A sewing machine consists of many parts like any other machine in world. It is the combined effort of many things that make stitching done in less time. As a sewing enthusiast we should learn about all the parts of the sewing machine and their working mechanism.
A sewing machine has two major parts like the upper part and the lower part. The upper part contains head, arm and bed. The head, arm and bed also contain many other parts like arm, hand wheel, bobbin, bobbin case, throat plate, feed dog, needle plate etc.
In this article, we are going to discuss on the Feed Dogs. What are the Feed Dogs and how they work. We will discuss about it in details. Lets get into it.
What Is A Sewing Machine Feed Dog
Sewing machine feed dog is a movable plate that pull the fabric while sewing. It looks like a jaw or tooth of a dog. Basically it looks a teeth. Without a feed dog a sewing machine can not function properly.
The feed dogs are located at the base of the sewing machine under the throat plate. These feed dogs move up and down and back and forth and pull the fabric gently through the machine.
Why They Are Called Feed Dogs
It looks like the teeth of a dog clamped to an object. In mechanical engineering the term “dog” is referred to a mechanical device used for gripping or holding. As the dog holds with the help of its teeth.
How a Sewing Machine Feed Dog Works
The sewing machine feed dog holds the fabric and and help it to pass the fabric the sewing machine while the machine moves back and forth. The feed dogs act like a mini conveyor belt that moves the fabric along a steady rate.
The feed dog maintains a constant stitch length. A high quality, uniform, professional stitch is achieved through a feed dog. The sewing machine feed dog works together with needle plate, presser foot.
When To Adjust The Feed Dog
As feed dog is very much important in sewing, so sometimes we have to adjust the feed dog according to our need. If you do sewing projects like free motion quilting, darning or embroidery then you have to adjust the feed dog.
Adjusting the feed dog will give you complete control while sewing. You can manipulate the fabric according to your need.
Sometimes while sewing you may face nonuniform stitch. At that time you need to adjust the feed dog to get a steady and uniform stitch length.
If you are sewing different types of fabrics. Then you have to adjust the feed dog according to the thickness of the fabric.
Both the feed dog height and presser foot pressure should be adjusted according to the fabric. If the presser foot pressure is too large and feed dog height is too high, then the fabric will be damaged. Too smaller presser foot pressure and too lower feed dog height can’t produce even stitch length.
How To Adjust The Feed Dog
Most of the modern machines have a lever or dial to lower or raise the feed dogs. First, you have to locate the adjustment mechanism.
First step is to lean down machine head backward.
Now, with the help of your hand, turn the pulley and check the feed dog where it rises to its maximum height, and stop at that position.
Now, loose the feed bar screw.
Move the feed dog bar vertically and adjust the feed dog to the needed height.
After the process, tighten the screw.
Now the is process is complete.
When To Replace the Feed Dog
After working so many days, the feed dogs may wear out or might loose their grip and sometimes may cause inconsistent stitching. That might be due to damage to the feed dog. At that time you should replace the feed dog with a new one.
Conclusion
Feed dogs play an important role in sewing. It is responsible for even and smooth fabric movement in sewing. You should replace the feed dog in proper time and adjust the feed dog in need. Always clean the feed dog regularly. This will solve common sewing issues and improve your sewing experience.
