Check This Out! A Helpful Guide to the Different Sewing Machine Parts and Their Uses

If you’re new to sewing, chances are you’ve been reading, watching, and learning as much as possible about sewing. But maybe some of the blogs or YouTube videos you’ve been consulting refer to different parts of sewing machine and their function as if you’re supposed to know already what they are. 

I know how confusing that can get! That’s why I’ve developed this comprehensive guide for the different parts of a domestic sewing machine. With this guide, you can feel confident navigating your sewing machine and reading tutorials or manuals. 

How Many Parts are There in a Sewing Machine?

This is a great question, and it may seem since there are hundreds of sewing machines on the market, there must be a bunch of different types of sewing machine parts. Surprisingly, most sewing machines have the same parts.

Comparing machines from 50 years ago to the new fancy machines of today, the machines all have the same essential features. Computerized machines will have a few more gizmos and gadgets than mechanical machines, but for the most part, they’re the same. 

On average, sewing machines will have 20 parts you should be familiar with. We’ll discuss the specific parts and their uses later in this post.

If you are curious about the different types of sewing machines, you can check out this blog post, where I discuss in detail the different types. 

Different Parts of Sewing Machine and Their Function

Without further ado, let’s list the different sewing machine parts. We’ll discuss what each piece does and why it’s vital to the sewing machine. You can use the diagram below of sewing machine parts to reference where to find the parts on your sewing machine. 

1. Thread Guide

As the name suggests, this sewing machine part is meant to guide the thread as you move the thread through the path to the needle. It will also ensure the thread won’t loop or knot before it goes through the channels in the front of the machine.

2. Bobbin Winder Tension Disc

When you need to wind a sewing machine bobbin, you will first wrap the thread around the bobbin winder tension disc. This will ensure the thread is spun onto the bobbin with even tension every time. It is essential to use this tension regulator when winding your bobbin thread.

3. Tension Control Dial

This dial controls the tension of the upper thread. I could write an entire blog post on thread tension, but let me just say right now thread tension is critical. It ensures the top and bobbin thread intertwine correctly and the fabric doesn’t pucker or pull. 

4. Stitch Length Dial

For most sewing, you’ll want your stitch length around the #3 stitch length. However, in some instances, you need longer or shorter threads, so it’s important to have an easy-to-access dial to adjust when needed. This dial is almost always on the front of the machine, either on the neck of the sewing machine or the body.

5. Stitch Selector Dial

Most sewing machines have the capability to do several different stitches. If you have a mechanical sewing machine, there will be a dial like the above diagram. If you have a computerized machine, you will have a small screen and buttons to help you switch easily between stitch types.

6. Spool Pins

These pins are on the sewing machine’s top right side. Typically a sewing machine will have two spool pins. Sometimes one of the spool pins will lay horizontally near the machine’s handle, but it works the same as a vertical spool pin. 

7.  Bobbin Winder

The bobbin winder has two parts: the bobbin pin and the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has two jobs. It keeps the bobbin on the pin and stops the winder once it is full of thread.

8. Handwheel

If you ever see in a tutorial that you need to raise your needle to the highest point, you may be tempted to use the foot pedal. However, the handwheel is perfect for this type of task. You can quickly turn the handwheel forward or backward to move the needle. 

9. Power Source and Switch

The power source and power switch are found on the side of the machine on the body. This is usually where the foot pedal gets plugged in as well. Most sewing machine companies recommend unplugging your sewing machine when you are not using it, even if you have the power switched “off,” just in case of a power surge. 

10. Reverse Stitch Lever

When a tutorial tells you to backstitch, this is when you use the reverse stitch lever. You usually only need to backstitch 3-4 stitches but don’t worry, when you use the reverse lever, the stitching goes extra slow to help you stay in a straight line.

11. Presser Foot Lever

Whenever you are sewing, you must lower the presser foot lever. This helps with thread tension and presser foot tension. You can lift the presser foot slightly higher than the regular position if you need to lay down thick fabric under the needle.

12. Needle Clamp

The needle clamp can also be called the needle screw, and this is the screw that holds the needle in place in the needle shaft. You want to ensure the clamp/screw is tight enough, so the needle isn’t loose.

13. Needle Plate

The needle plate is the metal plate the needle passes through to pull up the bobbin thread. It also conceals the bobbin compartment from the top and houses the feed dogs. This plate is also screwed into place, and you should check every once in a while to ensure those screws are not loose. Having a loose plate can mess up a sewing project. 

14. Needle

I think we all know what the needle is; however, you should keep in mind you should change your needle every 6-10 hours of sewing. You should also make sure you are using the type of needle recommended for your specific type of sewing. For example, if you are sewing with denim, you will use a different needle than if you are quilting a quilt. 

15. Feed Dogs

Arguably one of the most critical parts of the sewing machine, the feed dogs are essential for even fabric feeding under the needle. If you plan on quilting or doing any kind of free-motion sewing, ensure your sewing machine can lower the feed dogs or have a plate that can cover the feed dogs. Think of feed dogs as mini conveyor belts under the sewing needle. 

16. Presser Feet

Most sewing machines come with several types of presser feet. Some examples of presser feet are a walking foot, ¼” seam allowance foot, zipper foot, rolled hem foot, etc. Here is an excellent presser foot set if you need some for different projects. 

17. Removable Accessories Storage

This part of the machine is usually removable, which helps you access the bobbin compartment and use the free-arm feature of the machine for sewing collars or sleeves for garment making. Most machines use this removable part as a small compartment to store extra presser feet or other small sewing tools.

18. Bobbin Compartment

It may come as a surprise, but this part of the machine holds the bobbin! I know, crazy right? You want to make sure this part of the sewing machine stays clean. After every sewing project ensure there are no loose threads, fabric, or dust in this area. This will help your machine work smoothly.

19. Bobbin Case

This small circular case is what holds the bobbin in place while the sewing machine is running and controls the thread tension as it leaves the bobbin. Before placing the bobbin inside the case, ensure there isn’t any fuzz or dust inside the case since this can make the bobbin jump and mess up the thread while sewing.

20. Bobbin

The bobbin is what holds the lower thread that gets pulled up by the needle. They come in either metal or plastic; both work great. Your sewing machine will probably come with 2-5 extra bobbins, but it’s always good to have a few extra on hand. I don’t know how, but they always seem to go missing!

I hope this guide has enlightened you and helped you understand the different parts of sewing machine and their function. The anatomy of a sewing machine is quite interesting, especially knowing the basic features haven’t changed in decades.