Literate choice sewing machine

The modern variety of clothing stores for every taste and color pushed the sewing hobby, which every second hostess indulged in the USSR, into the background. Recently, however, many housewives buy sewing machines more and more often, because the situation is changing: bedding, curtains and other household items that can be easily bungled with your own hands are more expensive, and sewing machines are becoming more functional and easier to manage. Want to bring your creative life to life? Then get a sewing machine that will become your assistant in many matters.

Main selection criteria

At first, it seems to nonprofessionals that only a technically savvy person can understand the intricacies of the various characteristics of modern machines. It seems to be true, but you don’t have to know what parts were used in production? Let's talk about the features that really matter.

Type of sewing machine

Not only the convenience of using it, but also the price depends on the principle of operation of the sewing machine.

• The best option for home use is electromechanical sewing machine. Its internal structure is completely mechanical, but it is driven by electronics. Such machines are relatively inexpensive (the final cost depends on the manufacturer and functionality), easy to use. In addition, their repair does not cost you a pretty penny. The only drawback of such machines - the inability to perform complex professional lines. However, they are not all needed. Opportunities such a home craftswoman enough for tailoring a coat, if you want that - the main thing is to choose wisely.
• Computer sewing machine- This is a great option for home atelier. To people who sew to order and earn money with it, such models really expand opportunities, in comparison with electromechanical machines. Thanks to the built-in computer board, this smart device can sew not only very quickly, but also execute complex programs with many types of stitches, loops and even embroidery. However, such models are almost twice as expensive as electromechanical ones. We recommend that you think carefully before spending that kind of money, especially if you have never tried to sew at all - you are unlikely to use all of its features, since it will be incredibly difficult for a beginner to manage this “brain”. In addition, the repair of such a unit is likely to be comparable in price to the price of a new electrician.

Machine Features

Before you get excited about the large number of different lines that expensive models can boast of, pay attention to a more important criterion - the ability of the machine to work. What is included in this concept?

• Fabrics with which the machine can work. It is not necessary to look for a universal model that can cope with any fabric, from tulle to drape - its value is unlikely to please you. Think about what you are going to sew on your typewriter? If it will be things for the house and rare repair of clothes, then it will be possible to take the most inexpensive model. If you want to sew evening dresses, then we recommend that you look for a model that specializes in light, delicate fabrics. For sewing jeans, coats and bags will require a more powerful professional sewing machine.
• Shuttle type affects the reliability of the sewing machine. If you do not want to run frequently in the service, then choose a model with a horizontal shuttle.
• Stitch length - a very important parameter, and the more, the better.

Loop processing

If you plan to sew clothes, then you should definitely pay attention to the method of loop processing, which is programmed in the selected model. There are two options: automatic and semi-automatic. The first option has a great advantage: thanks to the program set once, it will automatically process the required number of loops - you will only need to move the fabric in the right direction. The second option will need manual adjustment.

If you sew a lot, then the first option will suit you, even if it is more expensive. And lovers of sewing creativity at home and fit the second option.

Additional features

And now we will consider such options that are not of fundamental importance, but at the same time they expand opportunities for creativity and simplify the sewing process at times.

• Decorative stitches (ornaments, festoons, hemming, smooth surface, embroidery, openwork and many other options) allow you to create unique masterpieces. Most of these lines are provided in computer sewing machines, some of which can even create author's decorative lines.
• Foot pressure adjuster allows you to create ideal conditions for different types of fabric. Electromechanical machines are equipped with special springs that are manually adjustable. Computer models often provide the ability to automatically adjust the foot.
• Puncture Force Regulatorwhich most professional models are equipped with, will allow you to easily sew even the densest fabrics at a slow speed. In low-cost models in which there is no such function, the strength of the puncture depends on the speed of the machine at the moment. Please note that the ability to work with dense tissues depends on the power of only electromechanical machines, whereas this parameter in computer models is determined by the presence of a puncture force regulator.
• Needle stop up position will save you from having to twist the handwheel every time you finish a line.
• Complete set of the sewing machine - Another fairly important criterion. When buying, ask if the package includes:
  • Dust protection cover
  • Extra needles for different types of fabrics,
  • Additional legs for different types of lines;

Do not worry if your accessory does not include any accessory that you need - you can buy it separately at the sewing accessories store.

• Threader convenient because it facilitates work in a poorly lit room. It is also convenient if in the process it is necessary to frequently change the threads of different colors. In addition, this option can dramatically change the attitude to the process of many people who simply do not like to thread a needle.

Popular manufacturers

As usual, we will choose a suitable model not only for its functionality, but also for its cost. Here is the rating of the best manufacturers we have.

• If you do not want to spend the entire salary to buy a sewing machine, and you are not included in your plans in a professional manner, we advise you to look at the electromechanical models worth up to 10,000 rubles. The range in their capabilities is quite large, so you have to choose carefully, carefully reading the technical specifications. We can only provide a list of the most popular manufacturers in this segment, which are respected by Russian buyers: Janome, Jaguar, Singer, Brother, Comfort.
• If the capacity of the old mother's “Seagulls” is not enough for you, and sewing skills allow you to create more complex clothes, then it makes sense to invest in a more functional model of a sewing machine. So, for novice professionals, we recommend to look after the machine in the range from 10 to 25 thousand rubles. Practically the same manufacturers are leading in this group, adjusted for advanced features: Brother, Jaguar, Toyota, Singer, Janome, AstraLux, Elna.
• Real masters, of course, understand sewing machines and understand that the most functional and high-quality units can not cost less than 25,000 rubles. Such "monsters" sew leather, jeans and drape, like thin flax, with the speed of a rocket. In this category, the greatest confidence of buyers is caused by manufacturers such as Toyota, Brother, Bernina, NewHome, Pfaff, Juki, Husqvarna, Elna. These brands produce real professional "fighters" with hundreds of types of lines that can cope with both the thinnest and most dense fabrics. Many of their models are connected to a computer, which makes it easy to program the process. Such units are widely used in the clothing industry, easily leaving behind bulky obsolete metal colossus.

Common customer mistakes

What to fear, choosing a sewing machine for the home? No matter how scary it sounds, but very much! Today, it is easy to buy a fake on the market, which will not only disappoint you with the quality of work (or rather, lack thereof), but can even cause injuries. How not to stupid when choosing a sewing machine? Read about the most stupid mistakes of buyers.

1. Buying the cheapest model is often the worst mistake a beginner can make. It is clear that I don’t want to spend big money on something that you don’t really know how to do. But professionals and simply lovers of sewing in one voice say: do not put yourself a framework! A sewing machine not only helps to solve a bunch of everyday problems, but also opens up a new world where you can be realized as a person! This is a great hobby that will not only save you money to buy clothes and textile items for your home, but also allow you to spend your free time with benefit and pleasure, realizing your creative ideas. If you buy the simplest model, it will soon limit the flight of your imagination, and you will definitely want to purchase a more functional thing. Of course, there is a place for the old simpleton in the closet, but why was it necessary to spend money on it initially, that’s the question.
2. The capabilities of a sewing machine are directly dependent on its cost - many beginners think so. This is a myth that has long been dispelled. Most of today's low-cost models can cope with completely different types of fabrics, and it depends not on their price, but on what needle and foot to use and what tension of the thread to set. Before you scrape the bottom of the barrel to collect the necessary amount to buy a monster, look at the models of the middle price segment, read the instructions carefully: it is likely that you will find the ideal model two or three times cheaper - you just need to buy a couple more extra legs.
3. Do not be afraid of the Chinese assembly! It has long ceased to be a synonym for substandard things. Today, most of the world's leading manufacturers of sewing machines collect their products in China, as it is simply cheaper! It is better to take the time to study the instructions for the model, rather than criticize the ability of the Chinese to do quality things.

We wish you to make the right choice and decorate your house and wardrobe with unique author's things!