SINGER 404K - Manual (Page 5)

Band Wheel —the large wheel with a groove in which the belt runs, mounted
on the band wheel crank and rotated by the up and down motion of
the pitman.
Belt Shifter —the lever at the front of the band wheel, which may be turned
to the left to throw the belt off the wheel. The belt may be replaced
automatically
by treadling, this action being accomplished by a pro­
jection on the side of the band wheel, assisted by the belt guide in
the rear.
Legs —the upright members which support the table.
Dress Guard —the shield in front of the band wheel protecting the operator’s
clothing.
Formation of the Lock Stitch.
The lock stitch made by sewing machines consists of an upper or needle
thread and an under or bobbin thread locked together in the material which is
being stitched, the lock being formed by passing the upper around the lower
thread and tightening them together in the middle of the fabric.
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When a stitch has been completed and before each succeeding stitch is
commenced, the fabric being stitched is carried from the needle by the feeding
mechanism, and upon the length of its movement depends the length of the
stitch.
The presser foot rests upon the fabric, prevents it from rising with the
needle and holds it in contact with the feed dog while the feeding takes place.
The section of the foot which presses on the cloth is slotted so that the view
of the stitching may not be obstructed.
PRACTICE for BEGINNERS
The beginner should acquire a knowledge of the various parts of the
sewing machine and the purpose of each, in order to give the machine proper
care and to obtain the best results from it. It is essential that practice
precede actual sewing on the machine. For this practice the upper thread and
bobbin should be removed from the machine and the presser foot raised. The
operator should be equipped with a chair high enough to allow her to sit
comfortably and squarely in front of the machine directly in line with the
needle.
Whether the machine is electric or treadle controlled it is essential that the
operator should continue practising until she is able to start smoothly and
have an easy control at varying speeds.
Electric Machine. See that the foot control is placed in such a position
on the floor that the foot can rest comfortably on it. Press lightly on the
control knob with the toe to test the amount of pressure needed for varying
speeds before threading up and starting to sew.
Treadle Machine. The operator should sit squarely in front of the
machine with the feet placed comfortably on the treadle. The right foot
should be placed forward and the left backward so that the pressure on the
treadle is with the ball of the foot.