Choosing a sewing machine for the home - expert advice, model ratings

Specialized stores offer a wide variety of sewing machines for the home. It is very difficult for even an experienced user to make a choice, not to mention those who buy such equipment for the first time. Therefore, before going to the store, it would be useful to familiarize yourself with the advice of experts on this issue, learn about the capabilities of household sewing equipment, and study the rating of models.

Factors influencing the choice of machine

Any person who has even a little knowledge of sewing technology will not unreasonably claim that it is impossible to buy a machine that can handle all types of fabric equally well. The main thing is to decide on the expected scope of work, the purpose of the purchase, the funds that you will not mind spending, and other factors.

When choosing a sewing machine, you need to consider the following nuances:

• The most important thing is to decide exactly what kind of work the machine is needed for. If you buy it just in case, so that it is always at hand, you can choose a simpler one, with a small set of functions - such models are inexpensive. To perform complex jobs, such as sewing outerwear or making home textiles, you will need advanced devices with numerous options to make the process easier.
• The level of skill and experience is of no small importance. A beginner should not buy a device with many functions that are difficult for even an experienced seamstress to understand.It is better to purchase a simple but high-quality device with 5-7 basic lines.
• When choosing a machine, you need to pay attention to the name of the company that produced the device. As is the case with any other equipment, along with models from global manufacturers such as Minerva, Bernina, Janome, Pfaff, Brother, Singer, Husqvarna, products of little-known companies are sold. It is better to buy a device that is a little more expensive, but of good quality with a warranty period. It is worth giving preference to well-known manufacturers also because you can always buy the necessary components and additional accessories for their products (paws, needles, devices for sewing on buttons).
• The price of sewing equipment varies greatly - from several thousand rubles for the simplest device to hundreds of thousands of rubles for a model with a computer. Before purchasing, you should decide how much money you don’t mind spending on a new acquisition.

Having answered these simple questions for yourself, you can proceed directly to choosing a household sewing machine.

What type of sewing machine should I choose?

All sewing machines are divided into industrial and household. Industrial ones know how to do just one operation, but do it efficiently, without breaking down for years and without requiring repairs. It is unlikely that such a technique will be useful for home use. Household machines often fit all types of fabrics. This is exactly the type of sewing equipment that is usually purchased for the home. They are also divided into several categories.

• Electromechanical

The simplest and most inexpensive machine. The “filling” of the product consists of mechanical parts that are driven by an electric motor. In terms of stitching speed and functionality, a device of this type is inferior to computer models.The machine is perfect for a beginning seamstress and will be a reliable assistant in solving everyday problems. The advantages of the models are simplicity, reliability, availability, and the possibility of inexpensive repairs.

• Computer

The device operates according to a program embedded in the computer board. The functionality and speed of operation depend on the complexity of the embedded program. The cost of such a device is at least 3 times higher than the price of electromechanical models. The inexperienced buyer is amazed at the number of lines this machine can make. However, not all of them are used at least once. Typically, a seamstress uses 5-7 of the most common types of stitches, so you shouldn’t overpay for features that you will never need.

Among the useful types of stitches, we should highlight knitted seams, several types of overlock stitches, and a buttonhole with an eye for knitwear.

The undoubted advantage of a computer machine is its speed. If you plan to use the device all day (for example, sewing clothes or textiles to order), then equipment with a computer is simply necessary. The disadvantages include the high cost of the device, complex settings, and expensive components.

• Embroidery

Household embroidery machines are most often inferior to industrial devices of this type in terms of stitch quality and set of functions. For an experienced craftswoman who constantly works on embroidery and creates masterpieces, it is better to buy an expensive industrial machine. In other cases, if necessary, it is cheaper and more profitable to apply an embroidered design in a studio.

• Flat-seam

Machines of this type are suitable for those customers who intend to sew knitwear: T-shirts, panties, blouses, children's and tracksuits.The machine only performs a flat seam, which is used when hemming the edges of textiles made from elastic fabrics.

• Overlock

This device can hardly be called a sewing machine. Usually it is purchased in addition to existing sewing equipment as an additional device. Using an overlocker, you can not only sew two parts together with a special seam, but also at the same time evenly cut the material according to the patterns. When choosing, it is important to pay attention to ease of threading and sewing. The device with three- and four-thread overcasting is suitable for all types of fabric. If you plan to work mainly with thin, delicate fabrics (chiffon, nylon, organza), it is better to buy a more expensive option with a two-thread overstitch.

• Coverlock

A new invention by Pfaff developers, combining an overlocker and a cover stitching machine. With this device you can sew knitwear and process edges. The device is very complex and expensive, so you should think several times before buying such a machine for home use.

Important Specifications

Before choosing a sewing machine for your home, you need to study the features and technical characteristics of the models you are interested in.

• Types of fabrics that the selected device can work with. There are universal machines that can work with any type of fabric. You just need to adjust the step length, put the desired presser foot and change the needle. However, if you plan to sew thin summer dresses, cotton robes or cotton bed linen, it is better to take a machine for light fabrics. For sewing jeans or jackets made from leather substitute, a device for medium and heavy materials is suitable. They have a more powerful motor and a large distance between the foot and the plate, which allows you to stitch a thick layer of material.
• A machine with a maximum stitch length of 5 mm and a maximum zigzag width of 7 mm has more possibilities.
• Last but not least is the presence of a needle threader. This device makes the job very easy, especially if a person does not have very good eyesight.
• The main parts of the sewing device must be strong and reliable, preferably metal. Many manufacturers use plastic to make products, which cannot withstand the load, crumbles, bends and breaks.
• The most important part in the machine is the shuttle, which can be horizontal or vertical. The first option is more modern and reliable. It has a minimum of parts that can break. In addition, it is possible to control the remaining thread without removing the shuttle.
• Modern household machines have many types of stitches, many of which, as practice shows, are never used. The main thing is that the model includes the main stitches: straight, zigzag, double and five or six more decorative ones. Almost all models have the ability to reverse (reverse), which is very useful for strengthening the edge of the seam.
• Many models have a buttonhole function. A more convenient “automatic loop” is the prerogative of expensive devices. By switching the operation to a special mode, you can completely sweep out the loop in one operation. The size is automatically remembered, so without additional settings you can repeat this operation as many times as necessary. A semi-automatic buttonhole is made in four operations; the size on a special foot is set manually.
• When sewing or processing specific elements of clothing (sleeves, trouser legs, cuffs, pockets), it is convenient to use the retractable platform, which many models are equipped with.
• It is very convenient when the machine has the ability to use a double needle, there is a built-in needle threader, a point fastening button and other useful functions. If you plan to sew for several hours a day, then you need to choose a device with the ability to turn off the pedal and adjust the stitching speed.

Not the last place when choosing sewing equipment is occupied by the general equipment of the model. The more additional paws, needles, bobbins and other useful little things are included in the kit, the less you will have to buy.

Three best machines for home

Based on customer reviews, a list of sewing machines that are most in demand in everyday life has been compiled. These devices are distinguished by their low cost, high-quality assembly, a set of basic stitches and additional capabilities, thanks to which both novice needlewomen and experienced sewing masters can use these devices.

• Brother LS-2225

The LS-2225 model from the Japanese manufacturer Brother is reliable, compact and easy to use. The device is capable of performing 14 operations, including processing loops in a semi-automatic mode. The lower thread is fed through a horizontal shuttle. Transforming platform, threader and thread cutter, automatic bobbin winding, reverse - these are the advantages of this device. Modern design, optimal combination of price and quality allow the Brother LS-2225 model to occupy a leading position among budget sewing machines. Cost – from 8000 rubles.

• Aurora 7010

The Aurora 7010 machine is suitable for working with any fabric. The device is equipped with a vertical swinging hook, a presser foot pressure regulator and allows you to perform more than 11 basic operations.Due to its ease of use and low cost, the domestic model is installed in schools and colleges to teach the basics of sewing. Using this electromechanical device, you can sew in a zipper, overcast the edge of a loop or product, sew on a button, or make a hidden or elastic stitch. Cost – from 9000 rubles.

• Bernina Bernette B35

The Bernette B35 model is an inexpensive, compact sewing machine with a wide range of functions. Despite the ease of use and the absence of “cool bells and whistles,” the device can be used for sewing fabrics of different densities, even waterproof ones, the surface of which is treated with a protective composition. The advantages include a large selection of stitches, the presence of LED lighting, reverse and removable platform, and the ability to sew buttonholes automatically. Buyers note the quiet operation and reliability of sewing household appliances from the manufacturer Bernina. Cost – from 18,500 rubles.

Choosing sewing equipment is a difficult question that requires careful preparation. Often the same model is good for some purposes, but completely unsuitable for others. Before buying a machine, it would be a good idea to find time and test the machine you like in the showroom of a large store - check the quality of the stitching, the ease of threading and other functions.