How to choose a sewing machine and not be mistaken?

For a long time, a sewing machine was practically a luxury item - good branded models were expensive and not readily available for purchase. Today, the assortment of goods in this category is so great that even experienced craftswomen are ready to get confused. Before choosing a sewing machine, you have to look through hundreds of options and such an assortment only complicates the decision. Reviews of products from this category also do not bring final clarity - what will suit an experienced seamstress may turn out to be too difficult or inconvenient for a beginner.

Choosing a home machine for all types of fabrics always starts with determining the right budget. The best firms - Singer, Janome, Brother, Minerva - produce high-quality products, but are ready to offer quite budget solutions for novice seamstresses. But there are quite a few other cheap, affordable and fairly functional sewing machines on the market. What should be guided by when choosing a technique and what points should you pay close attention to? It is worth looking into this in more detail.

All sewing equipment on sale today, which the consumer can choose for himself, has different levels of complexity and controls. The simplest models are designed for rare applications - repairing clothes, hemming curtains, hemming trousers. More complex options allow you to embroider, do patchwork, sew in zippers, decorate textiles with decorative materials, and much more.

These are the simplest models equipped with an electric motor and a pedal for changing the sewing speed.The production of machines of this type was established back in the days of the USSR. Today, most of the budgetary equipment with an electric drive is produced in Taiwan, in China - almost all eminent brands order the production of their equipment here. For sewing machines of this type, the adjustment of the parameters - the length and width of the stitch, the choice of the type of stitch - is done manually, the control panel is located on the side closest to the operator.

Electromechanical models are believed to be intended for domestic use. The set of functions in sewing machines is limited to 5-25 operations, usually all basic stitches, overlock stitches are available.

Pluses of electromechanical machines:

• affordable cost;
• the possibility of self-tuning and repair;
• the presence of the necessary basic functions.

Minuses:

• limited choice of operations;
• outdated technical equipment;
• lack of opportunities for decorative sewing.

A more modern version, capable of sewing without a pedal, using a push-button speed controller. In addition to mechanical components, digital technology is also used here. Built-in information display, electronic program control, memory cells for saving user settings - all this makes the work much more convenient. To select the type, length, width of stitches, you no longer need to turn the dial - everything is set in 1 touch.

Electronic sewing machines are a technique that meets all modern requirements. They are much easier to learn, allow even a beginner to figure out how to make lines of varying complexity.

Pluses of electronic machines:

• suitable for intensive sewing;
• a wide range of operations;
• ease of development;
• Ease of controls;
• the ability to customize the technique as you wish.

Minuses:

• high sensitivity to fabric texture;
• standard power;
• focus on working with thin and medium materials;
• high price;
• work only from electricity;
• unsuitability for home repairs.

Computer Controlled Models - This is a technique with great functionality and working potential, capable of performing up to 500 or more operations. The firmware is easily updated when connected to the user's personal computer, you can expand the software capabilities, download patterns for embroidery and needlework. These machines have a large margin of safety and are well suited for the industrial production of fabric products. Modern computer-controlled sewing machines today are chosen only by very experienced seamstresses who are constantly engaged in work at home or are passionate about needlework.

Advantages of machines with a microprocessor:

• unlimited choice of operations;
• high speed of the needle;
• optimal power and high performance;
• compliance with modern standards;
• full automation of production processes;
• the possibility of using in the professional field.

Minuses:

• very high cost;
• complex settings;
• possible service problems.

When choosing sewing machines for the home, very it is important to prioritize correctly. A household model may not support sewing with 2 needles, it is more important for it to have 3 basic stitches in the set: straight, zigzag, and facing for buttonholes.This is already enough to carry out the required minimum of operations. To perform complex work, it will be correct to consider models with advanced functionality, capable of turning the edge of the product, simulating an overlock seam or hemming the edge.

The less experience the operator has, the simpler the machine design should be.... You should not immediately choose models for leather or thick fabric. The most common options for silk, chintz, calico, linen are ideal and will allow you to make quick progress in sewing.

The wide range of equipment ensures the convenience of the seamstress. For example, additional feet allow complex and decorative operations to be carried out. In total, there are more than 20 varieties of pressure devices that can facilitate sewing in zippers, overcasting, and stitching decor. In addition, the kit should include needles, spools and other replaceable items.

Among the options useful in sewing are - sleeve platform hidden in the main bed. It will help to provide convenience when hemming trousers, stitching in shirt sleeves, cuffs. If you have to sew large-format items, it is better to give preference to models that come with a side table. It increases the area of ​​the standard sewing platform.

The presence of a switchable fabric conveyor in the kit makes it more convenient to work with different types of slippery materials. In this case, the fabric will not slip. The automatic needle threader will greatly simplify the process of getting into the needle and will make it easy to start sewing without wasting time. Among the useful additional components are cover, compartment for storing scraps of fabric, tools for cleaning and caring for the machine.

Of the types of stitches available for the home sewing machine, the straight stitch is the most important. It is he who is used to grind parts. The zigzag stitch is used for overcasting fabric edges and is the basis for most decorative seams. Buttonhole processing should also be included in the list of basic operations.

If you plan to sew clothes, it is better to give preference to a technique capable of providing auto-sewing of loops. In this case, all cuts will be processed equally accurately and efficiently. In inexpensive machines, this function is mainly performed in a semi-automatic mode under the control of the operator. A set of decorative stitches in electromechanical technology is not of particular interest.

On machines with a microprocessor, additional stitches can be presented in hundreds of stitch patterns. Among them are ornaments, scalloped hemming, satin stitching, cross, hemstitch, alphabet. Many machines can embroider Latin, Russian letters, hieroglyphs.

According to their purpose, all non-professional sewing machines are divided into several types.

• Basic. The simplest basic models with a minimum set of functions are intended for home use. They usually have a needle speed of 600-800 sti / min., Are designed for sewing material in a straight line, turning the edges in a zigzag. Not suitable for sewing thick, coarse fabrics.

• Universal. They are suitable for all fabrics - from thick drape to light chiffon. The most powerful machines are functionally equipped best. At the same time, you can successfully work on both electronic and electromechanical equipment.

• Special. These are sewing machines for performing certain operations.They are most often used in a professional environment, where each stage of the technological process is performed on our own equipment. This can be a machine for sewing leather or suede, overcasting fabric edges, forming a knitted flat seam. Special machines include machines for sewing buttonholes, fastening flat buttons, and short-seam machines for fastening accessories.

• For scrapbooking. For these purposes, it is recommended to select machines with a vertical type of shuttle mechanism and a significant force of needle breakdown. It is important that there is enough effort to sew the cardboard. Mostly the masters praise the models Janome with embroidery function. Even the horizontal shuttle can withstand high loads here.

• For patchwork and quilting. Here in the car, the maximum area of ​​the platform is important, the presence of an additional side table, an upper conveyor for connecting a large number of tissue scraps. In addition, it is important that the model supports sewing speed regulation, stitch length and stitch width variation with a wide range. The knee lever for lifting the foot is also convenient in operation, and the needle threader makes it easier to work with threads of different colors.

• For embroidery. Both specialized and universal sewing machine models are used here. The embroidery technique is focused only on working with applique, creating patterns. Sewing and embroidery can additionally carry out traditional operations - form a stitch in a straight line, in a zigzag pattern. All of these models have computer, programmable control and a wide range of available operations.

And a few more important nuances should be considered when choosing.

Among the additional characteristics of the sewing machine, the most important is the type of shuttle. In inexpensive electromechanical models, it is vertical, swinging. This type has many disadvantages that make it unsuitable for professional use. It creates vibration during sewing, does not provide sufficient needle speed, limits the length and width of the stitch to a range of 5 mm.

More advanced mechanisms have a horizontal arrangement and a rotating design. Such shuttles are used in sewing machines of the middle price category, they are distinguished by the convenience of threading the bobbin, ease of control over the amount of the remaining lower thread. The equipment vibrates less due to the replacement of the vibrational action with the rotational one. Horizontal hooks rarely confuse the bobbin thread and do not require lubrication. The disadvantages include difficulty in adjusting the lower thread - it is quite difficult to change its tension on your own.

Fundamentally different mechanisms are installed in premium sewing machines. The vertical shuttle double run around almost does not vibrate, it is most often found in high-end industrial models of equipment. It provides convenient adjustment of the thread tension, but the mechanism requires periodic lubrication.

Stitch length and width are equally important. In electromechanical models, these indicators are limited to a range of 3-5 mm. Higher-end options may show a stitch length of 6-9 mm. In general, the higher this figure, the thicker, denser fabrics you can sew.

This indicator is important if you plan to work with multilayer materials or products of great thickness. Expensive models of sewing machines have double lift option, significantly increasing clearance. Normally, this figure rarely exceeds 11-12 mm.

If the sewing machine is equipped with an upper feed, this function is not so important. But most household models do not have such an add-on and require additional control. To do this, the design of the device provides for a presser foot pressure regulator, which allows you to determine the optimal pressure for any type of fabric - from the lightest to thickest fabrics. This function is especially important when sewing knitwear, where the release of pressure makes it possible to avoid stretching the hem.

Consider which sewing machine manufacturers receive the most laudatory reviews from amateurs and professionals in the sewing business. Among the brands that rightfully occupy the status of leaders, several names can be noted.

1. Pfaff. German company specializing in the production of computerized models. The company has been operating for over 150 years, demonstrating stability, based on European quality standards. Despite the fact that the place of manufacture is indicated in Germany, production in 2006 was completely transferred to China. The brand is also famous for machines for a narrow specialization - embroidery, figured sewing, decorative finishing.
2. Janome. One of the most famous companies in the middle price segment. The company is Japanese, the equipment is manufactured in Taiwan. The lineup is represented by household electromechanical, electronic and computer machines. In addition, Janome equipment is suitable for scrapbooking, having sufficient strength and reliability.
3. Brother. Japanese corporation with a wide network of dealers around the world. The brand's cars are sold in dozens of countries around the world, models with different functional equipment are available. Japanese-made models are considered to be of the highest quality, but in the Russian Federation, products of the local representative office of the company with a lower assembly level or Chinese versions are mainly sold. Care should be taken when choosing a car.
4. Bernina. A Swiss brand that manufactures equipment in the economy class and the middle price segment of the market in Asia, and high-quality professional-level machines in Europe. This division of labor allows the firm to achieve the desired results while maintaining the status of a reliable supplier. The most expensive models are tested by hand. Low-cost technology also has a good build quality and is characterized by the reliability of parts.
5. Singer. American brand with German roots. The company's sewing machines are also manufactured in Asia and are presented in the widest range of functionalities. There are electromechanical, electronic, computer models with a different set of options, suitable for the most ambitious tasks.
6. Husqvarna. The Swedish company produces reliable household sewing machines. They are well adapted to work in difficult conditions, they are not afraid of high loads. This is a good solution for an experienced seamstress; for beginners, the functional equipment of the technique will seem too complicated.
7. Juki. A Japanese brand that manufactures high-end sewing machines for professional or home use. These are universal models for all types of fabrics and show high sewing speed. The technique of this manufacturer is suitable for the experienced seamstress who wants to have at his disposal a reliable, durable machine for long-term work.

According to experts, many novice seamstresses make annoying mistakes when choosing sewing machines for home use. And the main one is focusing exclusively on price... Of course, well-known brands make a certain markup for the "name". But it is very important to remember that in sewing machines, reliability, functionality and durability of equipment.

Not worth looking at country of manufacture. A Chinese machine from a little-known manufacturer can hardly guarantee good results, but an ultra-expensive brand model from the United States will be useless if the seamstress's capabilities are limited to zigzag seams and straight stitches. However, today, 99% of the machines on the market are manufactured in Asia.

The typical American brand Singer has been ordering equipment in Taiwan for many years. The Europeans are not far behind her - Brother, Bernina create their models at the same plant. The Japanese also order branded solutions in China or Taiwan. Therefore, choosing "European" or "American" cars, you can, with a high degree of probability, get a solid, well-assembled version of Chinese technology.

There are no machines that "sew badly" - there are inexperienced seamstresses. The quality of the stitching is controlled by a precise selection of parameters. If the seamstress lacks experience, even the highest quality and most reliable technique will loop, tear the thread and pull the material.

Multifunctional machines look very attractive and if the budget allows, budding seamstresses are tempted to buy them. At first, this reasoning does seem to be correct. In practice, having too many options can simply confuse a novice seamstress.

No need to overpay for extra options. If the thread cutter, reverse sewing, and the needle threader are useful devices, then a repeating program or a mirror image of a stitch will only be needed by lovers of embroidery. They are simply not needed in an ordinary household car.

Even if the car looks attractive and fits into the budget of the purchase, there is no need to rush. First you need to make sure that its possible repair, maintenance will not become a problem.... For some models of machines, it will be difficult even to purchase paws or needles, especially in remote regions. Exclusive repair equipment may require costs comparable to the purchase of a similar new device.

For how to choose a sewing machine, see the next video.