And get answers to them from experts on the choice of sewing equipment - sewing, knitting and embroidery machines, overlockers, steam generators, etc.
I will immediately say thank you to the readers who responded to my proposal to ask their questions about how to choose sewing equipment.
This means that my project can also be useful to you in this area, for me it is important!
Today, I publish the first part of the answers to questions about how to choose a sewing technique. I confess that I myself was very interested in reading the comments of experts.
This part of the questions consists of questions from you, dear readers, and my questions. I have combined the most frequently asked questions.
The next part will consist entirely of your questions on specific topics that are not included in this part (don't forget to subscribe to blog updates if you haven't already)
Questions are answered by specialists of an online store selling sewing equipment - - a specialized online store selling sewing, embroidery, knitting equipment and sewing accessories of well-known brands Brother, Bernina, Janome, Juki, Aurora, etc.
1. What should you pay attention to, first of all, when choosing a sewing machine?
2. Is it necessary to give preference to well-known brands, or in many ways is it just an overpayment for the brand?
Answer to questions 1 and 2:
When choosing, you need to understand how the sewing machines on the market today differ. For understanding, sewing machines can be divided into two types: these are electromechanical machines and electronic ones. At the same time, 3 different types of shuttle design should be noted: vertical swinging (classic), horizontal and vertical rotating (industrial).
Electromechanical machines- easier to repair and maintain, equipped with a vertical swing or horizontal shuttle, the horizontal shuttle is a more modern development, does not require lubrication.
The disadvantage of electromechanical machines is the difficulty of reconfiguring, and in some cases, the inability to sew complex materials due to the lack of such functions as an electronic needle puncture stabilizer, an improved fabric advance mechanism available in electronic sewing machines.
Electronic sewing machines these are modern high-tech devices capable of providing high quality and facilitating.
They are completed more often with horizontal, less often with vertical swinging and vertical rotating shuttle devices.
Speaking about the vertical rotating shuttle, one can note its long working life and high quality of the line being performed, which is also noted in the embroidery function in sewing and embroidery models.
When choosing a sewing machine, it is also necessary to pay attention to the reputation of the manufacturer and the specific model in particular. Manufacturers interested in their reputation in the Russian market have authorized service centers and carry out a company warranty, this is evidenced by a company warranty card that comes with all the equipment of this manufacturer.
3. In your opinion, which of the functions of a modern sewing machine are really necessary, and which can be easily dispensed with (for example, the upper feed dog, needle threader, decorative stitches, etc.)?
This question cannot be answered objectively, each seamstress decides for herself what functions she needs when sewing. It is worth listing the features and explaining them so that you can decide for yourself whether they are necessary for you or you can do without them.
Electronic needle puncture stabilizer- only available on electronic sewing machines. A function that allows you to adjust the needle piercing force regardless of engine speed, convenient when sewing heavy fabrics.
Presser foot pressure regulator- the function allows you to get the same quality line on fabrics with different characteristics.
Loop balance- Adjustment allows you to sew neat buttonholes on various fabrics
Sewing speed adjustment- available only in electronic sewing machines and allows you to adjust the sewing speed regardless of how hard you press the pedal.
Needle threader- Many sewing machines are equipped with a semi-automatic needle threader that makes it easier to thread the needle. A fully automatic needle threader that does not require human intervention is available only on the top models of Brother sewing machines.
Top conveyor- carries out uniform promotion of the material. With the help of the top conveyor sewing of slippery and multilayered fabrics is carried out. In some "expensive" models of sewing machines p is a built-in device or included in the kit. The function of the upper conveyor is also implemented in the walking foot, which is an optional accessory and must be purchased separately.
Stitches- the number of lines in sewing machines is directly proportional to the class and price of the machine. The basis of all lines on electromechanical machines are combinations of a straight line and a zigzag. Electronic sewing machines have great possibilities for creating a line pattern. Overlock stitches, which are perceived by many as overlock stitches, are just their imitation (in all models of sewing machines).
Sewing without a pedal- available only in electronic sewing machines and allows you to start the sewing process with a button. This is convenient when you want to do a large amount of typical work at a given sewing speed.
The list of functions is far from complete, but summarizing the above, we can unequivocally conclude that all the functions implemented in sewing machines are aimed at achieving the best quality and simplifying the sewing process.
4. Is it possible to independently determine whether this sewing technique is good or not? Maybe there is some trick - for example, by the sound of an engine or a needle puncture, or do you still need to evaluate the parameters and functions of equipment without relying on your feelings?
Your feelings, as well as the analysis of technical characteristics, are important when choosing a sewing machine, so before buying, you need to go through a “test drive”, try the technique in action.
5. Can you name the models of sewing machines and overlockers that are truly a “people's brand” - have been on the market for many years and are still popular and in demand?
Among the popular models of sewing equipment are:
Sewing machines
Brother LS2125
Brother Comfort 15
Brother NV10
Bernina Bernette 2056
Janome 1221
Overlocks
Brother 1034D
Janome 205
Juki 654
6. How do you rate the reliability of buying sewing equipment through online stores? Is it possible to check the reliability of an online store and by what parameters?
Sewing machines are complex high-tech devices, especially electronic models, so buying them without prior verification and clear guarantees from the seller and manufacturer is very risky.
In this regard, I would like to advise you to deal only with those Internet sellers who can give you the opportunity to check the equipment upon purchase, have a service for setting up equipment, and can conduct training in case of pickup.
When making a purchase with delivery, it is important to know about the guarantees provided by the seller and the manufacturer for the equipment being sold, whether there are authorized service centers of this manufacturer in your city and region.
7. Do you think it is possible to consciously increase the purchase budget by overpaying for certain functions, if so, what functions can these be, for example, in a sewing machine or overlocker?
See answer to question 3
8. Can you name the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical and electronic sewing machines?
Advantages of electromechanical sewing machines :
Inexpensive (unlike electronic)
High reliability with quality build
Unpretentious to voltage drops in the network
Disadvantages of electromechanical sewing machines:
Sophisticated setting to work with different types of fabric
· Limited options for buttonholes
Impossibility of sewing heavy fabrics at low speeds (needle puncture force depends on machine speed)
Rheostatic pedal (with prolonged use it heats up and becomes less receptive
Advantages of electronic sewing machines:
· Electronic needle puncture stabilizer allows you to sew heavy fabrics at low speeds
Ability to perform several types of loops, including with an eye
Sewing speed adjustment (regardless of pedal)
Possibility of sewing without a pedal (button start/stop)
The electronic pedal does not heat up and, as they say, does not interfere with the TV)))
Protection against wrong actions, hints
A variety of decorative stitches, the presence of the alphabet and embroidery functions (on some models)
Disadvantages of electronic sewing machines:
· High price
Demanding to stabilize the power supply
9. Is it necessary to look at the additional equipment of sewing equipment - the more, the better, or most importantly, pay attention to the basic functions of the equipment?
Of course, it’s nice to buy a set of feet and accessories along with a sewing machine, but let’s not hide the fact that, indeed, expensive models of sewing and sewing-embroidery machines have rich equipment, where the presence of additional accessories is not decisive when buying them.
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 - 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. 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 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”.
- 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 opportunities 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 a 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. 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 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 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- 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 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 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 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. 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. The maximum stitch length (sometimes up to 5 mm) and the 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" 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
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
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 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 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. 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.
27.03.2014
Most owners of electronic sewing machines, at the beginning, were surprised at how much the prices differ compared to electromechanical. Couldn't figure out why they cost more. But after we turned on the electronic sewing machine, and sewed a couple of loops and lines, all questions disappeared. In the electronic sewing machine, a special comfort was felt when sewing - convenient operation, great features and quiet running. Let's look at everything in order.
First of all, it is worth noting that only electronic sewing machines have truly original decorative stitches that you so want to decorate not only napkins and towels, but also your own clothes.
While electromechanical sewing machines can sew only a straight linen buttonhole, electronic ones can sew a buttonhole with a keyhole, as well as up to ten kinds of different buttonholes.
Another advantage over an electromechanical sewing machine is the ability to sew without a pedal. You are probably thinking why is this? Before asking such a question, you should try it, and you will understand that it is convenient and pleasant! We press the start / stop button on the panel - the machine starts sewing slowly, gradually gaining momentum. The sewing speed is additionally regulated on the control panel of the sewing machine.
Only an electronic sewing machine can perform spot bartacking. The machine produces several stitches at one point, thus creating a bartack that is not visible, but which performs its function perfectly - the line does not diverge.
The electronic sewing machine has several types of alphabets in the set of lines, including the Russian alphabet. With this set you can embroider inscriptions and monograms on the surface of the material.
Electronics in sewing is a new phenomenon, so many people treat it with distrust. But many consider electronics reliable. Agree, now it is difficult to find people who use a mechanical washing machine, mechanical watches and the list is endless.
There is another factor that directly forms a negative attitude towards electronics - individual representatives of this class. Some manufacturers have so-called demonstration models of sewing machines. This means that when designing, the manufacturer was more concerned about increasing sales by expanding functionality, as well as reducing costs, than about the reliability and durability of the sewing machine. As a result, we get a relatively inexpensive electronic sewing machine, which in professional circles is called a "rattle". Such models, due to their availability and extended functionality, are in steady demand among buyers, but, most often, they do not please their owners for long, and thus spoil the image of electronics as a whole.
Higher-quality, and, unfortunately, more expensive representatives of electronic sewing machines, on the contrary, with proper handling, can serve for many years without losing their relevance.
Different stores use and mix the concepts of electronic, computer, mechanical, electronic-mechanical, electric and other sewing machines. As a result, when people come home after consultations, they still cannot understand what kind of animal they saw in the window, whether it was an electronic machine, or some other.
In essence, modern household sewing machines are divided into only 2 types. And there is nothing more to invent)
The first type is mechanical sewing machines. These are machines in which either there is no electronic board, or there is a simple control unit. But copiers are responsible for switching lines. And they, as it is easy to imagine, cannot be crammed into the car in unlimited quantities. Hence the set of lines - up to 24.
Do not confuse lines and operations. And then many manufacturers write that there are 40 operations in their machine ... but in fact there are 24 copiers, and everything else is regulated simply by changing the stitch width and stitch length.
Janome 1221, Janome My Excel W23U, Janome SE 518, Janome 7518, Janome 7524A, Janome 7524E are examples of classic, "iron-resistant" sewing machines. Many people think that because of the needle positioning and smooth speed control functions, machines like the W23U or Janome 7524E have become electronic, but this is not entirely true. They just shoved the simplest electronic functions into them)
Mechanical sewing machines are further divided by power (this is very important for such machines). There are "weaker" machines, for example, Janome MS 100, Janome MT 2216, Janome DC 2030, and there are machines with good power, which allows you to work with dense fabrics effortlessly. Such machines have already been called "iron-resistant" a little higher)
The second type is electronic sewing machines. These are machines in which an electronic board is responsible for a set of lines and their switching. Therefore, these machines can have almost unlimited functionality. It all depends on what programs the manufacturer has included in the board.
The main thing, in my opinion, the difference between electronic sewing machines and mechanical ones is that you "have to bother less" with them. Turned on the operation - she sews. Because some average parameters for the width and length of the line are already stored in the memory of the machine. There is no need to look in the instructions for what length, width to put ... God forbid, you also touch the foot with a needle.
Electronic machines are "simpler", for example, Janome DC 50, Janome QC 2325, Janome 4030, ELNA 6200, New Home 8330. These have an excellent set of basic working lines, several types of loops, they have a sufficient number of decorative lines.
"More complicated" - such machines as Janome DC 3600, MC 5200. On the boards of these machines, in addition to the basic work operations, various alphabets and many decorative lines are programmed. Such machines are suitable for those who like not only to repair, but to decorate clothes, do patchwork and quilting. Decorate handkerchiefs, napkins ...
"Fancy" - these are machines that have not only an excellent set of lines, but also all kinds of electronic gadgets that simplify sewing. For example, "select the density of the fabric" ... better put such and such needles "..." and I will set the presser foot pressure automatically". Such machines are most often made by European manufacturers such as Elna 7300 PRO, Elna 740 eXcellence. Very nice, but also expensive.
"Embroidery" - these are machines that, let it not be a surprise for you, not only sew, but also embroider. You transfer designs to them on a flash drive, which then end up on the fabric. All that is required of you is to change the threads. This is, for example, a Janome 350e, Elna 820, Elna 9900 (embroidery) or Elna 8600 (sewing and embroidery) machine. There are many more. I just like these.
In electronic machines, you should not pay attention to power. They have an electronic needle puncture amplifier. Therefore, if anything, it will help to process dense fabric.
And the choice should be made according to your needs. But do not forget that they can change over the 5-10 years that you will use the purchased machine. It probably makes sense to slightly go beyond the planned costs for a thing that has a little more functionality and the potential to satisfy your ideas (even if they arise only in the future).
Automatic back-tacking means that the machine will automatically secure the stitch after the user presses the button. Now there is no need to tie knots at the end of each seam.
Automatic needle stop in the up position
After the end of the stitch, the machine automatically sets the needle in the up position. If it is more convenient for you to have the needle stop in the down position, then you should pay attention to sewing machines with a needle position switch.
Automatic needle threader
A device that threads the thread into the eye of the needle in a fully automatic mode, greatly facilitating the sewing process.
Automatic thread cutter
The automatic thread cutter mechanism is implemented as follows: the user presses a special button, as a result, the lower and upper threads are automatically cut, and the needle is raised in the upper position.
Automatic presser foot lift
Features an automatic presser foot lift. After the sewing operation is completed, the presser foot is raised automatically without user intervention. If desired, this function can be disabled and used to lift the hand or knee lever (if available).
Automatic presser foot pressure regulator
The presser foot pressure is automatically adjusted according to the type of fabric being used.
Automatic shutdown of the needle bar when winding the bobbin
When the bobbin winder is connected, the needle bar turns off automatically.
Vertical shuttle
The vertical, “oscillating” shuttle is a classic type of shuttle that oscillates during operation. It is usually installed on inexpensive, electromechanical models of sewing machines. Metal bobbins can only be used with this type of hook.
Upper conveyor
Used for a smooth, double advance of the fabric. It is irreplaceable when sewing multilayer and complex fabrics, as well as when combining a pattern (stripe, cage). It can be built into the design of the sewing machine or come as a kit. For most models of sewing machines, the upper conveyor can be purchased separately.
Built-in needle threader
Allows you to easily and quickly thread the needle into the eye of the needle.
Built-in thread cutter
Thread trimming is carried out using the built-in thread cutter.
Embroidery alphabet
Alphabets built into the machine, performed in embroidery mode.
embroidery design
Embroidered design built into the machine's memory.
Horizontal shuttle
The most modern and widespread type of shuttle. The bobbin is inserted from above, and you can always visually check the remaining bobbin thread through the bobbin cover. A sewing machine with such a hook works without gaps and thread breaks, silently and easily.
Two position needle position
Two preset needle positions (usually left and center). Used for various sewing operations such as sewing in zippers.
Decorative stitches
Most often they are used for decoration and decoration.
Stitch length
The maximum distance between two needle punctures when sewing.
Additional storage compartment for accessories
Allows you to conveniently arrange a rich set of sewing machines. Many Elna sewing machines have patented extra storage systems.
Extra presser foot lift
Allows you to place voluminous materials under the foot.
LCD display
High resolution LCD display with backlight. The display screen shows the selected operation and recommended settings (foot, thread tension, stitch length and stitch width).
Needle plate with quick start device
Speeds up the start of sewing. Simply place the bobbin in the bobbin, pull the thread in the direction of the arrows and cut with the built-in thread cutter.
Selection keys
Easy and convenient selection of sewing operation (stitch, buttonhole, alphabet, etc.) using the keys.
Direct selection keys
A number of models of computer sewing machines have keys for direct selection of sewing operations. They depict one or another sewing operation, which can be selected with one touch.
Bobbin winder button
The bobbin winding button allows you to wind the bobbin thread at the same time as sewing.
knee lever
The foot lift can be adjusted using the knee lever. The knee lever allows you to free your hands to control the sewing process.
Stitch combinations
Using the machine's built-in memory, you can combine built-in stitches to create your own stitch.
Easy-attach foot
The presser feet are easy to change by removing them from the adapter with the push of a button. You can fix the foot simply by fastening ("snapping") it to the adapter.
Maximum embroidery size
The maximum embroidery area that the machine can complete without moving the hoop.
Multi-position needle position
Computerized sewing machines can position the needle in more than 15 positions to achieve precise needle placement. A number of models of Janome and Elna computer sewing machines can position the needle in more than 91 positions. This can come in handy for working with pretentious precision on miniature sewing projects.
Monograms in 2-3 letters
You can decorate and personalize any project using numbers or letters.
Bottom conveyor
Provides soft and smooth material feed. In its design, there can be from three to 7 rails that move along an oval or rectangular path.
Disabling the bottom conveyor
With the dedicated button or lever, simply lower the bottom feed rails for embroidery, free-motion quilting and more. In this case, you no longer need a darning plate.
Accessory storage
Designed to store accessories and accessories for the machine, as well as sewing tools such as Premax embroidery scissors.
Needle position switch (up / down)
This switch raises or lowers the needle, as well as programming the needle position at the end of sewing.
Loop machine
Making a loop in one step. Place the button in the buttonhole foot and press the pedal. The machine will automatically sew the buttonhole of the required size. A number of advanced computer sewing machines can independently determine the size of the buttonhole based on the size of the button.
Loop-semiautomatic
The sewing machine can sew a buttonhole in four easy steps without turning the fabric.
Hoop
Special device for embroidery on the machine. They differ in size and type of fastening depending on the brand.
Working stitches
Designed for basic sewing operations.
Reverse / Reverse Lever
Reverse allows the machine to sew in reverse. In computer models of sewing machines there is a reverse button.
Stitch balance dial
The mechanism serves to adjust unbalanced stitches and buttonholes.
Presser foot pressure regulator
Allows you to adjust the presser foot pressure according to the type of fabric. The presser foot pressure regulator expands the range of sewn fabrics (from the thinnest (organza, chiffon) and knitwear to heavy coats and denim fabrics).
Upper thread tension regulator
The upper thread tension dial allows you to achieve perfect stitch quality by adjusting the upper thread tension according to the stitch and thread being used.
Panel controls
Selection of the sewing operation, length and width of the stitch by mechanical controls on the front of the machine. For the convenience of the user, the designers of sewing machines are trying to give them the most ergonomic shape.
Loose sleeve
The free arm on the sewing machine is designed to work with narrow products such as sleeves, cuffs or the bottom of jeans, for example, for hemming them.
