Shuttle type in a washing machine: which is better?

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.

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.

Shuttle selection

The pendulum shuttle is mainly left for beginners. Thus, craftsmen consider vertical and horizontal elements. The first type will have to be configured, but there are many fans of such a mechanism. Even when considering inexpensive cars from the times of the USSR (Podolsk 142, 2M), it is noticeable that they are practical and reliable. During operation, the vertical element does not rotate in a circle and is not subject to wear.

Podolsk 142

Some will find it difficult to adjust its position; for this, the characteristics of a particular manufacturer are taken into account. Breaks are observed often if you maintain a high rotation speed. The nose of the shuttle is a weak point. When purchasing an element, check the number of notches (the more, the better).

An additional feature lies in working with fabric. During stitching, the needle moves along with the mechanism. The element is bent, plus high loads are allowed. Fans of Singer equipment criticize vertical shuttles, although in fact they can last a long time.

You might be interested in this: Creating a pattern and sewing a beautiful evening dress

Singer Techniques

Interesting! If the model gets to the master, he checks the rod. Often it is slightly deformed, and the fastening is also checked. A serviceable machine is quite functional and comfortable.

The situation with a horizontal shuttle looks somewhat different. This type is considered modern and in demand in household models. Popular companies that use this type of device:

• Brother.
• JANOME.
• MINERVA.

There are several significant differences in design. The mechanism spindle is short. There are markings on the panel, it is important that they can be easily read. In recent years, companies have been reducing the cost of production, so options are supplied without a cap. In fact, it is convenient and simple. In practice, gaps are rarely visible, but much depends on the elements.

Sewing machine cap

Thread breakage occurs frequently because the shuttle moves to the side and is not firmly fixed. Singer and Veritas machines are produced with similar mechanisms and provide high stitch widths. Self-configuration operations can sometimes become very complicated. Even modern models require maintenance.

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.

Horizontal sewing hook

The horizontal sewing hook is the most common and convenient type of shuttle used in modern household sewing machines. It can be seen through the transparent window on the needle plate. And its main advantage is that a separate bobbin case is not used, but the bobbin is inserted from above directly into the shuttle and lies in it in full view.

A very convenient type of sewing hook, since you can always see how much thread is left on the bobbin and easily change the bobbin. Quite convenient, modern and reliable. The sewing machine works with such a shuttle without skipping or breaking the thread, silently and easily. But there are also some “buts”.

Since the shuttle body is made of plastic, it is recommended to use thin and elastic threads that slide easily over its surface. There are often cases when seamstresses use coarse and thick threads, especially old Soviet cotton threads No. 40 and even No. 30, which leads to significant wear on the surface of the shuttle, up to the appearance of sawn grooves cut by the thread coming off its surface. Do not use such threads at all; the stores are full of excellent, strong and elastic threads. Why risk a sewing machine, the price of which is 15-20 thousand, while saving 20 rubles. See: Sewing threads, which ones are better?.

And also, we recommend, just in case, to immediately buy a spare hook for your model of sewing machine, right there in the store, when purchasing a sewing machine. Anything can happen, but after 10 years, you won’t find them anymore. And you have to call all the service centers and sewing supply stores, right up to Moscow, in search of the necessary modification of the shuttle.

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.

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.

Differences between different species

Experts consider the type of shuttle to be one of the main characteristics of this part. It determines the external indicators of the stitch - the formation of a strong connection between the threads. There are three varieties of this spare part, which are presented in the most common domestically produced models.

• Rocking. It is also called a double-fit shuttle. Its essence of work lies in the uniform circular rotation that occurs after the mechanism is started. This type is very common on Soviet analogues of sewing machines.
• Horizontal. Quite convenient and practical, given the specifics of its work - the thread does not skip a line, does not break or get tangled. This is all thanks to the plastic case that secures the shuttle itself. Plus, excellent visibility through the transparent window in the machine allows you to see if any damage occurs.
• Vertical. This is a classic representative of the shuttle, and it is often installed in inexpensive cars. The device is reliable, but is not designed for maximum sewing speed, and therefore wears out quickly.

In addition to these indicators, it is important to take into account the individual details of the part. This is important for installing it in the machine, since the hole must fully match the parameters of the spare part.