Overview of Feed Dogs on Sewing Machines
Feed dogs are a crucial part of every sewing machine. They are responsible for gripping and moving the fabric as sewing is done. They essentially provide the forward motion that underpins the machine’s ability to sew in a uniform manner, and help create more precise stitching. Generally, feed dogs come in two types: those that come with the machine and those that must be added. Advanced sewing machines tend to include feed dogs.
What Do Feed Dogs Look Like?
Feed dogs are thin, teeth-like pieces of metal or plastic. These teeth-like bars work in tandem to help fabric advance evenly during sewing. The size and shape of the teeth may vary from machine to machine and are designed specifically for the type of needle used. Depending on the model, feed dogs may have multiple levels of adjustability.
How Do Feed Dogs Work?
When the needle penetrates the fabric, the teeth rotate and push the fabric forwards, which keeps the fabric taut as the needle moves under the fabric. When you are done stitching, the teeth go back to the start position and the needle is retracted before the fabric is advanced ahead of the needle.
How Can You Use Feed Dogs?
The feed dogs move the fabric as you sew, providing uniform stitches and machine embroidery. This enables the stitching machine to accurately stitch in a single direction and reproduce complicated patterns.
Are There Different Types of Feed Dogs?
Feed dogs come in various shapes and sizes, which allow you to sew different types of fabrics. Some feed dogs are designed for quilting, while others are designed for fine fabrics such as silk. Additionally, feed dogs can be adjusted to accommodate different types of materials, allowing you to create different patterns.
Benefits of Using Feed Dogs
Using feed dogs in a sewing machine helps produce better and more consistent stitches. Without feed dogs, it would be difficult to having uniform stitches. The feed dogs also reduce the strain on the hands and arms that is often associated with hand sewing.
Limitations of Using Feed Dogs
Feed dogs can hinder some more creative approaches to stitching. For more artistic pieces, they can sometimes make the fabric uncooperative, as they move the fabric around more rigidly than when hand sewing. Additionally, in some cases, the type of fabric being sewn can cause problems, as feed dogs can occasionally stretch and distort the fabric.
Can The Feed Dogs Be Cleaned?
Periodic cleaning of the feed dogs is a good idea, as dirt, lint, and thread can accumulate over time. To clean the teeth, use a small brush, soft cloth, and a damp cloth to wipe away debris or a vacuum cleaner attachment. Cleaning the teeth will also help extend the life of the machine.
Are There Alternatives To Feed Dogs?
The best alternative to feed dogs are the walking foot, jogging wheel and the roller foot. The walking foot helps keep the fabric in place, while the jogging wheel offers more control over the material being stitched and the roller foot helps to evenly drag the fabric through the machine. These options offer more creative possibilities and eliminate some, if not all, of the problems associated with feed dogs.
What Are The Benefits of Using Alternatives to Feed Dogs?
Using alternatives to feed dogs helps reduce some of the limitations associated with them. Alternatives can provide more uniform and accurate stitches while also allowing for more creative stitching and avoiding any distortion of certain materials. Additionally, the use of a walking foot can help reduce the strain on the hands and arms, as the foot helps to guide the fabric through the machine.
Are There Any Drawbacks To Using Alternatives To Feed Dogs?
Using alternatives to feed dogs can pose certain challenges, especially when first setting the machine up. With a Walking Foot, for example, the user must try to align the foot so that it is in the same position as the feed dog. Additionally, the extra bulk of some of the alternatives might make maneuvering the material more difficult.
Are Feed Dogs Necessary?
Feed dogs are a useful tool for creating uniform stitches and avoiding arm strain. If uniform stitching is important, or if working with finer materials, then a regular feed dog is necessary. However, for more creative pieces and for flexibility, the alternatives can be a great option.
