24 Sewing Machine Parts Name with Image

If you’ve ever looked at a sewing machine and thought, “What are all these knobs, levers, and bits?” — you’re not alone. In this article, I’ll walk you through sewing machine parts name with image, explain what each does, and share tips for beginners and hobbyists. By the end, you’ll feel more confident about operating or troubleshooting your sewing machine.

I’ve studied many of the existing online guides — like the TextileEngineering blog on basic machine parts, Scribd’s 27-part list, and the Martha Stewart “parts explained” article — and I’ve tried to go deeper: giving you extra parts, usable practical tips, and clear photos/diagrams (see above) to make everything real and usable.

Read: 10 Best Sewing Machine in India under 5000

Table of Contents

Basic Parts of a Sewing Machine (with Images & Names)

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Here’s a breakdown, starting from the top/front and going down to the base, then internal parts.

1. Spool Pin / Spool Holder

This is where the thread spool sits. Some machines have horizontal spool pins, others vertical.
The spool cap is a small disc or ring that keeps the spool firmly in place so it doesn’t wobble.
Use the right cap size so your spool doesn’t slip off.

2. Thread Guide

These are small loops or metal bars that guide the upper thread along the correct path — from spool, through the tension discs, into the take-up lever, and finally to the needle.
Skipping or mis-threading through a thread guide is a common mistake that causes thread breakage or poor tension.

3. Tension Discs / Tension Regulator / Tension Dial

Between these small metal discs the thread passes; you can adjust how tightly the thread is held.
Proper tension is critical: too tight → puckered stitches, thread breaks; too loose → loops or skipped stitches.
Many guides list it (like Martha Stewart lists “tension regulator”).

4. Take-Up Lever

This lever moves up and down as you sew, pulling thread from the spool and feeding it to the needle.
The upper thread passes through the take-up lever before the needle.
Always raise it to its highest point before threading.

5. Presser Foot & Presser Foot Lever

The presser foot holds the fabric down on the feed dogs so the fabric moves steadily and evenly.
There are many kinds: standard foot, zipper foot, walking foot, etc.
The presser foot lever raises or lowers the foot.
Some machines let you change the pressure (for thick/ thin fabrics).

6. Needle

The needle is that sharp thing that carries the upper thread into the fabric.
It has a hole (eye) near its point where thread passes.
Use correct needle type/size for your fabric, else you may break the needle or damage fabric.

7. Needle Clamp / Needle Bar

The needle clamp and needle clamp screw secure the needle to the needle bar (the bar that moves it up/down).

8. Throat Plate / Needle Plate

This is the flat metal plate just under the needle and presser foot.
It has a hole for the needle to go through and slots for feed dogs to emerge.
Many throat plates have etched seam allowances (1/4″, 5/8″, etc.).
You can remove it to access the bobbin area for cleaning.

9. Feed Dogs

These are small metal “teeth” under the throat plate that move fabric forward (or backward, depending on settings).
They lift up, grip the fabric, move it, then drop down and return to front.
Some machines let you lower them (for free-motion quilting or darning).

10. Slide Plate / Bobbin Cover

This covers the bobbin area and can slide open (or hinge) to access the bobbin.
Some machines have front access, others drop-in top access.
It’s often called the bobbin cover or slide plate.

11. Bobbin

The bobbin is the spool under the machine that holds the lower thread.
Use bobbins recommended by the brand to avoid mismatches

12. Bobbin Case / Bobbin Holder

The bobbin case holds/controls that lower thread’s tension and ensures smooth delivery.
Some machines use a separate bobbin case; others use drop-in or cassette bobbins.

13. Balance Wheel / Hand Wheel

Usually on the right side, this wheel manually lifts or lowers the needle when turned toward you.
Use it for precision (like starting a stitch exactly at a corner).
Never force it; always turn in the direction recommended.

14. Stitch Selector / Stitch Dial / Mode Selector

This mechanism (dial, button, touch screen) lets you choose stitch types: straight, zigzag, decorative.
Some machines also let you adjust stitch width and pattern.
When you change stitches, the machine adjusts internal cams or motor control accordingly.

15. Stitch Length Dial / Regulator

This sets how long each stitch is (distance between stitches).
Lower setting = shorter stitches (for fine seams); higher setting = longer stitches (for basting, decorative).

16. Reverse Lever / Reverse Stitch Mechanism

This lever causes the machine to sew backward temporarily (for backstitching), locking your stitch in place.
You press it and sew a few stitches backward and forward to secure seams.

17. Power Switch / Light Switch

Turns the motor (or electronic control) on/off.
Often the sewing light is built in — a small bulb or LED — to illuminate your work area.

18. Motor / Drive Mechanism / Belts / Gear System

Under the hood (or in built-in compartments) is the motor (in electric machines) or drive belt/pulley system (in mechanical ones).
This translates motor force into mechanical motion of needle, feed dogs, etc.
In older machines, this might include cams or gears.

19. Internal Hook / Rotary Hook / Shuttle Mechanism

This is a crucial internal part that catches the upper thread and loops it around the bobbin thread to form a stitch (lockstitch).
Many machines use a rotary hook mechanism nowadays.
That hooking action is at the heart of how stitching works.

20. Frame / Body / Arm / Bed

The body/frame is the structure that holds all parts together.

21. Arm

The arm is the overhanging section above the bed that carries the needle bar etc.

22. Bed

The bed is the flat or curved base where the fabric rests (sometimes extension tables attach here).
The bed also contains the internal space for bobbin, feed mechanism, etc.

23. Accessory / Attachment Ports

Many machines have slots or screw holes to fit extension tables, walking foot attachments, free-motion foot, quilting bars, buttonhole attachments, etc.
Some machines offer automatic needle threaders or small built-in scissors/knife blades.

24. Walking Foot (Optional Attachment)

A walking foot (or dual-feed foot) helps feed multiple layers evenly, especially useful for quilts, heavy fabrics, or slippery fabrics.
It’s often an add-on accessory, not built-in to all machines.

Advanced & Lesser-Known Parts

Here are some parts not always listed but useful to know:

Needle Threader: A built-in or manual tool that helps push the thread through the eye of the needle automatically.
Thread Cutter: A small blade (sometimes fold-out) that cuts the upper thread after sewing.
Pattern Selector: In computerized machines, a digital interface to choose complex stitch patterns.
Memory / Saved Stitch Buttons: Machines that remember stitch sequences or store custom settings.
Automatic Buttonhole Mechanism: A mechanism that sews buttonholes automatically, sometimes with its own lever or dial.
Speed Control / Foot Controller: The pedal that controls sewing speed.
Drop Feed / Darning Position Control: Switch to drop feed dogs for free-motion or darning tasks.
Tension Springs / Thread Check Springs: Small springs used in tension regulation and thread control.
Face Plate / Cover Plate: Removable exterior plates giving access to internal mechanisms or electronics.
Oil Ports / Lubrication Points: Small holes or fittings where you apply sewing machine oil to keep parts smooth.
Cams (in mechanical machines): Old-school parts that physically shape certain decorative stitches.

How These Guides Compare & What’s New Here

TextileEngineering.net gives a basic list of parts and functions, but often lacks images or depth about attachments.
Scribd “27 Parts” has a broad list but frequently misses explanations or maintenance tips.
OrdNur.com / wifd.in list many parts; sometimes descriptions are terse and not always accurate or show photos.

What I improved or added:

Clear images (above) labeled so you can visually match your machine.
Inclusion of advanced/optional parts (walking foot, threader, attachments) often skipped.
Maintenance tips (oil points, cleaning, choosing correct parts) along the way.
Better mapping between “what you see” and “what they call it” so you don’t get lost in terminology.
More detail into internal mechanisms (hook, motor, cams) so you appreciate how sewing happens, not just name parts.

How These Parts Work Together – The Sewing Flow

Understanding parts is easier if you see how motion flows:

Motor / Hand Wheel drives the mechanism.
That motion transfers via belts/gears to drive the needle bar, feed dogs, and internal hook.
As the needle descends, upper thread passes through tension discs, thread guides, take-up lever, and into the needle eye.
Needle pierces fabric, enters the bobbin area where the hook grabs the upper thread and loops it around the bobbin thread to make the stitch.
The feed dogs move the fabric forward incrementally, and the cycle repeats.
Presser foot holds fabric steady; slide plate lets you access the bobbin; stitch dial / length regulator change how things move.

When a part is misaligned or dirty (e.g. feed dogs clogged, tension discs dusty, hook unlubricated), stitching problems occur: skipped stitches, thread breakage, puckering, etc.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting Tips

Always turn off machine or remove plug before cleaning or changing parts.
Use soft brush and lint brush to remove dust under slide plate, in bobbin case.
Lubricate hook, moving joints, needle bar pivot at machine-specified oil points.
Replace needle often — a bent or dull needle can ruin fabric or damage plates.
Ensure the tension dial is free of lint.
If stitches loop below, check bobbin case tension and whether thread path is correct.
Listen for unusual sounds or grinding — may mean a misaligned internal part or worn gear.
Use correct spare parts — bobbins, needles, feet — certified by the manufacturer.
For electronic machines, check wiring, sensors, and connectors if stitch patterns fail.

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Final Thoughts & Tips

Always refer to your machine’s manual — it often names parts exactly as your model uses.
Use the images above to match what your machine shows.
Knowing these sewing machine parts name with image helps you be confident fixing, customizing, or explaining issues.
As you grow in sewing, you’ll discover more attachments and advanced mechanisms. But these basic parts form the heart of every sewing machine.

If you like, I can prepare a printable parts diagram specific to your machine model, or a version in Hindi. Would you like me to send that?

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Basic Parts of a Sewing Machine (with Images & Names)