SEWING MACHINE OPERATION

Types of sewing machine

Though there are different types of sewing machine but mainly, three types are considered for sewing, as given below.

1.   Mechanical sewing machines

2.   Electronic sewing machines

3.   Computerized sewing machines

1. Mechanical sewing machines

These machines are less expensive and are the simplest type of sewing machines in terms of build. They are the hand-operated sewing machine and treadle sewing machine.

 

Hand-operated sewing machine

        i.     This is the simplest form of domestic sewing machine which is operated by hand.

       ii.     A handle is attached to the flywheel which is detachable and is used to operate the machine.

     iii.     A hand-operated sewing machine is generally used for domestic purpose for simple projects as it does not work very speedily.

     iv.     This machine is suitable where there is no electricity supply.

Figure 1. 1; hand operated sewing machine. Photo credits; ivm 101- sewing machine operator

 

Treadle sewing machine

-          This machine is the same as a hand-operated sewing machine but it is operated by feet, with an additional stand attached to the machine.

-          A belt is attached to the lower stand passing through the balance wheel and driven by feet.

-          These machines run faster than the hand-operated sewing machine.

-          This machine is also suitable for the places where there is no electric supply.

-          When handling the treadle sewing machine, both the hands of the Operator are free to handle the fabric. Hence, this speeds up the work of sewing.

 

Figure 1. 2; treadle sewing machine. Photo credit, ivm 101.pdf

2. Electronic sewing machine

There are many more features in an electronic sewing machine than in a mechanical sewing machine.

-          These sewing machines run faster than manually operated machines.

-          In the electronic machines, balance wheel comes to motion by a belt, which is attached to an electric motor.

-          A single motor is attached to the electronic sewing machines and this motor supplies power to the needle.

-          It is essential to control the speed of this machine by putting pressure on an electronic foot pedal.

-          Practice is essential to handle an electric sewing machine.

3. Computerized sewing machines

·       These sewing machines are very fast and specific to use.

·       These machines are similar to the electronic sewing machines. However, a computerized sewing machine works with the help of various software.

·       Computerized sewing machines allow the Operator to tailor the functions according to the sewing needs. A computerized sewing machine functions very appropriately in designing and stitching various components of the garment like sleeves, yokes, pockets, etc. These advanced computerized machines have an LED display or LCD display or touch screen. They are multi-function machines and are expensive.

 

Sewing Machine Classification Based on Its Bed Type:

The machine bed is the lower part of the machine and feed dog and loopers are positioned beneath it. Table-1 shows the various kinds of machine beds along with their uses.

The bed of a sewing machine is that part of the sewing machine on (or against) which the fabric rests while it is being sewn. The classification of sewing machine bed types or shape types is done based on the manner in which the fabric falls, behaves and travels with respect to the bed during the course of sewing, to enable easier movement of materials around the machine.

 

Table 1. 3; bed types.

Classification of Sewing Machine Based on specific function:

The sewing machine classification based on the machine type is given below.

Table-3: Classification of sewing machine based on machine type.