Types of sewing machines. The main types of sewing machines

Each person chooses his own way of using modern technology. Most people assign purely domestic tasks to electrical appliances. The use of a sewing machine is knocked out of this row. These devices can act as a utilitarian high-performance tool, perform a task with a minimum of intervention, and serve as a creative tool. Types of sewing machine feet and their purpose - information that can help home craftsmen and craftswomen rediscover their familiar working tool.

What will be discussed

We will not consider the professional and semi-professional class of machines. They are usually equipped with many accessories for high complexity operations. For example, there is often an upper conveyor for feeding several layers of fabric, there are separate modes for processing loops, performing other work in semi-automatic or automatic mode.

Moreover, we will not touch on industrial devices. The description will refer to feet for simple household sewing machines. Sets of such functional devices can be easily purchased. For example, in the LADY SEW series there are dozens of sets, each of which has several paws designed for individual jobs.

By choosing a specific set, you can ideally meet your needs for creativity or functionality. At the same time, it is not difficult to understand which foot in the sewing machine for what, there is detailed instructions by use.

The foot is attached to the car quite simply. Majority modern devices equipped with a standardized holder. The complete foot is removed, a new one is installed, if necessary, its position is corrected. At this stage, the preparation of the machine for work ends, and you can easily perform sewing with the necessary operations.

What types of paws are

It is very difficult to describe all classes of sewing feet. them really great amount. Even within the same category, there is a large variation. For example, special quitting feet can be open and closed, made of different materials, have a different configuration from each other. Therefore, we will touch on devices, the use of which will be useful for most modern housewives.

Zigzag. Quite versatile and convenient fixture. With it, you can make a straight line and the actual zigzag. Almost all major types of fabrics are processed, so most housewives often use this nozzle instead of the standard one.
For stitching zippers. The foot for work with lightnings offers at once two modes of use. With its help, you can easily sew a fastener into clothes without fiddling with the turn at the bottom, the nozzle presses the fabric and makes it easy to track the stitch. To work from both sides, the device has two recesses for the movement of the needle. With this foot, you can also sew on the edging, while the wide one is processed in the same way as a zipper, and the narrow one is attached close to the edge.

There are many varieties of paws for lightning. They differ in both size and configuration of the anterior tissue sampling area.
The hidden zipper attachment solves a different problem. When sewing on such an element of clothing, a thickening is inevitably formed on the fabric - it becomes difficult to stretch it. With the help of the foot, which has a recess for the passage of material, it is easy to sew, no effort is required.
For knitwear. Knitwear is very delicate, it needs to be sewn carefully. The most common problem is picking up thread or fabric that falls directly into the needle grip area. The foot for knitwear has an additional stop, which cuts off the zone of movement of the needle. At good models on this part, a rubber (or silicone) pad is additionally installed, which handles the fabric very carefully.
For cords and tucks. A series of paws designed to create tucks have special protrusions on the sole. With their help, two tasks are solved at once:
- the fabric can be easily assembled, depending on the configuration of the nozzle, tucks with different geometries are obtained;
- it is very easy to form straight lines with a perfectly parallel arrangement.
Using such a device, you can also sew on cords for decorating clothes.

This can be done either with a foot with recesses in the sole, or with a special model where holes are provided for feeding cords.

Such a product works better and more conveniently, but is used only for one operation.
For bending. The processing of thin and light fabrics, such as silk, always has its own characteristics. One of them is the need to make a small hem so as not to make the product heavier and not change the geometry of the clothing elements. To solve this problem, the foot for a small hem is designed.

Such a nozzle will capture minimal amount fabric, gently fold it and feed it into the area of \u200b\u200bthe needle. At the same time, a minimum of effort and attention is required from the needlewoman.
With top conveyor. As the name implies, the purpose of the foot is to feed the fabric from above, in addition to the regular mechanism of the machine. In fact, the working method is somewhat different, but the result is acceptable: with the help of such a nozzle, it is easy to sew several layers of fabric without shifting them relative to each other.

For this class of presser feet, products are typical that additionally allow you to make stitches with an even distance between them. To do this, the nozzle is equipped with a stop, which is horizontally adjustable and acts as a kind of ruler.
For bias tape. Sewing on a bias tape is difficult. You need to evenly space the edges on both sides of the fabric. In conditions where the lower part is not visible, only an experienced seamstress will perform a quality job. A special foot will allow you to do this operation without difficulty. It is enough to insert the inlay, place the fabric in the foot and press the starter pedal of the machine. In the process of work, you only need to gently pull the inlay through the foot.

There are quite technological products that serve to perform really complex operations. Devices for creating assemblies, for example.

They allow you to assemble the assembly and sew it to the fabric at the same time. Not expensive models may require retrofitting the machine with a low-slung adapter and will definitely make you get used to the peculiar sewing mode. Complex and expensive mechanisms for creating assemblies allow the needlewoman to make a minimum of effort to create really high-quality products.

Conclusion

As mentioned above, it is very difficult to tell in full which legs for a sewing machine are. Among them are simple transparent material improving complex work, such as embroidery, allowing you to track the overlap of the pattern. There are large-scale fixtures for creating circular seams. There are simple attachments for sewing on buttons, sewing at a certain distance from the edge, with cut-off knives. The use of each of them differs in convenience and efficiency. From the housewife, only one thing is required - to buy a set with the necessary devices, before that, having thought and accurately assessed what kind of functionality she wants to receive.

Description of some terms related to sewing machines - to make it easier to read the operating instructions. :-) And also - types of sewing machines, what is an electronic machine, and what is a sewing and embroidery machine ...

There are certain sewing machine classes: household and industrial sewing machines. In turn, household have their own sewing machine classes: electromechanical machines (machines with a mechanical selection of seams), computerized (have a built-in computer board) and computerized sewing and embroidery machines.

Industrial sewing machine.

Industrial sewing machines have one big advantage - at high speed, maximum reliability is guaranteed. The number of rotations of the electric motor of the industrial sewing machine reaches 5000 per minute, the motor is very powerful, due to which the work will be comfortable, accurate and from a quick start. Industrial sewing machines feature improved balance, which eliminates vibration at high speeds, and good controllability when changing the sewing direction.

Electric drive It is an electric motor that drives the flywheel. The operation of the drive is usually controlled using a foot pedal, and the sewing speed is proportional to the force on which the pedal is depressed. The vast majority of household sewing machines produced today are equipped with an electric drive. Machines without electric drive are called mechanical (manual or foot) sewing machines..

Electro-mechanical machine- sewing machine with electric drive and mechanical control. All control (selection of stitch type, stitch length and width, thread tension adjustment, etc.) is carried out using mechanical switches placed on the machine body.

Electronic sewing machine sewing machine with electronic control. The microprocessor controls the movement of the needle relative to the fabric. This control principle removes restrictions on the complexity and number of lines to be executed. All sewing operations are stored in the memory of the machine, the selection and setting of the desired sewing operation is carried out using the electronic panel, and reference Information and hints are shown on the display. Electronics adjusts some sewing parameters automatically, and all seams are usually programmed for optimal parameters(which, however, you can always easily change).

To classes sewing machines also rank cars computerized type. This class sewing machines more functional than electromechanical type.

display equipped with most electronic sewing machines. This may be a small indicator display showing the number of the selected operation and the minimum sewing parameters (such as the selected stitch length and stitch width). Or it is a liquid crystal display, which also displays tips, reference information and sewing recommendations. An option implemented only in the most elite models is a color touch-screen liquid crystal display, with the help of which all control of the sewing machine is carried out. The cost of an electronic sewing machine significantly depends on the size and parameters of the display.

Sewing and embroidery machine- a machine equipped with an embroidery unit. An embroidery unit is a device with a hoop that is attached to the body of the sewing machine (although it can be integrated, and then only the hoop needs to be fixed for embroidery). During embroidery, the hoop moves in different directions, and the machine automatically creates one or another pattern. You only need to change the color of the thread as required by the machine. Embroidery machines can create patterns in various techniques(cutwork, satin stitch, cross stitch, hemstitch, etc.) The latest sewing and embroidery machines have a lot of possibilities, for example, connect directly to a computer. Pattern libraries can be replenished by purchasing special floppy disks, creating patterns on a computer using special programs or downloading them from the Internet.

Computer sewing and embroidery machines- This is a high class of sewing machines in which an embroidery unit is built. Along with professional sewing, there is an opportunity to automatically embroider on the hoop. These sewing machines are able to automatically cross stitch, satin stitch, quilting, cutwork, hemstitch. There are very few such sewing machines in the world, they have almost unlimited possibilities: more than 10 types of loops, 500 decorative and working operations, several types of numbers and alphabets, and much more.

Overlock- an indispensable addition to the sewing machine, which allows you to work with elastic fabrics, stretch fabrics, knitwear. The layers of fabric are simultaneously sewn together with a strong and elastic seam, and the edge is processed and trimmed. Unlike a sewing machine, which performs an inelastic lockstitch, an overlock stitch is knitted with loopers, and the result is as elastic as the fabric itself. Household overlockers are usually 2, 3, 4 or 5 threads. When choosing an overlock, pay attention to the presence of a sleeve platform, differential feed and the types of seams performed.

With an eye at the tip of one of the ends (hereinafter it is considered that the top of the needle is the one with the eye). A few years later, Fisher, Gibbon, Walter Hunt, Elias Howe and other scientists began to work on getting a stitch using a needle with an eye.

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See what "Sewing Machine" is in other dictionaries:

SEWING MACHINE- (household). Household sewing machines are considered universal, as they can sew various products: lingerie, dresses, blouses, suits, coats. In the USSR, several types of household sewing machines are produced, which differ from each other ... ... Brief Encyclopedia household

SEWING MACHINE- connects the details of clothing with a thread seam, performs decorative stitching, embroidery, overcasts the edges of the material, etc. The first sewing machine was created in Great Britain in 1755. There are sewing machines of a shuttle and chain stitch; stitch can be ... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

SEWING MACHINE- a machine for mechanical stitching of parts of garments made of fabrics, leather and other flexible materials with a thread seam, finishing and decorative ornaments, overcasting buttonholes and edges of material, sewing on buttons, etc. The essence of the work of Sh. m. ... ... Great Polytechnic Encyclopedia

sewing machine- connects the details of products with a thread seam, performs decorative stitching, embroidery, overcasts the edges of the material, etc. The first sewing machine was created in Great Britain in 1755. There are sewing machines of a shuttle and chain stitch; stitch can be ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

sewing machine- Serves for connecting parts of products with a thread stitch, for finishing and decorating them, sewing on buttons, overcasting buttonholes, etc. The seam… … Textile glossary

Sewing machine- a machine for joining (fastening) or finishing parts of garments. Sh. m. is used in the clothing, knitwear, footwear, and other branches of light industry, as well as in everyday life. The invention of Sh. m. refers to the 2nd half of the 18th century ... ...

SEWING MACHINE- serves to connect the details of products with a thread stitch, for their decoration and decoration, sewing on buttons, overcasting buttonholes, etc. (see fig.). There are Sh. m. Big encyclopedic polytechnic dictionary

inset sewing machine- A machine for completing brochures and magazines by inserting notebooks one into another and into a cover in the prescribed sequence and fastening them together and with the cover by means of wire stitching through the spine fold. [GOST R 51205 98]… …

pick-sewing machine- A machine for assembling brochures and magazines from successively arranged one after another notebooks or sheets and fastening them together by stitching with wire along the spine margin. [GOST R 51205 98] Printing topics ... Technical Translator's Handbook

Threadless sewing machine- a machine that connects clothing parts with a dotted or continuous seam of any configuration by melting the material at the point of contact under the action of ultrasonic vibrations. Used in industry for the manufacture of products from ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

In fact, any, even the simplest sewing machine can help you create a masterpiece. In the end, the era of the great couturiers fell on the second half of XIX- the beginning of the 20th century, when sewing machines only came into use and were quite simple. Neither about computer control, nor about electric drive there was no question, but it was in those days that such great masters as Charles Worth, Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel lived and worked.

At the same time, it is foolish to deny that a good and properly selected sewing machine saves time, effort and nerves of the master. How to do right choice, not get lost in a huge number of brands and models, choose from the list of functions what you need, and not pay too much?

Let's try to figure it out. To get started, decide exactly what you need a machine for. You just want to have it on hand so that you can shorten too long trousers on your own, without running to the atelier every time, sew up a jacket torn by a child and hem a new curtain, and you are unlikely to aim for something more? Maybe you have a desire to sew carnival costumes for children - or are you determined to take care of your wardrobe? If you are going to sew, then what? Summer dresses made of light fabrics, or coats and harsh jeans? Or maybe mostly tuned to knitwear? Having decided, you can begin to choose the model that is optimal for your purposes.

Let's define the points on which to make a choice. Firstly, this is the manufacturer, secondly, the type of sewing machine, and thirdly, the necessary set of functions that will determine the specific model. Let's start with the first one.

⇡ Manufacturer

Here, as in any other area, there are market leaders and little-known firms.

The most famous are Minerva, Bernina, Janome, Pfaff, Brother, Singer, Husqvarna. The choice among the leading manufacturers is largely determined by personal preferences, the presence in the store of a choice of the machines themselves and additional accessories for them. You should also take into account the availability of service centers in your place of residence - with a large "mileage" of the machine, this factor begins to play a significant role.

With less well-known firms, things are not so clear. Often, with the same set of functions, a machine of an unknown company costs significantly less. But, in addition to the obvious risk of getting worse quality, here you can stumble upon another pitfall: difficulties in acquiring additional paws and accessories. Little-known firms often have very exotic presser foot attachments or bobbin sizes. Therefore, if you still decide to save money, be sure to find out which accessories are suitable for this model, and whether you will be able to purchase them without unnecessary hassle and overpayments.

⇡ Types of sewing machines

All sewing machines are divided into industrial and household. Usually, a household one can do a lot of things at once, and an industrial one can do one thing - but it can do this one thing very well and for days, years, kilometers - without breaking. At least that's the idea.

However, industrial machines are unlikely to interest you, unless you intend to open a small sewing enterprise - they are very expensive, bulky and noisy in operation - so in this material we will concentrate on household ones. Household machines are divided into:

electromechanical,
computer,
sewing and embroidery
embroidery,
overlocks,
cover,
coverlocks.

What does it all mean, and which category to choose?

1. Electromechanical sewing machines- the simplest of all. The entire internal filling of such a machine is mechanics, that is, levers, shafts and gears. Electric is only the engine that sets it all in motion.

32 stitches
loop semi-automatic
vertical shuttle
stitch length 4 mm
stitch width 5 mm

Of the undoubted advantages of this type - reliability, low price, inexpensive repair in case of breakdown. Conventional electromechanical machines are inferior to computer ones in terms of speed and number of functions, since technological features designs do not allow stitching complex shape, but are perfect for beginner seamstresses, or those who want to have a reliable assistant for small household needs. However, a coat, and jeans, and a ball gown are quite capable of a good and properly adjusted electromechanical typewriter. The approximate price category of such machines is 3-5 thousand rubles. Simple, accessible, reliable.

2. Computer sewing machines are distinguished by the presence of a computer board that carries out the general management of the process, which allows this type of machine to carry out rather intricate stitch programs. The movement of the needle relative to the tissue in them is controlled by a microprocessor. What a particular model can do depends on the amount of memory and the number of programs of this machine “brain”.

197 types of operations
loop machine
horizontal shuttle
stitch length 4.5 mm
stitch width 7 mm

Their starting price is about two to three times the price of electromechanical ones. At first glance, a huge number of types of stitching seems to be an undoubted advantage. These are 15 types of different loops, and chains of different flower-leaves, and a dozen overlock lines, and knitted seams. But take a closer look at this list and think about which ones you personally will actually use? It turns out that you don’t need a part at all, and another part is numerous duplicates of the same thing with minor digressions.

Personally, I regularly use six to seven of the 56 stitches that I have in my car, and use two more from time to time. However, it is impossible not to notice that this already greatly expands my capabilities, in comparison with working on an electromechanical sewing machine. So do not be tempted by an excess of functions - it is not at all a fact that you will need all of them. Or rather, the fact that you are unlikely to even ever try many of them.

Several types of overlock stitches, a knit stitch, a triple reinforced stitch, a knit buttonhole and a buttonhole with an eye will be useful in work - in addition to the usual buttonhole, of course. The rest of the features are up to you, just don't let this variety go to your head. It's a shame to pay extra money for something that you will never use.

The undoubted advantage of a well-functioning computer machine is the speed and accuracy of work. If your plans include kilometers of frills and sewing to order for 8 hours a day, a computer machine will significantly save you time and give you additional features for creativity. The eyelet buttonhole is a small thing, of course, but this little thing affects the whole look of the coat.

Of the minuses - the high price, capriciousness in setting up, and repairs, in which case, are more expensive.

3. Sewing and embroidery and embroidery machines. Everything is simple here, unlike industrial embroidery machines, which, in fact, can only embroider, such combines often combine two functions.

In my personal opinion, budget versions of sewing and embroidery machines combine these functions very badly. They are too capricious compared to ordinary sewing ones, and compared to full-fledged embroidery ones, they are too limited in embroidery capabilities. And more expensive models also scare the price. Therefore, I recommend considering this class of machines exclusively as embroidery machines and purchasing them based on these goals.

Also, do not think that having bought an embroidery machine for 100 - 300 thousand, you will immediately create a masterpiece. Embroidery on a sewing machine is also an art that needs to be learned. In courses or independently, from books or online lessons. In general, working on it is somewhat reminiscent of working in Photoshop. You can go to a specialized site, type in motifs drawn by someone, quickly read the instructions and glue them together as you can, adding stars and hearts with a stamp. But if you look at the masterpieces created by professionals, it becomes clear that this is not even a third of the capabilities of this tool.

So, think carefully about whether you need it, and to be honest, in most cases it is much easier and incomparably cheaper to order embroidery in a workshop that already has serious equipment and good master. Outsourcing is everything. Personally, that's how I usually do it.

4. Cover sewing machines. They are - cover stitch machines.

Designed to make an elastic flat seam used to close the hem section of the edge of a knitted product. All this complex verbal construction refers to the seam that you can see on the hem and sleeves of almost any T-shirt.

Among household machines, two types of flat seams can be performed: flat seams and coverlocks. A regular seam looks the same from the right side and from the wrong side, as the upper thread is looped around the bottom (bobbin) and tightened. A flat or chain stitch looks different. It is obtained by the simultaneous operation of two or more needles and loopers.

This type of sewing machine is designed to work with elastic "stretch" fabrics. If T-shirts, swimwear and tracksuits are your main goal, this is your choice. Price category from 10-15 thousand.

5. Overlock is a machine with one or two needles, equipped with a trimming mechanism and designed for overcasting the edges of a wide variety of garments. When choosing an overlocker, first of all, you should focus on convenience when refueling and sewing. Do not forget also about the possibility of overcasting different amount threads. Most overlockers perform 3- and 4-thread overcasting, suitable for most fabrics, and rolled overcasting. On higher-end overlocks, there is a 2-thread overlock designed for the finest fabrics such as silk or chiffon, as well as for decorative trimming.

In principle, there are overlock functions in computer sewing machines. But a seam made on a real overlocker is much more accurate and reliable. In addition, the overlock is equipped with knives that cut off the excess allowance themselves, aligning the edge, which saves time. In general, if you sew regularly, and free space allows you to place two units, an overlocker will be a very useful acquisition, but if not, you can do without it. In any case, it does not replace sewing machine but only complements it. It is not intended for the assembly of product parts. The price of overlocks starts from 6 - 7 thousand, for 10 you can buy a quite decent model.

6. Coverlock- a relatively new invention with which many are not particularly familiar. This name was invented by Pfaff marketers for their range of such machines and patented, after which it became firmly established in everyday life. It combines the word "overlock" and English term coverstitch, that is, a "covering" or "closing" stitch. This machine can perform both overcasting of garments, and flat seams and a straight chain stitch, that is, it combines an overlock and a cover stitch machine. The price of carpet locks is quite high and starts from 25-30 thousand.

Like the cover stitching machine, the coverlock is designed to work with knitwear. The design also implies the presence of several (from 2 to 10) upper threads and loopers, with which you can create various, sometimes very complex seams, indistinguishable from industrial ones.

What to choose for working with knitwear - a carpet or a pair of overlock plus a sewing machine? On the one hand, the coverlock has a larger number of loopers, which allows you to perform more complex seams, it alone takes much less space, and its high price is quite comparable with the total cost of the cover and overlock. On the other hand, when processing a garment, it may first be necessary to overlock, then a flat seam, overlock again, again a flat seam, and so on every five minutes.

In the case of two machines, this will not present any difficulty, and each time the carpet lock will have to be reconfigured from a flat seam to an overlock or stitch-overlock and vice versa. And this is a rather long and painstaking process, which, even with skill, takes several minutes. Decide which is more convenient for you.

⇡ Model Capabilities

1. The type of fabric the machine is designed to work with. There are machines for working with any kind of fabrics, there are models designed for light and medium, or vice versa, for medium and heavy fabrics. If you definitely know that the main area of your activity will be, for example, dance dresses made of silk and chiffon, take a machine for light fabrics, it will work with them better than a universal one. If your choice is coats and jeans, consider models for medium and heavy fabrics. Usually they have more clearance between the presser foot and the needle plate, which allows you to put a thicker layer of fabric under the foot, and a more powerful motor that can sew this layer.

2. Maximum length stitch (up to 5 mm) and maximum zigzag width (up to 7 mm). The more these parameters, the better: it expands the field of possibilities.

3. Type of shuttle: the shuttle is vertical, with a removable bobbin case, and also horizontal, where there is no bobbin case. The second option is more modern and reliable - it has fewer parts that can break.

4. The loop can be automatic and semi-automatic. "Full" machine allows you to perform up to 7 different types buttonholes, in one operation, baste the buttonhole exactly to the size of the button, remember the size and repeat the buttonhole of the same size as many times as you need.

Automatic buttonhole foot

The semi-automatic loop is usually performed by simpler models. Here you determine the size, guided by the markings on the foot, the loop is overcast in 4 consecutive operations. It’s not difficult and not that very long, but if you multiply by 10, 20, 30 buttons per suit, the difference is decent.

Buttonhole foot

5. Optional but very handy features are the built-in needle threader, twin needle sewing capability, needle position button and spot bartack button. If you are going to sew a lot, you should pay attention to the possibility of working without a pedal and external speed control, this saves your foot a lot, which after four to five hours of continuous pressing the pedal starts to complain, besides, the pedals fail faster than the machines themselves, And they do it, as a rule, at the most inopportune moment.

⇡ Additional accessories

But in addition, there are special needles for difficult fabrics - for example, they will be needed to work with leather, jeans, stretch fabrics and jersey. Various sharpening points allows them to work most accurately with the material for which they are intended. Very often situations arise when a novice seamstress scolds the machine for skipping stitches or another seam marriage, and it's just a matter of wrong choice needles.

There is also a huge variety of paws. On one of the largest Russian-language forums dedicated to needlework, the topic about various paws occupies more than 200 pages and is regularly updated. At the same time, only the bare minimum is included in the basic package. And here the initial choice of the machine begins to play a role - your possibilities in the end may rest on how easy it is for you to purchase additional paws.

5. Foot for sewing, beads and sequins.

And hundreds more types of paws, attachments and devices designed to take on what was previously only possible to do by hand. Make your work easier and turn sewing into an exciting process.

⇡ Total

Of course, this is not all that can be said about sewing machines. Despite the apparent similarity, each model may have nuances and subtleties that will make it the most suitable, or vice versa, unacceptable, for you personally. The convenience of threading, the location of the buttons and control levers, the sound during operation, the look of the light bulb and more, and more, and more.

Ideally, you should walk to the showroom of a large store and sit at different models, thread, sew a test stitch, trying how it will be, and whether it will be convenient for you. If this is not possible, or you have a catastrophic lack of time for this, wait for the next releases. I will do it for you and share my impressions in as much detail as I can.

Choosing a sewing machine: what they will never tell you about in a store

Your decision to purchase a sewing machine is final and not subject to appeal. It remains only to determine: what? And this is where a lot of people get stuck. Navigating the existing diversity is not easy, but we will help. First of all, let's tell you what is really worth paying attention to.
Content:
Company manufacturer
Types of sewing machines
Model Capabilities
Additional accessories

In fact, any, even the simplest sewing machine, can help you create a masterpiece. In the end, the era of the great couturiers fell in the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries, when sewing machines only came into use and were quite simple. Neither computer control nor electric drive was out of the question, but it was in those days that such great masters as Charles Worth, Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel lived and worked.
At the same time, it is foolish to deny that a good and properly selected sewing machine saves time, effort and nerves of the master. How to make the right choice, not get lost in a huge number of companies and models, choose from the list of functions what you need, and not pay too much?

Let's try to figure it out. First, decide exactly what you need a machine for. Do you just want to have it on hand so that you can shorten too long trousers on your own, without running to the atelier every time, sew up a jacket torn by a child and hem a new curtain and you are unlikely to aim for something more? Maybe you have a desire to sew carnival costumes for children, or are you determined to come to grips with your wardrobe? If you are going to sew, then what? Summer dresses made of light fabrics, or coats and harsh jeans? Or maybe mostly tuned to knitwear? Having decided, you can begin to choose the model that is optimal for your purposes.
Let's define the points on which to make a choice. Firstly, this is the manufacturer, secondly, the type of sewing machine, and thirdly, the necessary set of functions that will determine the specific model. Let's start with the first one.

Company manufacturer

Here, as in any other area, there are market leaders and little-known firms.
The most famous are Bernina, Janome, Pfaff, Brother, Singer, Husqvarna. The choice among the leading manufacturers is largely determined by personal preferences, the presence in the store of a choice of the machines themselves and additional accessories for them. You should also take into account the presence of service centers in your place of residence, with a large "mileage" of the machine, this factor begins to play a significant role.

With less well-known firms, things are not so clear. Often, with the same set of functions, a machine of an unknown company costs significantly less.
But in addition to the obvious risk of getting worse quality, here you can stumble upon another pitfall - difficulties in acquiring additional paws and accessories.
Little-known firms often have very exotic presser foot attachments or bobbin sizes.
Therefore, if you still decide to save money, be sure to find out which accessories are suitable for this model, and whether you will be able to purchase them without unnecessary hassle and overpayments.

Types of sewing machines

All sewing machines are divided into industrial and household. Usually, a household one can do a lot of things at once, and an industrial one can do one thing, but it can do this one thing very well and for days, years, kilometers - without breaking. At least that's the idea.
However, industrial machines are unlikely to interest you, unless you intend to open a small sewing enterprise, they are very expensive, bulky and noisy in operation, so in this material we will concentrate on household ones. Household machines are divided into: electromechanical, computer, sewing and embroidery, embroidery, overlocks, stitching, coverlocks.
What does it all mean, and which category to choose?

1. Electromechanical sewing machines- the simplest of all. The entire internal filling of such a machine is mechanics, that is, levers, shafts and gears. Electric is only the engine that sets it all in motion.
Of the undoubted advantages of this type - reliability, low price, inexpensive repairs in the event of a breakdown. Conventional electromechanical machines are inferior to computer ones in terms of speed and number of functions, since the technological features of the design do not allow sewing complex shapes, but they are perfect for beginner seamstresses or those who want to have a reliable assistant for small household needs. However, a coat, and jeans, and a ball gown are quite capable of a good and properly adjusted electromechanical typewriter. The approximate price category of such machines is 3-5 thousand rubles. Simple, accessible, reliable.

2. Computer sewing machines are distinguished by the presence of a computer board that carries out the general management of the process, which allows this type of machine to carry out rather intricate stitch programs. The movement of the needle relative to the tissue in them is controlled by a microprocessor. What a particular model can do depends on the amount of memory and the number of programs of this machine “brain”.
Their starting price is about two to three times the price of electromechanical ones. At first glance, a huge number of types of stitching seems to be an undoubted advantage. These are 15 types of different loops, and chains of different flower-leaves, and a dozen overlock lines, and knitted seams. But take a closer look at this list and think about which ones you personally will actually use? It turns out that you don’t need a part at all, and another part is numerous duplicates of the same thing with minor digressions.

Personally, I regularly use six to seven of the 56 stitches that I have in my car, and use two more from time to time. However, it is impossible not to notice that this already greatly expands my capabilities in comparison with working on an electromechanical sewing machine. So do not be tempted by an excess of functions, it is not at all a fact that you will need all of them. Or rather, the fact that you are unlikely to even ever try many of them.
Several types of overlock stitches, a knitted stitch, a triple reinforced stitch, a knitted buttonhole and an eyelet buttonhole will be useful in work, in addition to the usual buttonhole, of course. The rest of the features are up to you, just don't let this variety go to your head. It's a shame to pay extra money for something that you will never use.
The undoubted advantage of a well-functioning computer machine is the speed and accuracy of work. If your plans include kilometers of frills and sewing to order for 8 hours a day, a computer machine will save you a lot of time and give you additional opportunities for creativity. The buttonhole with the eyelet is, of course, a small thing, but this little thing affects the whole look of the coat.
Of the minuses - the high price, capriciousness in setting up and repairs in which case are more expensive.

3. Sewing and embroidery and embroidery machines. Everything is simple here, unlike industrial embroidery machines, which, in fact, can only embroider, such combines often combine two functions.
In my personal opinion, budget versions of sewing and embroidery machines combine these functions very badly. They are too capricious compared to ordinary sewing ones, and compared to full-fledged embroidery ones, they are too limited in embroidery capabilities. And more expensive models also scare the price. Therefore, I recommend considering this class of machines exclusively as embroidery machines and purchasing them based on these goals.
Also, do not think that by buying an embroidery machine for 100-300 thousand, you will immediately create a masterpiece. Embroidery on a sewing machine is also an art that needs to be learned. In courses or independently, from books or online lessons. In general, working on it is somewhat reminiscent of working in Photoshop. You can go to a specialized site, type in motifs drawn by someone, quickly read the instructions and glue them together as you can, adding stars and hearts with a stamp. But if you look at the masterpieces created by professionals, it becomes clear that this is not even a third of the capabilities of this tool.
So, think carefully about whether you need it, and to be honest, in most cases it is much easier and incomparably cheaper to order embroidery in a workshop that already has serious equipment and a good master. Outsourcing is everything. Personally, that's how I usually do it.

4. Cover sewing machines. They are flatbed machines.
Designed to make an elastic flat seam used to close the hem section of the edge of a knitted product.
All this complex verbal construction refers to the seam that you can see on the hem and sleeves of almost any T-shirt.
Among household machines, two types of flat seams can be performed: flat seams and coverlocks.
A regular seam looks the same from the right side and from the wrong side, as the upper thread is looped around the bottom (bobbin) and tightened.
A flat or chain stitch looks different. It is obtained by the simultaneous operation of two or more needles and loopers.
This type of sewing machine is designed to work with elastic "stretch" fabrics. If T-shirts, swimwear and tracksuits are your main goal, this is your choice. Price category from 10-15 thousand rubles.

5. Overlock is a machine with one or two needles, equipped with a trimming mechanism and designed for overcasting the edges of a wide variety of garments. When choosing an overlocker, first of all, you should focus on convenience when refueling and sewing. We should also not forget about the possibility of overcasting with a different number of threads. Most overlockers perform 3- and 4-thread overcasting, suitable for most fabrics, and rolled overcasting. On higher-end overlocks, there is a 2-thread overcasting designed for the finest fabrics such as silk or chiffon, as well as for decorative trimming.

In principle, there are overlock functions in computer sewing machines. But a seam made on a real overlocker is much more accurate and reliable. In addition, the overlocker is equipped with knives that cut off the excess allowance themselves, aligning the edge, which saves time. In general, if you sew regularly, and the free space allows you to place two units, the overlock will be a very useful acquisition, but if not, you can do without it. In any case, it does not replace the sewing machine, but only complements it. It is not intended for the assembly of product parts. The price of overlocks starts from 6-7 thousand, for 10 you can buy a quite decent model.

>6. Coverlock is a relatively new invention that many are not very familiar with. This name was invented by Pfaff marketers for their range of such machines and patented, after which it became firmly established in everyday life. It combines the word "overlock" and the English term coverstitch, that is, "covering" or "closing" stitch. This machine can perform both overcasting of garments, and flat seams and a straight chain stitch, that is, it combines an overlock and a cover stitch machine. The price of carpet locks is quite high and starts from 25-30 thousand.
Like the cover stitching machine, the coverlock is designed to work with knitwear. The design also implies the presence of several (from 2 to 10) upper threads and loopers, with which you can create various, sometimes very complex seams, indistinguishable from industrial ones.
What to choose for working with knitwear - a carpet or a pair - an overlock plus a sewing machine? On the one hand, the coverlock has a larger number of loopers, which allows you to perform more complex seams, it alone takes up much less space, and its high price is quite comparable to the total cost of the cover and overlock. On the other hand, when processing a garment, it may first be necessary to overlock, then a flat seam, overlock again, again a flat seam, and so on every five minutes.
In the case of two machines, this will not present any difficulty, and each time the carpet lock will have to be reconfigured from a flat seam to an overlock or stitch-overlock and vice versa. And this is a rather long and painstaking process, which, even with skill, takes several minutes. Decide which is more convenient for you.

Model Capabilities

This issue is most acute when choosing a specific model of a computer sewing machine. It is in this type of machine that the number of lines often exceeds two hundred and causes ripples in the eyes and dizziness. You need to start your choice not at all with the number of lines. There are more important parameters that you should decide on first.
1. Type of fabrics for which the machine is designed. There are machines for working with any kind of fabrics, there are models designed for light and medium, or vice versa, for medium and heavy fabrics. If you definitely know that your main field of activity will be, for example, dance dresses made of silk and chiffon, take a machine for light fabrics, it will work with them better than a universal one. If your choice is coats and jeans, look for models for medium and heavy fabrics. Usually they have more clearance between the presser foot and the needle plate, which allows you to put a thicker layer of fabric under the foot, and a more powerful motor that can sew this layer.
2. Maximum stitch length(sometimes up to 5 mm) and the maximum width of the zigzag (up to 7 mm). The more these parameters, the better: it expands the field of possibilities.
3. Shuttle type: the hook is vertical, with a removable bobbin case, as well as horizontal, where there is no bobbin case. The second option is more modern and reliable, it has fewer parts that can break.

4. The loop can be automatic and semi-automatic. "Full" automatic machine allows you to perform up to 7 different types of loops, in one operation, sweep the loop exactly to the size of the button, remember the size and repeat the loop of the same size as many times as you need.

Automatic buttonhole foot

Buttonhole foot

The semi-automatic loop is usually performed by simpler models.
Here you determine the size, guided by the markings on the foot, the loop is overcast in 4 consecutive operations.
It's not difficult and not that very long, but if you multiply by 10, 20, 30 buttons per suit, the difference is decent.

5. Optional, but very handy features are built-in needle threader, twin needle sewing capability, needle position button and spot bartack button. If you are going to sew a lot, you should pay attention to the possibility of working without a pedal and external speed control, this saves your foot a lot, which after 4-5 hours of continuous pressing the pedal starts to complain, besides, the pedals fail faster than the machines themselves, And they do it, as a rule, at the most inopportune moment.
On this general recommendations end and it remains to choose from the mass of offered lines, fonts and flowers the set that is useful to you personally, and finally I will talk about one more very important point.

Additional accessories

The possibilities of the machine you purchased in the basic configuration are far from the limit. Accessories play a huge role in the quality of the result and the speed of its achievement. The fact is that for a quality result it is very important to choose the right foot, needle and thread for each fabric and operation. A table of the ratio of the thickness of needles and threads is in the instructions for the sewing machine, and here you are unlikely to be mistaken.
But in addition, there are special needles for difficult fabrics, for example, they will be needed to work with leather, jeans, stretch fabrics and jersey. Different sharpening of the tip allows them to work most accurately with the material for which they are intended. Very often situations arise when a novice seamstress scolds the machine for skipping stitches or another seam marriage, and the point is just the wrong choice of needle.

There is also a huge variety of paws. On one of the largest Russian-language forums dedicated to needlework, the topic about various paws occupies more than 200 pages and is regularly updated. At the same time, only the bare minimum is included in the basic package. And here the initial choice of the machine begins to play a role. Your opportunities in the end may rest on how easy it is for you to purchase additional paws.
I would like to draw attention to the most frequently used of those that are usually are not included in the basic package.
1. Teflon, with this foot you will not have problems when sewing products from difficult-to-transport materials such as leather, plastic, suede, artificial fur and so on.

2. Roller Hem Foot, allows you to thinly fold and hem the edge. They are available for hemming with a width of 2, 4 and 6 mm.

3. Feet for shirring and for sewing on frills:

4. Bias binding foot:

5. Foot for sewing on beads and sequins:

And hundreds more types of paws, attachments and devices designed to take on what was previously only possible to do by hand. Make your work easier and turn sewing into an exciting process.
Of course, this is not all that can be said about sewing machines. Despite the apparent similarity, each model may have nuances and subtleties that will make it the most suitable, or vice versa, unacceptable for you personally. The convenience of threading, the location of buttons and control levers, the sound during operation, the type of light bulb, and more, and more. Ideally, you should go to the showroom of a large store and sit at different models, thread, sew a test line, trying how it will be and whether it will be convenient for you.
Author: Maria Surgay