Sewing machine for beginners: how to choose and use?

Passion for needlework or the need for self-repair, sewing things, one day lead a novice seamstress to the idea of ​​purchasing his own sewing machine. With it, you can easily create simple clothing patterns, repair household items or wardrobe items, hem curtains or create embroidery. A sewing machine for beginners does not have to be complicated or equipped with hundreds of functions. It is about functionality, ease of operation and maintenance, the ability to connect a pedal to speed up the work process.

A simple model for sewing at home does not require significant costs and will be a good choice for practicing different stitches and operations. Simple rules and guidelines will help you make the right decision before purchasing your first sewing machine.

A sewing machine for beginners usually differs from all other options only in functional equipment. By the type of its design, it can belong to the following varieties.

• Electromechanical. Simple basic models with a pedal drive or a button that activates the sewing mode without a pedal. It is this type of sewing machine that is ideal for beginners and provides an opportunity to gain the necessary experience.

• Computer controlled. Firmware, additional memory, PC sync. All this looks attractive, but 500 or more operations are useful only for people who are professionally engaged in cutting and sewing.For novice seamstresses, such models are of little use, since most of the stitches and functions remain unclaimed.

• Embroidery and sewing-embroidery. Specialized complex devices capable of performing an extended range of operations. In addition to the usual stitches, sewing and embroidery machines can carry out more complex manipulations. Basic software will be enough for a beginner, but if you want to expand the capabilities of the model, you will have to spend a lot of money.

• Sewing... Coverstitch machines are used when working with knitwear, elastic and stretch fabrics, when sewing T-shirts, sweatshirts. The special stitching does not deform the fabric and ensures a reliable and high-quality connection of the stitching elements without displacement.

• Overlocks. These are sewing machines for edge trimming. Entry-level models usually have little functionality, they are only able to fix the edge, remove excess allowance. Overlock functions in conventional sewing machines are present only in the form of a zigzag stitch. The use of a special removable foot helps to bring the quality of edge processing closer to overcasting.

• Coverlocks. This type of sewing equipment is a hybrid of an overlock and an overlock machine and is not the cheapest variety. To work with knitwear for a beginner seamstress, special feet for other equipment are usually sufficient. Coverlocks are most often acquired as you gain some experience.

Of course, impressive reviews of multifunctional powerful machines look appealing.

If the decision is made with the type of construction of the sewing machine, it is worth moving on. There are criteria that you definitely need to pay attention to. They determine the functionality of the technique, ease of use, how easy the machine will be to learn. Among the main points are the following.

• Body material type. In the most budgetary models, it is plastic, it can heat up from the work of the backlight, and have a specific smell. Polymer materials are quite fragile, they are dangerous for shocks, falls, and other types of mechanical stress. If you plan to actively use technology even with a limited level of functions, you should give preference to machines in a metal case. In some cases, they are plastic coated.

• Power. Common household sewing machines rarely have impressive performance characteristics. Models for sewing thick denim, leather, drape have greater puncture power. Here, even household machines have a power of more than 100 watts. It is important to understand that 90% of the equipment in the budget segment of the market is designed exclusively for working with thin, light and medium-density fabrics.

• Sewing speed. It is important for machines of the electromechanical type, in which the speed gain depends on the pressure on the pedal. In order for the machine to keep up with the experience that has grown over time, it is enough to choose models with a needle stroke range of 800-1000 times per minute.

• Foot. In expensive models, its pressure on the material is varied using a special regulator. In budget options, it is unchanged. It is worth examining the foot lifting range more closely here. If it is less than 10 mm, thick layers of fabric simply will not fit under the conveyor pressing from above.

• Shuttle type. Vertical - basic, installed on inexpensive models, suitable for machines with a small range of operations. Horizontal can be taken for the future - even after a few years it will fully meet the expectations of the seamstress. It is a reliable and less noisy option, which increases the price level of the machine.

On average, 20-25 basic stitches are enough for novice seamstresses, which even an inexpensive model can easily handle. Among the obligatory ones it is possible to note straight, zigzag, elastic, overcast. It is good if the function of overcasting and overcasting of edges is available.

When choosing a sewing machine for a beginner needlewoman, it is important to make sure that the kit already contains everything you need. The list must include the power cord, pedal, sets of needles and presses. The cover is also one of the useful components - it is better if it is tough and shockproof.

Even in the budget segment of the market, you can find products of well-known brands. An aspiring seamstress should not be content with second-tier techniques. It is much easier to learn complex operations on high-quality typewriters. Moreover, they are much less likely to crash, do not need complex configuration. Among the manufacturers who have earned the trust of the consumer audience, several can be noted.

• Singer. The most reputable company on the market, based in the USA. The brand today produces dozens of models, from budget to professional. They are recommended for novice seamstresses as reliable first machines for performing simple operations. The fairly high cost should not scare off - the equipment of this level regularly performs its tasks for decades.

• Juki. A Japanese sewing equipment manufacturer operating since 1938. The company produces cars of various classes, among them there are simple, basic models. They cannot be called cheap, but in terms of functional equipment, build quality, these are some of the best options on the market.

• Brother. Japanese company with factories all over the world. Since 2003, the brand has its own enterprise in Russia. The range of products includes sewing equipment of different classes, a fairly large selection of computerized models. The equipment fully complies with domestic standards.

• Janome. One of the most popular Japanese brands in the mid-market segment. The sewing machines of this company are represented by both simple household models and professional equipment. You can choose a simple basic option and not overpay for unnecessary options.

• Pfaff. German company dating back to 1862. Until 2006, all models were produced in Europe, after which production was transferred to China. The brand is famous for its high build quality, reliability of engineering components.

• Husqvarna. Swedish company known as a manufacturer of electric and gasoline tools. She launched her own line of sewing machines in the 20th century. It is difficult to find inexpensive household models here, but you can purchase an option with the prospect of increasing sewing volumes.

• Minerva. The company is from Austria, but production has long been moved to Taiwan, like many other large companies. It is famous for its high quality and affordable products.

Operating a beginner sewing machine can be quite a challenge. The first and most important thing to consider is that the machines cannot be left connected to the network unattended, and the sewing mode cannot be started without fabric. Any safety violations may negatively affect the durability of the device.

When starting up for the first time, it is important to carefully study the instructions and the recommended procedure. It is necessary to check on an unnecessary piece of cloth if the technique leaves no traces of grease. In addition, this will make sure that there are no problems with the pedal contacts or shaft rotation, backlight. It is recommended to carefully study the correct position of the hook, the specifics of installing the needle, replacing the foot.

After each sewing, the machine must be cleaned from the inside and outside of dirt. Particular attention is paid to just the shuttle device. Scraps of threads accumulate in its annular groove, fleece from matter - they must be removed so that the free movement of the lower thread does not deteriorate.

When choosing a needle and thread, you should follow the recommendations for a particular type of fabric. The wrong choice will lead to seam tightening or breakage. The thinnest - silk, cambric, organza, sew with needles No. 70 and threads No. 80. The thickest woolen and drape materials - needle number 120-140 and threads from 10 to 30 numbers. Selection recommendations are usually indicated in the documents attached to the machine.

When threading the bobbin and upper thread it is important to ensure that their thickness matches. Allowed if there is a thinner version on the spool in the shuttle. But a difference of more than 10 units per room is not allowed. It is optimal if the winding is done from one reel.

To adjust the pressure on the fabric with the presser foot, you need to use the threaded bushing screw. The rules are simple: for thick, multi-layer materials, the maximum pressure is selected.

When choosing an entry-level sewing machine, many inexperienced seamstresses make common mistakes. For example, they recklessly take an incredibly cheap technique, suitable only for sewing doll dresses. The result of such a purchase will be disappointment and criticism of budget brands. You should not chase savings: there is simply no point in considering models cheaper than 5,000 rubles even for a novice seamstress.

When choosing a typewriter, it is worth testing it in advance on different fabrics. The presence of tightened seams is a reason to refuse a purchase. Problems include such "symptoms" as creasing of matter, its stretching, skipped stitches. If the machine bends the line while free running, an assembly defect is possible, which will have to be eliminated in the workshop at your own expense.

When choosing a machine, you need to take into account the availability in local stores of components and spare parts necessary for their work, repair services. In this sense, Janome looks the most attractive. The brand has many partner services, the cars are compatible with universal components, and not only with original accessories.

For information on how to choose the first sewing machine, see the next video.