Purchasing a sewing machine for the first time can be an overwhelming experience for novice sewers. Even professional tailors would also conduct some research as every stitching machine possesses different capabilities. The best sewing machine will facilitate sewing different types of fabrics, while a wrong one can make you give up on sewing for good. So, before you get a headache, consider this ultimate guide to know how to purchase a cloth-making machine that caters to your requirements.
Let’s discuss some key factors you should take into account before getting your hands on a stitching machine.
What Factors Should You Consider Before Buying the Best Sewing Machine?
Stitch Options
Most sewing machines come with as few as ten stitch options and as many as three hundred stitch options. They come in a range of designs, styles, widths, and lengths. The basic stitches you will need in your sewing machine are Straight stitch, Zig Zag, Stretch straight, Tri-motion, Blind hem, and Buttonhole.
Weight and Size
You should purchase a portable and lightweight sewing machine made with plastic if you have to put the machine away when not in use or if you take the machine with you for craft fairs, etc. But if you want to use your sewing machine at a house or a shop in a designated place, you should prefer a heavier one since a machine made with metal offers better quality and durability.
Budget
The cost of a sewing machine differs significantly. If your budget is high, you can choose a good, high-quality metal machine. And in case your pocket is tight, you might consider buying a plastic-made sewing machine.
How Many Types of Sewing Machines Are Available?
Sewing machines are categorized according to their functionality. While manual and automatic sewing machines are ideal for basic sewing work at home, electronic sewing machines are the preferred choice for tailoring business or fashion boutiques.
Nowadays, high-end computerized machines are also gaining momentum as they are excellent for industrial use. Below, we have discussed these types in more detail to help you make the best choice.
Mechanical Sewing Machines
These machines are getting extinct as they have been replaced by electronic and other latest technological stitching machines. Since they offer manual controls, you have to operate them by hand, which is time-consuming. Besides, they are only suitable for light to medium weight fabrics. Some of their advantages are:
- Affordability
- Best for household tailoring needs
- Easy to repair
Electronic Sewing Machines
Electronic sewing machines facilitate and expedite the cloth-making process as they operate electronically. You can select the control dials using buttons or LCD. And the best part is the motor is managed by the foot pedal, which provides excellent sewing speed, high precision, jerk-free working, and much better stitch control. Some of their advantages are:
- Ideal for tailors, experts, and heavy sewing requirements
- Lightweight and compact
- Multiple stitch patterns and functionalities
- LCD screen to select patterns
- Have inbuilt motor and pedal
Computerized Sewing Machines
Computerized sewing machines are becoming sought-after in today's tech-driven era because they produce high-quality stitching and have robust features such as buttonhole formation, buttonhole style, tension control, sewing speed, and many more. These machines can be quite expensive and are commonly used by professionals. Some of their advantages are:
- Ideal for small textile industries
- Save time and money you have to invest on hiring a workforce
- Can handle any type of fabric seamlessly
Overlocking Sewing Machines
These sewing machines are simply used for seaming or overlocking the fabric, allowing professionals and tailors to give a finishing touch to the fabric being sewed. Some of their advantages are:
- Ideal for giving finishing at the edges of the fabric
- Fast and time-saving
- Used in styling the inner fabric
What are the Important Features to Look for in a Sewing Machine?
Thanks to the latest tech advancements, sewing machines are being integrated with numerous potential features like:
Powerful Motor
A stitching machine with a powerful motor and durable metal parts can sew thicker and heavier fabrics easily. It also stands up well while using over long periods.
Adjustable Stitches
Adjustable stitches are the most important feature that you should look for in a cloth-making machine. It allows you to adjust the length and width of the stitch as per the requirements.
Automatic Features
To eliminate a lot of bother and let you complete your clothes-making projects faster, sewing machines come with functionalities like an automatic buttonhole feature, automatic needle threader, automatic bobbin winder, and thread cutter.
Knee Lifter
This feature enables the sewers to lift the presser foot while their hands stay busy holding the cloth being sewed. It facilitates sewing sharp curves as well as corners of the fabric. Knee lifter is available only in high-end machines.
Jam Proof Bobbin
A jam-proof, top-loading bobbin overcomes the problem of a jammed bobbin that snarls up your thread and fabric and ruins all your hard work.
Speed Control
Some sewing machines can whizz along at an amazing rate, which can save a lot of time. Though high-speed stitching is a great benefit, stitching machines still need speed control so they can be slowed down when sewing tight, tricky areas, and fragile fabrics.
Final Words
Understanding your unique sewing requirements is essential before purchasing a stitching machine. Sewing may be your bread and butter or a way to escape from the cares of the world and express your creativity. So, you need a sewing machine that works efficiently and seamlessly. Considering this guide will help you to find and buy the best sewing machine that suffices your stitching requirements and lives up to your expectations.
Sewing Machine FAQ
Q: What should I do if my sewing machine is not sewing right?
A: Rethread the top thread and the bobbin if your sewing machine isn’t sewing right. Ensure you have the right thread and needle for the fabric you are sewing. Bearing these things in mind can help your sewing machine operate properly.
Q: How much inbuilt stitches capacity does a computerized sewing machine has?
A: A computerized sewing machine is mainly used for industrial work and has an inbuilt stitches capacity of a minimum of 50 and a maximum of 200.
Q: What are the limitations of a mechanical sewing machine?
A: Mechanical sewing machines cannot handle heavy or thick fabric material. Besides, you need to thread the needle manually and invest a lot of physical energy to sew even a small thing.