Choosing a sewing machine for home: how to choose and buy a good model

The history of the sewing machine goes back more than a century and a half. The choice of such a unit for a home is made difficult by the huge choice that manufacturing companies provide: here are also budget models with a very modest set functions, and multipurpose machines, in whose arsenal not only buttonholes, but also sewing on buttons, as well as artistic darning and a lot of decorative lines.

Intended scope of use

Before choosing a sewing machine for home use, it is worth deciding on the amount of sewing and the complexity of the work. If your only task is to hem too long trousers or to shorten the hem, buy an expensive unit will be a waste of money, because 90% of its functions will simply not be be used.

Making bed linen or simple textile toys also does not require much from a typewriter. But if the craftswoman has a minimum amount of knowledge in building patterns or she intends to sew tilde dolls, then

the sewing machine must have an extended set of functionsin particular, an imitation of overlock stitching is desirable.

Individual tailoring is becoming more and more in demand, and more and more people turn to the atelier to replenish their wardrobe with an exclusive item. If you want to work to order, you cannot do without a multifunctional model with additional accessories, in particular, Teflon-coated feet or a platform for sleeves.

In addition, experts do not recommend purchasing combined machines such as a carpetlock or models with an embroidery function. Although such a solution will save space, it is preferable to buy a separate overlock and an embroidery machine: highly specialized devices perform the tasks assigned to them better.

Household machine parameters

The organization of an atelier is a matter for those who have the appropriate knowledge, are ambitious and can cope with any, even the most pretentious order. But most require not the most complicated, but most importantly, reliable sewing machine, and which one to choose is not an idle question.

Sewing clothes at home, for example, for children, if you do not need to create designer outfits, is an exciting experience. Even if you use ready-made patterns from magazines like BURDA, a son or daughter is unlikely to meet a baby in exactly the same overalls or dress on a walk. However, this will require more advanced models, as well as some accessories.

Shuttle type

There are two types of sewing machines: vertical and horizontal. The first option assumes that the bobbin with threads wound on it is placed in a shuttle, which must be inserted into the machine in a certain way. Manipulation, although at first it can cause difficulties, over time is performed automatically, literally in two movements.

However, the swinging shuttle, as it is also called, is noisier, and more often breaks and confuses the thread.

In addition, such devices do not sew stitches wider than 5 mm, and it is difficult to adjust the thread tension.

Horizontal shuttle - a relatively recent invention, and it greatly facilitated the life of needlewomen. The advantages of this option are undoubted: there is no need to go into the bowels of the machine, it is enough to remove the hatch under the foot. In addition, the plug that covers the bobbin is very often made transparent, which means that the needlewoman can see how long the thread will last without taking out the bobbin.

Number of lines

Even the simplest models offer at least three lines, including a straight line and a zigzag. For the simplest work, this is enough, but for sewing at a more professional level, the following are also desirable:

• overlock (imitation overlock) - allows you to process edges;
• secret - for hemming, as well as too long trousers;
• elastic - useful when working with stretch fabrics.

Knitwear and other materials with elastane will also require a special needle that will allow you to make straight seams without skipping stitches. Although sometimes such fabrics are sewn with an ordinary all-purpose needle, this point must be taken into account.

Some models offer ginning stitches as well as stronger double stitching. When the problem arises, what kind of sewing machine to buy for the home, it is better to stop at an option in which there are no more than 10-15 types.

Control and regulation

Despite the years that have passed since the invention of the sewing device, its mechanical part has remained practically unchanged. But the external transformation is striking: the contrast between the first Zinger's and modern Brother's is obvious. Improvements, in particular, relate to the electric motor. With his appearance, the second hand of the craftswoman, which used to set the needle in motion, was freed.

The sewing speed in electromechanical models can be controlled with a foot pedal, and stitch width and length, as well as thread tension, - various levers and handles located on the case.

Electronic machines equipped with a microprocessor further automate the sewing process. The required parameters are set using the display, and many operations have automatic settings - just select the appropriate icon and start sewing.

Many models of this kind do not even have a pedal and are started by pressing a button, however, their cost is somewhat higher.

Special feet

The universal foot is suitable for most operations. But, for example, to sew in a hidden zipper, you will need an additional accessory. With its help, the fastener will become really invisible, and the process itself will not take much time.

For working with leather, leatherette or vinyl, it is preferable to have a foot with a Teflon sole in stock. It will not slip or stick, ensuring a straight stitch. If you need to fold the hem on delicate fabrics, it is best to use the hemming foot. The characteristic shape of the guide, similar to a funnel, will roll the fabric into a thin roll and save you from a lot of preparatory operations.

There are many more feet - for sewing on beads, elastic bands, cords and even buttons, for assembling and pinching, but they are less in demand at home. As a rule, the manufacturer equips many models with at least 2-3 such legs, you just need to check which ones are included in the kit.

Overcasting buttonholes

This feature is quite important and deserves a separate review. Of course, if you have enough experience, you can sew the loops by hand, because this is just a tight narrow zigzag stitch, laid in the form of a rectangle. However, a good eye or careful preliminary marking is required to ensure that all stitches are the same size.

Cars can perform loops. in automatic or semi-automatic mode. If you do not change the settings, all seams will be exactly the same in length, width and density. The special foot also allows you to adjust the size of the buttonholes.

Automatic mode is preferred and instructions must be followed to achieve perfect results.

Communication with a consultant

The process of choosing a sewing machine, like any fairly complex household device, begins with a budget. Simply put, you need to think about how much the purchase should meet. Further, they are determined with the tasks that the device will perform.

The estimated amount of work dictates the functionality required to perform all operations. So, an embroidery unit controlled by a computer is clearly not required for sewing chair covers or potholders. At this stage, the choice will be narrowed down to 3-5 models, and it's time to go to the store.

It should be borne in mind that, unlike a kettle or stove, the machine must certainly be tested, and the process is not quick. The consultant will tell you about the nuances of each model and provide an opportunity to check the operation of the machine. At this time, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• convenience of the location of the regulators, as well as the power button;
• smooth running and noise level;
• clarity of designations and pictograms on the body.

It is worth asking the consultant to show you how the buttonholes are sewn. Sometimes, not everyone succeeds in figuring out which settings need to be set and what sequence of actions to follow, even with an instruction. As a rule, after a detailed demonstration, it is much easier to make a choice in favor of a particular model.

All craftswomen have their own preferences regarding tools, let alone such complex devices as a sewing machine. Which one is better for home use, it is impossible to answer unequivocally, because the scope of tasks can be radically different. When choosing, you should not limit yourself to just reading articles: it is advisable to find out the opinion of more experienced colleagues, and when the model is defined, it is a good idea to look for reviews on it on the net.