presses and holds the fabric down the feed dog. In simple words, this gives stability while you sew. There should be a lever in your machine that will serve as its control. The position may vary depending on your sewing machine brand. Also, there is a wide range of presser feet types but that needs its own section. But to name a few, there’s zipper, satin, button stitch, and overedge foot.

2. Feed Dogs

Basically, this mechanism is what feeds the material under the needle. These are the teeth-like metal underneath the plate. What it does is as it goes up, it grabs the fabric and pushes it back. You may need to configure this often since you also need to lower the teeth down when you are sewing buttons. You want to keep it up though for regular sewing. Check your user manual to see where the configuration switch is.

3. Needle

Gas is to a car and the needle is to a sewing machine. Of course, every part is essential but without this, there won’t be a “catalyst.” Just make sure that it is screwed tightly so it won’t loosen up during the sewing process.

4. Bobbin Winder

Normally, this is located at the top-right corner of your sewing machine. It does exactly what it’s called which is to wind the thread to the bobbin.

5. Spool Holder

This holds the spool of thread in place and the cap that goes along with it is used to hold down the spool so it won’t go flying off.

6. Needle Plate

This is the biggest plate you will see at the bottom of the sewing machine. This prevents the fabric from going down into the machine. There are also some machines which plate has measurements inscribed that will be helpful for beginners. The plate also varies on the type of machine you are using: the front-loading and top-loading machines. Either of the two is fine, it’s really a matter of perceived convenience if you ask me.

7. Bobbin Case

As the name implies, it contains the bobbin and provides tension to the lower thread. As the needle thread is pulled around the bobbin case, it then bundles around the bobbin thread and pulls it right up through the needle plate.

If you are just starting your sewing journey, I would suggest you buy a simple, mechanical machine that is easy to maintain. What’s important is to know it inside out so you’ll know how to troubleshoot it when problems arise. Knowing a sewing machine’s components will help you pinpoint that immediately. Knowing the parts means knowing the machine’s full capability, too. Hope this helps!

If you want to see some visuals of each part, check out this video by My Sewing Style:

What sewing machine parts did we miss? Share your thoughts in the comments below!