The heart of any sewing machine is the shuttle device. The ease of working with equipment, its reliability and performance depend on it. The design of the shuttles differs from each other (vertical, horizontal, pendulum), they have their pros and cons, which will be discussed in the article. The choice of this element determines what the sewing machine will be capable of.
Description of the shuttle device
In order for the element to remain operational, it needs care
The hook used for a sewing machine is an element that directly interacts with the needle. And the more “accurate” it is, the better the quality of the sewing work. A properly functioning device will not cause skipped stitches, broken threads (upper, lower) or looping.
In order for the element to remain operational, it needs care. For example, if scratches, mechanical damage, rust, dust or oily stains appear on the surface of the shuttle, all this will affect the ability of the thread to slide. This causes the top buckle to be pulled out, causing weak stitch tension.
In stores that deal with sewing equipment and related accessories, you can find a variety of equipment. The shuttles produced differ in design and functions assigned to them.
Principle of operation
The rotation speed can reach 900 rpm, which depends on the equipment settings
The design of the sewing equipment determines what type of shuttle mechanism it contains. Traditional - vertical, which is a cap with a bobbin.
It works like this: a bobbin with thread is fixed in a groove, when the sewing machine starts, the shuttle moves vertically and horizontally, while pulling the thread along with it. Here the lever and the body of the sewing equipment are rigidly connected, so the mechanism is characterized by high reliability.
A vertical type rotary shuttle works differently: the bobbin case, together with the bobbin, moves around its axis.
The rotation speed can reach 900 rpm, which depends on the equipment settings. The good thing about the device is that it can be quickly set up and at the same time has a convenient location to the needle shaft.
The most widespread is the horizontal mechanism, which forms a stitch only after two full revolutions of the shuttle.
There is a built-in bobbin case, so the user is able to quickly “charge” the consumable by simply inserting a spool of thread into the case. The parts of the horizontal device are automatically lubricated, and it is characterized by its quiet, silent operation.
Sewing machine shuttle: what it is, how it works and which type of shuttle is better
Horizontal
In modern household machines, a horizontal shuttle is widely used. The shuttle mechanism is a plastic structure with a bobbin socket and an adjustment spring for adjusting the thread tension. The stitch is formed as the shuttle makes two full revolutions.
The shuttle is held in the socket by two fasteners. In this case, the fastening elements do not come into contact with the walls of the shuttle - the upper thread should wrap around it freely
Models of machines with a horizontal shuttle mechanism are loved by many craftswomen for their ease of operation. The working unit is covered with a transparent cover, so it is easy to control the remaining thread in the bobbin.
The device does not have a bobbin case. The bobbin is installed directly into the shuttle, which greatly facilitates the process of threading the lower thread.
Additional benefits include such positive qualities as:
- Quiet operation. Due to the absence of vibrations, the bobbin rotates smoothly and there are no extraneous sounds.
- Reasonable price tag for cars. These are budget and mid-price class models.
- High speed. Stitches on machines with this type of shuttle mechanism are laid quite quickly.
- Simplicity of design. Shuttle sewing machines rarely break; in order for them to serve for a long time and without failure, they only require regular lubrication of the contacting units and parts.
- Possibility of forming loops. The machine processes loops of various widths and lengths, and the thickness of the stitching can also be varied.
The horizontal shuttle produces a good quality stitch. However, the scope of application of such machines is limited.
Weaknesses of the mechanism:
- Unreliability of plastic. The shuttle will not tolerate rough handling; there is a possibility of damage by the needle if the material is over-tensioned or roughness appears;
- Limited functionality. Not suitable for all fabrics and threads;
- The need for regular dust cleaning. It is necessary to ensure the cleanliness of the metal shuttle ring; if dust accumulates, friction will occur, which will accelerate wear of the mechanism;
- The complexity of regulating thread tension. To adjust the lower thread you have to unwind, remove the needle plate and approach the hook.
In addition, it is not advisable to frequently adjust the lower thread, again due to the fact that the shuttle is plastic.
For a horizontal shuttle, it is better to purchase replacement plastic bobbins in advance. Metal analogues will not work
The listed features significantly limit the capabilities of the machines. The horizontal shuttle does not like dense fabrics, and you cannot use thick threads at all. Rough, coarse thread can leave a deep groove in the plastic body of the shuttle. Such a mechanism cannot be repaired; it will have to be replaced with a new working element.
Device types
There are several types of shuttle mechanisms, each of which is good for working with certain tissues. Knowing which shuttle is installed in the equipment will make it easier to use. This is also a key parameter by which sewing equipment is selected.
Horizontal
Horizontal shuttle
Found in most sewing machines sold at an average price. The device is equipped with a rotation mechanism - two full turns form a stitch. There is no separate bobbin case; the bobbin sits directly in the device, which makes threading the lower thread easier.
Advantages:
- the plate with the needle is hidden by a transparent window through which the color of the thread wound over the bobbin and its quantity are visible (it is more convenient for the user to determine when it needs to be replaced);
- it works quietly, looks and is designed simply (no stitches are skipped, needles and threads do not get tangled);
- The machine does not require oil lubrication.
On many sewing machines with a horizontal shuttle, you can adjust the stitches: width - up to 7 mm, length - up to 4.5 mm.
Flaws:
- It is difficult to adjust the bobbin thread. The nut is located on the device itself, which is plastic, so it only works with standard threads;
- The mechanism cannot be modified (only replaced with a new one).
Brother sewing equipment is equipped with a horizontal shuttle mechanism.
Vertical
Vertical shuttle
The classic type of shuttle mechanism (pictured), which was installed in old Soviet cars. Such a shuttle is still found today - in almost all cheap models, as it is convenient, simple and reliable.
It works like this: a bobbin with thread, installed in a cap, is placed in a groove and, when you press the lever, it swings like a pendulum, up and down, drawing the thread with it. The lever is rigidly connected to the body of the equipment, which reduces the likelihood of the shuttle breaking. In this case, the machine can be threaded with any thread, the mechanism will not jam.
The vertical device has two disadvantages: it is noisy and imposes restrictions on the sewing speed. The swinging vertical mechanism is found in machines from Brother and Janome.
The advantage of working with such a shuttle is that the machine is capable of performing many operations, and serious skills are not required.
The swinging vertical mechanism is the choice of creative people who, in addition to sewing, do quilting, embroidery, or create decorations.
Rocking
Swing shuttle
This is a type of mechanism that also uses a bobbin case with a bobbin. The peculiarity of the system is that it rotates around its axis, which is why its second name is “rotational”. The advantage of the solution is the rotation speed, which reaches 1000 rpm. There are other advantages:
- easy to set up and can be fixed “on the needle” without much difficulty. During sewing, stitches are not skipped, the thread does not break, or get tangled. A good machine with a swinging shuttle can work with almost any type of fabric;
- reliability, quiet operation;
- increasing the technical capabilities of the machine: increasing the stitch width to 9 mm, length – up to 6 mm.
Machines with a rotary mechanism are chosen by those who prefer to sew a lot, with virtually no interruptions during breaks.
What is a bobbin
A sewing machine bobbin is a miniature bobbin on which thread is wound to create the bottom stitch. Accordingly, the thread used in it is called the bottom thread. The winding process is performed automatically by the device itself. To do this, you just need to fix the bobbin on top of the sewing machine. Next, the bobbin is inserted into a special compartment - a bobbin case, which is placed on a horizontal or vertical shuttle.
Bobbins were even used on old Podolsk machines from the Kalinin plant
The bobbin and bobbin case are one of the main parts of a sewing machine. They must always be in good condition. The surface of the cap must be smooth, because even a small flaw can distort the stitching and lead to incorrect operation: from skipping stitches to breaking the bottom thread.
Important! During sewing, the upper thread pulls the lower thread, located in the bobbin case. After they intertwine, a stitch is formed. Thread tension depends on the weight of the bobbin, as well as the material of manufacture. Plastic will move faster than metal.
It is worth saying that sewing bobbins, like bobbin cases, differ significantly from each other. For almost every machine, only those bobbins and caps that are produced by the equipment manufacturer are suitable. Bobbins differ not only in their radius and width, but also in the material they are made of. Usually they make metal and transparent plastic parts.
You might be interested in: Ways to narrow and sew jeans on your own at home
The sewing machine should be charged before use.
Metal bobbin
Such elements are designed for several types of shuttles: vertical swinging and vertical double running. Naturally, a metal bobbin is heavier than a plastic element, but at the same time it will have increased strength and wear resistance.
For your information! Metal parts of this type are considered the most reliable. They are common not only in household sewing machines, but also in production units of the “economy” or “premium” class.
The metal part is reliable
Plastic bobbin
A plastic bobbin is most often used by Japanese sewing devices with a horizontal hook. Typically, machines with a horizontally oriented shuttle have transparent needle plates through which the threads are visible. The bobbin in such devices is also made plastic and transparent. The advantage of such a part is its weight, and the disadvantage is its strength.
Through the plastic you can always see how much thread is left before you have to refill
Which type is better to choose
Rotating vertical shuttle
When buying a sewing machine, it is worth understanding that the shuttle installed in it depends on its cost:
- economy class appliances – vertical;
- middle class, cars with functions – horizontal;
- industrial or professional models used for intensive work - swinging.
If you read the reviews, users praise the type of shuttle mechanism they are used to working with. To purchase a suitable machine, take into account your own specialization:
- pendulum, rotational type is suitable for those who have little experience in sewing. Such machine models do not have a set of functions, but their shuttle is simple to use, reliable and durable. Equipment with such a system is taken for rare use;
- horizontal should be chosen by those who want to create a small number of things from different fabrics, without finding fault with the sewing speed. Sewing machines with such a mechanism have good functionality, and their price starts at 8,000 rubles;
- a rotating vertical mechanism is the choice of professionals and studio employees who value stitch selection, quality and comfort.
A “home” option when you want to sew for yourself is a horizontal shuttle. If you properly monitor the condition of your sewing machine, it will remain operational for a long time.
