DEFINITIONS The Need to Know Info Bobbin Winder Threads bobbin evenly and tightly Located on top of machine Thread Guides Guides thread through the machine so that it doesnt tangle or knot Backstitch (Reverse) Stitch backwards to make stitch stronger Use at the beginning and end of seams Stitch-Length Determines how long and far apart stitches are Stitch-Width Determines how wide stitches are An EX: would be a zigzag stitch Needle Position In the center of the stitch-width selector Determines which side of the presser foot the needle is positioned on Needle Plate Under the presser foot Has measurable stitch guide lines Dog-Feed System Feeds the fabric through the machine by using its teeth Presser Foot Raises and lowers Puts pressure on the fabric Bobbin Case Holds the bobbin Spool/Pin Holder Holds the thread in place Presser Foot Lifter Raises and lowers the presser foot Usually in the back of the machine Take-up Lever Moves the thread through the upper tension disks Foot Pedal/Control Controls the speed at which a fabric moves through the machine Hand Wheel Allows slower, more careful stitches Turn it towards you It also allows you to manually move the needle up and down Hand Wheel Release Allows you to wind the bobbin with out running the machine needle Machine Needles The flat side of the needle goes towards the back of the machine when being replaced Notions Items used to make/finish an outfit EX: Buttons, zippers, hook-and-eye Seam Ripper Item used to remove stitches Pins Hold the fabric together while cutting and sewing Shears Large scissors that are used for cutting fabric Scissors Smaller, used to cut out patterns Seam Gauge 6 in. ruler used to measure small hems and small measurements Tape Measure 60 in. flexible ruler used to take body measurements Tailors Chalk Used to make marks on fabric Will remove easily without damaging