Parts of sewing machine needle and their function?



Introduction:
The central feature of any sewing machine is the needle or needles. Very many needle types (systems) have been developed over time to ensure each sewing machine that uses them performs at its best.Needle systems may be introduced for a number of reasons such as the introduction of new or specialised fabrics, newsewing machinery or even increases in machine speed.

Each needle system (needle type) will typically have between 6-8 sizes available, and in the more popular systems there can be up to 15 sizes, with each of these needles systems and sizes being available in a range of different needle points.


The following guide has been put together to help gain a better understanding of sewing machine needles.

The Basic function of needle :
To create a passage in the material for the thread to pass through

To carry the needle thread through the material and form a loop which can be picked up by the hook or looper mechanism

To pass the needle thread through the loop formed by the looper mechanism on machines other than lockstitch

Needle parts : Physical characteristics :



A needle has various parts to execute different functions during the sewing operation as follows:

Butt
The shaped top end which facilitates insertion into the needle bar/clamp.
Shank
The thicker part of the needle held by the needle clamp or the needle set screw. It supports the needle as a whole by providing additional strength.
Long groove(s)
It is present in one side of the needle blade for the convenience of the needle thread from the take-up device and provides a protective channel in which the thread is drawn down through the material during stitch formation.
Short groove
It is formed on the other side of long groove, towards the shuttle, hook, or looper and it assists in throwing the loop of needle thread.
Eye
The eye of the needle is present in the bottom end of the blade. Needle thread allowed through this eye is taken to the bottom area.
Blade
The needle portion extends from the shank to the eye. This is subjected to the greatest amount of friction and hence heat when it passes through the material.
Shoulder
The intermediate section between the shank and the blade.
Scarf (Clearance)
It is a clearance cut in the needle blade just above the eye to permit a closer setting of the shuttle, hook, or looper to the needle.
Point
The point of the needle is shaped to provide the most suitable penetration of the material being sewn according to its nature and the desired stitch effect.
Tip
The extreme tip shape, in combination with the point defines penetration performance
Other variants
Most needles are constructed using these features but there are a number of exceptions. Some of which may have been developed to overcome specific seaming issues or simply designed to meet the machine requirements.

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