A sewing machine works by using a needle to puncture a piece of fabric and then a bobbin thread is fed through the hole.
The needle is then raised and the fabric is pulled down so that the next stitch can be made.
The bobbin thread forms a loop on the underside of the fabric which helps to hold the fabric in place as it is sewn.
The needle then goes back up through the fabric and grabs the top thread which pulls it tight and secures the stitch.
How Does A Sewing Machine Pedal Work?
A sewing machine pedal operates a linkage that pivots at one end and rotates a wheel at the other.
This wheel meshes with gears on the main shaft of the sewing machine and as the pedal is operated it causes the shaft to rotate which in turn moves the needle up and down.
How Does A Sewing Machine Needle Work?
The needle on a sewing machine is a small sharp piece of metal that is attached to the end of a slender shaft.
This shaft is inserted into the hole in the sewing machine arm and held in place by a setscrew.
When you press down on the foot pedal a gear inside the machine turns driving the needle up and down.
The tip of the needle is cone-shaped and has two cutting blades that face each other.
As the needle moves up and down these blades pierce through the fabric cutting threads and leaving behind a hole.
A tiny spring inside the needle helps to push it back up after it has been pushed down through the fabric.
Read more about how a sewing machine needle works.
How Do Manual Sewing Machines Work?
A manual sewing machine has a needle that is attached to a rotating shaft. The shaft is connected to a hand crank which turns the needle.
The fabric is held in place by two metal plates called ‘feed dogs’.
As the needle moves up and down it pierces the fabric and the feed dogs push the fabric beneath the needle.
How Do Computerized Sewing Machines Work?
Computerized sewing machines work by using electronic sensors to detect the thickness of the fabric and then adjust the stitch length and width accordingly.
This results in a much more accurate stitch that is not affected by the thickness of the fabric.
Additionally many computerized sewing machines offer a variety of stitches and embroidery designs that can be selected with the touch of a button.
How Do Electric Sewing Machines Work?
Electric sewing machines work by using an electric motor to power a small gear that then turns the main shaft of the sewing machine.
This main shaft is attached to a small arm that rocks back and forth and as it rocks back and forth it moves the needle up and down.
The feed dogs on the bottom of the machine are what cause the fabric to move underneath the needle which is how they sew together two pieces of fabric.
Electric Vs Computerized Sewing Machines
Electric sewing machines have been around for many years and are a great choice for basic sewing.
They are simple to operate and relatively affordable.
Computerized sewing machines on the other hand are newer and offer more features than electric models.
In addition to basic sewing stitches computerized machines often include built-in embroidery designs and other advanced features.
However they can be more expensive than electric models and may require more time to learn how to use all of the features.
Ultimately the best type of sewing machine for you will depend on your needs and budget.