How to choose a sewing machine for home: all types and their features

Highlights in choosing a sewing machine for your home

We will consider in detail all the functional features of household sewing devices, but you need to start from scratch. If you are new to this question, start your research with a few indicators:

• device weight - a household machine should not weigh less than 7 kg. In units that are too light, there is no metal frame. All parts are fixed on a plastic case and loosen from vibration during operation;

It turns out that the heavier the device, the better it is.

• number of possible operations - do not chase too complicated devices. In practice, for household needs, you will not need all the lines and functions. Assess your abilities and needs soberly. Think about whether you really need machine embroidery and knitted seams;
• electronic control - this function makes working on a typewriter simple and easy. Due to the use of an electric drive, you can easily adjust the speed, and the parts of the unit wear out less;
• device manufacturer - is by far an important factor. Companies responsible for the quality of their products are interested in positive reviews and new sales. The highest quality assembly is considered to be of Taiwanese and Thai origin.

If you choose a professional sewing machine

If you are no longer at the beginner's stage and decide to make sewing your professional occupation, then you should study the detailed characteristics of the model:

• shuttle type - it can be arranged vertically or horizontally. In professional models, the shuttle is usually horizontal;
• puncture power - working models are able to cope not only with light material, but also with cloth and leather;

• drive speed - for an experienced seamstress, this is an important factor that allows you to quickly and efficiently fulfill an order;
• foot adjustment - in models for craftsmen, a wide range of adjustment is important.

So what is the best sewing machine for the home? How to choose a model so that it meets all your expectations and delights as long as possible?

What sewing machine to buy for home use: types of devices

Types of sewing machines are of interest to us from the point of view of use in a domestic environment. What can they be?

This is an incomplete classification, in fact, there are much more typewriters in the professional segment. For everyday needs, you do not need to know all these specific features.

We are deciding which sewing machine is better to buy for the home, so we are only interested in the types of household appliances.

Modern electric sewing machine

The most logical choice is an electromechanical device. It combines the simplicity of mechanics and the convenience of an electric drive. These machines are reliable, affordable and easy to repair and maintain.

These devices are not as perfect as computer models, they cannot perform super-complex operations.

This type of sewing machine is suitable for beginner craftswomen. The machine will cope with coat and denim fabrics.

Household sewing machine with computer filling

A computer processor allows you to perform the most complex work on a typewriter. The presence of a hard disk and a microprocessor dictates the cost of the device - from 20,000 rubles. These machines can weld 15 types of buttonholes, perform intricate embroidery and make flawless seams on knitwear. But think about whether you need such delights? In most cases, unless you are sewing professionally, most of the operations will not be useful to you.

Even if you take a list of lines in an ordinary electric typewriter, you will find that you actually use a tenth of them at best.

It turns out that a computer model is needed only if you are professionally engaged in models with embroidery that are difficult to sew. Such units require professional tuning and expensive repairs in specialized workshops.

How to choose a sewing machine for embroidery

Household sewing and embroidery devices will not provide such precise embroidery as industrial ones. They are not cheap, capricious in setting and require special treatment. It is not very convenient to use them for sewing at the same time.

Ready-made patterns for embroidery can be found on specialized sites. It is quite difficult to create your own masterpieces. How often do you need this embroidery? Maybe for some thing it is easier to order it from the master? So our advice: if you don't have enough experience and knowledge for such a device, don't waste your money.

Coverstitch machines - coverstitch and overlock sewing machines for home

This type of machine is sharpened for one procedure - the hemming of knitwear. You can see an example of a seam on any T-shirt. The second type of such machines is overlocks, they finish the edge so that it looks the same on both sides, while doing flat seams and straight chainstitching. If you are going to sew knitted items, you will need such a tool. They cost about 15,000 rubles. The purpose of the overlock is to trim and process the edges of the fabric.

The overlock is an addition to the regular sewing machine and does not replace it. The overlock price is about 7,000 rubles. In principle, if you do not sew too often, you can do without it, using a regular zigzag for overcasting. But if you do a part-time sewing, a home kit from a sewing machine with an overlock is a must for you.

Mechanical hand cars

The mechanical sewing device with a manual drive has an extremely simple design and low cost.

You can take such a small manual sewing machine with you on the road just in case. And for the rest, if you don't sew your own outfits, but just hem tulle from time to time or perform other simple operations, you don't need more.

Operations and adaptations - what to pay special attention to

So, after you have decided what type of sewing machine to buy for your home, it is time to consider the possible operations and technical characteristics of the models.

The number and types of stitches: are they all needed

Modern devices offer at least 30 different types of stitches. Most of them are unlikely to be used.

Decorative stitches are rarely used. Machines with computer filling have a particularly large assortment of them: with their help, you can create ornaments, hemstitching, satin stitch embroidery and various kinds of embroidered inscriptions.

Hinges: automatic or semi-automatic

Electric models are usually equipped with a semiautomatic buttonhole function. This process takes place without the need to turn the fabric, the machine will first start the left edge of the buttonhole, the bartack, then the right and then bartack again. As a result, you get a regular linen buttonhole.

The automatic machine, of course, is convenient, but its presence immediately affects the cost of the machine. In exchange, you get several types of buttonholes for different fabrics.

Shuttle type

The simplest shuttle in a typewriter is the swinging one. It was installed on the old "Seagulls". Now it can be found only in cheap models of the electromechanical type. Such a device vibrates quite a lot during work, does not allow developing a normal speed and limits the stitch width. The best electromechanical sewing machines for the home are equipped with a horizontal shuttle. It is convenient to thread the spool into it.

Vibration during operation is minimal, and the thread is almost never tangled. Such devices do not need to be lubricated. The only caveat is that you have to adapt to adjusting the tension of the lower thread, it is produced by removing the needle plate, which is not very convenient. There are also more advanced mechanisms - double-fitting shuttles. Such devices are installed in professional equipment and are highly reliable.

Types of processed fabrics

For simple fabrics, you do not need to adjust the pressure of the foot, but if you want to sew a knitted item, you will need to change the adjustment. If you continue to sew with standard foot pressure, the jersey will stretch and the seam will not be beautiful.

For adjustment in electric models, there must be a special spring with a screw.

A good sewing machine can sew several layers of thick fabric.

An alternative are the top feed models, which will ensure high quality stitching on all fabrics.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION!

To work with especially thick fabrics in the construction of the machine, provide a rise of the presser foot by 1.2 cm.

Basic adjustments

Electric models can be equipped with different types of motors: AC or low voltage. Which one should you choose? Home sewing machines have to handle tricky fabrics, and the low voltage drive is the right choice for that. It provides maximum pressure from the needle to the fabric.

Another important adjustment is the sewing speed. It can be controlled using a pedal. Some models are deprived of this feature and are controlled by pressing a button, which is extremely inconvenient. The needle positioning function is not always found in electromechanical models, but it is a very good addition.

With the push of a button, you can program where the needle stops in the stitch - in or over the fabric

If the needle stops in the fabric, it will be convenient to turn the fabric to continue sewing at a different angle, if over - you do not have to turn the handwheel to remove the needle.

Optional accessories

Each model comes with a set of feet for different operations, specialized needles and tools for maintenance. Additional feet can be purchased for specific applications. If there is such a need, you should contact specialized stores or go to the corporate website. It is useful to have a large set of spools to make it easier to pick up the thread without rewinding it every time.

The bobbins are all standard, so they can be purchased at any sewing store

Other selection options

The built-in needle threader greatly simplifies the work. For threading, you just need to lower it and insert a thin hook into the eye of the needle, after which the hook catches the thread and passes it through without any problems.

Some machines have an upper fabric conveyor as an attachment. It will help to perfectly sew plaid items and things made of chiffon and natural silk. This is usually an attachment that can be removed, but the Pfaff models have an integrated top conveyor.

How to choose a sewing machine manufacturer for home use

The first piece of advice is not to trust the sellers who offer you cars of European origin. Sewing equipment is no longer produced in Europe. All production under European brands moved to Taiwan, China and Thailand. Husqvarna, Pfaff, Janome and Family gather in Asia. This does not mean that the product is of poor quality; popular brands are watching their reputation. For those who sew at home for a living, Pfaff products can be recommended. Models like Expression 4.2 and Performance 5.0 will satisfy even the most picky professionals.

For those who are fond of handicrafts and love patchwork and quilting, you can recommend Husqvarna Sapphire series machines. Husqvarna's Opal 650 and 670 are excellent models for those who occasionally sew.

If you are looking to buy an inexpensive sewing machine, Janome is your choice. Trouble-free, multifunctional and very easy-to-use, these machines cost from 5,000 rubles. Janome has a large lineup, from the simplest models to computer devices with the possibility of embroidery. A small review about the popular model from Janome.

Three common mistakes when choosing a sewing machine

Error 1: cheap unit. Do not seek to buy a device at the lowest price with the maximum feature set. Pay attention to all aspects: the presence of a metal bed, engine power and a set of important settings and operations.

Error 2: just not China. Now it is China that is the locomotive for the production of sewing equipment. European brands move their production to the Middle Kingdom and strictly control the build quality. So do not hesitate and feel free to buy a well-known brand of Chinese assembly.

Error 3: buy what the seller advises. Believe me, few of the smiling young people in home appliance stores use a sewing machine at home. They know just as much about sewing as it takes to get your attention. A friend or acquaintance who actually uses this tool will tell you which sewing machine is the best.

And the last: how to choose according to reviews of sewing machines

You have studied the technical specifications, selected the required set of operations and functions, and selected several models. Now is the time to study customer reviews. Let's tell you a secret: in most chain stores, there is a strict filtering of negative reviews. Sometimes their owners even specially order their writing in order to promote the product. So do not get fooled by admiring opuses.

Look for information on independent sites and forums not related to trade

As a last resort, look at information from buyers on Yandex. Market, you can also find critical opinions there. Check all the cons and make your own sewing machine rating. At its top will be your irreplaceable home assistant.

If you have already compiled such a rating and can recommend a specific model that has been tested in practice, write about it in the comments!
Read also:

What is the best and cheapest sewing machine, user reviews of popular models