Parts of the Sewing machine

I can’t wait to start sewing! This is our Valley Forge Middle School Sewing Machine

Spool pin holds the spool of thread. #3 on Diagram Spool Pin

The bobbin winder winds the thread from the spool to the bobbin, mechanically. #1 on Diagram Bobbin Winder

Stitch length determines the length of the stitch The range on our machine is from 0 to 4. 0 the shortest stitch, 4 the longest. Stitch Length #2 on Diagram

Stitch Width Dial Stitch width determines the width of the stitch #5 on Diagram

The tension dial sets how taut the machine keeps the thread depending on different fabrics. DO NOT move this dial. It should be set on the green mark. Tension Dial #5 on Diagram

The hand wheel raises and lowers the needle The hand wheel raises and lowers the needle. You must always pull the hand wheel towards yourself to prevent tangling of the threads. Hand wheel # 13 on Diagram

The pattern selector lets you determine what kind of stitch you will be making, such as straight stitches or an embroidery stitch or zig-zag. Pattern Selector Not on Diagram

The Stitch Selector Display will tell you what type of stitching you are set to do. Stitch Selector Display # 12 on Diagram

The take-up-lever pulls the thread back after each stitch, so that the stitches will lay evenly into the fabric. Take-Up-Lever #7 on Diagram

The reverse lever allows you to stitch in reverse The reverse lever allows you to stitch in reverse. We use reverse to make our stitches secure at the beginning and end of seams. Reverse Lever # 10 on Diagram

The presser foot lifter gently lifts the presser foot up and lowers it against the feed dogs. Note: the presser foot must be lowered before you begin to sew; or fabric will not move through the machine! Presser foot Lifter Not on Diagram

The presser foot holds the fabric against the feed dogs; so the feed dogs can pull your fabric through the machine. Presser foot #9 on Diagram

Feed dogs are a “teeth-like” part that works with the presser foot to pull your fabric through the machine. Feed Dogs Not on Diagram

Place where the bobbin is placed. Bobbin Case #8 on Diagram

Needle Not on Diagram

Pull your thread through the thread cutter after sewing to cut the threads. Thread Cutter # 6 on Diagram

Accessories compartment is where additional machine accessories are kept. It slides off to the left to make sewing surface smaller. Accessories Compartment #11 on Diagram

The foot pedal operates the speed of the sewing machine, electrically. Not on Diagram Foot Pedal

The power switch turns on the power on the sewing machine and also turns off the power, electrically. Power Switch Not on the Diagram

Threading the machine Your first test of Patience!

Step 1 Place your spool of the thread on the pin – make sure the pin goes through the center hole on the spool of thread Locate the spool pin on the top of the machine. Gently pull off the round disk (spool holder)

Step 2 Bring the thread over to the number “1” and guide it around that piece. Avoid the metal thing.

Step 3 Bring thread down through the right groove.

Step 4 Continue down that groove and bring down to the “3”. Guide the thread around the part labeled “3” and bring up through left groove.

Step 5 Bringing your thread up through that left groove you will come to the “take up lever.” If you don’t see it there, turn the handwheel toward you until it appears. Then, guide your thread through that metal part (diagram on machine) and bring back down through the left groove.

Step 6 Continue bringing that thread down through the left groove.

Step 7 Bring thread down toward needle. You will see or feel a little hook-like thing. Guide your thread behind that hook.

Step 8 Take end of thread and stick it through the eye of the needle (the little hole at the bottom of the needle). Bring thread through the hole in the presser foot.

You have threaded your machine! Congratulations!!!! You have threaded your machine! Now, let’s practice some more!