1
PRESSER FOOT
This holds the fabric
down while you’re
sewing. Several styles
may come with
your machine.
FEED DOGS
These metal teeth
grip the fabric
and move it with
each stitch.THREAD GUIDE
Follow the manual
to be sure you’re
threading correctly.NEEDLE
POSITION
BUTTON
Set the needle to
automatically stop
when the needle
is at its highest or
lowest point.SPOOL PIN
The thread spool sits
on a horizontal or
vertical pin and feeds
into the needle via
a series of guides.HANDWHEEL
Use this wheel to
manually raise or
lower the needle.STITCHES
Machines vary
widely in the number
of built-in stitch
types off ered.FOOT
CONTROLLER
This pedal activates
the machine while
you guide the fabric
with your hands.BOBBIN WINDER
Wind thread onto
a bobbin to use for
the lower thread
in the machine.BOBBIN COVER
The bobbin (a plastic
or metal disk of thread)
can either be a drop-in
type or front-loading.SEWING SPEED
CONTROLLER
Set the maximum
speed your machine
will go—a good idea if
you have a lead foot.UPPER
TENSION
CONTROL
Adjust the tension
(tightness or
looseness) of the
upper thread.ANATOMY LESSON
The first commandment of learning to sew: Know
thy machine. Here’s a look at all the important parts
on any machine—budget beginner to pro-style.