How To Choose Your Sewing Machine

How To Choose Your Sewing Machine Sewing Machines For Learning How to Sew ChaptersChoosing Your Sewing Machine Based on the Type of Sewing You DoChoosing Your Sewing Machine Depending On Your Skills and BudgetChoosing A Sewing Machine According to TypeThe Different Makes of Sewing Machine“Marriage, such as it is practised by catholicism, is nothing more than a stitch in the heart, neatly done.” (Victor Hugo, 1802-1885)In the UK, despite the emancipation movement and steps made towards equality between the sexes, the last dregs of patriachy still consider sewing a purely feminine activity, as though men were capable of doing everything except sew clothes and do housework.Yet learning to sew means that torn or worn clothes need not be confined to obsolescence - instead of buying anew, they can be repaired or recycled. This means taking sewing classes, then finding the right sewing machine according to very specific criteria - a computerised or a mechanical sewing machine, for example?What make should you buy?How many types of stitches?Which sewing machin e is best for beginner sewing projects?Which manufacturer is best if you want to hem a skirt, make a cushion, sew on a zip or sew the leather for your sofa?My mother always told me that it’s not the tool that makes the clothing, but the tailor (or dressmaker).And it’s true that you don’t need a professional sewing machine to repair a garment. But considering the impressive range of industrial sewing machines and budget sewing machines, the choice can seem difficult.You want a good sewing machine but you don’t know the technical details of each of the brands? Read on to find out everything you need to know to pick the right sewing machine for you.Learn also which fabrics to select for you sewing projects.over £8,000.Beyond £200, the quality of the manufacturer and the available options will influence your choice of sewing machine, for example:Thread cutterAutomatic buttonhole stitchSpeed adjustmentAutomatic needle positioning at restSewing feetThreaderNumber of stitchesPric e.Remember that a sewing machine with an adjustable stitch length and width will be more comfortable to use than a non-adjustable one, which will come with its own list of little annoyances and work-arounds. To sum it up, here’s a table with all the criteria according to price, sewing level and expectations:Less than £100 £100- £500More than £500Sewing levelBeginner sewingIntermediate levelProfessional levelUseBasicsMore comfortable sewingCan sew anything in any waysImportance of make and functionsminorhighDeal-breakerThe type of machine you buy also depends on the use you will make of it.Choosing A Sewing Machine According to TypeMost sewing machines work on a knotted stitch principle, with upper and lower threads coming from thread bobbins. The lower bobbin is at the heart of the whole mechanism. There are several different types of sewing machine on the market, ready to succour a needy seamstress.Mechanical vs. computerised sewing machineMechanical sewing machines are best fo r small budgets, but they were also quite sought after by professional tailors and seamstresses for their versatility, since everything can be adjusted manually.Singer is one of the oldest sewing machine companies out there. Photo by Internet Archive Book Images on Visual huntAnd who hasn’t lusted after a Singer sewing machine with a presser foot, as old as sin - or at least, as old as 1851 at most. However, you need to know this kind of sewing machine like the back of your hand. It’s better to wait until you have some experience before making lovely dressmaking creations on old, purely mechanical or electrical sewing machines.You need to know exactly how your mechanical sewing machine works to use it properly.A computerised sewing machine will be more expensive, but it is ideal for a beginner sewer. This beginner sewing machine will do most of the work thanks to its automatic adjustment - length and width of the stitches, threading, automatic buttonhole stitch, programming diff erent stitches - making it easier to use.No need to know all the gears and levers on your old Singer, Pfaff, Brother, Bernina or Husqvarna sewing machine. This type of machine is a comfortable sewing tool and, as an added advantage, electronic machines are quieter than mechanical sewing machines. What is more, electric sewing machines have become easier to repair than mechanical ones, as the evolution of technology has negated the need to dismantle the whole sewing machine to find the problem. Now, sewing machine repairmen often only need to plug in a cord or update the machine’s software.Mechanical sewing machineElectrical sewing machineAdjustmentsManual (you need to be versed in the machine’s “anatomy”)AutomaticNoiseCan be very loudQuietRepairsCan be complicatedDigitalisation facilitates certain repair tasksUseVery precise operation for intermediate or advanced sewersIdeal for beginnersPriceSmallMiddle to highNow, computerised sewing machines are often easier to repair tha n mechanical ones. Photo by sparr0 on VisualhuntThe Different Makes of Sewing MachineNow on to the different sewing machine companies.  Though certainly you will find a good range of products online, if you’re unsure of what you need, a real-life haberdasher’s will give you the best advice.From the 19th century until fairly recently, Singer was the non plus ultra of sewing machines both among housewives and tailors. But with the rise of globalisation, many new firms have come onto the market with excellent products that shook Singer from its throne. At the top you will find sewing machines by Bernina (beginner sewing students should opt for the Bernina 215, easy to carry and simple to use), Husqvarna and Pfaff (durable, powerful and easy-to-use). A Pfaff Passeport 2.0 or 3.0 is ideal for your first sewing classes.These are considered to offer the best quality, but there are others:Elna is for beginner sewing students who want to sew on mechanical sewing machine - such as the Eln a eXplore 240 or the Elna 3210 Jeans, a mechanical sewing machine that lets you sew thicker fabrics such as denim or corduroyJanomeBrother: easy to use, known for its Innov Is line designed especially for beginner sewersBernetteToyota.Here are the different machines summed up according to their functionality and pricesThere are sewing classes London, in Glasgow, in Manchester and all over the UK.SilverCrest SNM 33Singer StarletHusqvarna Viking E10Singer Simple 3232Pfaff Smarter 160 SJanome Skyline S3Pfaff Expression 3.5Number of stitches3316204023120200Buttonhole stitchAutomatic, 4 steps4 step4 step1 step1 step7 steps16 stepsLength adjustmentyesyesyesyesnoyesyesWidth adjustmentyesnonoyesyesyesyesThreaderyesyesyesyesyesyesyesSpeed adjustmentnoyesnoyesyesyesyesPresser feet5454578Weight6 kg7.5kg6.3 kg7.5 kg6.3 kg10 kg10.6 kgPrice £80 £200-300 £140 £170 £200 £800-2,000 £1,400Right! You have your whole sewing kit together, with all the accessories: sewing machine, bobbins, threads…But how do you learn to sew? By taking sewing lessons online or at home. See you on Superprof for your first sewing course!Learn more about sewing supplies and accessories you can use on your projects.