Sewing machines are an investment in your craft. So, its better to know how to choose a sewing machine since it wil last for years as your companion.
For beginners, it can be overwhelming to choose the right machine. We have some tips to help you find the right machine for you.
Choosing a Sewing Machine
Like many appliances, sewing machines come in a variety of styles and functions. When making your decision, it is important to think about your budget and the purpose of your machine.
The majority of sewing machines are different in some way. It is important to understand what each variation will do for you before you make a decision.
Types of Stitch
There are many options for the number of stitches that your machine can produce, from basic to complex.
- Most hobby sewing and dressmaking can be done using a straight stitch or with zig zag. All machines, from the beginner to the top-end, will have these options. To have all the types of stitches required for daily sewing, you don’t need to spend a lot.
- A buttonhole stitch is a great way to save time when you are using your machine for garment sewing.
- A machine with a wider stitch library is a good choice if you are looking to do lots of decorative stitching. These are usually a standard feature on higher-end machines but can be worth the investment if your preference is to add more intricate touches.
Normal or Computerized Sewing Machine?
There are two options for sewing machines: with or without computerized operating systems. Each has its pros and cons.
Additional Features & Attachments
All the best sewing machines for home include the basics needed to start sewings, such as bobbins and feet. If you plan to use your machine to create specialized crafting projects, you may be able to select one with the right features. You can use this example:
Quilting
- To make quilting more precise and easier, hobby machines can be equipped with quarter-inch feet or walking feet.
- To make this craft even more simple, there are specialized quilting machines that can be purchased. They have a wider base to allow for precise piercing and a longer arm that allows for larger pieces to be quilted.
Embroidery
- A computerized machine with a large stitch list could be the right choice for you if you enjoy adding embroidery details to your sewing projects.
- You can buy specialized embroidery machines if you are looking to machine embroidery a lot. These machines allow you to create complex designs and then stitch them seamlessly.
Garment making
- A simple sewing machine will suffice to start making garments, but a computerized option with multiple stitch options is worth looking into. These machines will let you work with more fabrics and can complete many tasks faster.
- Specialty feet can make garment-making easier. A walking foot can be used to sew slippery fabrics, while a zipper foot lets you insert zippers into garments.
- An overlocker is a tool that can be used to do a lot of tailoring or garment making.
Overlockers
For garment makers, overlockers can be a great investment. An overlocker is a great investment for any garment maker, whether you are creating clothes for your children, beautiful outfits for yourself, and costumes for dance, theater, and cosplay.
Consider the features of your overlocker when shopping. As with sewing machines, the price of an overlocker will increase based on how many special features it has.
These are the main variants you should be aware of.
Three to four spools
Some overlockers use three spools of yarn, while others use four.
Three spool machines
- Use only one needle.
- Will finish raw edges
- You should not make an unsecure seam
Four spool machines
- Two needles
- Finish an edge using three threads and create a secure seam with the fourth.
Threading
Threading an overlocker can be difficult when you have multiple spools. There are some machines that are more difficult to thread than others. Choose the one you feel comfortable with.
Variable Feed
Although it may sound complicated, this refers to the way that machines feed dogs work. A machine with adjustable differential feed allows its two feed dogs to work independently and can be adjusted to produce different finishes. You can create edges that are curled, wavy, or bunched with a variety of adjustments.
Tension Control
To sew neatly and evenly, you must be able to adjust the tension. There are many ways to adjust the tension on different machines, including manual and automatic. Although automatic tension control makes sewing more efficient, it can also make a machine more costly. Before you buy a machine, decide which one is best for you.
You can only decide if a sewing machine or overlocker suits you best by trying it out. You will be able to get a feel for how the machine works and how it feels about sewing with it before you buy it.
Types of Sewing Machines
Sewing machines for mechanical sewing
These machines are rare. These machines are usually very basic and only have a handful of features and stitch options. Also, these machines are more difficult to use because they don’t include an electronic foot pedal. They are suitable for occasional use with light-to-medium-weight fabrics.
Sewing machines that are electronic
The motor controls the needle to increase needle penetration, speed, control, and jerk-free start. You can use your feet to control the motor. This allows you to free up both hands to guide the fabric through the feeding mechanism. The machine has digital displays and push-button controls as well as dial controls to display the selected stitch size.
These machines are great for the average home sewer. An electric sewing machine with complicated functions is not the best choice if you are a beginner or plan to use it for repairs. It is important to find something simple to use that will let you do basic tasks like inserting a zipper or sewing a hem.
Computerized sewing machines
The microprocessor controls these machines and manages the programming, memory, tension control, buttonhole formation, and stitch selection. You can choose to select stitches or patterns by:
- LED indicator and push buttons beside the image on the panel*
- Push button for numeric and digital selection
- Touch control panel
Also, you can ensure winter safety for your kids if you sew some warm clothes yourself.
