Reference · symbols
What the symbols on the machine mean.
Industrial sewing machines speak in symbols: the glyphs on a control panel, a spec sheet, or a folder tell an operator what a setting does. This reference collects the common ones and what each means.
The symbols below are the ones an operator meets most often, grouped by what they control. They are a general reference; the exact symbols on a given machine are in its manual.
stitch formation
Needle and stitch
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Needle position, down
The needle stops in the down position, holding the fabric so it can be pivoted around the needle.
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Stitch length
The distance between stitches, set to suit the seam, the material, and the finish.
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Reverse and backtack
The machine sews in reverse to lock a seam at the start or the end so it will not unravel.
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Bartack
A short, dense set of stitches that reinforces a stress point such as a pocket corner or a strap.
material handling
Presser and feed
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Presser foot, lift
Raise the presser foot to load, turn, or remove material from under the needle.
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Presser foot, pressure
The downward pressure the foot holds on the material, set for the fabric weight so it feeds evenly.
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Feed direction
The direction the feed dogs advance the material through the machine as it sews.
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Differential feed
The front and rear feed advance at different rates to stretch or gather the material as it sews.
thread and machine
Thread and machine control
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Thread tension
The dial that sets how tightly the thread is held, balancing the top and bottom threads in the seam.
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Thread trim
The machine cuts the top and bobbin threads automatically at the end of a seam.
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Bobbin
The lower thread supply. Winding and threading it correctly keeps the underside of the seam clean.
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Sewing speed
The stitching speed in stitches per minute, set to match the operation and the operator.
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Automatic cycle
The machine runs a preset sequence on its own, repeating the same operation to the same result.
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Power
The main power to the machine. Switch it off before clearing a jam or changing a part.
Need the symbols for a specific machine?
The manual for a machine lists its exact symbols and settings. Tell us the machine and we will send it.