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Best Sewing Machine
Sewing is an art; you can do wonders with a needle and a thread but for that to happen you need a best sewing machine. Hand sewing was there since ages as people wanted to cover their bodies with clothes.
As the evolution of humanity continues to advance many machines that were just the vision became the real world. It was on the cards that at some point a stitching machine will take over the art of hand sewing.
There were a lot of inventions and discoveries made during the period of the Industrial Revolution. Now it was the turn to speed up things in sewing. As the branches of all the industries were progressing very fast, it was time for the textile industry to develop.
It was impossible for this industry to function faster without a machine that could help people sew.Not only engineers but tailors were also working on this problem, to come up with an idea of a tailoring machine.
Primitive sewing machines were quite simple, and were used for leather and canvas with a pointed needle.Thereafter, sewing machines advanced their way towards more adjustments.
They were altered to sew cotton and other popular materials and today they can be used on all types of materials.
Industrial Revolution was the main reason of mechanization in many fields. Accordingly, it caused changes in the sewing process also. As sewing was mostly done by hands in those times the production was less.
After the launching of first mechanical sewing machines the production increased remarkably.The first sewing machine patent was lodged by Thomas Saint an English inventor in 1790; he was the one who designed the primitive sewing machine.
It was specially built for leather and canvas; it was like a leather sewing machine of those times.
Singer machine is a force to reckon with in the world of sewing machines. They are the one who came up with the idea of first electric sewing machine.
It was launched in 1889 and was a quantum leap in machine based manufacturing. It gained ground very fast as electricity was available in factories and homes also.
It was not an easy task for housewives to make clothes for their families as it was time consuming. But after the invention of the sewing machine things changed dramatically. Most of the people use to have one or two suits only.
It changed after the invention of sewing machine. With the advancement of sewing machine, there was a growth in production in factories. Resulting in more clothes at affordable price
If sewing is your passion then you must be having a serger or a sewing machine at your home with some extra features.
But after going deep you will understand that something is lacking in your simple sewing machine. You want something more out of it.
This feeling usually comes when you consider your hobby as a potential profession. But how to upgrade, as there are many types of sewing machines to choose from.
Types of sewing machines:
Mini sewing machines
This one is tiny in size and movable also, you can call it portable sewing machine also. It can sew a straight line, and very effective in alterations, repairs, adjustments, and routine sewing works.
These machines gained ground much faster because it didn’t take much space and are quite affordable also. It claims to sew home furnishing and clothes with zigzag stitching parallel with straight stitching. But may have difficulty with heavy materials and tends to jam.
Embroidery machine
These ultra-modern embroidery sewing machines are quite special. It has many built-in embroidery designs and can stock the designs in its memory along with USB ports.
It allows you to imply designs into the machine and stock your preferred embroidery designs.
You are free to use them whenever you want. Besides this it has a design editing feature which gives you the freedom of combining multiple designs and come up with a new one.
Quilting Machine
All those who are into quiltingknow what this sewing machine can do for you. You definitely want to have one, because the procedure of merging multiple layers of fabric together manually is quite tough.
Your quilting machine can make your life easy. New quilting machines are computerized thus can manage quilting designs automatically.
Serger is a versatile sewing machine which can make lasting seams and great at finish fabric edges. If you are sewing with knit fabric this is very useful machine for you.
The other benefit of this is it allows you to combine edge neatening and seam closing together with one stitching. Most of the sergers comprise a cutter that can automatically cut edges as it sews along the edge.
Domestic model sewing machine
This is the most common sewing machine at hand for hobby sewing. It’s quite easy to use and can do multiple things like sewing clothes, accessories and home furnishing. Most of them sew only straight seams but the superior models will have zig-zag stitches, other decorative stitches also.
Industrial sewing machine
If you are not happy with your domestic sewing machine as it’s no sewing too many layers of fabric together, or sew for a long time at a stretch without any problem of heating in the motor.
And stitching is not that much perfect, it’s time for you to change your domestic sewing machine with an industrial sewing machine. It allows you to sew continuously, you will feel tired but there will be no problem with the machine.
And it can stitch any weight of material among woven, synthetics, woolens, and knits.The quality of stitches will also improve; it will be much linear and evenly balanced.
And most importantly you can sew anything in short stretch of time, compared to domestic sewing machine as this operates at high speed.
An Industrial sewing machine gives you the freedom of sewing anything like upholstery, Shoes, Boots, Bags, using thick materials like leather, pleather, Rubber.
Hand operated sewing machine
There was a time when only this model was available and liked by all. There used to be a wheel on this sewing machine that was operated by hand and you have to use a handle to run it. This machine was too slow that it takes forever to sew anything. If you are interested collecting some classic and antique things you may want to buy this one.
Treadle sewing machine
The best thing about this sewing machine is it can work without electricity. You have to operate it by using a base stand that you treadle to operate the wheel.
The force that you generate to activate the base stand will move its wheels.
Its performance is same as any other sewing machine, but you expect the higher manual work.
In some countries, people prefer only this kind of sewing machines, as electricity is quite expensive there. So this machine is like a stroke of luck for them as it can still make things possible.
Computerized sewing machines – This is the best amongst all as it has everything you ever think of. From downloading patterns to memorizing operations, it can do all.
It has an accurate speed and needle features for clear cut stitching. Multiple operations of sewing can be finished with exquisite co-ordination without your involvement.
They have touch screens and USB ports to input sewing patterns and embroidery designs. As most of the work is completed automatically sewing becomes more ecstatic and merry.
It’s very crucial to have a sewing machine table to operate your sewing machine on. This is really quite serious also. It helps you to sew for a long time with much ease. Or else backache is going to make you stop your sewing.
Everyone needs a little bit of guidance when buying a sewing machine. May be you want to enhance your current machine to something that will help you expand your sewing.
For most sewing admirers getting a new machine is really exciting. It’s significant for you to think about what you want and what is not much vital for you.
As there are plenty of brands, price ranges, feature, it’s quite confusing to pick one. Here are few tips that will compose you to go to local sewing machine dealers.
Tips for Buying Sewing Machine
Budget: As far as budget is concern it depends on what features you are looking at. It’s always better to go for the quality rather than extra fittings.There are some ways that can save you money.
Some of the makers of sewing machine are producing decent machines that are not much expensive.
These are made from plastic and light weighted. If a part breaks, then it’s almost impossible to fix. But sometimes a few highly rated low-cost machines serve you for years.
Stitches
This one is quite tricky because most of the times people just look at the number of stitches at hand on a machine. Instead you should go for the machine that comprises stitches that you require most.
Generally for all the basic sewing, you just require two stitches.A Straight Stitch and a ZigZag Stitch. With these two you are good to sew anything. But there are some added stitches and/or stitch features that make sewing a little bit smoother.
Mechanical or Computerized
Mechanical Machines
Mechanical machines are simple and easy to run and light weighted as they don’t have computer. It need not need much maintenance also. Just clean it and put oil on time it will obey you for years.
Computerized Machines
All computerized machine are quite expensive but will sew a beautiful straight stitch.
As all computerized machine come with a touch screen, it simplifies stitch selection, stitch length, buttonholes, and programmable stitch sequences.
Before going out to bury a sewing machine, its better to you do some research on various makers.
Knowing a bit about the company that manufactures your sewing machine definitely helps you to pick the right one.
And one more important thing, don’t forget turn over the instruction manual of the machine. Make sure it’s written clearly, Read out a few pages, see if it explains things well. You’ll definitely need it from time to time.
In conclusion…
Pick your machine according to what you will be doing most. If you do a lot of straight stitch then you may want to look into a single function straight stitch machine versus a multi-function machine.
Multi-function machines have more moving parts to control the functions and are generally slower than a single function machine.
Avoid computerized or automatic anything unless you’re willing to lay out the big bucks when something goes wrong with the electronics. Check the reviews and buy the best quality you can afford, generally avoid any machine made in China.
Service plans are generally only a good deal if they include basic cleaning and maintenance so even if you use them for nothing else you are at least getting several free cleaning, lubing and adjustments out of the deal.
Usha Janome Dream Stitch Automatic Zig-Zag Electric Sewing Machine (White and Blue) with Free Sewing KIT Worth RS 500
| Brand | USHA |
| Colour | White |
| Material | Plastic |
| Item Weight | 6.5 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 368.3 x 203.2 x 292.1 Meters |
| Is Electric | Yes |
- Free Sewing Kit Worth ₹500/- (contains 18 N Thread Spools, 12 N Buttons, 1 N Scissor, 5 N Needles and 1 N Measuring Tape)
- Automatic zig-zag sewing machine with compact free arm
- Thread Tension Control: Manual ; Stitch Pattern Selector: Dial Type
- 7 built-in stitches including 4-step button holing; Seven applications including lace fixing, quilting, smocking and rolled hemming
- Auto tripping bobbin system; drop feed for embroidery; manual needle threading; sewing light
- Sewing speed: 550SPM (Stitches Per Minute); Stitch length control; Triple strength stitch
- Warranty: 2 years manufacturers warranty
- Package contains: Sewing Machine, Instruction manual and warranty card
Singer Promise 1412 Sewing Machine
- 12 built-in stitches include 7 basic and 2 decorative stitches and 1 automatic 4 step buttonhole and 18 built in stitch function
- Automatic metal bobbin winder, front load bobbin, free arm design features make the stitching easy even for beginners
- Adjustable stitch length and variable zigzag stitches helps to create multiple designs while auto reverse operation straighten the stitches
- Heavy duty metal frame ensures the durability and snaps on presser allow you change the presser foot as per the the stitching requirement
- Warranty – 2 years manufacturing warranty
- Warranty: 2 years warranty provided by the manufacturer from date of purchase
- Power: 80 watts; Operating Voltage: 220 – 240 volts
- Includes: Sewing Machine, Accessories Box, Foot paddle, User Manual cum warranty card
- Country of Origin: India
Isabella Sewing Machine for Home use
| Brand | Isabella |
| Colour | White |
| Material | Plastic |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 9 x 12 x 10 Centimeters |
- Sewing Machine for Home Use Accessories: 4 x Metal Bobbins, 1 x Foot Pedal, 1 x Needle, 1 x Needle Threader
- Fabrics that cannot be stitched: Thick fabrics like denim, velvet and other thick fabrics
- Mini Sewing Machine for Home with Double Threads, With Two Speed Control, Sew the Sleeves Easily
- Please read the User manual provided before using the product Hand Machine for Stitching
- DON’T RUN SEWING MACHINE FOR HOME WITHOUT CLOTH OTHERWISE IT WILL CAUSE ISSUE IN BOBBIN
How to Choose the right sewing machine?
Choose your machine for your project, several single-purpose machines may be more efficient than one multi-function machine. Older is better, no computers unless you really need that!
Ahh… the sewing machine.
Most people today would rather buy their clothes off the rack than have to learn the complexities of sewing their own.
For me….I absolutely hate making work clothes, my passion is medieval and renaissance (and maybe Elizabethan soon) period costuming and other fun stuff such as making period shoes from leather and other heavy-weight materials.
Most home sewing machines can’t handle leather well or the multi-layered gambesons that those participating in medieval re-creation fighting need to protect them from armor-bite.
I have a serger for light stuff, a regular sewing machine for completing what can’t be finished on the serger and a “walking foot” upholstery machine for the really thick stuff that the sewing machine won’t handle.
Basically there are the following types of machines out there, a serious seamstress/tailor might own one or more of these machines because often a multi-functioned machine is just not as good as one that is designed to do one function exceptionally well.
How to Choose Best Serger Sewing Machine?
The serger’s strength is that it cuts, over-edges, and sews all in one very fast operation. Most sergers have a function known as differential feed (don’t buy a serger that doesn’t have this, you’ll be sorry) for handling really light weight or stretchy fabrics.
Sergers are generally much faster than a sewing machine and are best suited to light to medium weight fabrics–such as what most people make work clothing from. Because of the overedging function, they are well suited to any fabric that frays a lot (wools, raw silk noire, linen, loosely woven anything).
The newest, and generally higher priced, serger models can handle heavier weight fabrics such as denim.
Generally the serger can’t complete the entire project, the lack of a free arm on most machines means you need the regular sewing machine to sew in facings around collars, hem sleeves, etc.
Early sergers offered one and only one stitch, newer models may offer more functionality such as safety stitch and blind hemming. Most store bought clothing is sewn on a serger.
Because of technological limitations, most sergers are not “free-arm” they are best suited to straight lines and the occasional gentle curve (you can do 90 degree angles but the machine has to be stopped and the fabric repositioned at the corners).
A good serger can do curves easily, a cheap machine will loose the stitch (i.e. the loopers drop out) as you move the fabric around the curve. The ends of serged seams must be secured in some fashion whether tied, glued(fray check) or over-sewn (flip up the knife and serge over the end of the chain) to prevent them from unraveling.
Sergers come in 3, 4 and 5 thread varieties. A 3 thread unit will be the most limited, a 4 thread (most common machine sold) can generally do several several functions and 5 thread is the most expensive but offers the strongest stitch and the most stitch variety.
Some sergers have foot kits for beading and cording and may or may not require the changing of the foot plate when switching to rolled hemming.
How Many Types of Sewing Machines?
The typical sewing machine sold these days has several functions including straight stitch, zig zag, smocking stitch(s) and possibly a button hole function. Some offer dual (twin needle) stitches too.
Modern machines offer a variety of interchangeable “feet” for accomplishing common tasks such as blind hemming, rolled edges, adding cording, special feet for sewing on zippers, etc. There’s just a huge number of accessories available for them.
Sewing machines come in a huge variety of machine types and industrial or special purpose models may have one single function (such as straight stitch, zig zag, or blind hemming).
You might ask why you’d buy a one function sewing machine? Because those designed for a single function are very good at that one function and generally much faster at it than a multi-function machine could ever be (they also tend to be smaller and more compact).
Older sewing machines didn’t have any fancy functions, however, they were made completely with metal parts (versus modern units that may have plastic or nylon parts) and often heavier duty motors than what you may find for sale today.
As a rule, an older machine will be made better unless you spend an awful lot of money on a new machine.
New machines may offer computerized operation and fancy functions such as embroidery–if you need those functions and can afford the ridiculous repair costs when those parts malfunction then more power to you. I for one believe the simpler the machine, the more dependable it’s going to be.
What is Upholstery Sewing Machine? What is Industrial Sewing Machines?
Upholstery/industrial machines:
Most industrial grade upholstery sewing machines are more than the average home seamstress/tailor can or would want to handle.
The machine motor is generally separate from the sewing machine head, bobbins have to be bought pre-wound, they often have messy oil reservoirs and the machine head is bolted into a heavy duty metal table…and don’t forget they’re expensive ($3000.00 and up for good ones).
If you’ve got the space for one of these that’s great but most of us don’t. The biggest advantage to an industrial machine is generally presser foot heights of a half inch and greater and wider spaces on the right of the presser foot for sewing bulky stuff such as tents and tarps. (Meaning you can sew one heckuva lot of layers all at once or just sew very thick stuff.)
Heavy duty/industrial upholstery machines differ from typical home sewing machine models in that they are generally “walking foot” sewing machines and may only offer one or two stitches (usually straight and zig or only one of the above).
In a walking foot machine, the presser foot is synchronized (moves simultaneously) with the lower feed dogs. In theory this machinery keeps the thick piece feeding better and prevents puckers and skipped stitches.
Note: there are two different types of walking foot machinery seen for sale. In one type the needle also “walks” with the foot as the machine sews. In the slightly inferior version, the needle is stationery and only the presser foot “walks” as the machine sews.
I have one of the stationery needle type, for what I do with it, it’s just fine but I have heard that the other type offers much better feeding with really thick projects.
Again most of us don’t have the space, the $$$$$ or the need for one of the industrial table models, so if you’ve bought or obtained a walking foot upholstery machine that’s been modified for home use you’ve most like got one of the stationary needle machines.
I’ve never seen a home use walking foot machine with more than a quarter inch presser foot clearance, which is really all that most of us need, that’s enough space for 8-10 layers of denim or about 4 layers of heavy canvas.
KISS:
Keep it simple stupid. This applies to sewing machines and sergers too!. The more fancy self threaders and computerized junk you get on it, the more chance you’ll have an expensive repair.
Just think about it, constant vibration, fabric dust, oil, possibly hard knocks when the machine is moved around, power surges, none of those things are exactly friendly to sensitive electronic devices.
I leave my machine setup all the time, it’s covered, but still exposed to the ever damp atmosphere of Florida. If you ask me it’s about like getting an electronic oven–my mother bought one and found out I was right when I told her to stick with the good old knobs, the electronics on her oven have been a constant issue.
Service Plans:
As with most items, a service plan on a sewing machine is generally mostly a waste of money. If your service plan includes cleaning and basic maintenance, it may start being more attractive.
The typical sewing machine or serger cleaning and adjustment runs $70-$99 dollars in my area, if you use your machine a lot a cleaning/adjustment is recommended every year.
So……a $89.00 service plan that covers three years is really a bargain when you consider that you get three free cleanings/adjustments with that even if nothing else goes wrong.
If you spend a fortune for one of the machines with the computers on it, then I’d definetly recommend a service plan. This is especially so if you live in a humid, lightning ridden place like Florida; those electronics cost almost as much as the whole machine if they need to be replaced!
Who makes sewing machines anymore?
From what I’ve heard, the Japanese own most of the sewing machine patents so by and large everything is made in Japan or Taiwan and relabled by companies such as White and Brother.
The only brand supposedly still making their own machines is Janome. The favored brands among the professional seemstress/tailor seem to be Viking (Husqvarna), Pfaff, and Baby Lock for the sergers. All of these machines have a great reputation but also carry hefty price tags. I’m sure they’re great machines but I can’t afford those prices.
Kenmore, by Sears, are generally good machines, currently their sergers and sewing machines are made by Janome but Sears offers repair and extended warranties (with cleaning and adjustment every year). From what I’ve been told by repair people, sewing machines made in China are generally just not good and the parts are impossible to come by.