Sewing machines: what to look when choosing?
The sewing machine in your home? Why not? Even if you have not completed a tailor course, this device will definitely be useful. When should I buy a sewing machine? If you love designing your wardrobe yourself, then as soon as you think of ordering a new blouse or making a big jeans out of a stylish handbag. If you are not keen on modeling, you will need a sewing machine when you have small children at home.
Then it just begins the era of fast-growing clothes, where you need to buy a couple of sizes larger clothes and bend or otherwise fix them. Young people aged 12-18 use sewing machines almost every month. Not to mention repairing torn clothes ... So a young family should start taking care of a sewing machine right now.
Those who make the clothes themselves probably know the sewing technique well enough. They buy professional sewing machines. The purpose of our article is to give some tips for beginners. Let's start with the basics.
Multiple applications are required
Modern sewing machines often have dozens of programs. Sometimes there are so many that it turns your head and can be lost before sewing. Realistically, home applications require 4-5 programs.
Hidden seam. This is one of the essential sewing programs, which is characterized by the difficulty of noticing the seams after turning the stitched fabric.
Overlock. This seam is needed to re-sew the two stitched edges on the inside to prevent the fabric from ripping. Professionals usually use a separate sewing machine for the job, but for home use, some zigzag stitches can be used.
Embroidery. This is a pretty nice stitching technique that is used to sew pockets. Or patch materials when a rather large hole appears in the garment. There are many stitches to this stitching method - you just have to pick the ones you like.
Button loop sewing. This is a pretty tricky operation, which is why many modern sewing machines have special buttonhole stitches. There are even several forms of them. At least one really should be in your sewing machine. You may need to wear a special foot to sew the loops.
Sewing of zippers. Sewing a zipper is a pretty daunting task. Because of this, sewing machines have a special foot that helps to sew the new zipper beautifully. Some models have double needles, which makes sewing the zippers even easier.
These are the basic works of a simple home machine. If there are more features, you should find out who is using them and when.
Essential and required functions of a sewing machine
The main function of a sewing machine is obviously to sew. But she is not the only one. Other machine functions are also commonly used.
Reverse. This is a feature that helps secure the seams when needed. Just the machine can sew in reverse.
Thread winding. As you know, sewing requires two threads, one coming from the top and the other from the seam at the base of the machine. How does the thread appear in the stapler? It can be wound manually or in a special mode when the spinner rotates and twists as much as you want. It is very convenient and the thread is twisted within a few seconds.
Tray for narrow stitches. How to sew trousers, sleeves and other narrow areas comfortably? For this purpose, a special base is created on which the fabric is easy to put on and does not fall over the edges. Also some models have special attached basics for embroidery and curtain sewing.
Sewing machine memory. This is the function of computerized sewing machines. The sewing machine itself remembers the most commonly used patterns and settings for easier operation.
Thread cut. Not an essential function, but when sewing a lot, the few seconds it takes to pick up the scissors and cut off the sewing threads is quite important. Some sewing machine bodies have a special knife for cutting the thread, and some do it automatically.
Foot control. This is one of the most convenient ways to control the operation of the needle with the press of a foot.
Types of sewing machines
There are 4 types of sewing machines:
1. Mechanical sewing machines;
2. Computerized sewing machines;
3. Embroidery sewing machines;
4. Stitch sewing machines - overlocks.
Mechanical sewing machines are the most common choice for homes. They are controlled by the wheel and buttons. The computerized ones already have LCD screens showing all the features. Embroidery machines have quite large screens because they have to be programmed with thousands of embroidery designs. Overlocks are also mechanically controlled.
Computerized sewing machines are the choice of many and often people who sew, and are much more expensive than ordinary sewing machines.
Trademarks
We would be lying if we said that the brand is irrelevant. All seamstresses in the world know a name like Singer. It is the "father" of sewing machines that has changed not only patterns but also the perception of sewing itself. Other sewing machines are also quite well known - Janome, Yuki, PFAF. Made for decades, they are reliable and durable, which is what a home sewing machine needs.
Of course, there are other lesser-known manufacturers, but the price also needs to be considered. Not always saving tens of euros will produce the results you want.
Sewing machines are not a tool for women alone. A sewing machine weighing 10 kilograms and more sometimes attracts men's attention. By the way, the plastic case is usually quite deceptive, as there are quite a few metal parts inside.
