What you should pay attention to when choosing a sewing machine: types, stitches, needles, functions

Today, there are different types of sewing machines on the household appliances market, each of which has great functionality. Essentially, manufacturers have reached the same heights in their design (they just went about it in different ways, as a result, their products differ in a set of unique features).

In this article we will talk about the characteristics and features of the equipment, and the companies that produce it. This information will help you purchase a device that meets all your preferences.

General characteristics of modern sewing machines

Before comparing devices with each other, it is necessary to talk about their common features. We will only talk about electric-powered machines, and not about manual or foot-operated mechanical ones.

All new types of devices have a light plastic or lightweight metal body . This makes them no less reliable, since there is a frame inside. Chassis parts are still made of metal.

Modern devices are highly powerful . They easily sew through thick fabric, even folded in several layers. They also cope with leather, but there’s no need to talk about light materials (silk, knitwear, etc.). Power is one of the main requirements for technology.

Sewing speed is also considered an important characteristic . Over the past few years, it has increased noticeably: it began to be regulated by the force of pressing the pedal or set to special modes. All units now have a free arm platform for processing trousers, cuffs or other narrow parts.

The last quality can be called functionality .
Any unit makes at least five seams, including special elastic ones for knitwear, imitating overlock, and some even carpet. The kit also includes a basic set of feet to expand its capabilities.

Other classification parameters

In addition to different types of control, of course, sewing machines have other distinctive features.

By type of weaving threads

The machine must be universal and work with different types of fabrics. Therefore, the stitch must be suitable for the material used in the sewing process. Otherwise, the threads can easily break and the machine will stop. Based on the type of weaving of threads, the mechanisms are of the following types:

• Shuttle. They work with lockstitch stitches. According to statistics, up to 76% of all work is carried out on these devices.
• Chain. Accordingly, up to 24% of the work is performed on chain weave threads.

By number of needles

Based on the number of needles, the following types of devices are distinguished: with one, two, three needles or polygonal. The main parameter of needles is their point. The most common is the pointed form. She picks up most materials with ease. The rounded tip is used for knitted and knitted fabrics. This needle pushes the fibers apart rather than piercing them. Also on sale you can find needles for materials such as jeans, leather, microfiber, velvet and stretch.

By speed of work

The operating speed is an adjustable parameter. In simple models, it can be controlled by the force of pressing the pedal. There are models where the operating speed is set by pressing a special button. In professional machines, and when experienced craftsmen work on them, the speed reaches up to 1300 stitches per minute. In normal cases, a speed of about 800-850 stitches per minute is sufficient.

By degree of automation

According to this criterion, machines can be either fully automated or non-automated. There are also automatic and semi-automatic ones. The choice of machine depends on the personal wishes of the master and the degree of ease of use. Therefore, before purchasing, it is recommended to test this or that type of machine in the store.

Distinctive features

Each concern has its own achievements in the field of equipment production. It is better to call them features that allow a person to distinguish one device from another.

Many of the manufacturers retained the traditional vertical shuttle design, while others began to use a horizontal one. The bobbin is now simply inserted from above, which makes threading easier and prevents it from breaking or tangling. Some devices have special devices that allow you to do this automatically. Winding onto the bobbin began to be done through a needle (on some types of equipment it now turns off automatically).

To facilitate the advancement of fabric, a special mechanism was invented - a double feed conveyor. Some build it into the design, others produce it in the form of an additional foot, used in certain cases.

To support beginning tailors, designers came up with a so-called “sewing advisor” located on the device body. This mechanism determines the correct settings for operations when using different types of matter.

Manufacturers also pay attention to the loop. Nowadays you won’t find a machine where, when basting, you need to manually unroll the fabric. The buttonhole can be processed in several steps, switching between reverse and tack. The seamstress immediately sets the desired size or simply determines the diameter of the button, and the mechanism will automatically make a buttonhole for it.

These technological subtleties make sewing much easier, making it better quality. But in addition to the special achievements of a particular manufacturer, equipment is distinguished by classes of excellence: the higher it is, the easier it is to work.

Shuttle type

The characteristics of each model almost always indicate the type of shuttle. Usually vertical or horizontal. Which one is better? In fact, there is no fundamental difference.

It is believed that the vertical shuttle is better. This is the type that is equipped, for example, with industrial models of sewing machines. Thanks to this design, it is possible to achieve very high speeds. In addition, the likelihood of skipped stitches, thread looping, breaks and other troubles is minimized. Vertical shuttles are good for working with different types of fabric.

The horizontal shuttle has its advantages. The bobbin with thread is inserted directly into the shuttle here. You can always see what color the thread is and how many threads are left. If you follow the manufacturer's requirements, then no problems with skipping stitches or other troubles usually arise here either. There is only one drawback: the horizontal shuttle is made of particularly durable plastic. That is, you can only use threads that are specified in the instructions from the manufacturer. The thirtieth and fortieth threads can render the horizontal shuttle unusable, after which gaps, loops, and other surprises will appear.

So which type of shuttle is preferable? If you are going to sew for yourself and not too often, then horizontal is quite suitable. Sewing machines with a vertical shuttle can be recommended for those who are going to sew to order. They are reliable and will cause less trouble if you have to work with sewing equipment very often.

Difference by class

All types of household sewing machines are divided into three main ones:

1. with mechanical selection of seams (electromechanical);
2. computerized (with a computer board);
3. computer sewing and embroidery machines.

Each of these models differs in control method, design complexity, functionality and price.

Electromechanical

Engineers call them the cheapest and most straightforward, since all the seams they know how to make are applied to the front panel. By turning the wheel you select the one you need, set the necessary adjustments (stitch length and width, thread tension) and start sewing.

Manufacturers have made some improvements even to such a simple type of technology. For example, you will find all the tips for operating the device on its body. Threading the upper and lower threads has long been simplified (instructions are needed only in difficult cases). The designers equipped them with built-in electronics that provide maximum needle piercing force at low speed.

If you want to purchase such a machine, then you should know about the large selection of both functional and decorative seams that it provides to its owners. Let us add to what has been said that this particular class of equipment is especially popular and widely represented in Russia. She knows all the most important things, and the simplicity of execution will attract every seamstress.

Computerized

This type has many additional functions. Here, the built-in board allows you to control the unit by simply pressing a key.

In addition to the usual working stitches, they have a wide variety of decorative and finishing stitches with embroidery elements that can be combined and create your own compositions. The memory cells here are quite large: 30-60 characters each. Due to this, your programs are remembered and reproduced when the need arises.

There is an alphabet and numbers. Also, the equipment itself monitors the adjustments and provides recommendations for settings on the information display.

Older women are frightened by the word “computer”. You should not be afraid of new products: it is the computer that makes management easier. Thanks to the installed board, the machine itself “thinks” for you: which needle is best to install for the material and the selected seam, what stitch length will be optimal.

Sewing and embroidery machines

These are high-quality units equipped with an embroidery unit. In addition to professional sewing, they offer automatic embroidery on a hoop. Today their number has increased, but even now experts classify them as “rare”. Each company strives to create its own model in this class. However, the high price does not allow their mass production.

The cost corresponds to unlimited possibilities: more than 500 working and decorative operations, about 10 types of loops, automatic thread tension adjustments, needle operation in more than 20 directions, etc.

Operation on such a device is surprisingly simple and comfortable: everything in it is thought out to the smallest detail. Its main advantage is that it automatically embroiders with satin stitch, cross stitch, hemstitching, cutwork, and quilting. Thematically selected drawings make up a large album that you receive upon purchase. From here you will be able to order the designs you like in the future and expand your home library of embroidery cards.

The possibilities don't stop there. Using a personal computer, you create compositions from existing designs, and also come up with your own subjects for embroidery. To do this, it is advisable to purchase additional software. In some designs, the computer is directly connected to the equipment, in other cases it is possible to connect through a special storage device. This is very convenient, since you can create a design on your work computer and do embroidery at home in the evening.

Overlock

Within this section, we should mention overlockers. These devices are suitable for those who value high-quality seam processing. In fact, this is a very useful addition to the main device. 2, 3, 4, 5 thread overlockers sew, overcast and trim fabric at the same time.

This type is very often found on the market, its model range is constantly updated. Some types have a free sleeve and are even computerized. The introduction of electronics into the design has significantly expanded their capabilities: individual adjustments are now automatic, and those that need to be done independently will be displayed on the information display. The differential feeding of the material will make it easier to work with knitwear, and a wide selection of additional feet will allow you to perform invisible hems, sewing on braids, beads, folds and ruffles.

Conclusion

Modern sewing machines are tools for creativity. They allow you to sew and decorate clothes, decorate your home with paintings made from fabric and ribbons. Even beginners will get smooth seams. The machine is indispensable for mothers: children quickly wear out things.

What should you pay attention to when buying a household sewing machine? The range of equipment is not small; you need to decide for what needs it will be needed. At first, you should not purchase an expensive model. This doesn't mean you need to buy the cheapest machine. She is not able to perform some operations efficiently. In the store you need to look closely at the power of the motor, the minimum set of stitches and the quality of the case.

Meeting the Manufacturers

All companies can be divided into two groups:

1. European ones that have retained their production in their homeland (these include: Pfaff, Husqvarna and Bernina);
2. those whose factories are located in countries with cheap labor (Brother, Janome, Jaguar, etc.).

To make your choice easier, we offer you a table that contains information about the most popular concerns for their production.

When characterizing the devices of these brands, it is worth noting the progressive approach to updating models (especially electromechanical ones). Manufacturers are dynamically expanding their range based on consumer demand.

In addition to geographical differences in product production, these two groups differ fundamentally in sales policies. In Russia, only Pfaff, Husqvarna and Singer have official representative offices that control the service network and work to create the company’s image and maintain its reputation. Their customers are more protected: in difficult cases they always have the right to turn to them for help.

The second fundamental difference concerns production itself. Brother, Janome and Singer emphasize a variety of models, low prices, a large number of operations in each model with comparative ease of execution. Other brands are based on a narrower range with high-quality, perfected equipment.

Basic criteria for choosing a device

When choosing a device for yourself, you need to focus on the following criteria.

1. Device power. Not every machine can work with thick fabrics like coats or denim. This parameter also determines the puncture force.
2. Material of body and parts. Most economy-class devices have plastic insides; this is another step towards purchasing an expensive but high-quality option.
3. You should definitely pay attention to the type of shuttle. A vertically located one will be much noisier than its horizontal counterpart. In addition, on a vertical one it will be difficult to see the remaining number of threads.

4. As for the types of stitches, even professional seamstresses do not use all of them. But if the device will make buttonholes automatically, you should choose it unconditionally.
5. Finally, it is better to choose those machines that are equipped to the maximum with all kinds of paws and accessories.

Buying a car

When you choose a device, first of all try to focus on your own needs and preferences.

During the demonstration, familiarize yourself with the features of the model and the basic skills of its management. Ask the seller to check the loop and seams (two or three are enough). You can take pieces of material from home and test everything on them. When operating the device, look at its chassis: there should be no obvious extraneous noise or strong vibration.

Ask the seller for operating instructions. Very often, their violation leads to poor-quality results or malfunction. Follow the sewing technology, and then the machine will do everything flawlessly.

Employees of the A-Iceberg SC repair sewing machines of all brands (from the budget Aurora to semi-professional equipment from Brother, Pfaff, Juki, Husqvarna, etc.). Diagnostics and repairs are carried out at the customer’s home, and the equipment itself is not transported for service. To call a specialist, call us at 8 (495) 228-31-78

any day from 7:00 to 23:00 or leave an online application on the website.

Stitches

It is impossible to choose the right sewing machine if you do not know what stitches it will make.

First you need to determine the criteria that the lines must meet:

• Quality.
• Quantity.
• Decoration.
• Stitch width and length.

In general, users definitely want a straight line; zigzag, including for elastic; straight with reinforcement; for elastic fabric; imitation overlock.

Manufacturers often offer many additional stitches, accordingly raising the cost of the device. Think in advance which ones you will use so as not to overpay.

For example, if you are choosing your first sewing machine and are just learning to sew, it is enough:

1. Serpentine.
2. Zigzag.
3. Making a loop.

At most, in addition, you can take overlock, secret, elastic.

Additional features and equipment

Below are additional options that can also simplify work on the sewing machine:

1. Stopping the needle in the upper position. A function that eliminates the need to manually tighten the handwheel at the end of the stitch;
2. Needle threader. A device that eliminates the need to thread the needle yourself.

The following accessories can be sold complete with a sewing machine:

1. A cover that protects the machine from dust;
2. A set of needles for sewing on various fabrics;
3. A set of feet for sewing different stitches;
4. Oil for lubrication.

Equipment may vary

Advice! All these add-ons can be purchased independently at a sewing equipment store.