How to choose a sewing machine - expert advice

When choosing a sewing machine, it is worthwhile to determine the planned use cases (minor repairs, creativity, or a full-fledged home workshop), and also pay attention to the technical characteristics.

content

1. How to choose a sewing machine: what to look for
2. Types of sewing machines
3. What kind of sewing machine to choose
4. The main criteria for choosing a sewing machine
5. We determine the functionality of the function
6. How much is a sewing machine
7. Top sewing machine manufacturers
8. Video on the choice of sewing machine

How to choose a sewing machine: what to look for

Choosing a sewing machine, it is recommended to pay attention to the following specifications:

1. Type of sewing machine (electromechanical, computerized, overlock or other);

2. Type of shuttle;

3. Types of lines and stitch length;

4. Type of needles and equipment them;

5. Complete set of the sewing machine with additional accessories;

6. Additional functionality.

7. The manufacturer of the sewing machine is also important.

Types of sewing machines

The sewing machines on the market today can be divided into the following types according to their design and operation:

1. Electromechanical;

2. Computerized;

3. Highly specialized (overlock, rasposhivalki, koverlok).

When choosing a type of sewing machine should consider the intended use.

Electromechanical sewing machines

Electronic sewing machines are equipped with many additional functional elements that greatly expand the capabilities of technology.

Such machines are well suited for both home craftsmen and professionals, whose sewing is the main form of activity and source of income. The higher the cost of the device, the more opportunities it offers.

Computerized Sewing Machines

Computerized sewing machines offer the greatest functionality. Automated processes independently select the type and characteristics of the seam, as well as threads and needles. Detailed adjustment of the sewing machine parameters will allow you to get the stitch that you really want.

Such sewing machines are a tool for professionals and craftsmen. But thanks to automation, they are suitable for beginners, but the main thing in this case is maximum accuracy when used.

Specialized sewing machines

The above types of sewing machines are designed to fasten two (or more) fabric webs. But the functionality of the devices on the market is not limited to this.

1. Overlocks are a highly specialized type of sewing machine designed for overcasting stitches. Their main feature is the presence in the design of a looper, which washes the fabric. Such devices often support only one type of joint, and this is determined structurally. Therefore, when choosing an overlock, it is worthwhile to determine the appropriate type of stitch (by the way, most often it is a traditional four thread knit stitch, which is performed with two needles).

2. The Ploskoshovnaya sewing machine (also called rasposhivalka) is designed for sewing chain stitch - a special tensile type of seam, which is usually used to hem the edges of the clothes or sew the details of clothing.

3. Coverlock is a special type of sewing machine that combines all the previous ones. It can be used for over-stitching and chain stitches, as well as for stitching a seam on the basis of a chain (“pigtail”). Such a sewing machine is suitable for small repairs at home, but you can not count on the high quality and reliability of the stitches.

4. Specialized sewing machines can and should be used as a supplement to the usual (grind).

What kind of sewing machine to choose

Choose a sewing machine is based on the planned use of it:

1. If you plan to occasionally repair or sew clothes at home, then the usual mechanical;

2. If you want to sew clothes in a home mini-studio - it is better to take an electromechanical;

3. A computerized studio is suitable for a professional studio;

4. For sewing specialized stitches (chain or obmechetochnogo) need a separate sewing machine.

5. In addition, for easy home use suitable koverlok.

The main criteria for choosing a sewing machine

At the choice of the sewing machine it is worth considering not only type, but technical characteristics of the device. Among the parameters that should pay attention to the following features:

1. Type of shuttle;

2. Types of lines;

3. Stitch length;

4. Type of loop;

5. Needles, which are included;

6. Equipment;

7. Additional functions.

Type of shuttle

Three types of shuttle machines are used in sewing machines:

1. Swinging vertical shuttle;

2. Rotary horizontal shuttle;

3. Rotary vertical shuttle.

Swing Shuttle

The swinging vertical shuttle is one of the most simple and classic options for implementing such a sewing device. It is found both in already quite old mechanical typewriters (like “The Seagull”), and in very modern ones.

Rotary horizontal shuttle

The rotary horizontal shuttle offers a more convenient design. It is found in most household electromechanical and computerized sewing machines and is located under the needle plate. Most often, it “hides” under a transparent plastic panel, thanks to which one can discern the remainder of the thread on the bobbin.

This type of shuttle device is best suited for home use.

Rotary vertical shuttle

The rotary vertical shuttle is intended primarily for use in professional-type sewing machines. Most often it can be found in the devices from the company Pfaff. However, in the domestic sewing machines such a shuttle device is very rare.

Types of lines

Stitches in sewing machines can be divided into several types:

1. Patching and flat chain seams will require the use of a special sewing machine - an overlock or a rack, respectively. The rest can be applied using a regular grinder.

2. Stitching seams, as the name implies, are designed to connect two cloths. At home, straight lines and “zigzags” are most often used to repair clothes. If you plan to sew underwear, then you should pay attention to the appearance of the stitches - then they will not only join the fabric, but also decorate the finished things. And also it will be possible to pick up suitable lines for various materials.

3. Hidden seams, as the name implies, either do not have an external line, or it simply does not catch the eye. They are designed to join or trim the lining of products and are distinguished by maximum smoothness.

4. Elastic seams are designed to connect fabrics that can stretch. It is necessary to distinguish between chain stitches and regular elastic seams. The first option is better suited for labeling fabrics that do not stretch or weakly stretch. Elastic seams, which are performed on the grinding machine, are capable of increasing their length by 10-20%, maintaining the strength of the joint, even in a compressed state.

5. Decorative seams are used for finishing finished products. Some types of such stitches can also be applied edge processing material.

6. Embroidery loops are designed to be placed on actively used edges of materials. They can surround a hole for a future button or zipper. This significantly reduces wear.

7. Mechanical sewing machines usually support only a few types of seams. Electromechanical and computerized - a much larger number. Nevertheless, it is advisable to choose a sewing machine on the basis of the planned use, and not by the number of available modes of operation.

Stitch length

The stitch length in the sewing machine depends on the type of shuttle used. For example, models with a vertical swinging hook support stitches with a maximum length of 4 mm.

And if you need a stitch of greater length, then you should pay attention to the model with a rotary shuttle.

Loop type

Loops in sewing machines can be performed by one of three possible mechanics:

1. Automatic;

2. Semi-automatic;

3. Manual.

Automatic looping involves the installation of a special "foot" with a fixed button. The sewing machine will process it itself by placing a corresponding loop on the fabric. The user will only have to periodically change the direction of the needle.

The main advantage of automatic looping mechanics is that the wearer does not need to mark the fabric. It is enough to install on it a foot with a fixed button.

Semi-automatic looping is almost the same as automatic - a foot with a fixed button is also placed on the fabric, and the machine “by itself” bypasses it. The only "but" is that the user will have to switch modes of the device.

Manual looping can be done on the zigzag foot. We'll have to pre-mark the fabric.

Needles

Needles in sewing machines vary in design and purpose, as well as in the field of use.Regardless of the type, it is worth to choose such models of the device that are “out of the box” completed with the maximum number of needles and their varieties.

By type of sewing machine needles are divided into:

1. Straight with an eye. This is the most common option, which is suitable for almost all seams and fabrics. It differs, like other types, in thickness, which is measured in micrometers - from 50 (0.5 mm) to 400 (4 mm);

2. Double. These needles are equipped with two rods with an eye and allow you to make complex seams, including for the connection of cloths of fabric butt;

3. Radius. Curved needles designed for a number of specific types of seams and joining some thick webs of materials;

4. With a hook. Special needles for embroidery, knitting, as well as some special types of stitches.

By the appearance of the needles are divided into:

1. Pointy. Sewing (connections) are intended for dense, smooth, synthetic, natural fabrics and leather;

2. Slightly rounded. Are intended for work with fabrics, sensitive to damage of fibers, - jersey, thin jersey, jersey;

3. Medium rounded. Designed to work with very sensitive to the damage of individual fibers fabrics - knitwear of medium density, jeans;

4. Strongly rounded. Designed to work with extremely sensitive to damage to individual fibers with fabrics - thin highly elastic (such as Lycra), coarse knitwear, processing of women's underwear;

5. With side groove. Designed to work with dense fabrics. Do not allow the thread to break, allow the use of a minimum stitch length;

6. Cutting. Suitable for working with dense fabrics, non-woven materials, leather, rubberized cloths, etc.

Equipment

Standard equipment for most sewing machines, besides the device itself, may include:

1. The sewing speed setting pedal is a useful accessory that allows you to conveniently control this parameter. It is desirable that he was.

2. The tabs allow you to customize the stitch shape, seam type and other functions. In the minimum configuration there should be at least three - universal, for the "zigzag" and for the loop.

3. Accessories for sewing machines can be very diverse. The more, the better. Among the most important accessories there are several spare bobbins, a cleaning brush, a seam ripper, an additional reel rod. The rest are also practical, but not required.

4. The minimum required needle assembly is three universal, the same or different in size. For machines that support the use of double needles, the corresponding accessories must also be included.

5. The case is a useful, but not mandatory accessory that will protect the sewing machine from dust during storage.

We determine the functionality of the function

Among the most useful additional features are:

1. Adjusting the puncture force. It is useful when working with very dense - or, on the contrary, literally air - tissues;

2. Needle stop function in upper position. This is practical because nothing will interfere with the extraction of the fabric, the switching of the mode or the direction of the stitch;

3. The needle threader is a small but useful accessory that simplifies the installation of the thread in the eye of a needle;

4. Table for the expansion of the working surface - very convenient when sewing large cloths of thick fabric;

5. Adjusting the pressure of the presser foot on the fabric is a useful feature when sewing sensitive materials;

6. The presence of the upper conveyor - a special foot, which is designed for sewing multilayered materials without displacement of individual layers during movement;

7. The knee lever for lifting the foot is an additional lever that frees the arms and allows you to raise the foot of the washing machine without using them;

8. The presence of the embroidery unit allows you to apply simple patterns on the fabric. For complex it is better to purchase a separate embroidery machine;

9. Ability to connect to a computer - allows you to program embroidery or use ready-made programs downloaded from the Internet;

10. The reverse function allows you to reverse the direction of the stitch to secure the ends of the seams;

11. Sleeve platform - structural narrowing of the sewing machine body, allowing to handle the sleeves. Implemented in almost all models - if you remove the compartment for accessories, you get a hose platform;

12. Compartment for accessories - a convenient box for storing needles, bobbins, etc.

Many additional functions have to be paid separately (that is, a sewing machine with them costs much more than without them), so you only need to choose their availability based on your needs.

How much is a sewing machine

The cost of sewing machines directly depends on their functionality, equipment and other technical characteristics.

1. Electromechanical sewing machines cost from a few hundred to 18-20 thousand rubles. The vast majority of models are in the price range of 6-8 thousand rubles.

2. Electronic sewing machines cost from 8-9 to 18-20 thousand rubles. Most models are in the price range of 14-16 thousand rubles.

3. Computerized sewing machines cost from 10 to 50 thousand rubles. The variation in prices is very large, so a significant part of the budget class models costs 16-20 thousand rubles, and the average - 30-40 thousand rubles.

Top sewing machine manufacturers

Among the manufacturers of sewing machines can be identified:

1. Medium and budget price segment: Brother, Jaguar, Janome;

2. Upper price segment: Bernina, Pfaff, Juki, Husqvarna.

3. You can also distinguish the company Singer, but its sewing machines usually belong to the ultra-top-end price segment.

Video on the choice of sewing machine

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.