Parts of a Sewing Machine

This lever feeds thread from the spool to the needle

• Throat plate
• Foot control
• Thread take-up lever
• Presser Foot

A set of metal "teeth" that move the fabric during stitching

• Bobbin
• Tension Control
• Feed Dogs
• Handwheel

A lever that raises and lowers the presser foot

• Presser Foot Lifter
• Feed Dogs
• Foot Control
• Bobbin

A small, flat spool that holds the bottom thread.  

• Bobbin
• Throat Plate
• Foot Control
• Feed Dogs

This holds the fabric firmly into place, against the feed dogs, for sewing.

• Handwheel
• Sewing
• Thread Take-up lever
• Presser Foot

This spindle holds the bobbin while thread is wound from the thread spool to the bobbin.  The location of this spindle varies with each machine.

• Bobbin
• Bobbin winder spindle
• Bobbin case
• Bob

This large wheel on the RIGHT side of the machine controls the up-and-down movement of the needle and thread take-up lever

• Bobbin
• Needle
• Handwheel
• Presser Foot

The amount of pressure you apply with your foot to this control regulates the operation of the machine.

• Foot Control
• Presser Foot
• Thread Guides
• Sewing

This is the metal plate under the machine needle.  On most machines, the throat plate is also etched with seam-allowance-markings for accurate sewing.

• Handwheel
• Feed Dogs
• Throat or Needle Plate
• Tension Control

A dial for adjusting the tightness or looseness of the needle thread

• Bobbin
• Bobbin Winder Spindle
• Throat Plate
• Tension Control