Sewing Machine Essay

7. FEEDING MECHANISMS AND SEWING MACHINE ATTACHMENTS

The fabric handling components of a sewing machine are called as the sewing machine feeding system. For producing a accurate straight line of stitches, the fabric must be moved through the stitch-forming area of the sewing machine precisely and accurately. The feeding mechanism of sewing machine controls movement of fabric during sewing. It normally consists of three components, namely, the presser foot, the throat plate, and the feed dog. Each of these components has many variations in shapes and sizes. Application of these appropriate of these components depends on the type of sewing machine, number of needles used, types of attachments used and types of operations (Araujo et.al 1992;

Thread Cutters – These are extensively required alternatives that minimize production time and get rid of manual thread clipping. On few sewing machines threads are cut below the throat plate, and a wiper pulls the remnant segment of thread out of the way in preparation for the next operation. Most of the 400, 500 and 600 class stitch machines have chain cutters and latch back devices in-built since the chain stitch created by these machines should not be broken by hand-tearing action
4. Chain Cutters – The chain cutters cut the chains in such a way that the stitch is secured against unravelling. Stitches formed on these machines cannot be cut as close as lock stitches, and some thread chain remains. Fully automated thread cutting systems are controlled by sensors.
5. Tape Cutters - It could be used with the application of shoulder reinforcements, neck bindings, elastic, lace and so on. As stitching is completed, a photocell sensing devices detect the end of the fabric or piece and automatically connect the cutter. Tape may be cut at the beginning and end of the garment piece
6. Needle and stitch devices – On several sewing machines, options are designed especially for aiding in the formation of the perfect line of stitches such as needle positioners and stitch pattern regulators.