sewing machine [1]

Machine used to assemble two pieces of fabric by means of a series of stitches made with a needle and thread.

head

Vertical section that completes the needle’s drive mechanism; the presser foot extends from it.

needle

Metal stem that passes the thread through the fabric to form a stitch.

hinged presser foot

Articulated end of the presser foot; it consists of two branches between which the needle passes.

bobbin

Spool on which the lower thread is wound.

needle plate

Metal plate with an opening that the needle passes through and two slits from which the feed dogs for the fabric protrude.

slide plate

Plate that slides open, providing access to the lower stitching components.

tension block

Parts that control the tension of the upper thread.

flat-bed

Surface over which the pieces of fabric move.

stitch selector

Wheel used to select a stitch pattern.

power/light switch

Button that turns the machine and the sewing light on and off.

reverse stitch button

Switch that reverses the sewing direction.

column

Vertical section that supports the arm and houses part of the needle’s drive mechanism.

stitch length regulator

Dial used to set the length of the stitch; the numbers indicate the length in millimeters.

needle position selector

Part that selects the needle position (left, center or right).

handwheel

Dial used to raise and lower the needle manually.

bobbin winder

Pin on which the bobbin is placed to load it; the spool pin thread is transferred to the bobbin winder.

pressure dial

Mechanism used to set the pressure of the hinged presser foot on the fabric.

stitch width selector

Mechanism used to set the stitch width.

arm

Part that connects the head to the column; it houses part of the needle’s drive mechanism.

spool pin

Pivot used to attach the upper spool of thread.

thread take-up lever

Lever that the upper thread goes through before it is threaded through the needle; it regulates tension.

thread guide

Part used to direct the thread.