Buying a sewing machine what to look for. We buy a sewing machine, the main selection criteria or what to look for

Indeed, for home use, an expensive sewing machine is not needed.

But it is important to distinguish an inexpensive sewing machine from a substandard one!

The first suspicion should be caused by the huge number of operations and the low cost. A normal machine must have a powerful motor, a metal frame and an optimal set of operations corresponding to the type of machine (electromechanical 15-25; electronic from 40)

Output: Quality cars cannot be cheap

The horizontal shuttle is better than the vertical shuttle

Let's note that all the advantages of the horizontal shuttle appear only in machines with a zigzag width of 6mm or more!

pros

• Adjusts the width of all stitches in the scale, without distortion.
• The possibility of making a wide and narrow linen buttonhole, and with electronic control - eyelet, with rounded edges, elastic, etc.
• The transparent hook cover allows you to keep track of the bobbin thread.
• The horizontal hook does not require adjustment of the bobbin thread tension, adjustment is carried out only with the upper thread tension.
• Note the ease of filling and caring for the shuttle.

Minuses

• The horizontal shuttle is expensive to repair.
• It is quite fragile and wears out quickly during intensive work.

Output: The horizontal shuttle is justified in machines with electronic control or mechanical, but with a stitch width of more than 6 mm.

I do not trust the Chinese assembly

Fears are in vain! World manufacturers are moving their factories to China in order to make their products more affordable. But a cheap thing is not always of high quality, and vice versa. For example, let's take the American company Apple, which assembles its products in China. As a rule, the price speaks about the quality, and not about the country of origin.

Most factories for assembling sewing equipment are under the control of the quality of the manufacturer himself, which in the face of fierce competition is simply obliged to keep the brand.

The more expensive the car, the smoother the stitching.

Let's take a look at what affects the stitch quality:

• The width of the toothed bar (bottom feed) and the number of teeth on it that move the fabric under the foot. Accordingly, the wider and larger the better.
• The ability to adjust the pressure of the presser foot on the fabric will move all layers of fabric evenly.
• Depending on the fabric, you should choose a more suitable type of overlock or decorative stitch, the length and width of the operation. This will help to properly adjust the tension on difficult fabrics.
• The correct choice of needle type and quality thread significantly affects the evenness of a straight stitch. Because old, damp, cheap, twisted and fluffy threads will create uneven stitches.
• Horizontal shuttle machines handle fine fabrics better, while vertical shuttle machines handle heavier fabrics with ease. It is not recommended to sew leather and materials of similar density on household machines.
• It must be remembered that household sewing machines will never be equal to industrial ones. Household sewing machines are called universal by many, because they are believed to sew all types of fabric. This is partly true, but when working, do not neglect sewing tricks and remember that household machines are not intended for commercial purposes.

Output: The quality of the stitch depends on the machine, but more on how you set it up.

We are all familiar with the image of an old Singer or Podolsk sewing machine. How far sewing machines have gone today both in appearance and in capabilities from the "grandmother" - a straight-stitching machine. This is both pleasing and frightening. And what a variety of models! Therefore, deciding on a new purchase, we have to pretty much break our heads.

The most important thing is that everything has already been invented: the needle was invented a long time ago, all machines, without exception, are based on the same operating principle, which has not yet been canceled, and as a result of many years of work, manufacturing firms have achieved the same heights, only they each went their own way, which distinguishes sewing machines today.
We are used to comparing: "Let the old car was heavy, but how reliable, but how it performed a straight line, modern ones cannot do that!" This is the wrong approach. Yes, we lost as one - the only operation, but gained immeasurably more!

General characteristics of modern sewing machines.

Before distinguishing between machines, it is necessary to find out what unites them, what every machine can do today, regardless of the manufacturer. With such knowledge, half of the questions to sellers will disappear as unnecessary.
Let's make a reservation right away: we are not talking about hand or foot mechanical machines - only about machines with an electric drive. So, today all cars have a light plastic or lightweight metal body. Because of this, they are no less reliable, tk. inside, as a rule, the frame and parts of the undercarriage are metal.
Modern machines are not seamstresses. They are much more powerful than their predecessors. Many are sometimes surprised how such a fragile-looking machine can easily sew thick fabric in several layers or even leather. But it really is. Perhaps this is one of the main requirements for a car today.
The sewing speed has also noticeably increased - it can be regulated by the force of pressing the pedal or set by special modes. Without exception, all machines have a free arm platform for processing trousers, cuffs or other narrow parts. Threading the upper thread has been greatly simplified.
Any machine can perform at least 5 stitches, including special elastic seams for knitwear and seams that imitate overlock - in some models there are several types. The set of any machine includes a basic set of feet, further expanding the capabilities of the machine.

Distinctive features of modern sewing machines.

Each of the manufacturing firms has the right to be proud of special achievements in this area. It would be wrong to call them advantages, rather - features, some kind of zest that can surprise us and distinguish one from the other.
Without knowingly naming which of the firms offers this or that improvement, we give the opportunity to choose based on your needs, which contributes to a more objective assessment. And the sales assistant will always tell you which company and which model has what you need.
For example, many firms have retained the traditional vertical hook design, while others use a horizontal hook — the bobbin is simply inserted from the top, which makes it easier to thread the bobbin thread and prevents it from breaking or tangling.
Some firms offer special devices for automatic threading of the upper thread, and winding on the bobbin can now be done through the needle, there are also those in which the operation of the needle is automatically turned off. To facilitate the advancement of the fabric, a special device was invented - a double feed conveyor.
Some build it into the machine, others produce it in the form of an additional foot, used in some cases. There are machines in which you do not need to pull the bobbin thread up - the machine will do it itself at the very first stitch.
Some machines provide knee, and even automatic lifting of the foot. To support beginners, the designers of one of the firms came up with the so-called "sewing advisor", placed on the machine body: it determines the necessary settings for basic sewing operations for various types of fabric. The manufacturing technology is so perfect that some machines not only do not need lubrication, but even contraindicated.
Manufacturers pay special attention to the hinge. Now you will not find a machine where you have to manually unfold the fabric when making a buttonhole. The buttonhole can be processed in several steps, switching the reverse and bartack, in other machines you can set the buttonhole size, and there are also such models where it is enough to set the button size - the machine will automatically sew a buttonhole for it.
Now you have at your disposal several types of buttonholes in one machine, including a buttonhole with an eyelet, and in some models not even one. The equipment of the machines is also different: with an additional table to increase the working surface and without, in a hard or soft case.
All these technological subtleties make sewing much easier, and the result is brought closer to a professional one, which, of course, we cannot but like. But apart from the special achievements of a particular manufacturer, the machines differ in their perfection classes. The higher the class of the car, the more complex it is arranged, the easier it is to work on it.

Difference of sewing machines by class.

There are three main classes of sewing machines: machines with mechanical seam selection (so-called electromechanical machines), computerized machines (with an integrated computer board), and computer sewing and embroidery machines. They differ in the way the machine is controlled, in the complexity of the design, in their functionality and, as a consequence, in the price.
Electromechanical machines are the most inexpensive and uncomplicated machines. Everything is very simple here: all the seams that the machine knows how to make are applied to the front panel. By turning the wheel, you select a seam, set the necessary adjustments (stitch length and width, thread tension) and sew.
There are many improvements even in such a simple machine. You will find all the tips on the body of the machine, threading the upper and lower threads has long been simplified, instructions are needed only in difficult cases.
Many firms have provided machines of this class with built-in electronics to ensure maximum piercing force at low speeds.
The machines of this class have a large selection of both functional and decorative stitches. Considering all of the above characteristics that distinguish a modern car from its prototype, these cars are not so simple as it might seem at first. Let us add to the above that it is this class of cars that is especially popular and widely represented in Russia.
Such a machine will be an indispensable assistant in any home - it knows all the most basic things, and the simplicity of execution will attract even a novice sewing lover.
Computerized Machines - By incorporating the best of electromechanical machines, this class of machine is more functional. The built-in computer board allows the machine to be operated with a simple press of a button.
In addition to the usual work stitches, these machines have a wide variety of decorative and finishing stitches with embroidery elements. You can combine them and create your own compositions that will decorate clothes. The memory cells of such machines are large enough: 30-60 characters in each, the machine remembers your programs and will reproduce them on demand.
Cars of this class already have an alphabet and numbers. As a rule, several types of loops are performed automatically.
The machine monitors the adjustments by itself and provides adjustment recommendations on the information display.
Many women (especially the older generation) are intimidated by the word "computer". You should not be afraid of the novelty: it is the computer that makes it easier to control the machine, which, it turns out, is no more difficult than working on a calculator.
Thanks to the built-in computer board, the machine itself "thinks" for you: which needle is best for your fabric and the selected seam, which stitch length will be optimal. Machines of this class have been on our market for more than 5 years and every year the demand for them is growing - after all, these are machines for creativity and professional sewing.
Computer sewing and embroidery machines - These are high quality sewing machines equipped with an embroidery unit. Besides professional sewing, they also offer automatic embroidery in the hoop.
There are only a few cars of this class in the world. And, of course, every serious company seeks to present its own model in this class of machines, and some already have more than one.
The sewing capabilities of such machines are practically unlimited: more than 500 working and decorative operations, about 10 types of loops, automatic adjustments of the tension of the upper and lower threads, several types of alphabets and numbers, needle operation in more than 20 directions, many setting and preparation processes are automated ...
Working on such a machine is surprisingly simple and comfortable - everything is thought out in it to the smallest detail. With a more detailed acquaintance with a machine of this level, you will be pleasantly surprised by many more subtleties that make sewing a real pleasure.
But the main advantage of these machines is that they can automatically embroider with satin stitch, cross stitch, make hemstitching, cutwork, quilting.
The thematically selected drawings make up a large album that you receive with your purchase. From it, in the future, you can order the designs you like and replenish your home library of embroidery cards. Each of the firms has its own designs of embroidery, but they are all very beautiful, they can be made with different coverings. The designers are constantly working on increasing the size of the embroidery area.
The embroidery capabilities of the machines are not limited to this. Using a personal computer, you can create compositions from existing designs, as well as come up with your own embroidery designs.
To do this, you will need to purchase additional software. In some developments, the computer can be directly connected to the machine, in other cases, it is possible to connect through a special storage device.
This is very convenient, since you can create a design on your work computer and embroider at home in the evening. The machine will easily fulfill any of your fantasies.
Overlockers - For those who value quality seams, an overlocker is a very useful addition to a sewing machine. 2/3/4/5 thread overlocks sew, overcast and cut fabric at the same time.
In some cases, an overlock can do the job better than a sewing machine.
This type of machine is very widely represented in the market. Models are constantly being updated and improved. High-end overlocks are becoming more and more like sewing machines: they can have a free sleeve, they can be computerized.
The introduction of electronics into the design has significantly expanded the capabilities of the overlock: many adjustments are now automatic, and those that need to be done by the machine will be "prompted" by the machine on the information display.
The material feed differential will make it easier to work with knitted fabrics. A wide selection of additional feet will allow you to perform invisible hemming, sewing on braids, beads, pleats and ruffles. But all overlocks, regardless of the manufacturer, have one thing in common - they are all assembled in Asian countries.

Acquaintance with manufacturing firms.

Conventionally, all firms can be divided into two groups: European firms that have retained their production at home - Pfaff, Husqvarna and Bernina - and firms whose factories are located in countries with cheap labor - Brother, Janome, Jaguar, etc.
To be completely objective, it should be noted that inexpensive electromechanical class cars Pfaff and Bernina are also assembled in Taiwan, and only Husqvarna is represented on the Russian market by cars of any class of Swedish assembly.
Singer stands apart, which we associate with the old German trade mark. But this has not been the case for a long time. Even initially it was an American company with a branch in Germany. And now it is a huge transnational concern, under the brand name of which household appliances, furniture, sewing and knitting machines are produced.
Singer cars are assembled in Taiwan, Brazil, China and even in Russia at the Podolsk plant. The production of machines under the Singer brand accounts for almost half of all machines produced in the world. It should be noted that Singer still produces hand and foot machines without an electric drive, which are included in this number.
The German company Pfaff has been producing its machines for over 100 years, is one of the leaders in the world sewing machine market and is very popular in Russia. The company is famous for the production of industrial sewing and embroidery machines, which was successfully used in the development of household machines.
The Swedish Husqvarna is competitive with this brand - the oldest company with a 300-year history, which has been producing sewing machines since 1879. Before the revolution, the Russian market was one of the largest, so Husqvarna, like Singer, was successfully represented there. For the first time after the break, Husqvarna appeared a little later than Pfaff, but very quickly conquered the market, surprising with its comfort and elegance of the models.
Another world leader in sewing machines is the Swiss Bernina, a company with more than 100 years of history. Having long hesitated to enter the Russian market, today Bernina is actively asserting its position, filling it with high-quality machines.
The machines of these three companies can be said to be competitive of the same level: here is German conscientiousness and order, Swedish thoroughness and reliability, Swiss precision and loyalty to tradition. These machines are prestigious and expensive, while traditionally reliable and durable.
Brother and Janome are younger competitors of these established firms, but very quickly gaining strength and rapidly conquering the sewing machine market.
Janome is the largest manufacturer with three large factories in Taiwan, Japan and Thailand, producing cars under its original brand name, as well as assembling machines for European firms. He has more than 250 models to his credit.
The Japanese Brother is a serious competitor even for European manufacturers. Releasing both industrial sewing and embroidery machines and household ones, Brother is very widely represented in the market today and is the leader in sales.
Characterizing the machines of these firms, it should be noted a progressive approach to updating models, especially electromechanical machines. Manufacturers are dynamically expanding their assortment, focusing on consumer demand, a large production flow is reflected in affordable prices. The machines of these companies are very popular in Russia and, perhaps, are the leaders in the volume of sales of all sewing machines.
In addition to geographical differences in product production, these two groups fundamentally differ in sales policy. In Russia, only Pfaff, Husqvarna and Singer have official representations that control the service network of machines, work to create the company's image and maintain its reputation.
Agree, this is a serious and responsible approach. The consumers of the machines of such firms are more protected, in difficult cases they can always contact the dealership. Sale of cars of other companies is carried out through official distributors. In their work, they are already acting on their behalf.
The second fundamental difference relates directly to the production of machines. Brother, Janome and Singer emphasize a wide range of models, low prices, a large number of operations in each individual model, with a comparative simplicity of machines. The European approach is a narrower range of models with higher quality, perfected machines of any class.

Buying a car.

When choosing a car, focus primarily on your needs: for what purpose you are purchasing a car and, of course, on material capabilities.
Become familiar with the features of this model and basic operating skills when demonstrating a machine. Ask the seller to check the loop, the main seams - 2-3 is enough. You can grab pieces of your fabric or jersey from home and check the machine for them. When operating the machine, pay attention to the chassis: there should be no obvious extraneous noise, strong vibration.
Ask the seller about the rules for operating the machine - very often their violation leads to poor-quality sewing or a malfunction of the machine. Do not expect the impossible from it - you cannot achieve a good result with a stitch length of 6 mm or more on thin fabrics or the function of invisible hem on leather. First of all, follow the sewing technology - and then the machine will do everything flawlessly.

In fact, any sewing machine, even the simplest one, can help you create a masterpiece. In the end, the era of the great couturiers fell on the second half of the 19th - early 20th century, when sewing machines had just come into use and were quite simple. There was no question of computer control or electric drive, 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 correctly selected sewing machine saves a lot of time, effort and nerves of the master. How can you make the right choice, not get lost in a huge number of firms and models, choose from the list of functions what you need, and not pay too much?

Let's try to figure it out. First, decide exactly what you need a machine for. You just want to have it close at hand, so that you can shorten too long trousers yourself, without running around in the atelier every time, sew up a jacket torn by a child and cut a new curtain, and you are unlikely to aim for something more? Maybe there is a desire to sew carnival costumes for children - or are you determined to come to grips with your wardrobe? If you are going to sew, then what? Summer dresses made of light fabrics, or coats and harsh jeans? Or maybe they are mainly in the knitwear mindset? Having decided, you can start choosing the model that is optimal for your goals.

Let's define the points for which a choice has to be made. Firstly, this is the manufacturer, secondly, the type of sewing machine, and thirdly, the required set of functions that will determine a specific model. Let's start with the first one.

⇡ Manufacturer

Here, as in any other field, 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 to them. You should also take into account the presence 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 simple. Often, with the same set of functions, a typewriter of an unknown company costs significantly less. But, in addition to the obvious risk of getting the worst quality, here you can stumble upon another pitfall: difficulties in acquiring additional legs and accessories. Little-known companies often have very exotic foot attachments or bobbin size. 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 classified into industrial and household sewing machines. 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 very well and for whole 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 to work with - so in this material we will concentrate on household ones. Household machines are divided into:

• electromechanical,
• computer,
• sewing and embroidery
• embroidery,
• overlocks,
• cover-up,
• carpetlocks.

What does this all mean, and which category should you 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. Only the engine that sets it in motion is electric.

• 32 types of stitches
• hinge semiautomatic
• vertical shuttle
• stitch length 4 mm
• stitch width 5 mm

The undoubted advantages of this type are reliability, low price, inexpensive repair in case of breakdown. Ordinary electromechanical machines are inferior to computer ones in terms of speed and number of functions, since the technological design features do not allow performing stitches of complex shapes, but they are perfect for novice seamstresses, or those who want to have a reliable assistant for small household needs. However, a coat, jeans, and a ball gown are quite capable of a good and properly adjusted electromechanical machine. The approximate price category of such machines is 3-5 thousand rubles. Simple, affordable, reliable.

2. Computer sewing machines They are distinguished by the presence of a computer board, which 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 fabric 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 stitches, and knitted seams. But take a close look at this list and think about which ones personally you will really use? It turns out that you don't need a part at all, and another part is multiple duplicates of the same thing with minor deviations.

Personally, I regularly use six or seven of the 56 lines that I have in my car, and I use two more from time to time. However, one cannot fail 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. Rather, the fact that many of them you are unlikely to even ever try.

Several types of overlock stitches, a knitted seam, a triple reinforced stitching, a knitted buttonhole and a buttonhole with an eyelet will be useful in the work - in addition to the usual buttonhole, of course. The rest of the functions are at your discretion, just don't let this variety turn your head. It's a shame to pay extra money for something that you will never use.

The undoubted advantage of a well-oiled 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 of course a trifle, but this trifle affects the entire look of the coat.

Of the minuses - the high price, capriciousness in setting, and repair, in which case, more expensive.

3. Sewing and embroidery and embroidery machines... Everything is simple here, unlike industrial embroidery machines, which can, in fact, 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 in comparison with ordinary sewing ones, and in comparison with full-fledged embroidery ones, they are too limited in embroidery possibilities. And more expensive models are also frightening at 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 buying an embroidery machine for 100 - 300 thousand, you will immediately create a masterpiece. Embroidery on a sewing machine is also an art to be learned. On courses or independently, from books or online lessons. In general, working on it is somewhat similar to working in Photoshop. You can go to a specialized site, type there motives drawn by someone, quickly read the instructions and glue them together as it turns out, 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 craftsman. Outsourcing is our everything. Personally, that's what I usually do.

4. Covering sewing machines... They are - coverstitch machines.

Designed to sew an elastic flat seam used to close the hem edge of a jersey. All this intricate verbal construction denotes the seam that you can see on the hem and sleeves of almost any T-shirt.

Among household machines, flat seams can be made of two types: coverstitch machines and carpetlocks. A regular seam looks the same from the right side and from the wrong side, as the upper thread wraps around the lower thread (bobbin) and tightens. 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 for sewing stretch fabrics. If your main goal is T-shirts, swimwear and tracksuits, 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 of a wide variety of garments. When choosing an overlock, first of all, you should focus on convenience when refueling and sewing. You should also not forget about the possibility of overcasting with a different number of threads. Most overlocks have 3- and 4-thread overcast to suit most fabrics and roll overcast. On higher grade overlocks there is a 2-thread overcast for the finest fabrics such as silk or chiffon, as well as decorative trims.

In principle, computer sewing machines also have overlock functions. But the seam made on a real overlock is much more accurate and reliable. In addition, the overlocker is equipped with knives that cut off excess stock by themselves, leveling the edge, which significantly saves time. In general, if you sew regularly, and the free space allows you to place two units, the overlock 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 for overlocks starts from 6-7 thousand, for 10 you can buy a pretty decent model.

6. Coverlock Is a relatively new invention with which many are not particularly familiar. This name was invented by the marketers of the Pfaff company for their range of such machines and patented, after which it firmly entered into use. It combines the word "overlock" and the English term coverstitch, that is, "covering" or "closing" stitch. This machine can perform both overcasting of garments, as well as flat seams and straight chain stitching, that is, it combines an overlock and a coverstitch machine. The price of carpetlocks is quite high and starts from 25-30 thousand.

Like the cover sewing machine, the rug is designed to work with knitwear. The design also assumes 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 carpetlock or a pair of overlocks plus a sewing machine? On the one hand, the carpetlock has a larger number of loopers, which allows making more complex seams, it alone takes up much less space, and its high price is quite comparable to the total cost of a coverlock and an overlocker. On the other hand, when processing a garment, you may first need an overlock, then a flat seam, again an overlock, 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 carpetlock will have to be reconfigured from a flat seam to an overlock or overlock and back again. And this is a rather long and painstaking process, which, even with skill, takes several minutes. It's up to you to decide what is more convenient.

⇡ Model capabilities

This question 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 do not need to start your choice with the number of lines. There are more important parameters that should be determined first.

1. The type of fabric the machine is designed to work with. There are machines for working with all types of fabrics, there are models designed for light and medium, or vice versa, for medium and heavy fabrics. If you definitely know that your main area of ​​activity will be, for example, dance dresses made of silk and chiffon - take a machine for light fabrics, it will work better with them than a universal one. If your choice is coats and jeans, consider models for medium to heavy fabrics. They usually have a larger gap between the foot and the stitch plate, which allows 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 larger these parameters, the better: it expands the field of possibilities.

3. Hook type: the hook is vertical, with a removable bobbin case, and horizontal, where there is no bobbin case. The second option is more modern and more reliable - it has fewer parts that can break.

4. The loop can be automatic or semi-automatic. The "full" automatic machine allows you to sew up to 7 different types of buttonholes, in one operation to sweep a buttonhole exactly to the size of the button, remember the size and repeat the buttonhole of the same size as many times as you need.

Automatic buttonhole foot

The semi-automatic buttonhole is usually performed with simpler models. Here you determine the size, guided by the markings on the foot, the buttonhole is overcast in 4 consecutive operations. It is not difficult and not that very long, but if you multiply by 10, 20, 30 buttons per suit, the difference turns out to be decent.

Semi-automatic buttonhole foot

5. Optional, but very convenient features include a built-in needle threader, twin needle sewing, a needle positioning button and a bartack button. If you are going to sew in large quantities, you should pay attention to the possibility of working without a pedal and external speed control, this greatly protects your leg, which after four to five hours of continuous pressing on 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.

⇡ Optional accessories

The capabilities 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. The table of the ratio of the thickness of the needles and threads is in the instructions for the sewing machine - and here you are unlikely to be mistaken.

But in addition, for difficult fabrics, there are special needles - for example, they will be needed for working with leather, denim, 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 defect, and the point is just the wrong choice of a needle.

There is also a huge variety of paws. On one of the largest Russian-language forums devoted to needlework, the topic about various paws takes more than 200 pages and is regularly updated. At the same time, only the very minimum is included in the basic configuration. And this is where the initial choice of the machine begins to play a role - your capabilities in the end may rest on how easy it is for you to purchase additional legs.

5. Foot for sewing, beading and sequins.

And hundreds more types of feet, attachments and devices designed to take on what previously could only be done by hand. Make your work easier and turn sewing into a fun 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, conversely, unacceptable, personally for you. Convenience of threading, location of buttons and control levers, sound during operation, type of 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 the threads, 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 sorely lack of time for this, wait for the next issues. I will do it for you and will share my impressions in as much detail as I can.

Probably every person who buys his first modern sewing machine asks how to understand how high-quality a machine he will buy now and what it is worth paying attention to in the first place.
Here's what I would look at when buying a car:

1. For a start - appearance. Chips, scratches and cracks are extremely rare on new machines, however, anything can happen during transportation and such a check will not be superfluous. If the box with the car was previously opened, it makes sense to check the package contents.
2. The next is the quality of the straight stitch.
   The machine comes from the factory with a rather thick needle (usually # 90) and the tension is set, usually on threads # 40-50. The machine should be checked on the appropriate fabric. Take a fabric that is not the thinnest, not loose and not elastic. I often use two-fold coarse calico.
   The straight stitch should be uniform and the thread tension should not change throughout the stitching. If necessary, the bobbin thread tension can be adjusted at this point.
   On the same fabric I make a zig-zag with a width of about 4 mm and a stitch length of about 3 mm. I make sure that the thread tension does not change during the stitching and check if the upper thread tension is smoothly adjusted. If the upper thread tension is loosened, loops from the upper thread will appear on the wrong side. It is very good if these loops are the same length on the right and left. If not, it's okay, it might just be related to the shuttle design.
3. The same fabric in one layer. Straight stitch at right and left needle position. There should be no skipped stitches.
4. It is also worth checking if the stitching does not go away when sewing. If you do not hold a narrow strip of fabric with your hands and sew a straight line, there may be a slip, but not very large - something 5 mm per 10 cm of a line is within acceptable limits. Leaving, by the way, strongly depends on how the line goes. It can lead very strongly along the oblique.
   At the same stage, you can check the reverse.
5. Be sure to check how well the decorative stitching is balanced. Better to check on thick fabric. The same coarse calico will do. It is necessary to choose some snowflake and sew 5 centimeters. Ideally, all the rays should converge at one point.
   The more “decorative” the line is, the more noticeable the imbalance will be (if there is one, of course). Mechanical machines tend to have more imbalance than computer machines.
6. Next - the loops. What you need to look at is that the sides of the loop are visually the same density. Oddly enough, with the same number of stitches, the sides can look different. This is due to the fact that on simple machines one column is made when sewing forward and another when sewing backward. In general, the loop should be pleasant and not much worse than on factory items. For eye loops, check the symmetry of the eye.
7. And you also need to check whether the bobbin is wound, whether all buttons work. Well, that's all, perhaps.

In the huge variety of sewing techniques, it is difficult not only for a beginner, but also for an experienced craftsman to make a choice. New models appear every year, more improved and modernized. And this applies not only to professional equipment, but also to household sewing machines. What to look for, what functions can you not do without? These and some other questions can be answered in this article.

Main factors

When buying your first machine, you should pay attention not only to the cost of the equipment, but also to the functionality. In addition, it does not hurt to take a closer look at the appearance. There should be no scratches or chips on the equipment. Cracks in the case and an open box are clear signs that the equipment should be carefully examined and checked for completeness.

In addition to the appearance, the quality of the work should be checked. The most important are the following indicators:

• the quality of the line. The standard needle installed on most machines is # 90, so it is advisable to check the work on a fabric that matches this size. It is optimal to use coarse calico folded in two layers.
• zig-zag stitch. Suitable width is 4mm and length is no more than 3mm. When performing work, it does not hurt to monitor the tension of the thread. It should not change as the fabric is moved. The top and bottom loops must be the same length. If not, try adjusting the tension. It may also be due to the peculiarities of the shuttle mechanism.
• several lines of non-matter folded in one layer. All stitches must be the same, no gaps;
• reverse. The final stage, which also indicates the quality of the mechanism.

When sewing a straight stitch, you need to make sure that the fabric does not lead to the side. To do this, remove your hands and continue to sew. The allowed limits are 5mm per 10cm of fabric. If the craftswoman sews on an oblique, this indicator can increase significantly.

When buying a sewing machine, craftswomen use it not only for making basic stitches. Many also carry out decorative finishes. It should also be checked when purchasing equipment. It is optimal for this to choose a denser fabric or calico. It is better to sew from 5 to 10 cm to see what kind of pattern is obtained. The more difficult the stitching, the faster the defects will be noticeable, especially if the machines are mechanical.

Finally, we recall that it does not interfere with checking how the loops are performed, how the thread is wound on the bobbin and whether the other buttons function.