What do you need out of your sewing machine? Years ago, every household had at least a basic sewing machine, but after the mass-production of clothing and other fabric items, sewing machines fell out of favor. These days, however, as we learn all over again that craftiness and sewing ability can make things a lot better for us in the home, the sewing machine renaissance is upon us, and lots of people want to join in!
Getting Started
you are hoping to sew your own clothes, to create costumes for your kids, to do some quilting or to have some fun with embroidery, you'll find that a sewing machine is a much-needed addition to your home. A sewing machine is significantly faster than hand-sewing, and it can help you have a lot of fun with your hobbies. If you are thinking about purchasing a sewing machine, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind. Remember that there is no such thing as a perfect sewing machine, there is only a sewing machine that is perfect for you!
Types
There are many different types of sewing machine, so it is worth your while to find one that is right for you.
Treadle
A treadle sewing machine at this point is an antique, but as anyone who uses one to sew will tell you, it is a very functional one. A treadle sewing machine is powered by a bar at the bottom that you work to make the needle move. These machines are often found at garage sales, rummage sales and antique stores.
Conventional Sewing Machine
A conventional sewing machine will range from around 100 dollars to upwards of 2000 depending on the features that you choose to purchase. The cheaper machines are primarily made of plastic parts, while the more expensive machines have high-quality metal parts that are designed to last for a lifetime. Unlike the treadle machines, these machines operate on electricity. Most people who need a sewing machine will be choosing a conventional sewing machine.
Computerized Sewing Machine
A computerized sewing machine is one that can stitch a certain space of fabric with a specific pattern of stitches. These machines can be used to create embroidery pieces and they can also be used to finish quilts.
Serger
A serger is a specialty sewing machine that essentially lays down multiple lines of stitches at once. These stitches lock into each other, creating a very secure seam that will not fray. Sergers are often used for things like T-shirts and swimsuits.
Industrial Machines
If you are someone who is an experienced sewer, and you know that you are going to be doing a LOT of sewing, consider picking up an industrial machine. An industrial machine is typically sturdier and more powerful than a standard sewing machine, and they have specific functions.
Cylinder Bed
A cylinder bed is ideal for sewing extremely bulky items like shoes and saddles, and it is ideal for dealing with cuffs and other cylindrical sewing projects.
Flatbed
Flatbeds are the most common industrial sewing machines around. If you need to sew large amounts of flat fabric pieces together, this is the one for you. It excels at long, straight seams.
Post Bed
A post bed machine is ideal if you are going to be doing a lot of non-clothing sewing. For example, they are ideal for making boots and gloves. You can make very tight turns, and you will be able to go through many layers of very tough material.
Features
When you are selecting a sewing machine, you will find that in general, you need to find the ones with the features that match your needs. Any machine will sew straight seams, but if you forsee doing a lot of clothing, you likely want something that will put in buttonholes for you. Keep an eye out for machines that will do different stitches, and make sure that you get a machine that fits your space in size. A modern machine should have seam finishing capabilities. In the past, older machines required you to go back over the end of a seam to finish it, but modern machines will do this for you and cut the thread as well. Essentially, you need to think about what you need from a sewing machine and to zero in on the features required. A quilter will have very different needs from a costumer, for example.
Brands
When it comes to sewing machine, Singer is historically the most famous, but there are other fine brand names as well. Simplicity by brother, American Home, Tac Sew, Renaisance, Ricoma Yamata Sewing machines, Elna, White, Viking, Sears Kenmore, Family Sewing Machines and Bernina are all options. Similarly, you may find luck by looking up Reliable, Craft master, Sunbeam and Juki Home & Industrial Machines as well.
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