Basic Sewing Tools and Equipment II SS1 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note

Introduction to the Machine

A sewing machine is a piece of equipment used to stitch fabric and other materials together with thread. Before we had these, people had to sew everything by hand, which took days!

In our lab, we mostly use the Manual Peddle Machine (the one you pump with your feet) or the Electric Domestic Machine. No matter which one you use, they all work on the same basic principle: two threads (one from the top and one from the bottom) locking together to form a stitch.

Why learn the machine?

• It is much faster than hand sewing.
• The stitches are stronger and more even.
• It allows you to make professional-looking clothes that won’t fall apart.

The Main Parts and Their Jobs (Part A)

Looking at a sewing machine for the first time can be scary because of all the metal bits. Let’s break down what the most important parts actually do:

1. Balance Wheel: This is the large wheel on the right side. You turn it toward you to move the needle up and down manually.
2. Spool Pin: This is the “stick” on top that holds your reel of thread.
3. Thread Guide: These are small loops or hooks that keep the thread in line so it doesn’t get tangled on its way to the needle.
4. Tension Disc: This controls how tight or loose the thread is. If your stitches look loopy or messy, the tension is usually the problem!
5. Take-up Lever: This moves up and down with the needle. It pulls the thread from the spool and feeds it to the needle.

The Main Parts and Their Jobs (Part B)

Now let’s look at the “working area” where the fabric actually sits:

1. Needle Bar: This holds the sewing needle firmly in place.
2. Presser Foot: This is the metal “foot” that holds the fabric down flat against the machine so it doesn’t jump around while you sew.
3. Presser Foot Lever: A small handle at the back used to lift the foot up (to put fabric in) or put it down (to start sewing).
4. Feed Dog: These are the “teeth” under the needle. They move back and forth to pull the fabric through the machine automatically.
5. Stitch Regulator: A lever or dial used to change how long or short your stitches are.

The Bottom Thread (The Bobbin)

Most beginners forget that a sewing machine uses two threads. While the top thread comes from the spool, the bottom thread comes from the Bobbin.

• The Bobbin: A small metal or plastic spool that holds the bottom thread.
• The Bobbin Case: This holds the bobbin. You insert it into the “shuttle” area under the needle plate.
• Bobbin Winder: A little pin (usually near the balance wheel) used to wind thread onto the bobbin quickly using the machine’s power.

Safety Tip: Always keep your fingers at least two inches away from the needle when the machine is moving. The machine doesn’t know the difference between fabric and a finger!

Maintenance – Caring for Your Machine

A sewing machine is like a car; if you don’t look after it, it will start making loud noises and eventually break down.

1. Cleaning (Dusting): Fabric produces a lot of “lint” (tiny fluff). This fluff gets stuck in the feed dogs and bobbin area. Use a small brush to clean it out every week.
2. Oiling: Use special Sewing Machine Oil (never use vegetable oil or engine oil!). Put a drop in the moving parts and the bobbin race once a month to keep it running quietly.
3. Needle Care: If your needle hits a pin or gets blunt, change it immediately. A blunt needle will “pull” the threads of your fabric and ruin your work.
4. Covering: When you are finished, always cover the machine with a cloth or its case to keep dust out.