The sewing hook for any sewing machine is its main device. And the type of sewing hook is the most important characteristic of a household sewing machine. There are only three types of shuttle mechanism used to form a lockstitch: horizontal shuttle; vertical hook and oscillating type of sewing hook. How it works sewing shuttle? How they differ and which shuttle to choose a sewing machine with will be discussed in this article.
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.
Old and new type of swing shuttle
Considering how a swing-type sewing shuttle is designed, a few words should be said about the varieties of this piece of equipment that differ in operational characteristics. There are old and new shuttles. The second option is preferable (for example, in a Bernina machine), as it has an improved design.
Old-style shuttles are demanding on the correct execution of the sewing process. To prevent nicks from appearing on the spout, do not pull the fabric by hand. Otherwise, the material and the needle will move at the same time. In this case, the nose of the shuttle will fall into the needle and become dull.
In new varieties of the swinging shuttle, all elements are securely fixed in one position. You will not be able to reset the settings yourself. In such mechanisms there is no need to configure the work. Unfortunately, the Chaika brand of cars cannot boast of such characteristics. Therefore, over time, various malfunctions may appear in its operation.
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.
Pendulum shuttle - a simple solution for beginners
A swinging or pendulum shuttle is found in economy-class sewing machines, as well as in obsolete old-style models, for example in the “Chaika”. Such machines are the optimal solution for an inexperienced user, or for extremely rare use. From the name you can understand that the shuttle works on the principle of a pendulum, moving from side to side, capturing the thread.
Swinging shuttle of the Seagull sewing machine
The pendulum type is quite reliable and unpretentious in operation. If previous versions of this design were difficult to configure, modern developments are free of such inconvenience. The main components of the shuttle device are tightly fixed, which eliminates seam defects: looping or gaps.
To describe it briefly: the swinging type is simple, inexpensive, durable (resistant to small overloads). Disadvantages of this solution
- low speed of stitch creation;
- excessive noise, vibration during operation;
- limited set of lines.
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.
Vertical shuttle
A device of this type is familiar to any seamstress, since it appeared much earlier than the horizontal one. This is an old type that is installed on models produced decades ago. But it is still used today due to its undeniable advantages. There is a special bobbin case where the reel is inserted. Only after this the bobbin is placed in the shuttle. During the sewing process, it does not rotate, but moves in different directions, respectively, in the vertical plane.
This device also has its advantages:
- It is made of metal, so it can last much longer. Despite the difficulties of operation, many seamstresses prefer just such a product in order to worry less about repairs and replacements.
- Convenient operation if you have to work with different types of fabrics. There is a special lever on the bobbin case with which you can quickly adjust the thread tension.
There are also disadvantages, which due to the age of the product abound:
- It works noisily, constantly vibrates, especially if there are at least minimal failures in the settings;
- Requires constant maintenance, often needs to be lubricated;
- It does not allow you to develop high sewing speed, since it is started by movement in different directions, and not by rotation;
- With minimal breakdowns, it contributes to tangling or breaking of threads.
Unlike the horizontal shuttle, the design of the vertical shuttle is more familiar to experienced seamstresses. The pendulum mechanism has disadvantages, but it is often chosen directly because of habit and well-deserved reputation.
Modern models are equipped with vertical rotating shuttles, which makes it possible to retain all the advantages of this type, but at the same time eliminate the disadvantages.
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.
Pendulum type
These are the simplest mechanisms that have found application in budget models of cars. They are made of metal and can withstand loads that are possible during non-professional use. They got their name from the movement on the principle of a pendulum. Working on a machine with this type of working mechanism, a novice seamstress or someone who loves to sew for the family will quite easily perform all the necessary operations. Such models have a limited list of available options, but this is quite enough for use at the household level.
Pendulum shuttles are patriarchs in their environment. They were installed on cars in the twentieth century; they are in demand in modern models of branded cars intended for rare use. They are easy to maintain, but require constant lubrication. These are the models that are installed on sewing machines with electromechanical control.
Positive traits:
- Easy to maintain.
- Reliability.
- Availability.
If a sewing machine with a pendulum model breaks down, it will not be difficult to find a specialist for repair and adjustment.
The disadvantages of these mechanisms include:
- Limited number of operations they can perform.
- The need for constant lubrication.
- High noise level during operation.
- Poor stitch quality.
- Low operating speed.
- Limited stitch length and width.
- Big vibration.
All shuttles, regardless of type, must be configured correctly. Even the most modern models that perform hundreds of operations will not cope with the functionality without professional configuration.
To determine which shuttle is better in a professional sewing machine, it is worth understanding the intricacies of horizontal and vertical devices.
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.
