Machines & tools

The reciprocating vertical bar that holds the needle clamp and drives the needle up and down through the fabric with each stitch cycle.

The snapping of a sewing machine needle, typically from hitting a pin, a bent needle, the wrong needle size, or fabric being pulled against the feed.

The flat metal plate beneath the needle and presser foot, marked with seam allowance guidelines and pierced by openings for the feed dogs and needle.