Sewing Machine Components and Functions

Front

Stitch Length Dial

Back

Controls the length of each stitch, determining how far the fabric moves with each stitch.

Usually set to 2-3 for regular straight stitch.

Front

Stitch Width Dial

Back

Adjusts the width of zigzag or decorative stitches.

Set to 0 to create no zigzag (i.e., straight stitches).

Front

Tension Dial

Back

Balances the thread tension for even stitches; too loose or tight tension affects stitch quality.

Set to AUTO, and adjust with teacher's guidance as needed.

Front

Spool Holder & Pin

Back

Located at the top of the machine; holds the spool of thread in place.

(See where the finger is pointing.)

Front

Handwheel

Back

Manually raises and lowers the needle for precision or threading. Always move this towards you, never away, to avoid damaging the machine.

Front

Stitch Selector

Back

Allows you to choose different stitch patterns (e.g., straight, zigzag, decorative).

Front

Thread Guide

Back

Directs the thread from the spool to the needle for proper threading. Make sure the 'bunny ear' is all the way up before threading.

Front

Bobbin Case

Back

Holds the bobbin securely and provides tension for the bobbin thread; located beneath the throat plate. Make sure the bobbin thread is positioned like the letter 'p'.

Front

Power Cord

Back

Connects the sewing machine to an electrical outlet, providing power to operate the machine.

Always hold the head (#4) of the cord, not its wire (#2), to avoid damaging it.

Front

Foot Pedal

Back

Controls the speed of the sewing machine; pressing down increases the sewing speed, while easing off slows it down or stops it.

Start slow!

Always hold the head (#3) of the cord, not its wire, to avoid damaging it.