A sewing machine consists of several key parts that work together to create stitches. The main components include the needle, which pierces the fabric; the bobbin, which holds the lower thread; and the presser foot, which keeps the fabric in place while sewing. The throat plate has markings to guide seam allowances, and the feed dogs move the fabric through the machine. Other important parts include the handwheel, which manually raises and lowers the needle, and the tension dial, which adjusts the tightness of the threads. The foot pedal controls the machine's speed, allowing for precise sewing. Understanding these parts helps users operate their machines effectively.