PARTS OF SEWING MACHINE

• Parts of sewing machine and their functions

  • Head - main part of the sewing machine
  • Thread tension regulator - adjustable disc which is rotated outward to maintain proper tightness of stitches
  • Presser bar lifter - used to lift or lower the presser bar
  • Presser bar - holds the presser foot
  • Stitch regulator - used to adjust the length and evenness of the stitches
  • Presser foot - holds the fabric against the feed as you stitch
  • Needle bar - a metal bar that holds the needle with the help of the needle clamp
  • Needle - available in different sizes and types; must be inserted firmly into the needle bar
  • Thread guide - helps guide upper thread from spool to needle without tangling
  • Bed - the flat metal base that supports the different parts of the head
  • Throat - holds the feed dog while sewing
  • Throat plate - covers the feed dog
  • Bobbin - holds the bottom of the bobbin thread
  • Bobbin case - holds the bobbin into a machine
  • Slide plate - covers the bobbin and the bobbin case
  • Feed dog - moves the fabric under the presser foot advancing the fabric one stitch at a time
  • Wheel - part of the sewing machine which provides power to the machine
  • Balance wheel - where the top motion screw is attached, also initiates the operation of the time
  • Belt - the leader band that connects the balance wheel to the drive wheel
  • Treadle - a footrest at the bottom of the machine
  • Drive wheel - large wheel found under the machine's body, coordinates the movement of the wheel, either clockwise or counter clockwise
• Types of designs in garment construction

  • Structural design - formed by stitching pieces together, like collar, cuff, yoke, pleats, etc.
  • Decorative design - made after the dress is stitched, e.g., by putting buttons, frills, or lace, etc.
• Elements of design in garment construction

  • Line - can be thick or thin, zigzag or jagged, straight, curved or wavy; a seam or embroidery or be used to describe how the garment fits the body
  • Shapes - very important element of design, formed by connecting different types of lines
  • Textile - just as important in clothing design as it is in textile design, examples of fabric textures are boucle wool, corduroy, denim and satin
  • Color - the most important element of design because it is the first thing that is noticed by a customer, it carries a lot of meaning to the garment
  • Space - the final element of design
• Psychological effects of lines

  • Horizontal lines - lines parallel to the earth, a taller person appears to be shorter, lean and thin, and a little fatter
  • Vertical lines - lines perpendicular to the earth, the shorter and fatter person appears to be taller and thinner by the use of these lines
  • Diagonal lines - effect of diagonal lines is in their angle, these lines give an illusion of length if the angle is toward length and breadth
  • Curved lines - these lines are curved, eyes move slowly along these lines, these lines are pleasing to look at
  • Crossed lines - used to add variety and lessen the length
  • Broken lines - both vertical and diagonal lines are used in broken lines, an illusion of length or breadth can be created by the judicious use of these lines
• The v shape neckline gives a slender look to the face and neck
• The square neckline gives a broader look to the look and shoulders
• The round shape neckline gives an illusion of roundness
• Round and long collars subdue the dropping and slender defect of the shoulders