Sewing machines may seem complex, but learning the basic parts makes them approachable. The document outlines the 13 main parts of a sewing machine, including the power switch, spool pin, thread guide, bobbin winder, stitch adjustment buttons, thread take-up lever, tension dial, needle clamp screw, presser foot, presser foot lever, needle plate, feed dogs, bobbin cover, and bobbin release. Mastering where each part is located is the first step to operating a sewing machine.

1. How to Use a Sewing Machine
Sewing machines can look frighteningly complex to those of us who don't know how to use
them. However, don't let the fear of an unknown machine and skill set keep you from creating
glorious textile wonders! Use this step-by-step guide through the anatomy, set-up, and use of a
sewing machine so that you can begin crafting your own hand-made items.
Part1
Learning the Parts of a Sewing Machine
1.
Find the power switch. It may seem silly, but locating the power switch is the most important
step! This is located in different places depending on the sewing machine you have, but is
normally on the right side of the body.
2.
Locate the spool pin. This is a small plastic or metal pin that sticks out of the top of the sewing
machine, and holds your spool of thread.
3.

2. Look for the thread guide. The thread guide directs thread from the spool on the top of the
machine to the bobbin winder. It is a geometric metal piece that sticks out of the top of the
sewing machine on the left side.
4.
Find the bobbin-winder. To the right of the spool pin on top of the sewing machine is another
smaller plastic or metal pin, next to a small horizontal wheel. This is the bobbin winder and the
bobbin winder stopper. These work together (with the spool of thread) to wind thread onto
your bobbin prior to starting sewing.
5.
Look for the stitch adjustment buttons. These are in different locations depending on the
specific sewing machine you have, but there is typically a small screen next to a few physical
buttons on the front side of the sewing machine. These buttons select the type of stitch you
create, the length of the stitch, and the direction of the stitch (forward or in reverse). Check the
manual for your specific machine to determine the functions for each of the buttons.
6.

3. Locate the thread take-up lever. When you’re ready to thread your sewing machine, you will
wind the thread from the spool on top, through the thread guide, and then around the takeup
lever. This is the lever (with two cut-in grooves) located on the front left side of the sewing
machine. There are typically numbers and arrows printed next to it to clearly direct you the way
in which to thread the machine.
7.
Look for the tension dial. The tension dial is a small numbered wheel near the takeup lever. It
controls the tension of the thread as you sew; if the tension is too tight, the needle will be
pulled to the right. If the tension is too loose, the thread will loop on the bottom of the fabric
you are sewing.
8.
Find the needle clamp screw. This is a metal piece that holds the needle in place while sewing.
It is located under the arm of the sewing machine, looks similar to a large nail, and sticks out to
the right side of the needle.
9.

4. Look for the presser foot. This is a metal attachment under the needle clamp screw that looks
like a small ski. When engaged, this holds the fabric in places and guides it through the sewing
machine as you sew.
10.
Find the presser foot lever and practice raising and lowering the presser foot. It will be a lever
to the right or back of the needle assembly. To adjust the presser foot, move it all the way
down and all the way up.
11.
Look for the needle plate. the needle plate is the silver plate just below the needle. Simple
enough, huh?
12.

5. Find the feed dog. The feed dog (silly name, right?) is a small metal guide under the presser foot
on the needle plate that moves the fabric through the machine as you sew. You can find it by
looking for the two small metal rows underneath the presser foot.
13.
Locate the bobbin cover and bobbin release. The bobbin is a small spool of thread that is
supplied from the bottom of the sewing machine, and supplies thread to the needle for the
backing. Under the metal plate where the needle is is the bobbin cover, and next to that there
should be a cover release button or pin. You’ll use this to put the bobbin in place before
sewing.[1]