What is the primary purpose of a finger guard on a sewing machine?

The primary purpose of a finger guard on a sewing machine is to keep the operator's fingers away from the needle. This safety feature is designed to reduce the risk of accidental needle punctures, which can lead to injury. By providing a physical barrier between the user's hands and the sewing needle, the finger guard helps ensure a safer sewing experience.

While minimizing fabric jams, assisting in threading the needle, and controlling fabric feed are important aspects of sewing machine operation, they are not the main function of the finger guard. Its primary intent is to enhance operator safety by preventing contact with the moving needle.