JUST FOR FUN

Ever wonder how a sewing machine forms a stitch?

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The graphic below shows you how a sewing machine forms a stitch!  When the needle goes down into the bobbin area, a part on the machine called the hook grabs the thread off of the needle and forms the stitch with the bobbin thread.  The hook is the part that is rotating in a circle in the graphic below.  Obviously, the hook plays a major role in the proper formation of the stitch.  That is why it is important to have a machine with a 100% metal hook.  For example, ALL Baby Lock and Janome machines have 100% metal hooks for durability and proper stitch formation.

Some machines have a partially plastic hook (see pictures below).  There is really no valid reason for this other than to save money in the manufacturing process.  If your hook is partially black in color, the black part is plastic.  When you jam your machine and have to pull and tug to remove the threads, those threads are wrapped around the hook.  Pulling and tugging won't matter with a 100% metal hook.  However on partially plastic hooks, the threads score the plastic and cut a slight groove into it.  When that occurs, your thread will catch on that groove and either break the thread or affect your tension and stitch quality.  When shopping for a machine, always ASK TO SEE the hook to be ensured it is 100% metal.

Another important factor in proper stitch formation is a quality needle.  This graphic illustrates how important the needle is for proper stitch formation.  We highly recommend either Klasse (pronounced class-ay) brand needles or Schmetz brand needles.  A high quality thread is vitally important as well.  Most threads found in chain stores are of low quality.  They break easily and provide inconsistent tension because they are lumpy.  We have found the best performing threads to be either Mettler or Madeira.  If you are not happy with your stitch quality, try replacing your needle and thread with the brands mentioned above.  If that does not solve the problem, our service department can provide you with a FREE estimate ON THE SPOT!

METAL HOOK

A 100% metal hook is preferred to a partially plastic hook.  ALL Baby Lock and Janome machines have 100% metal hooks.

PARTIALLY PLASTIC HOOK

This is an example of a partially plastic hook used by Swedish and Swiss sewing machine manufacturers.