sewing machine and garment construction processes

The sewing machine is a major sewing equipment. It is very important in successful sewing. It is also an expensive and complicated piece of equipment. It is therefore very important that one chooses it carefully and wisely. It is also important that it is handled carefully, and in order to do these, you must understand the different types and various parts, and be able to maintain and operate it properly.

Types of Sewing Machines

There are various types and makes of sewing machines. However, all sewing machines are basically similar. They may differ in types and number of kinds of stitches they make. They can also differ in the way they can be operated. The following are common types.

1. Hand sewing machine: This is a simple sewing machine operated just with the hand. It is usually placed on a table.

Sewing machine and garment construction processes

2. Treadle sewing machine: This is a sewing machine operated with the feet. The worker has both hands free for guiding the work. It normally has a special stand.

Sewing machine and garment construction processes – Treadle sewing machine

3. Electric sewing machine: This is operated with the aid of an electric motor. Some hands and treadle machines can easily be converted to electric sewing machine by using the electric motor.

Sewing machine and garment construction processes – Electric sewing machine

Some machines make just straight stitches. Others make both straight and zigzag stitches.

Parts of a Sewing Machine and Their Functions

Sewing machine and garment construction processes – Parts of a Sewing Machine and Their Functions

S/n       Machine Part     Functions

1. Presser foot (i) It holds the fabric firmly in place for stitching.
2. Balance wheel (i) It is turned either forward or backward.

(ii) It raises and lowers the needle.

3. Feed-dog (i) It holds the fabric tight against the presser.

(ii) It pulls the fabric along for stitching as it moves up and down.

It is a tooth-like piece of metal just under the presser foot.

It works up and down through the slots in the throat-plate.

4. Throat plate (i) It provides slots or opening through which the needle projects

downward and the feed-dog upward.

5. Spool pin (i) This holds the spool of the thread.
6. Thread guides (i) These support the thread from one part of the machine to another.

(ii) They prevent the thread from twisting.

7. Needle clamp (i) It is an attachment for the needle.
8. Stitch regulator (i) It is used to shorten or lengthen the stitches or the machine.
9. Bobbin winder (i) It is used for winding the thread which goes in the lower part of the

machine.

10. Bobbin case (i) It is the case that holds the bobbin.
11. Stop motion screw (i) This is loosens to disconnect the needle and stop it from moving

when the machine is operated. It is at the balance wheel.

12. Tension discs (i) This regulates the tightness of the thread as it forms the stitch.

Factors that Influence the Choice of a Sewing Machine

The factors that influence the choice of a sewing machine include the following:

Compare similar types of sewing machines by different manufacturers.

Compare their servicing arrangements, parts, prices and any other necessary information.

Consider the weight of the machine. Very heavy ones may be too difficult to carry about.

Consider the money available. Buy the best your money can afford.

Before paying for the machine, check to ensure that you have the instructional manual or handbook, all the accessories and spare parts that accompany the machine.

Before carrying away the machine, it is necessary to have the dealer demonstrate to you how it should be operated. Then try it out yourself.

EVALUATION

Enumerate five parts of a sewing machine and the function it does.

What function does the tension disc perform?

List two functions of the feed-dog.

Describe three types of sewing machines