Modern sewing machines perform dozens, and some models even hundreds of types of operations. But the main thing is that even a beginner, having chosen a good sewing machine, will be able to hem or mend a spoiled thing on such a thing in a couple of minutes. Home sewing machines are easy to use, and even the most reliable ones are inexpensive. The main thing is not to make a mistake when buying with a choice. Technical characteristics will tell you about the model better than any other seller. Here's what to look out for.
What are the types of sewing machines
- Electromechanical. The shuttle is driven by an electric motor, but the machine is adjusted using the levers on the body. The control is carried out by a foot drive.
- Electronic sewing machines. Equipped with a display through which commands are entered. Machines perform significantly more operations than electromechanical ones.
- Computerized. These are a kind of minicomputers with a processor. There are ports for connecting to a computer. You can combine different types of embroidery when working. It is possible to upload new schemes.
- Overlock. A highly specialized sewing machine - used to cut the edges of loose fabrics. At the same time, she reliably sweeps the edges, preventing blooming.
Shuttle type
- Oscillating vertical shuttle. The noise level is much higher than that of other types of shuttles. Machines vibrate noticeably at maximum speed, so the lines in this mode often come out uneven. The advantage is that sewing machines with a powerful motor are able to sew thick fabrics.
- Horizontal rotary. Installed in inexpensive sewing machine models. The hook is easy to tuck in and the lines are straight. The main disadvantages of such machines are the low sewing speed, as well as the fact that they are difficult to cope with dense fabrics.
- Vertical rotary. A machine with such a shuttle is more expensive than a machine with a horizontal mechanism. The advantages of the vertical hook are high sewing speed and low vibration.
We have already covered:
Loop types
- Loop semiautomatic... Buttonholes are sewn in four steps. Each time after completing the previous command, the seamstress must switch the sewing machine.
- Machine. The operator only selects the type of loop and adjusts its size. There is no need to move the fabric - the machine will sew the loop by itself and stop when finished.
Additional functions
- Differential conveyor. A useful function in the sewing machine when working with knitwear or when creating gathers. With the help of two slats, the fabric is stretched, and in this position it is sewn.
- Needle threader. The device makes threading easier. Especially useful for visually impaired people - there is no need to pass the thread through the eye of the needle.
- Sewing without a pedal. You can control the operation of the engine through a button on the body, without spending any force on pressing the foot pedal.
- Needle positioning (top / bottom). The needle stops when sewing is complete at a preselected position, either over the fabric or by pinning it to the plate. Convenient when making patterns or when you need to make a sharp turn.
- Reverse. When the function is activated, the machine sews in reverse.It is she who does the bartack at the end of the line.
- Sleeve platform. Means that it is possible to separate part of the working area, leaving a narrow area with the needle mechanism. It is used when processing sleeves.
Which manufacturer is the best?
- Janome - the world leader in the number of sewing equipment produced. The range of the company includes more than 50 models of machines.
- Brother - a Japanese firm producing budget sewing machines. The cheapest prices start at 5,000 rubles. The functionality of the devices is small, but they are better in quality than their Chinese counterparts.
- Singer Is an American firm. Produces both inexpensive and computer-controlled versions.
- Juki - the company is known for its overlocks. The model range is small, the price is high.
- Leader Is a Russian company that assembles sewing equipment at Chinese and Taiwanese factories. They produce overlocks, household sewing machines and knitting equipment for factories.
When compiling a rating of sewing machines, all the criteria described above were taken into account. Moreover, only those shaved that earned high marks on review sites and received only positive reviews.
Best Low Cost Electromechanical Sewing Machines
The number of operations does not exceed 20. The buttonhole is performed either manually in a zigzag fashion, or in a semi-automatic mode. The devices are not designed for daily long hours of work.
The best inexpensive sewing machine in the ranking for several indicators at once. The number of operations performed reaches 18, which will delight even the "pros". The work speed is quite high. The power of the device is 70 W. The thread tension regulator will help you to choose the optimal parameters depending on the type of fabric. The sewing speed is easily adjustable, there is a reverse mode. Sews on thick leather and denim that other models in this category cannot. Information about the type of stitching is printed on the case in yellow letters on a blue background, which causes discomfort, according to some buyers.
The vertical shuttle installed in the machine is reliable and will not break at a crucial moment.
Benefits:
- work with a double needle;
- processes any fabric;
- reliability;
- high sewing speed.
Disadvantages:
- price;
- design.
A good inexpensive sewing machine. It is perfect for minor clothing repairs. It makes more noise during operation than other models in this category. The power consumption is low, the machine consumes only 35 watts. The main advantage of the device over its competitors is the ability to sew with a twin needle. 14 operations are available among which there are decorative stitches. The complete set is standard: there is a universal foot for sewing in a zipper and for a buttonhole. There will be no problems with the purchase of additional accessories - universal ones from Janome are put. The cover can only protect against dust, as it is made of soft fabric. In the reviews, the owners note that the machine cannot cope with thick fabrics.
Benefits:
- sewing with a twin needle;
- number of lines.
Disadvantages:
- high noise level;
- low sewing speed;
- overcharge.
Good electromechanical model Brother E15 for home, suitable for families with small children. The device has a low sewing speed, only 400 per minute, but it works quietly, even at high speeds it will not interrupt the sensitive sleep of household members. The buttonhole is sewn in a semi-automatic mode; the corresponding foot is provided in the kit.The power is slightly lower than most of the sewing machines in the rating - 50 watts.
Above the working surface is LED backlight, which is useful when working in the dark. The machine performs the stitching with high quality, but when sewing the fabric folded in several layers, it starts to slip. The warranty period of service is 1 year, but according to reviews of defective products in the series are not found.
Benefits:
- price;
- functionality;
- low noise level.
Disadvantages:
- power.
A good home “helper” with a horizontal shuttle is also suitable for beginners. She has the highest productivity among the inexpensive models - 750 stitches per minute. 29 operations are programmed - much more than competitors, enough for household needs "headlong". The maximum stitch length is 4 mm, and the speed is smoothly changed with a wheel on the body. The machine is well suited for quilting.
A very nice feature is automatic buttonhole sewing.
The built-in needle threader will also help in sewing.
There is LED backlighting.
The presser foot pressure is also adjustable, it rises to a height of 6 mm and is securely fixed in this position. The device comes with everything you need for comfortable work, including 4 legs and a soft case. The machine does a poor job of processing leather - this is stated in the reviews of the owners.
Benefits:
- quality of stitches;
- the number of operations performed;
- high sewing speed.
Disadvantages:
- does not work with thick threads.
Best Low Cost Electronic Sewing Machines
All of them are suitable for private tailoring ateliers, as they are able to work for many hours without stopping. The main feature is a screen that displays information about the selected line, its length. The price starts at 15,000 rubles.
Uki Majestic M-200E opens the ranking of electronic sewing machines. The speed of sewing buttonholes will amaze even an experienced seamstress - this model is capable of making 800 pieces per minute. The main types of hinges are displayed on the body and are selected by clicking under the picture. A large number of patterns will allow you to decorate even a simple outfit making it festive. A ruler is marked on the case, so the work will be neat. The number of operations performed reaches 197, but there are only 3 loops. Unlike other mechanical and electronic models, this sewing machine has a hard case. The Juki Majestic M-200E is controlled by both the pedal and the start button. The needle position switch makes the job much easier. The device copes with both thin and thick fabrics, but it is necessary to adjust the tension of both threads as the owners say.
Loss of settings after disconnection is a problem, but otherwise it is the best electronic type.
Benefits:
- speed of work;
- ergonomics;
- power;
- number of operations.
Disadvantages:
- settings cannot be saved.
A reliable and inexpensive electronic sewing machine for its class.The horizontal hook is located under a transparent insert, through which you can see how many threads are left. Maintenance is rarely required and the hook does not require lubrication. Even thick fabric folded in several layers is sewn into the device. The display is black and white - information on it is displayed in large symbols and letters. The stitch length can be adjusted up to a maximum of 7 mm. Buttonholes are sewn automatically, you just need to choose from the 7 options offered. The machine does not have the function of saving the set parameters, which is inconvenient, according to the owners, when it is necessary to sew an outfit from different types of fabric.
Benefits:
- low noise;
- not capricious in work;
- large selection of programs;
- processes any fabric with high quality.
Disadvantages:
- average power;
- design features;
- no saving of parameters.
The set includes an expandable table that easily fits to the work area - even sewing curtains will not be a problem. A good electronically controlled sewing machine can work with light types of fabrics - silk, chiffon, organza, as well as work with jeans and even drapes. The automatic upper threading machine helps preserve eyesight, which will be appreciated by those who need to sew frequently and in large quantities. A slider on the body allows you to fine-tune the speed. A large number of decorative stitches, including even letter embroidery, allows you to use this model in creativity: quilting and patchwork. The machine sews quietly, the stroke is smooth, the stitches are clear, neat. According to the owner, vibration is not felt even at high speeds.
Benefits:
- power;
- the number of operations;
- ergonomics;
- low vibration.
Disadvantages:
- soft case.
This electronically controlled machine is ideal for beginners in mastering sewing skills. Ice illumination is located above the working surface, but according to reviews it is dim and inferior in brightness even to incandescent lamps. The control is carried out by buttons and sliders on the body and takes just a couple of seconds. The controls are intuitive, and if necessary, you can immediately study the printed circuit diagram.
The sewing speed can be infinitely varied without interrupting work. The hook is installed in a horizontal position, it is clearly visible under the needle through a plastic insert. The button measurement system helps you to accurately select the buttonhole parameters. In terms of power, it is not inferior to competitors in the price class. The machine performs 53 types of stitches and 7 loops. The compartment for accessories is small, the sleeve is formed wide, which makes it inconvenient when sewing outfits for small children.
Benefits:
- powerful engine;
- high sewing speed;
- convenient control;
- quality of stitches.
Disadvantages:
- poor lighting;
- light weight.
Best Computerized Sewing Machines
The choice in favor of machines equipped with a processor is made by experienced craftswomen. However, a beginner will also be able to work for such. The main disadvantage is that repairs in the event of a breakdown will be expensive.
Juki QM-900 Quilt Majestic
Perhaps the ideal computerized sewing machine for the average and semi-professional (people who sew 2-5 hours a day) has a Russified menu.The soft case provides storage space for the pedal. The warranty period reaches 5 years.
A huge number of operations. LED backlight - the entire working is perfectly visible. Menu and internal memory for saving settings. It is possible to program a start with an already configured profile, the machine will not return to the original mode.
The machine has all the necessary functions: start / stop button, needle positioning, point bartack, built-in needle threader, sewing speed regulator, reverse button.
5 pages are not enough to list all the advantages, here are just a few of them:
- Upper fabric conveyor.
- Adjusting the pressure of the foot on the fabric.
- Electronic stabilizer of the puncture force.
- Automatic foot lift.
- Sewing speed limiter.
- Sewing with a twin needle.
- Automatic thread trimming.
Reliable inexpensive computerized sewing machine, has a Russified menu. The soft case provides storage space for the pedal. The warranty period reaches 5 years - this is not offered by other manufacturers. Even an inexperienced user can handle the threading of the lower thread - a schematic instruction is displayed on the case. Double illumination - the entire working area at a glance. A box for accessories is hidden in the body, separate cells are allocated for the legs. Prompt robots in time will help you not to make mistakes when choosing a suitable foot. There is no top conveyor included, but it is supported according to the owners.
The machine has all the necessary functions: start / stop button, needle positioning, point bartack, built-in needle threader, sewing speed regulator, reverse button.
Sewing speed: with the pedal 820 sti / min, and with the stop-start button 700 sti / min.
Benefits:
- power, reinforced needle puncture;
- speed of work;
- high quality sewing.
Disadvantages:
- not many types of stitching.
A good model with computerized control seamlessly sews fabrics of different densities, including elastic ones. Thanks to the large base of patterned stitches, it is suitable for the embodiment of creative projects: quilting, patchwork and embroidery. The stitch size reaches 5 mm in length and 7 mm in width. It is possible to embroider letters of the alphabet, but unfortunately, only English (Latin).
The machine's foot can be raised up to 11 mm, which will allow you to hem or decorate costumes without ripping. There is a measuring device for determining the size of the buttons. The hook is horizontal type, which makes threading easier. The cover is soft, but it will cut off the equipment from dust according to those who bought this machine.
Modest, not very powerful, but of high quality, so it justifies its price.
Benefits:
- functional;
- equipment;
- quality of work.
Disadvantages:
- power.
This device allows you to combine operations with each other. The sewing machine is beautiful, it feels like the design has been worked out. Only the control buttons are under the display, and the mode images, in the form of laminated pages, are hidden in the case. To find out the number of the required operation, you just need to pull on the bookmark.
Another thing is the algorithm for setting the modes is complicated and takes time, for which the owners network. The metal throat plate is marked to help guide the seam line to the edge. The machine performs overlock, blind elastic and regular elastic, and in total it can reproduce 200 commands.
Benefits:
- the number of operations;
- sewing assistant;
- high-quality cover;
- sews well.
Disadvantages:
- complex management.
The universal computerized sewing machine handles thick overcoat fabrics, and thanks to a conveyor with small teeth, it sews the finest chiffon well. The machine is low-noise, quiet, works smoothly, smooth running. A ruler is marked on the table, which simplifies the work. Excellent equipment with what an experienced seamstress needs: feet, a set of universal needles, a double needle brush and even plugs for the upper spools of thread. The working speed is adjustable from turtle to hare. The machine copes with denim folded in 12 layers. She knows how to darn and make decorative patterns: satin stitch, children's ornaments and letters. According to the owners, it makes a little noise when working.
The cost of the typewriter is less than some electronic models and it looks better against their background. If the budget is limited, then there is no better option.
Benefits:
- high sewing speed;
- powerful;
- bright lighting.
Disadvantages:
- soft case.
How to choose a sewing machine: video
