MODULE 1
Introduction to Sewing Machine and
Machine Practice
Short Notes with Examples
1. Sewing Tools and Equipment
Definition
Sewing tools and equipment are instruments used for measuring, marking, cutting, and stitching
fabrics during garment construction.
Important Sewing Tools and Their Uses
Tool Uses Example
Needle Used for stitching fabric Hand sewing and machine sewing
Pins Hold fabric pieces temporarily Holding collar pieces before stitching
Thimble Protects finger during hand Used in embroidery and hemming
sewing
Measuring Measures body and fabric Taking chest or waist measurement
Tape
Ruler Draws straight lines Marking seam allowance
Scissors Cuts fabric and thread Cutting garment panels
Tailor’s Chalk Marks fabric Marking dart lines
Important Points
● Sharp scissors give accurate cutting.
● Rust-free tools increase durability.
● Proper tools improve sewing quality and speed.
2. Sewing Machine
Definition
A sewing machine is a mechanical or electric device used to stitch fabric pieces together with
thread.
Types of Sewing Machines
Type Description Example
Hand Operated Operated manually Traditional home sewing
Treadle Machine Operated by foot pedal Old tailoring shops
Electric Machine Uses electricity Domestic sewing
machine
Industrial Machine High-speed machine used in Garment industries
factories
3. Major Parts of Sewing Machine and Their
Functions
Part Function Example
Needle Carries thread through Creates stitches
fabric
Presser Foot Holds fabric firmly Prevents fabric slipping
Feed Dog Moves fabric forward Helps continuous stitching
Bobbin Supplies lower thread Forms lock stitch
Hand Wheel Moves needle manually Used during starting
Tension Disc Controls thread tightness Prevents loose stitches
Foot Pedal Controls machine speed Faster stitching
Important Point
All machine parts work together for smooth and even stitching.
4. Threading of Sewing Machine
Definition
Threading is the process of passing thread through different machine parts to prepare the machine
for stitching.
Steps of Threading
1. Place spool on spool pin.
2. Pass thread through thread guide.
3. Pass through tension disc.
4. Pass through take-up lever.
5. Insert thread into needle eye.
6. Insert bobbin correctly.
7. Pull both threads under presser foot.
Important Points
● Incorrect threading causes thread breakage.
● Proper threading ensures smooth stitching.
● Needle must be inserted correctly.
Example
If the thread is not passed through the tension disc properly, stitches become loose and uneven.
5. Sewing Machine Maintenance
Definition
Maintenance means regular cleaning and servicing of the sewing machine for proper functioning.
Essential Maintenance Practices
Practice Purpose
Cleaning dust Prevents blockage
Oiling machine Reduces friction
Replacing damaged Improves stitch quality
needle
Tightening screws Prevents vibration
Covering machine Protects from dust
Advantages of Maintenance
● Increases machine life
● Produces neat stitches
● Reduces machine defects
● Improves efficiency
Example
Industrial sewing machines are oiled daily for smooth high-speed operation.
6. Common Sewing Machine Defects and
Remedies
Defect Cause Remedy
Thread Wrong threading Re-thread
Breakage machine
Needle Bent needle Replace needle
Breakage
Skipped Stitches Wrong needle Use proper needle
size
Uneven Stitching Improper tension Adjust tension
Fabric Jamming Dirty feed dog Clean machine
Important Point
Regular maintenance helps prevent most sewing machine defects.
7. Machine Practice on Paper and Fabric
Definition
Machine practice is done to improve stitching control and sewing accuracy.
Practice on Paper
Used for beginners to learn machine control without thread wastage.
Exercises
● Straight lines
● Curved lines
● Zig-zag patterns
Practice on Fabric
Helps students learn actual stitching techniques.
Exercises
● Straight stitching
● Seam stitching
● Hemming
● Corner stitching
Importance
● Improves hand coordination
● Develops stitching accuracy
● Increases sewing speed
Example
Students first practice straight lines on paper before stitching fabric.
Important Definitions
Needle
A pointed tool used to carry thread through fabric.
Bobbin
A small spool that holds lower thread in a sewing machine.
Feed Dog
A toothed mechanism that moves fabric during sewing.
Seam
The line formed when two pieces of fabric are stitched together.
Thread Tension
The tightness of thread during stitching.
Important QnA
Q1. Describe the primary functions of major
parts of a sewing machine.
Answer
Part Function
Needle Carries thread through
fabric
Presser Foot Holds fabric in position
Feed Dog Moves fabric forward
Bobbin Supplies lower thread
Hand Wheel Controls needle manually
Tension Disc Maintains thread tension
Example
The feed dog helps move fabric evenly during stitching.
Q2. Explain the essential maintenance
practices for a sewing machine.
Answer
● Clean machine regularly.
● Oil moving parts properly.
● Replace damaged needles.
● Tighten loose screws.
● Keep machine covered after use.
Importance
Maintenance improves stitching quality and increases machine life.
Q3. Explain the proper method of threading
a sewing machine.
Answer
1. Place spool on spool pin.
2. Pass thread through guides.
3. Pass through tension disc.
4. Move through take-up lever.
5. Insert thread into needle eye.
6. Insert bobbin properly.
Example
Wrong threading may cause skipped stitches and thread breakage.
Q4. List common sewing machine defects
and remedies.
Answer
Defect Remedy
Thread Correct threading
breakage
Needle Replace bent
breakage needle
Uneven stitching Adjust tension
Fabric jamming Clean feed dog
Quick Revision Points
● Needle carries thread through fabric.
● Presser foot holds fabric firmly.
● Feed dog moves fabric during sewing.
● Proper threading prevents defects.
● Regular oiling increases machine life.
● Practice improves stitching accuracy.