A Guide to Purchasing a Sewing Machine
What is a sewing machine?
Sewing machines are machines used to sew together fabric and materials using thread. Modern sewing machines are commonly powered by electric motors, which have automated the stitching process so that fabrics can easily glide through the machine without the hassle of needles, threads, and other tools used with manual sewing.
Why should you buy a sewing machine?
Whether you are a self-taught DIYer or a professional, a good sewing machine that can handle most of your stitching requirements can be a blessing. High-end machines cater to a wide range of requirements and can give just the right touch of professionalism to your work. To make the best of your designing talent, you should choose the best sewing machine.
Types
What are the different types of sewing machine?
The five common types of sewing machines are as follows:
- Mechanical Sewing Machine: Often referred to as a Hand Operated Sewing Machine, this type of machine requires the user to set the basic sewing settings manually. Sewing machines of this type are the best for beginners since they are easy to operate, perform basic straight stitches, and are inexpensive. It consists of a presser foot or handle, bottom loading bobbin, and adjustable tension. This machine does not require electricity to operate.
- Electric Sewing Machine: Sewing machines of this kind are used for mass production of clothes. It makes use of an electric motor for more power and durability in sewing. Electrical sewing machines fall into two categories:
- Industrial Sewing Machine: A full shuttle machine with a heavy metal body, which makes them reliable and ideal for sewing clothing at high speed during large production runs. They are more expensive than other types of machine but are low maintenance.
- Electronic Sewing Machines: This is also called an Automatic Sewing Machine. The machine offers decorative stitches for DIY projects, repairs, and light to medium fabric sewing needs. Some models come with an LCD screen that allows patterns to be selected. Affordable, lightweight and portable, this type of sewing machine is ideal for home use as well as for beginners since it can be set to control stitch speed. It also has more features than a mechanical sewing machine, such as a free-arm and an electric motor.
- Computerized Sewing Machines: This is an automated, electric sewing machine that you can use with your computer and connect to the internet. This type of sewing machine that are most popular with professional sewers and fashion designers. It has 50 to 200 in-built stitches and is designed to produce identical patterns for automating repetitive work in industrial units. It can also download any design pattern from the internet and connect your sewing machine to your computer/chips to create designs.
- Embroidery Sewing Machines: Industrial embroidery machines are designed for heavy duty embroidery work that will last for a long time. They can either be computerized or electric sewing machines.
- Overlocking Sewing Machine or Serger: This machine is used to join or sew the edges of fabrics with three or four threads, as well as cut the extra thread and fabric. With an inbuilt cutter and a blade, it can cut the uneven edges of the fabric while edging the garment.
Important Features
What should you consider before buying a sewing machine?
There are different types of sewing machines available on e-commerce sites. After going through thousands of sewing machine reviews, we have listed some points, which will help you buy the right one, out of the multiple options on the e-commerce sites.
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Make a brief list of your requirements: Chalk out your expectations from the machine, and compare it with the model you are planning to buy. There is no point spending a lot on additional features that you don’t plan to use. Select a model that can easily perform all the stitches that you regularly use, plus a few more, if you do not want to be looking for an upgrade anytime soon.
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Check the attachments: Look for a machine that comes with all the necessary attachments that you use regularly. If any of the desired attachments are not included with the model you have selected, then consider the cost of purchasing the attachments separately.
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Ensure high functionality: Look for a machine that can wind bobbins, as this can save you a lot of time. Check to ensure that the model has a twin-needle function--you may need it frequently.
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Select a strong motor: Look for a machine with a strong, heavy motor that can be used on different types of fabrics and can withstand prolonged use.​
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Opt for a quiet machine: Noise from the sewing machine can become irritating after a while. Look for models that are quieter and smoother.