What kind of sewing machine is better to buy

Modern sewing machines define their predecessors both in terms of convenience and functionality. If earlier these were simple and relatively universal devices, then today, in order to acquire the most suitable machine, they need to be understood, to understand the differences of one from another. This article will help you choose the right sewing machine for you.

Main selection criteria

Even an inexperienced user can make an independent choice of a sewing machine, it is enough to clearly understand what result is needed.Statistics say that most often buyers are interested in inexpensive universal models. But, in addition to those, manufacturers have developed highly specialized devices, whose purpose is to perform one or two tasks, but in a wide range of performance.

So, what types of household sewing machines are divided into:

• mechanical;
• mechanical with the electric drive;
• computer;
• overlock;
• flat-seam (rasposhivalny);
• carpetlock;
• embroidery / sewing embroidery.

The key factors of choice will be the user experience and the purpose of using a sewing machine (for home or business).

Household and production devices

Initially, sewing machines are divided into household and industrial (or professional). Household appliances differ in affordable cost and multifunctional, depending on quality and option, they are suitable for home use or for small production, for example, a studio.

Production machines develop to perform one type of work, they are designed for a long time use. In industrial conditions, tailoring is carried out in stages, when each employee performs the same operation during 8 - 12 hours during a work shift.

The quality of professional models is an order of magnitude higher than everyday ones, which translates into significant cost. The price of such devices can reach 300 thousand rubles. Production machines for home use are hardly suitable: they are noisy, large-sized and low-functional. Service is also not cheap, but you can count on technical support and extended warranty.

Old and new generation of mechanical machines

Mechanical sewing machines morally outdated, when compared with modern models equipped with electric. They can easily cope with their main task - a straight seam, experienced users can sew fabrics of different density or do something like an overlock. However, having installed a drive belt and a motor on the usual “mechanics”, it can be automated, but the functionality cannot be expanded.

Mechanical sewing machine

Universal, by right, are considered electromechanical models - These are simple machines with mechanical controls and "stuffing." The indisputable advantage of devices of this type is easy, understandable control.Even those who find it difficult to master a new technique will understand both the interface and the methods of maintenance. In addition, they are quite reliable in operation, and the cost of repairs is quite adequate.

Electromechanical machines easily cope with the main tasks, they can contain about 15 kinds of stitches. Difficult seams, unfortunately, they can not do, which makes the device the best option for an inexperienced user.

Need a sewing machine for home and simple household needs? Electromechanical machine - exactly what suits you. The price of the issue varies from 2500 to 5500 rubles.

Electromechanical model of the sewing machine

Computerized models

Automation touched almost all familiar household appliances, and sewing machines for regular home use were no exception. The microprocessor controlling the device allowed to expand the functionality and speed up the work process. The capacity of a particular model is determined by the amount of memory; the work is controlled by a computer board.

It is not surprising that sewing machines of this class will do their job more accurately and faster than mechanical ones.The functionality is impressive at first glance, because the “computer brain” can contain up to two to three hundred different types of stitches, chains and loops.

The owners of such units help to make the right choice, arguing that in practice such great diversity rarely finds its application. Before buying, compare the capabilities of the device and your needs, whether three hundred types of seams will be used. On the other hand, computer machines make it possible to reproduce on fabric unique linesthat can be an important part of exclusive clothing.

If to reduce all advantages of similar devices that the user receives:

• convenience, quality;
• speed, accuracy;
• wide practical and decorative possibilities.

Modern technologies will cost two to three times more expensive than “mechanics”, repair and replacement of components, respectively, also. Such machines are not purchased, wanting to save money, but their potential is very useful for creativity and the creation of exclusive products.

OVERLOCK Opportunities

The overlock machines speak for themselves - they are designed to overlays and trimming products from various materials.Equipment means one or two needles, processing of cuts can be carried out by a different number of threads. As a rule, medium models perform seams of three or four threads, which is more than enough for the vast majority of fabrics.

Good to know! For processing thin, delicate fabrics, you should choose a model with a 2-thread stitch.

The first priority is the ergonomics of the device: ease of sewing and threading threads. Overlock is good addition to the usual typewriter, the quality of the seams will be significantly higher than that of the computer. It is advisable to stop the choice on the overlock, if such work is, indeed, a lot.

Appointment of the seaming machine

Sewing or flat-seam sewing machines are purchased for flat elastic seamswhich are necessary for processing the cut knitwear. This is another sewing machine for narrow specialization - sewing machines will not replace the usual universal model.

The flat seam among household sewing machines can be performed only by embroidery models or coverlocks. When specializing in the manufacture of T-shirts, sportswear or swimsuits, they buy such devices.

The cost of flat-panel devices is quite acceptable - from 10 to 15 thousand rubles.

The patented development of "koverlok"

Sewing machines Kovorlok appeared relatively recently - this is an alternative solution that combines overlock and rasposhivalnoe machine. The purpose of the device is to work with knitwear, the model can contain from 2 to 10 threads and loopers, which will allow you to create even complex seams, similar to industrial ones.

The combined model attracts by compactness, but here there are some minuses.

1. First of all, it is necessary to take into account the specifics of sewing: in the process of working on one product, it is sometimes necessary to quickly change overlock-flat seam-overlock operations. Frequent re-tuning of the carpet cover will take time, unlike the two tuned machines.
2. Another disadvantage of the carpet cover is maintenance. If any parts of the machine break down, it will be easy for all operations while the device is under repair.
3. A comparison of sewing machines from a financial point of view shows that there is no difference in the choice. The cost of one model of the coverlock is commensurate with the purchase of an overlock + a spreading machine.

Embroidery machines

The choice of home appliances for another narrow specialization is divided into two types: embroidery or sewing embroidery machines. Unlike professional, which are designed exclusively for embroidery patterns on the fabric, in household sewing machines, this function is combined with the main one.

Product decoration is a complex process requiring skill and experience. Industrial versions of embroidery machines will cost quite expensive, their price range is 100 - 300 thousand rubles, for this money the user receives high quality and a wide range of functions.

Household models the lowest price category is not worth considering: they are capricious in use, they are difficult to adjust, which affects the speed and quality of work. If you need to self-apply embroidery, stop the selection on embroidery machines of average cost. Their possibilities are limited, and it is unlikely that they will succeed in creating a masterpiece, but they will be able to gain experience and decorate their products with simple drawings.

According to experienced users, embroidery is an art where 90% of the time is spent on developing a sketch and setting up a machine. Regardless of the type of device, whether professional or home version, before creating an embroidery of medium complexity, you will have to attend courses or study the training materials on the web.If this operation is not the main one, it is more practical to contact the workshop, where specialists with professional knowledge will quickly and efficiently perform the task.

The technical side of the issue

Modifications of machines of the same type may differ significantly from each other. There are a number of basic criteria by which one should be guided when choosing the optimal sewing machine for experienced or novice users.

1. Type of fabric. Universal models are designed to work with any materials, but there are commercially available modifications for light, medium or dense fabrics. If the specifics of the work involves the sewing of light clothing - it is better to choose just such a machine. It will cope with its task much better than the universal version.
2. Zigzag or stitch limit equal to 7 and 5 mm respectively. The closer the indicator is to its maximum value, the more opportunities the machine has.
3. Types of Shuttle divided into vertical with a metal bobbin and horizontal. The second type will be more convenient: the shuttle is always in sight, and you can control the consumption of threads. But, in general, this is not the most critical indicator, but rather a matter of convenience.
4. Looper can be semi-automatic and automatic. The semiautomatic device requires manual adjustment when spraying each loop, automatic, in turn, more convenient. Foot independently determines and remembers the size. If the volume of operations is large, of course, choose the "automatic".

Pay attention to other technical characteristics of various sewing machines. Not critical, but options such as an automatic needle threader, needle positioning buttons, or point bartack will be useful. Intensive use has a considerable load on the foot, so you should look at models without a pedal.

The force of the puncture is determined by the power, and, consequently, the thickness of the fabric with which the sewing machine can operate. The denser the material, the higher this indicator should be.

Accessories for sewing machines

Before you choose the optimal model of a sewing machine, you should familiarize yourself with a wide range of different accessories for them. Naturally, you can do with a standard set, but properly selected consumables will allow you to perform operations more efficiently and quickly.

It is worth noting that the basic equipment often contains a rather modest set of necessary accessories.They are designed for the most basic operations.

Check out the wide variety replaceable legs. To work with suede, leather and other materials suitable legs with a Teflon coating, they will provide easy movement of the product. For the processing of cuts and hemming there are special legs with a roller. In addition, there are pads for scraping fabric and ruffles, sewing on oblique bei, beads or sequins. Let the acquisition of such parts is not strictly necessary, but time will be saved, and the quality is undoubtedly higher.

Excellent result is almost impossible without the right choice of working needle. It all depends on the fabric, for each material you need to purchase the appropriate needle. Full information is better to check with the seller or read on the package. Conventionally, it can be noted that sharp needles are needed for the skin, while knitwear is slightly rounded.

Conclusion

What model of sewing machine is better to buy, as already mentioned, depends on the specifics and amount of work. Be sure to check with the sellers of the design features of the machine, the ability to purchase replacement accessories and spare parts.It is convenient if there is a service center for servicing this equipment in the city, where you can undergo an inspection, repair the device or order the necessary parts.