Shuttles for sewing machines: description, types, advice on choosing and setting

A sewing machine is a technique that can be found not only in sewing ateliers, but also in almost every apartment. Self-production of clothes and textiles is one of the most popular hobbies, which makes it possible not only to significantly save the family budget, but also to implement all design ideas. To implement an uninterrupted process of making clothes, it is not enough to have only the skills of sewing and cutting - you need to know the design features of the sewing machine, which will help in the event of a breakdown to quickly eliminate all malfunctions.

One of the main elements of the sewing machine is the shuttle. It will be discussed in our article.

The hook for the sewing machine is an important element, the quality of sewing work depends on the accuracy of its interaction with the needle. If the shuttle is working correctly, there will be no skipped stitches, no breaks in the upper and lower threads, and no looping at the bottom when sewing.

In order for the device to work perfectly, its surface should be free of scratches, mechanical damage, traces of corrosion, dust and oil residues, which will prevent the thread from sliding and cause the upper yarn to stretch, which will lead to a weak stitch tension.

On the shelves of specialized stores, you can see a wide range of sewing equipment, the design and functional features of which depend on the type of shuttle.

The shuttle operation mechanism directly depends on the design of the sewing machine.

The principle of operation of the classic vertical device is in placing the bobbin with consumables in a special bobbin groove, during operation the device begins to move in horizontal and vertical positions, dragging the thread along with it. This mechanism has a high level of reliability due to the rigid connection of the lever and the body of the machine.

The mechanism of operation of the vertical rotary mechanism is in the movement of the bobbin case with the bobbin around its axis. Depending on the operating speed used, the device can rotate at about 900 rpm. The reliability of this device is due to the quick adjustment of the hook and its optimal position relative to the needle shaft.

The principle of operation of the most common horizontal mechanism is to form a stitch only after the shuttle has made two full turns. Ease of threading consumables due to the built-in bobbin case, into which you can simply insert a glass spool of thread. The operation of this device is as quiet and noiseless as possible, and all mechanisms are lubricated automatically.

Depending on the model, sewing machines have different types of shuttles.

Types of shuttle mechanisms:

• horizontal;
• vertical;
• swinging;
• rotary.

Oscillating (pendulum) shuttle is the most common type, which is installed on inexpensive and old models. If the seamstress plans to constantly operate the sewing machine, then it is better to refuse to buy a device with a swinging shuttle. Advantages - reliability, unpretentiousness, durability, low price range, resistance to overload. Disadvantages - low speed of work, the presence of noise and vibration during sewing, a small number of lines.

The horizontal shuttle is a modern device in which the bobbin is placed on top. This mechanism is the most convenient to use, and its upper part can be seen through the window of the needle bar. The horizontal position of the bobbin makes it possible to control the process of work of the part and the amount of consumables on it. Distinctive features - ease of use and the absence of a bobbin case, which is replaced by a built-in black plastic part. This is where the master inserts the bobbin. To prevent cracks and ditches, experts recommend using only thin, elastic and strong threads. Advantages:

• low noise and vibration level;
• obtaining elastic and high-quality stitching;
• no distortion when adjusting the seam width;
• ease of refueling and operation;
• the ability to perform various types of seams.

The vertical rotary shuttle is a special mechanism that is used only for industrial equipment, as well as in expensive multifunctional sewing machines. Advantages - high speed of work, high level of wear resistance, high quality of the seam being laid. If all the requirements and norms were observed during the installation of the mechanism, the product can operate without interruption for a long period of time. The use of the rotary shuttle mechanism allows you to work with almost all types of fabric, and also eliminates the possibility of entanglement of the lower thread.

An important advantage of the device is the presence of a large number of types of stitches that can be used for both domestic and industrial needs.

The type of hook installed directly depends on the class of the sewing mechanism:

• budgetary - vertical swinging;
• average - horizontal;
• expensive and industrial - rotary.

The choice of the type of equipment is directly influenced by the professional experience of the seamstress:

• complete lack of professional skills - simple equipment with a pendulum mechanism, which has limited functionality;
• basic knowledge - improved equipment with a horizontal shuttle, which will allow working with types of fabric of different density in a moderate mode;
• high professional level - multifunctional equipment that has a wide range of stitches and is used in specialized sewing workshops.

Choosing a shuttle mechanism, pay special attention to the manufacturer. Experts do not recommend purchasing cheap goods from Chinese firms that do not have quality certificates and permits. But you should pay attention to the goods of European manufacturers made in China. Despite the affordable price range, they have a high level of reliability and quality.

Most workers in the garment industry prefer horizontal and rotary mechanisms, which are distinguished by a wide range of options and a long period of operation. The choice of devices depends on the planned intensity of the work.

Setting up and adjusting the sewing machine are important activities that have a direct impact on the operation of the equipment... Before proceeding with these manipulations, it is imperative to study the instructions in which the manufacturer indicates all the necessary device parameters, as well as the rules for use, machine settings and how to assemble all its elements.

In order to properly install the shuttle, the following steps must be taken:

• installation of the device in the required position;
• turning the handwheel of the machine along the sewing stroke until the maximum lowering of the needle rod;
• connecting the end of the shuttle and the middle part of the needle;
• fixing screws in the exposed position;
• securing the needle bar.

In order for the sewing machine to work without failures and problems, experts recommend paying special attention to the interaction of the shuttle and the needle, namely, the distance between them, which must comply with the established standards. If the size range is not adhered to, the following malfunctions may occur:

• skipping stitches;
• looping threads;
• breakage of the upper and lower consumables.

To carry out high-quality tuning work, experts recommend initially carefully studying the principle of loop formation. When the needle bar is raised to a height of no more than 0.2 cm, a loop is formed from the upper yarn, which is located above the needle ear. An important point is the obligatory passage of the end of the shuttle as close as possible to the needle cavity.

Depending on the purpose of the work, the setting can be preventive and to eliminate breakdowns. Experts identify the following main tuning steps:

• removing the stitch plate;
• cleaning the shuttle teeth from dust, dirt and sewing residues;
• establishing the required gap between the end of the shuttle and the needle;
• setting the stitch length;
• replacement, if necessary, a sewing needle;
• adjusting the rigidity of fastening the screw;
• lubrication of the working ribs with a special paste.

If these manipulations did not help to set up the device, then experts recommend putting the machine on its side and carefully inspect the following elements:

• running parts;
• heel;
• nose;
• ribs.

If during the inspection a loss of nose sharpness was revealed, then experts recommend simply replacing the part. Self-sharpening will certainly provoke a rupture of the sewn fabrics.

After setting up the device, experts recommend carrying out testing the shuttle for lubrication level. To carry out this manipulation, it is necessary to remove the stitch plate and foot, and in their place place a small sheet of white paper and immediately run the machine for a few seconds at the maximum speed. The equipment has sufficient lubrication if two vertical lines remain on the sheet. The presence of an excessive amount of lubricant solution can provoke contamination of products, and a lack of oil will lead to premature wear of parts.

Despite the professionalism of the seamstress and the reliability of the apparatus, in the process of intensive work a number of malfunctions will surely arise, some of which can be eliminated on their own, but to solve other problems, one must resort to the help of specialists.

The most common problems and how to fix them are:

• presence of gaps in the line - adjustment of the looper, checking the height of the needle position;
• weak or strong thread tension - adjustment of the shuttle and tension plates;
• complete absence of lines and the presence of extraneous sounds - mechanical breakage of the shuttle;
• formation of sloppy stitching - setting the same tension of the upper and lower threads.

To minimize the number of breakdowns, experienced seamstresses recommend following these guidelines:

• regular lubrication of equipment - at least 2 times a year;
• thorough cleaning of the surface of the device after each use;
• daily check of the lubricant level;
• flushing the device with gasoline or kerosene without removing it from the machine;
• use for lubrication only high-quality, certified fluids;
• before closing the cover, you must remove all the remnants of consumables, and put a small piece of cloth under the lowered foot;
• long-term storage of the device is unacceptable without a cover;
• in the process of storing electrical cables, it is necessary to regularly check the absence of bends and kinks, which can lead to deformation of the wires;
• rotation of the flywheel only towards you.

It is imperative to carry out monthly thorough cleaning and thorough inspection of the hook and bobbin... Particular attention must be paid to the channels through which the lubricating oil flows - they must always be clean. If traces of contact with threads were noticed on the surface, then small damage can be cleaned with fine sandpaper.

It is strictly forbidden to use force while the sewing machine is operating, pull the material towards you strongly, and also lower the needle bar onto the empty plate and continue sewing with the presser foot raised.

Sewing is an exciting activity that allows you not only to make your own textiles, but also to fully demonstrate your design skills. A sewing machine, regardless of brand and model, will certainly become an indispensable assistant in this process.

How to choose a shuttle for a sewing machine is described in the next video.