SUBJECT: HOME ECONOMICS

CLASS: JSS 3

DATE:

TERM: 1st TERM

WEEK 8

TOPIC: GARMENT CONSTRUCTION

The sewing machine is major equipment used in sewing our clothes and fabrics materials .It also an expensive and complicated piece of equipment.

TYPES OF SEWING MACHINES

There are different types of sewing machine .These are:

Hand sewing machine
Treadle sewing machine
Electric sewing machine

Hand sewing machine: This is simple .It is operated just with hand. It requires to be placed on a table.
Treadle sewing machine: This is operated with the feet. The worker has both hand free for guiding the work .It is normally has a special stand.
Electric sewing machine: This is operated with the aid of an electric motor. Some hand and treaded machine can easily be converted to electric sewing machine by using the electric motor.

PARTS OF SEWING MACHINE AND FUNCTION

PARTS	FUNCTIONS
Balance wheel	It is turned either forward or backward to make the machine sew It raises and lowers the needle
Presser foot	It holds the fabric firmly in place for stitching
Presser foot lifter	It is used to raise and lower the presser foot.
Feed –dog	It holds the fabric tight against the presser foot.
Throat plate	It provides slots or opening through which the needle projects downward and the feed –dog upward.
Spool pin	This holds the spool of the thread.
Thread guides	These support the thread from one part of the machine to another.
Needle clamp	It is an attachment for needle
Stitch regulator	It is used to shorten or lengthen the stitches or the machine.
Bobbin	It is used to disconnect the needle and stop it from moving when machine is operated.
Bobbin case	It is the case that holds the bobbin.
Stop motion screw	This is loosened to disconnect the needle and stop it from moving when the machine is operated.
Tension disc	This regulates the tightness of the thread as it forms the stitch.

GUIDELINE FOR CHOOSE SEWING MACHINE

Compare similar types of sewing machines by different manufacturers
Compare their servicing arrangements, parts, price and any other necessary information.
Consider the weight of the machine .Very have ones may be too difficult to carry about.
Consider the money available .Buy the best your money can afford.
Before paying for machine, check to ensure that you have the instructional manual or handbook, all the accessories and spare parts that accompany the machine.
Before carrying ways the machine, it is necessary to have the deal demonstrate to you how it should be operated .They try it out yourself.,

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE SEWING MACHINE

Study the machine handbook of instruction (manual) carefully to know how to maintain the machine.
Clean the machine often by dusting to remove dirt and dust.
Oil the necessary points according to the handbook.
Cover the machine when not in use.
Always carry your machine properly and carefully.
Do not scratch the pain work of machine by using sharp object like scissors on it.
Let representative of the manufacturer service your machine once every year.
Create a permanent sewing centre or areas in the house so as to avoid carrying the machine about.

Practical operation of sewing machines: The teacher should let each student operate sewing machine to enable theme have the knowledge of sewing machine.

Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Junior Secondary School 3