Electric drive for sewing machine

What is the main part of a sewing machine?

The shuttle mechanism should not have any damage or defects, as they can ruin the sliding of the thread.
Due to this, excessively elongated upper threads appear, the stitch has a weak tightening. In professional language, this phenomenon is called looping of the thread from the bottom side. The shuttle plays a big role in the stitch formation process. Its nose grabs the loop of the upper thread and pulls it further to form a stitch, the walls expand it, it goes around the shuttle, comes off its walls and forms a shuttle stitch.

Types of shuttle mechanisms

Modern modifications of cars come with one of the variations:

• vertical double run;
• horizontal

In ancient models of sewing machines, a bullet shuttle was most often installed, but today such products are not produced. In other words, the type of this part is one of the important indicators that determines the scope, potential and maximum capabilities of the Singer machine. Be sure to read the instructions on how to insert this part correctly. This article discusses the main issues of operation and selection rules, as well as the features of the operating principle of each type.

Vertical

A vertical double-running shuttle is the scientific name for a vertical rotating or vertical rotary product, which have a fundamentally different structural structure and operating principle.

A swinging or pendulum shuttle is relevant for expensive sewing equipment; it can often be found in products of the famous Bernina brand.

The very name of the pendulum shuttle speaks about the principle of its operation: to capture, the mechanism swings from side to side.

The pendulum metal shuttle is unpretentious in operation and reliable. All previous variations of this design had complex settings.

Modern equipment does not have this inconvenience. The main parts of the shuttle device are subject to tight fixation. This ensures that there are no seam defects such as loops or gaps.

The rotating type is installed on industrial-type Janome sewing machines, as well as on expensive household models.

The well-known manufacturer Brother from Japan uses this type more often than others in its devices.

The rotary shuttle unit , or double loop, is designed for professionals who use sewing equipment on a daily basis on a production scale. Due to its presence, high operating speed and good wear resistance are ensured. The quality of rotational seams remains at a more than high level. However, a considerable number of installation and configuration requirements must be met. Numerous stitching defects are then eliminated even under high loads and long-term operation.

This type is shown in the picture.

The device can withstand various types of loads when working with fabrics of any density, tangling of the lower threads is completely eliminated, and has a large assortment of different stitches. This indicator is part of the basic requirements for expensive Singer machines for production or industrial purposes.

SHUTTS IN SEWING MACHINES

There are two types of shuttles in sewing machines - vertical and horizontal. In turn, the vertical one is divided into two more main types - swinging shuttle and rotary (double-fitting).

The swinging shuttle, like a swing, moves left and right, which is why it got its name. In this case, the cap into which the bobbin is inserted is stationary, and the nose of the shuttle “picks up” the upper thread from the needle, and when moving in the opposite direction, resets it, providing the stitch with a continuous, line stroke.

This shuttle design is the oldest, but thanks to its successful design it remains relevant to this day. The swinging sewing hook is quite reliable, but is not designed for high speed operation. The sewing speed on a sewing machine with an oscillating shuttle is low, but it is quite sufficient for home sewing.

As a rule, a swinging vertical shuttle is used in household sewing machines of inexpensive economy-class models. Such machines are attractive to people who want the cost of the shuttle not to be too high. Machines with a similar shuttle device can be purchased at a cost of 6-7 thousand.

They perform most basic operations, including processing loops. Moreover, they cope well with sewing buttonholes on coat fabrics and are quite passable. Sewing machines with a metal swinging shuttle are practically omnivorous - they sew any fabric according to the type of texture and thickness.

The hook and bobbin case parts are made of high-strength metal, which increases their wear resistance and durability. It is quite difficult to break such a shuttle intentionally or accidentally, therefore there will be no problems in repairing and adjusting a vertical shuttle device with a swinging shuttle.

It is possible to easily adjust the tension of the lower thread. This makes it possible to easily work with threads of different compositions and different thicknesses. Starting from silk and viscose threads to thick denim threads and even fine yarn. It is also easy to adjust the tension for the bobbin elastic. And this adjustment is easy.

The loud sound with which a sewing machine with an oscillating shuttle operates at maximum speed is perhaps its only drawback. But it is also offset by the low price of affordable sewing machines with an oscillating shuttle.

In general, for a budget, for learning to sew and for home use, a sewing machine with an oscillating vertical shuttle is perfect.

It’s a completely different question if tailoring is a professional activity for you, not a hobby, and you do it often and to order. In this case, the ideal option for you would be the following type of vertical shuttle - a vertical rotary shuttle, double-fitting or industrial (its second name).

The vertical rotary shuttle is used by almost all professional seamstresses. It is found in all industrial sewing machines, which is why it received the name “industrial” shuttle.

This shuttle has all the same advantages related to the first type of vertical shuttles, but unlike them, it does not swing, but rotates counterclockwise. It is better than a swinging one in that it can easily withstand heavy loads, can work very hard and for a long time, and reach high speeds. Produces high quality sewing at any rotation speed of the sewing machine shaft, while maintaining a low noise level when sewing. And it has incredible maneuverability. In addition, the design of this shuttle is such that skipping stitches can be avoided almost completely.

There are such rotary shuttles (also known as double-running shuttles) in household sewing machines. These are already luxury household sewing machines. Their cost is very high, also “luxury”)) They are designed for professional work using any threads, but, of course, such machines will cost more than with a swinging shuttle.

And there was a third type of shuttle - a horizontal shuttle. The horizontal shuttle is the most common among modern sewing machines of the latest generations used in everyday life.

The name horizontal shuttle speaks for itself. The shuttle is in a horizontal plane.

Horizontal hook sewing machines do not have a bobbin case. The bobbin, with thread wound on it, is inserted directly into the horizontal hook of the sewing machine. The convenience of using a horizontal hook is obvious: the bobbin thread is easy to thread and the sewing machine can sew quickly and quietly. When using clear bobbins, you can always check how much thread is left on the bobbin before you start sewing. A sewing machine with a horizontal shuttle does not skip stitches, does not tangle threads, and does not loop.

Adjusting the thread tension in a horizontal hook is not fundamentally different from adjusting the bobbin cases of other hooks. On the side of the horizontal shuttle there is an adjustment screw that can be turned, but it is not recommended to do this too often due to the fact that the shuttle part is made of plastic.

This is the main disadvantage of the horizontal shuttle - that it is made of plastic and is not intended for sewing with thick, rough threads. The coarse thread in the delicate plastic body of the horizontal hook can cut a deep furrow, after which you will have to buy a new horizontal hook instead of the old horizontal hook.

Also, a horizontal shuttle can quickly wear out from friction against the metal shuttle travel ring. To reduce this effect, do not allow dust to accumulate in the horizontal shuttle device, clean the metal base of the shuttle with a brush, and remove debris with a vacuum cleaner.

The horizontal hook is also easy to damage or break with a sewing needle if you pull on the fabric while sewing. The needle may deflect following the fabric and hit the plastic body of the horizontal hook, causing it to break.

So, we have come to the point where it is time to summarize which shuttle to choose for a sewing machine, which shuttle is better, and what type of shuttle to buy a sewing machine with.

For everyone, the solution will be different, individual, most suitable for the family budget and personal needs.

Having thoroughly weighed all the pros and cons, the first place for professional work is given to a sewing machine with a vertical double-running rotary hook.

If you need a simple and reliable sewing machine for infrequent use, then this is a sewing machine with a metal swinging hook. The most optimal and economical option. Cheap and cheerful.

Well, if you buy a sewing machine with a horizontal hook for yourself at a price of 10 thousand rubles, you will have trouble-free operation of a good sewing machine for one or several decades. Everything will depend on compliance with the operating rules and maintenance recommended by the manufacturer.

Of course, the choice of a sewing machine is purely a matter for the buyer himself. But it should be remembered that any technique requires careful handling, without overload and abuse. Every sewing machine needs maintenance in the form of lubrication and cleaning. Rough fabrics should not be hemmed or sewn using machines that are not designed for this. And it doesn’t matter how much the machine actually costs - if it is used correctly, it will serve uninterruptedly and reliably for a long time.

Good luck with your choice and happy creativity!

Horizontal

The horizontal type of shuttle has design features and differs from the vertical type in its location. The working unit is installed horizontally under the plate with the needle and covered with a transparent cover, that is, it is always visible, this allows the user to control the remainder of the thread, the capture process and color, as can be seen in the photo.

The thread is wound onto the bobbin. For its manufacture, as well as other parts of the mechanism, high-strength plastic is used. Despite this, it is important to exclude negligence during operation.

Durability is ensured by using exclusively recommended varieties of threads and fabrics. The bobbin itself is a relatively inexpensive part and quite accessible for replacement; you can install it yourself. The wear and tear of other plastic components is much more expensive and requires repair.

Reviews from most users recommend purchasing replacement bobbins with the Singer machine to eliminate the risk of downtime.

The main advantages of the horizontal shuttle type:

• reduced noise and vibration levels of the machine;
• guarantee of soft and high-quality stitching;
• ease of access makes it easy to insert the bobbin and thread the threads;
• the mechanism makes it possible to use linen loops of various widths;
• on electronically controlled devices, you can use hinges with an eye and a rounded edge;
• are installed on sewing machines of the mid-price category.

A rather significant disadvantage is the complexity of setup. The adjusting screw is located under the working plate, so it is quite difficult to get to it. The horizontal model is extremely demanding and cannot withstand overloads, which makes repairing problems quite expensive.

Types of shuttles

The following types of shuttles are considered common:

• pendulum;
• vertical;
• horizontal.

Each of them is different in design.

Horizontal thread guide

Pendulum shuttle

The presented element is found in economy class cars. For example, the “Seagull” model uses a shuttle that works on the principle of a pendulum. The presented part is also called swinging. At the moment the head returns, the thread is captured. The advantage lies in the fact that the machine is simple in design and the element can be easily replaced.

Interesting! During operation, the pendulum practically does not require frequent inspections. However, with older models it most often needed adjustment.

The cap and rod are fixed and do not dangle during operation. Defects are rarely observed during sewing. When examining the design, gaps in the formation of loops are noticeable. Swinging elements have their disadvantages:

• low speed;
• high vibration;
• noisiness;
• limited functionality.

Pendulum thread guide

Vertical double-running shuttle

The vertical element is different from the pendulum. Some experts call it rotary; there are design features. The head is fixed and located in the ring. There is a semicircular clamp that can change its position.

Important! The rotary unit is often found in professional models of the highest category. Experts choose it because it provides high sewing speed.

The double-running rotary element is not afraid of wear and can last a long time. In fact, the stitching is excellent and you can be proud of your work. Other advantages include the following:

• high strength;
• reliability;
• ability to work with thin fabric.

You might be interested in this Janome Sewing Machine Manual

The only disadvantage is the high cost.

Horizontal shuttle

This type of shuttle is located in a horizontal position and visually looks like a plate. There are options with an open and translucent lid. The lack of a cap is another feature. Thus, the thread is always visible and the main advantage suggests itself. While sewing, the master looks at the material and is able to quickly determine the color.

Horizontal thread guide

Winding is done on a bobbin. There are elements made of plastic or light metal. Some parts of the mechanism are combined, but this is not welcome in a professional environment. For horizontal shuttles, the type of thread is important; it is recommended to follow the advice from the manufacturers.

Interesting! The bobbin with horizontal elements can be replaced (repair will not require large investments). But wear of the head in some places requires the intervention of a specialist.

When contacting a service center, you will have to pay a large sum. When considering machines with horizontal elements, replacement bobbins are most often purchased in advance.

Replacement bobbins

Main advantages:

• slight vibration;
• no noise;
• straight line;
• no distortion;
• the bobbin can be replaced;
• quick threading;
• suitable for linen loops;
• the ability to control the electronic unit;
• affordability.

The downside is that it takes a long time to set up the mechanism. The plate must be adjusted before sewing and a screw is installed for this purpose. Another problem lies in the inconvenience, since the bobbin is located in a hard-to-reach place.

Screw installation

Tips for choosing the right one

The difference in price depends on which shuttle is installed on the sewing machine. In a simplified form, the algorithm looks like this:

• household models of Bernina economy category machines are equipped with a vertical pendulum type;
• household models of cars in the middle price category have wider functionality compared to budget ones and are equipped with a horizontal type;
• industrial and expensive models for professional and active work are equipped with a rotational option.

Once you select a specific type of Brother sewing equipment, the shuttle version remains a constant parameter. In any case, you need to pay close attention to this mechanism when choosing equipment. The described algorithm is not rigid and a number of manufacturers easily bypass it.

Among all types of shuttles from Bernina and other brands, you can choose and buy the best option, taking into account the specialization of the sewing machine:

• for beginners in sewing, it is better to choose simple machines with a pendulum shuttle device. They combine modest options and reliability with the endurance of the mechanism, and are intended for infrequent use;
• for small volumes and different densities of fabrics in the absence of sewing speed requirements, it is better to choose models equipped with a horizontal type. They have good functionality and a fairly reasonable price;
• the staff of clothing repair shops prefer a wide range of stitches, a high level of quality and comfort - in such cases it is better to choose a machine equipped with a vertical shuttle.

The relationship between the characteristics of the sewing machine and the shuttle

Sewing machines represent a separate full-fledged class of equipment, including a classic version of models and devices, they are designed for sewing knitwear, applying embroidery and similar functions.

There is a large selection of sewing equipment from Janome and other manufacturers on sale. You can find highly specialized and multifunctional equipment for professional use, as well as multifunctional household models, even the simplest ones.

Main types of machines:

• manually driven - the simplest equipment, the flywheel of which moves by the hand of the master. The absence of a complex design of the Chaika machine ensures its long-term operation;
• with an electromechanical drive - settings are set manually. Household models of brands perform simple operations. Equipped with vertical and horizontal types of shuttles;
• with an electronic drive – control is carried out using a computer, which makes it possible to control the specified sewing parameters, high accuracy;
• Overlockers are used to prevent fraying of the edges of the material. The shuttle here replaces a special device called a looper;
• embroidery – used to create embroidery in all known techniques or their combinations, even in multi-color design. The operator sets the pattern program and parameters for the operation of the device, and also threads the threads and sets the hoop;
• flat stitch - these are mainly industrial models, but some manufacturers create household versions; the difference lies in the elasticity of the stitch, which does not stretch the base. Excellent when working with knitted fabrics or when the fabric contains elastane.

Conclusion

The shuttle on sewing machines from Janome, Juki and other manufacturers is a key working part that ensures the quality of work and the range of possibilities.

When choosing between price and quality characteristics, the consumer must buy equipment based on the second criterion.

Modern models, with great functionality, are quite whimsical. Therefore, it is important to follow all operating rules and maintain the equipment on time; for this you need to contact professional craftsmen with extensive experience who thoroughly understand any model of sewing equipment.

And remember that whatever type of shuttle device you choose, it will serve for a long time if you take the right approach to its operating conditions.

Shuttle selection

The pendulum shuttle is mainly left for beginners. Thus, craftsmen consider vertical and horizontal elements. The first type will have to be configured, but there are many fans of such a mechanism. Even when considering inexpensive cars from the times of the USSR (Podolsk 142, 2M), it is noticeable that they are practical and reliable. During operation, the vertical element does not rotate in a circle and is not subject to wear.

Podolsk 142

Some will find it difficult to adjust its position; for this, the characteristics of a particular manufacturer are taken into account. Breaks are observed often if you maintain a high rotation speed. The nose of the shuttle is a weak point. When purchasing an element, check the number of notches (the more, the better).

An additional feature lies in working with fabric. During stitching, the needle moves along with the mechanism. The element is bent, plus high loads are allowed. Fans of Singer equipment criticize vertical shuttles, although in fact they can last a long time.

You might be interested in this. Useful information about computer-controlled sewing machines

Singer Techniques

Interesting! If the model gets to the master, he checks the rod. Often it is slightly deformed, and the fastening is also checked. A serviceable machine is quite functional and comfortable.

The situation with a horizontal shuttle looks somewhat different. This type is considered modern and in demand in household models. Popular companies that use this type of device:

• Brother.
• JANOME.
• MINERVA.

There are several significant differences in design. The mechanism spindle is short. There are markings on the panel, it is important that they can be easily read. In recent years, companies have been reducing the cost of production, so options are supplied without a cap. In fact, it is convenient and simple. In practice, gaps are rarely visible, but much depends on the elements.

Sewing machine cap

Thread breakage occurs frequently because the shuttle moves to the side and is not firmly fixed. Singer and Veritas machines are produced with similar mechanisms and provide high stitch widths. Self-configuration operations can sometimes become very complicated. Even modern models require maintenance.