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

Many housewives dream of purchasing a universal sewing machine that is suitable for any type of fabric. Then without outside help it will be possible to repair the summer dress, and to hem the jeans, and put the leather patch on the jacket. In specialized stores are a 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 will be useful to get acquainted with the advice of specialists on this issue, learn about the possibilities of household sewing equipment, and study the rating of models.

Factors affecting the choice of cars

Any person who is at least a little versed in sewing equipment will have good reason to say that it is impossible to buy a machine that copes with all types of fabric equally well. The main thing is to decide on the proposed scope of work, the goals of the purchase, funds that you will not mind spending, and other factors.

When choosing a sewing machine, the following nuances must be taken into account:

• 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 tasks, such as sewing outerwear or making home textiles, you will need advanced devices with numerous options that make the process easier.
• Equally important is the level of skill and experience. A beginner should not buy a device with many features that are difficult to understand even for a sophisticated seamstress. It is better to purchase a simple but high-quality device with 5-7 main lines.
• When choosing a machine, you need to pay attention to the name of the company that released the device. As in the cases with any other equipment, along with models of world manufacturers, such as Minerva, Bernina, Janome, Pfaff, Brother, Singer, Husqvarna, sold products of little-known firms. It is better to buy a device a little more expensive, but of good quality with a warranty period of service. It is worth giving preference to well-known manufacturers also because their products can always be bought with the necessary components and additional accessories (paws, needles, devices for sewing buttons).
• The price of sewing equipment is very different - from several thousand rubles for a simple device to hundreds of thousands of rubles for a model with a computer. Before buying, you should decide how much money you do not mind spending on a new purchase.

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

What type of sewing machine to choose?

All sewing machines are divided into industrial and domestic. Industrial ones are able to do any one operation, but qualitatively, without breaking for years and without requiring repair. It is unlikely that such a technique will be useful for home use. Household machines are often suitable for all types of fabrics. This is exactly the version of sewing equipment that is customary to buy for the home. They are also divided into several categories.

• Electromechanical

The most simple and inexpensive machine. The “filling” of a product consists of mechanical parts that are driven by an electric motor. In terms of line speed and functionality, this type of device 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, affordability, and the possibility of inexpensive repairs.

• Computer

The device operates according to the program embedded in the computer board. Functionality and speed of work depends on the complexity of the program. The cost of such an apparatus is at least 3 times higher than the price of electromechanical models. The inexperienced buyer is struck by the number of lines that this machine can do. However, not all of them are used at least once. Usually, the seamstress uses 5-7 of the most common types of stitches, so do not overpay for those functions that will never be needed.

Of the useful types of stitches, it is necessary to distinguish knitted seams, several types of overlock stitches, a loop with an eye for knitting.

The undoubted advantage of a computer machine is its speed. If you plan to use the device all day (for example, to sew clothes or textiles to order), then equipment with a computer is simply necessary. Of the shortcomings, it should be noted the high cost of the device, complex settings, expensive components.

• Embroidery

Household embroidery machines are often inferior to industrial devices of this type in terms of quality of stitching and a set of functions. For an experienced craftswoman who is constantly working on embroidery and creating masterpieces, it is better to buy an expensive industrial machine. In other cases, if necessary, it is cheaper and more profitable to put an embroidered picture in the studio.

• Ploskoshovnaya

Cars of this type are suitable for those buyers who intend to sew knitwear: T-shirts, underpants, blouses, children's and sports suits. The device performs only a flat seam, which is used when bending the edges of textiles from elastic fabrics.

• Overlock

This machine can hardly be called a sewing machine. Usually it will be purchased with existing sewing equipment as an additional device. With the help of an overlock, you can not only sew two parts with a special seam, but at the same time evenly cut the material along the patterns. When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the convenience of threading and sewing. The device with three- and four-thread overlay is suitable for all types of fabric. If you intend to work mainly with delicate delicate materials (chiffon, nylon, organza), it is better to buy a more expensive option with a two-thread trim.

• Carpetlock

A new invention by Pfaff developers, combining an overlock and a sewing machine. Using this device, you can sew knitwear and work on the 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 the home, you need to study the features and specifications of interested models.

• Types of fabrics with which the selected device can work. There are universal machines that can work with any type of fabric. It is only necessary to adjust the stride length, put the desired foot and change the needle. However, if you plan to sew thin summer dresses, chintz dressing gowns or cotton sheets, it is better to take a machine for light fabrics. For sewing jeans or a jacket from a leather substitute, a device for medium and heavy materials is suitable. They have a more powerful engine and a large distance between the foot and the plate, which allows you to flash 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 options.
• Not the last place is the presence of a needle threader. This device greatly facilitates the work, especially if a person does not have very good eyesight.
• The main parts of the sewing device should be strong and reliable, better - metal. Many manufacturers use plastic that does not withstand the load, crumbles, bends and breaks for the manufacture of products.
• The most important detail in the machine is the shuttle, which is horizontal and 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 remainder of the thread without removing the shuttle.
• Modern household machines have many types of lines, many of which, as practice shows, are never used. The main thing is that the model should have the main lines: straight, zigzag, double and another five or six decorative. Almost all models have the possibility of a reverse stroke (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. Switching the work to a special mode, you can completely sweep the loop in one operation. The size is automatically remembered, therefore, without additional settings, you can repeat this operation as many times as necessary. A semi-automatic loop is done in four operations, the size on a special foot is set manually.
• When sewing or processing specific items of clothing (sleeves, trousers, cuffs, pockets) it is convenient to use the retractable platform, which many models are equipped with.
• It is very convenient when the machine provides for the possibility of using a double needle, there is a built-in needle threader, a button for pinning 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 speed of sewing.

Not the last place when choosing sewing equipment is the overall equipment of the model. The more extra paws, needles, bobbins and other useful trifles in the kit, the less you will have to buy.

Three best cars for home

According to customer reviews, a list of sewing machines, the most popular in everyday life, is compiled. These devices are notable for their low cost, high-quality assembly, a set of basic stitches and additional features, thanks to which both beginner needlewomen and experienced sewing masters can use these devices.

• Brother LS-2225

Model LS-2225 from the Japanese manufacturer Brother - reliable, compact and easy to use. The device is capable of performing 14 operations, including processing loops in a semi-automatic mode. The filament is fed through a horizontal shuttle. A transforming platform, a retractor and a thread trimmer, automatic winding on a spool, reverse - these are the advantages of this device. The modern design, the optimal combination of price and quality allows the Brother LS-2225 to take a leading position among low-cost sewing machines. Cost - from 8000 rubles.

• Aurora 7010

The Aurora 7010 machine is suitable for working with any fabrics. The device is equipped with a vertical swing shuttle, a pressure regulator for the presser foot and allows for more than 11 basic operations. Due to its ease of use and low cost, the domestic model is installed in schools and colleges for teaching the basics of sewing. Using this electromechanical device, you can sew a zipper, overcast the edge of a buttonhole or product, sew on a button, make an invisible 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 stitching fabrics of different density, even waterproof, the surface of which is treated with a protective compound. Of the advantages, a wide selection of stitches, the presence of LED backlight, reverse and a removable platform, the ability to sweep loops in automatic mode can be noted. Buyers note the quiet operation and reliability of sewing household appliances from the manufacturer Bernina. Cost - from 18500 rubles.

The choice of sewing equipment is a difficult issue that requires careful preparation. Often the same model for some purposes is good, but completely unsuitable for others.Before buying the device, it would be nice to make time and test your favorite machine in the showroom of a large store - check the quality of the stitch, the convenience of threading and other functions.