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sewing machine ![click to hear : sewing machine click to hear : sewing machine](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Machine used to assemble two pieces of fabric by means of a series of stitches made with a needle and thread.
head ![click to hear : head click to hear : head](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Vertical section that completes the needle’s drive mechanism; the presser foot extends from it.
needle ![click to hear : needle click to hear : needle](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Metal stem that passes the thread through the fabric to form a stitch.
bobbin ![click to hear : bobbin click to hear : bobbin](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Spool on which the lower thread is wound.
needle plate ![click to hear : needle plate click to hear : needle plate](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Metal plate with an opening that the needle passes through and two slits from which the feed dogs for the fabric protrude.
slide plate ![click to hear : slide plate click to hear : slide plate](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Plate that slides open, providing access to the lower stitching components.
tension block ![click to hear : tension block click to hear : tension block](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Parts that control the tension of the upper thread.
flat-bed ![click to hear : flat-bed click to hear : flat-bed](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Surface over which the pieces of fabric move.
stitch selector ![click to hear : stitch selector click to hear : stitch selector](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Wheel used to select a stitch pattern.
power/light switch ![click to hear : power/light switch click to hear : power/light switch](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Button that turns the machine and the sewing light on and off.
column ![click to hear : column click to hear : column](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Vertical section that supports the arm and houses part of the needle’s drive mechanism.
stitch length regulator ![click to hear : stitch length regulator click to hear : stitch length regulator](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Dial used to set the length of the stitch; the numbers indicate the length in millimeters.
needle position selector ![click to hear : needle position selector click to hear : needle position selector](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Part that selects the needle position (left, center or right).
handwheel ![click to hear : handwheel click to hear : handwheel](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Dial used to raise and lower the needle manually.
bobbin winder ![click to hear : bobbin winder click to hear : bobbin winder](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Pin on which the bobbin is placed to load it; the spool pin thread is transferred to the bobbin winder.
pressure dial ![click to hear : pressure dial click to hear : pressure dial](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Mechanism used to set the pressure of the hinged presser foot on the fabric.
stitch width selector ![click to hear : stitch width selector click to hear : stitch width selector](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Mechanism used to set the stitch width.
arm ![click to hear : arm click to hear : arm](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Part that connects the head to the column; it houses part of the needle’s drive mechanism.
spool pin ![click to hear : spool pin click to hear : spool pin](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Pivot used to attach the upper spool of thread.
thread take-up lever ![click to hear : thread take-up lever click to hear : thread take-up lever](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Lever that the upper thread goes through before it is threaded through the needle; it regulates tension.
thread guide ![click to hear : thread guide click to hear : thread guide](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Part used to direct the thread.