Sewing machine feed dogs are the small metal teeth that are located under the needle plate on a sewing machine. They are responsible for moving the fabric through the machine while sewing. They are typically located on the bed of the machine, just below the needle.

The feed dogs work in conjunction with the machine's needle and the presser foot to move the fabric through the machine in a precise and controlled manner. As the needle moves up and down, the feed dogs move the fabric along in small increments, allowing the needle to pass through the fabric and create a stitch.

The movement of the feed dogs is controlled by the machine's timing, which is set by the manufacturer to ensure that the needle and the feed dogs move in sync. The teeth of the feed dog are typically triangular shaped and the movement of the feed dogs is typically powered by a small motor located within the machine.

There are different types of feed dog systems, the most common is the drop feed which is a standard feed-dog system that is typically found on most home sewing machines. Drop-feed dogs are lowered and raised by the presser foot pressure, and the machine can be used for free-motion quilting, darning, and embroidery by lowering the feed dogs.

There is also the walking foot feed dog system, that can be found on some specialized sewing machines, this system utilizes a second set of feed dogs that move in tandem with the first set to grip and move the fabric through the machine. This type of feed dog system is great for working with thick or heavy fabrics, and it can also be useful for quilting and other projects where the fabric needs to be moved evenly.

Overall, feed dogs are an essential component of a sewing machine, they work with the needle and presser foot to move the fabric through the machine, creating precise and consistent stitches.

Read more: https://sewingers.com/what-are-sewing-machine-feed-dogs/