What Is a Kaaj Machine?
A "kaaj" machine (also spelled "kaaj" or "kaaj/buttonhole machine" in the South Asian textile industry) refers to a buttonhole sewing machine or eyelet embroidery machine used extensively in garment manufacturing across Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. The term is widely used in Urdu and refers to any machine that creates buttonholes, eyelets, or bar-tack stitches.
Common kaaj machines found in Pakistani and Gulf-region garment factories include brands like Juki MB series, Brother MB series, and various industrial buttonhole machines from Japanese and Chinese manufacturers.
Types of Kaaj Machines and Their Parts
1. Industrial Buttonhole Machine (Keyhole & Straight)
Used for shirts, trousers, and jackets. Common brands: Juki LBH series, Brother HE-800B.
Key spare parts:
- Buttonhole knife (blade) — dulls with use; replace regularly
- Needle (135 x 17 or 134 x 35 depending on model)
- Looper thread guide and looper
- Spreader
- Needle plate (buttonhole type)
- Presser foot (buttonhole type)
2. Eyelet Buttonhole Machine
Creates round-eye buttonholes for jeans, heavy jackets, and workwear. Uses a different needle arrangement than straight buttonhole machines.
Key spare parts:
- Eyelet knife and cutting die
- Looper assembly
- Round needle plate
3. Bar-Tack Machine (Kaaj Belt Loop / Belt Tack)
Creates reinforcing stitches at stress points — belt loops, pocket corners, zipper ends. Juki LK and Brother LK series are common.
Key spare parts:
- Needle (DB x 1 or similar depending on model)
- Hook and bobbin case
- Needle plate and throat plate
Most Commonly Replaced Kaaj Machine Parts
Buttonhole Knife (Blade)
The cutting knife is the highest-wear part on any kaaj machine. It must cut cleanly through multiple fabric layers without fraying. Replace when cuts become ragged or incomplete. Available in standard and keyhole profiles.
Needles
Kaaj machines typically use 135 x 17 (for industrial buttonhole models) or DBx1 needles. Unlike embroidery machines, kaaj machine needles are under more lateral stress and should be replaced more frequently — every 4–6 hours of heavy operation.
Looper
The looper creates the overlock-style stitch on the buttonhole edge. A worn or bent looper produces uneven stitching. Replace when the looper tip shows wear or chipping.
Spreader
Works with the looper to spread thread for the bight stitch. A broken spreader causes looping on one side of the buttonhole.
Common Kaaj Machine Problems & Solutions
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven buttonhole stitch density | Timing off or worn looper | Check looper clearance; replace looper |
| Thread breaking during cutting | Knife cutting thread before stitch sets | Check knife timing; replace worn knife |
| Ragged buttonhole edge | Dull cutting knife | Replace buttonhole knife |
| Buttonhole too large or small | Stitch length or clamp feed issue | Recalibrate feed mechanism; check clamp |
Sourcing Kaaj Machine Parts in Pakistan, UAE & Saudi Arabia
SA Embroidery supplies kaaj machine parts in Pakistan (Faisalabad, Lahore, Karachi) and exports to UAE (Dubai, Sharjah) and Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah). We stock buttonhole knives, needles, loopers, spreaders, and needle plates for the most common industrial kaaj machine models.
Contact us via WhatsApp at +92-316-793-7030 or use our contact form. Provide your machine brand, model, and the parts you need — we respond within 24 hours.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this topic
1What needle does a kaaj (buttonhole) machine use?
Most industrial kaaj/buttonhole machines use 135 x 17 needles. Some bar-tack machines use DB x 1. Always check your machine manual for the correct needle type and size.
2How often should I replace the buttonhole knife on my kaaj machine?
Replace the buttonhole knife when cuts become ragged, incomplete, or require more pressure to complete. Under heavy production, this can be every 2–4 weeks. Keep spare knives on hand to avoid downtime.
3Do you supply parts for Chinese kaaj machine brands?
We supply parts for major brands (Juki, Brother) and can source parts for Chinese kaaj machine models. Contact us with your machine brand and model number.
4Can you ship kaaj machine parts to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, SA Embroidery ships to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and all Saudi Arabia locations via FedEx and DHL. Transit time is typically 3–5 working days from Pakistan.