What is a lockstitch sewing machine?
If you are looking to know in detail about what is a lockstitch sewing machine? Then your search has ended here. Being an avid researcher about different types of sewing machines, I gathered a handful of data for you so that you know about the topic.
In this blog post, I will explain what a lockstitch sewing machine is, its history, its types, and much more. So let’s start.
What is a lockstitch sewing machine?
It is a type of industrial sewing machine used to make Lockstitch while intertwining the upper thread from the needle with the lower thread coming from the bobbin. Lockstitch sewing machines’ main aim is to create strong and straight stitches on various fabrics.
It can only make lock stitches, not other than that.
Lock stitches are made when a spool thread (upper thread) interlocks with the bobbin thread (lower thread) in a hole made by a needle to create a durable seam.
In addition, you can use this machine to sew together two pieces of fabric because when these fabrics are sewn together, it will create two rows, the upper row is Lockstitch, and the lower row is a tail stitch.
An American Inventor, Elias Howe, invented lockstitch sewing machines in New Hartford, Connecticut on September 10, 1846.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Needle bar height adjustment
- Hook Set Timing
- Feed Dog adjustment and alignment
- Feed Dog Eccentric Cam Adjustment
- Pressure foot to the Pressure adjustment
There are two types of lockstitch sewing machines
Now I will briefly explain both types one by one.
1. Single Needle Lockstitch Sewing Machines
This type of lockstitch sewing machine creates sturdy lock stitches with the help of a single needle and one bobbin.
It is the most common type, also known as the simple sewing machine.
What I like about it is that it doesn’t make too much noise, radiation, or vibration, and most importantly, it is user-friendly, which makes it a great option for all types of sewers.
Features Of Single Needle Lock Stitch Sewing Machine
- Number of needles: 1 Needle
- Number of Bobbins: 1 Bobbin, either drop-in or front-loaded.
- Stitch type: Lockstitch
- Motor speed: 4000-5000 RPM speed makes it faster.
- Threads: it uses two threads, one from a needle and another from a bobbin, and interconnects to make lock stitches. Bobbin makes lower stitches underside of the fabrics; however, the needle creates upper stitches on the right side.
Single Needle Lockstitch Sewing Machines Parts
- One Needle
- One Bobbin
- Bobbin Winder
- Thread wiper device
- Cotton stand
- Control box
- Power indicator
- Lifting lever
- Hand swatch A and Hand swatch B
- Work Clamp
- Oil gauge window
- Oil feeding pocket
- Machine pulley
- Knee lifter plate
- Power stitch
- Operation panel
- USB port
- Pulley cover
- The thread takes up cover
- Finger guard
What Can You Sew With It?
As it is one of the most common and important types of industrial sewing machines, it can sew different fabrics like Shirts, Jackets, Suits, Overcoats, Bed covers, Curtains, Children’s Clothes, Bags, Leather, Wool, Chemical fiber, and Canvas.
2. Double Needle Lockstitch Sewing Machines
It is another common industrial sewing machine that creates two parallel straight stitches side by side with the same gap between them.
It has two needles connected with a single shank; basically, 1 needle is shorter than the other for getting the same threads.
Features Of Double Needle Lock Stitch Sewing Machine
- Number of needles: 2 Needle
- Number of Bobbins: 2 Bobbins either drop-in or front-loaded.
- Stitch type: Lockstitch
- Motor speed: 4000-5000 RPM speed.
- Threads: it uses four threads, two from its twin needles and two threads from two bobbins, and then they all intertwine and make two straight stitches.
So I hope you have understood its brief mechanism.
A Few Unknown Facts about Lockstitch Sewing Machines
- In 1846, Elias Howe patented the first lockstitch sewing machine.
- Lockstitch machines are the most common industrial sewing machines.
- You can find it in almost every industry related to sewing.
- Lockstitch sewing machines have a motor speed of 4000-5000 RPM.
- They can only make lock stitches.
- Their stitches are too strong and straight.
- Lock stitches are close to the edge of the fabric, leave no loose threads, and can be sewn backwards.
Pros and Cons
Top 5 Lockstitch Sewing Machines
- Brother S-7250A Nexio Heavy Weight Lockstitch Industrial Sewing Machine.
- Brother S-7300A “NEXIO” Direct Drive Lockstitch Industrial Sewing Machine.
- Jack F4 Direct Drive Lockstitch Industrial Sewing Machine
- JUKI DDL-8100e Industrial lockstitch sewing machine
- Heavy-duty Juki DDL 8100E lockstitch industrial sewing machine
THE END
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lockstitch sewing machine?
Lockstitch sewing machines have multiple uses, but the main function includes seaming, top-stitching, cover stitching and knits where wide coverage is required.
Why is it called a Lockstitch sewing machine?
Because it makes lock stitches by interconnecting the upper thread from the needle with the lower thread from the bobbin.
How is a lockstitch sewing machine different from other machines?
Lockstitch sewing machines are different from normal machines in that they make lock stitches with the help of two threads, one from a needle and the other from the bobbin.
What is the difference between straight stitch and Lockstitch?
You will use a lockstitch anytime you sew up a quilt or make an item of clothing. A straight stitch is most often used when sewing woven fabric together. Zigzag or stretch stitches are most often used when sewing knits.