Modern Sewing Machines

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Modern sewing machines offer a variety of stitches. There are three basic stitching methods that classify sewing machines. A chain stitch method was used in the earliest machines. The chain stitch required one needle with a hooked tip and one thread. This stitch was weak and could only be used for a straight line. It was soon replaced with the lock stitch. Lock stitch machines are now the most common home sewing machines. These machines have a small spool of thread called a bobbin under the stitch plate and another spool of thread that sits on top of the machine. The top thread passes through the tensioner then through the machine needle. With each revolution, the needle passes through the fabric and pulls the top thread below the stitch plate and loops with the bottom thread from the bobbin. This ties or locks both threads and fabric together. The overlock stitch is used by serger sewing machines. Serger sewing machines have built in cutters to trim excess fabric and have a looping method that leaves the edges, hems and seams strong and clean. A serger uses between one and five thread cones and does not have a bobbin. The number of thread cones used depends on the desired stitch. The thread cones supply thread to the loopers which loop thread that goes through the needle and around the edge of the fabric to encase it entirely. The seams of a t-shirt are an example of a serging. Lock stitch machines all have the same basic functions no matter the manufacturer or model. All of these machines have a needle area, thread area, operational controls and mechanics. In the needle area a presser foot surrounds the needle to hold the fabric flat while stitching. A needle clamp screw holds the needle in place and allows a way to change or replace a needle. I have found this to be an essential part of a sewing machine since I have broken numerous needles. The feed dog
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