What are the parts to a sewing machine (and what do they do)?

I’ve had several people ask me over the years to put together a “sewing basics” course for them to learn how to sew. I’m happy to oblige with a little help from my friends at AllFreeSewing.com! I’ll be sharing some basics courses to help you get started sewing in not time. Today I’m giving you the run down on the Parts to a sewing machine. Things might look a little different on your machine – but all machines have these key elements.

Parts to a Sewing Machine:

Spool Pin – Where the thread starts, can be on it’s side or sit straight up.
Tension Plates – These plates “squeeze” the thread to make the tension tighter and looser as needed.
Take up Lever – this pulls the thread to keep it moving to the needle
Needle – What pierces the fabric, also you will need to use the correct type depending on your project/material.
Presser Foot – What runs over the cloth, again there are several types of feet for different projects.
Feed dogs – what pushes the fabric under the foot.
throat plate – Metal plate underneath the foot with measurement marking s on it.
Bobbin – small spool of thread that delivers the bottom thread for the stitch.
Reverse button – used to revers the flow of fabric and stitch, typically used to finish a seam.
Hand Wheel – Wheel used to manually crank the needle or adjust it.
Stitch Selection – how to change the type of stitch your machine makes.
Pedal, bar, button – what makes the machine go
Bobbin winding – how you get thread on your bobbin

Once you know the basic “anatomy” of your machine you’re ready to start sewing. Don’t worry I have a few more tutorials like this one up my sleeve to help you on your sewing journey. 🙂

Watch the video below for a quick run down of a sewing machine: