A sewing machine not only runs smooth stitches on any fabric, but also speeds up the whole process many times over. This is a great helper for the hostess, even if she is not friends with needles and threads from school lessons of labor. Modern models are able to sweep over the edges of the fabric, make the same loops and even embroider beautiful patterns - not one skilled worker can do anything that the clever technique can do. But if you have not worked with anything before, harder Grandma's “The Seagulls”, it will be difficult to make a choice.
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Top sewing machine manufacturers
The best sewing machines are made in Europe (Switzerland, Germany, Sweden), in Japan and the USA. If you see the models of the manufacturers listed below for sale, you can take it safely - this technique is reliable and in its functionality is always “one step ahead”:
- Janome
- Pfaff
- Husqvarna
- Bernina
- Brother
The range of machines of these brands is quite wide, so if your eyes run, our review will help you decide on your choice. top sewing machines. But in order not to overpay for unnecessary functions, it is better to figure out how to choose a sewing machine for your tasks.
Principle of operation and device
Despite the considerably expanded possibilities of modern technology, the principle of operation of sewing machines over the past 170 years has not changed. Inside the case, the same system of shafts and levers, which the flywheel starts, hides. It does not matter if it is spinning due to electricity or the old-fashioned manual way. The main thing is to understand how this unit does stitches.
Since the elements of the machine are connected to each other by rods and shafts, when turning the flywheel, all the main working units come into motion:
- The working needle which is threading the main thread through the fabric is lowered;
- The bobbin starts spinning, feeding the bottom thread;
- The shuttle is started, interlacing the threads and forming a stitch;
- The conveyor moves, pulling the fabric for the stitch length.
To get started, you need to stretch the main thread through the guides and insert it into the eye of the needle. Another coil of the same color is tucked into the bobbin and installed in a special slot under the needle behind the removable panel (sometimes directly above it - it all depends on the design of the machine). Next on the working table lay the fabric and lever down the foot, pressing it to the conveyor. All - you can start the flywheel and start sewing.
Types of sewing machines
Modern sewing machines, despite the fact that they perform approximately similar tasks, are divided into 3 large families according to the type of control. This is convenient because the number of operations that a technician is capable of depends primarily on the implemented system.
We will not consider obsolete mechanical models - their functionality and speed of work cannot be compared with the capabilities of more advanced units. Let us dwell on the current types of sewing machines.
Electromechanical
This type of assembly differs from ancestors electric motor, which drives the flywheel, freeing both hands to the seamstress. And she will need them, since all settings will have to be set manually with the help of levers and handles placed on the body.
Pros:
- Simplicity and reliability of the design;
- Sufficient, though not the richest set of functions (usually no more than 20);
- Good maintainability, simple maintenance;
- Affordable cost.
Minuses:
- It will take time to learn and remember all the adjustments;
- Minimum decorative lines.
From electromechanical machines only one thing is required: to automate hand sewing. This technique is suitable for the simplest household tasks, when you need to repair clothes, pull up kitchen towels or curtains, sew some accessory or a simple thing.
Electronic
Machines “with the brain”, the role of which is assumed by the controlling microprocessor. In his memory are stored programs for the lines of different levels of complexity, as well as all the necessary adjustments. Such models are equipped with a display on which you can monitor the operation of the machine and set the basic sewing parameters.
Pros:
- The ability to perform a large number of different stitches up to simple embroidery;
- Ease of operation - just select the desired operation on the control panel;
- A set of automatic settings that do not require operator intervention;
- Availability of a display with information about the current mode or with prompts;
- Many models start from the button, not from the pedal.
Minuses:
- Demanding on the quality of current in the network;
- The difficulty of self-repair.
This is the largest and most diverse family of sewing machines with rich functionality - there is a technique for professionals and novice craftswomen. With its help, you can create things of any complexity from a variety of fabrics, sweep loops and sew buttons, decorate your models with decorative stitches, appliqué and even embroidery.
Computer controlled
The most advanced models, in terms of their functionality, are even superior to electronic machines. In addition to their own software control, they can connect to an external PC and work with little or no operator intervention. The design of computerized machines is also different. In order for one unit to perform hundreds of different operations, the main groups of mechanisms are equipped with separate drives (sometimes up to 10 engines) and are able to work autonomously.
Pros:
- The largest set of functions (an average of up to 500 different operations);
- Enhanced design of loops, including eye;
- Create your own, unique lines;
- Automatic selection of modes depending on the fabric;
- Sewing assistant to help pick up the foot, needle and other devices for a specific task;
- Most machines are equipped with an embroidery module;
- Some models work with memory cards.
Minuses:
- Very high price.
Buying computerized sewing equipment is justified in cases where the tailoring of complex and exclusive things put on stream.
Selection options
We have already considered the types of management and even determined which of them is preferable for different tasks. Now let's take a look at the main characteristics that will help with the choice of a specific model of a sewing machine.
Lines
Here it is important to choose the optimal number of working and decorative lines, and the manufacturer will provide their variety. In the simplest models of machines, even standard joints for connecting fabrics will be at least 5 - enough to solve any household tasks. The main thing is that among them were:
- straight line;
- obmetochny;
- secret
- elastic;
- zigzag.
If you have to work with different types of fabrics or occasionally perform non-standard tasks, you can take a typewriter with 10-20 types of stitches. For novice craftswomen this is just enough.
Decorative and embroidery lines - the lot of professionals. If you belong to this group or are planning to perform super-complicated stitches and machine embroidery in the near future, look for a computerized model with an embroidery unit. In any case, experienced needlewomen should choose the technique according to the principle: the more types of stitches in the program, the better.
Looping out
This function is available in almost all modern models, but the way to perform button loops can be different: semi-automatic or fully automated.In the first case, you will have to “help” the machine to do its work by turning the product in the right direction - each loop is swept into 4 stages.
In professional models, the automatic version is implemented - faster and more convenient. Such advanced machines can sweep from 3 to 10 different loops, including the most difficult of them - with a peephole. Accordingly, they are more often used in the atelier of the finished dress, and for home use one mode of a standard linen loop is enough.
Shuttle type
A lot depends on its design, so before you buy, always specify which type of the shuttle device is installed in your model.
The swinging shuttle is the simplest option found in mechanical and inexpensive EM machines. It is noisy, not too smart and does not allow stitches longer than 5 mm. At the same time, the quality of the line, like the shuttle itself, can “float”, and thread breaks are not uncommon here. It is also quite difficult to fill the lower thread and adjust its tension in this case, but the cost of the machine itself will be low.
Horizontal (rotating or rotary) shuttle is a more advanced design, which is found on machines with the upper location of the bobbin. It is already built into the case and does not swing, but wraps around the axis, reducing vibration during operation. Another advantage of this solution is that the lower thread is practically not tangled, which improves the quality of the seam. Alas, it is also difficult to adjust its tension in this case, but it is easier to control the thread stock on the bobbin. The horizontal shuttle allows you to get a line up to 7 mm in length and a wider zigzag up to 6 mm.
The vertical shuttle - can brag of high reliability and does not confuse a thread during the work. The main difference from the horizontal is a simple adjustment of the tension. This function is necessary for seamstresses, constantly working with fabrics of different thicknesses.
Basic adjustments
Sewing speed is an adjustable parameter. In the most simple electric machines, it can be controlled by pressing the pedal: the deeper you put it down, the faster the lines will fall. But if you spend the whole day at the sewing table, it’s not very convenient. It is better to search for a model that starts from a button, and the speed is set on a separate regulator or automatically adjusted by the program. In professional machines, it can reach 1300 St / min, but this is the level of experienced craftswomen. Usually enough indicator 800-850 St / min.
The puncture force is often directly related to the speed of sewing - the laws of physics work this way. When buying the simplest EM models, you can focus on the power of the unit itself - the higher it is, the easier the needle will pierce the thick fabric. On semi-professional cars usually install engines of 70-80 watts. If this figure is lower, then you can only work with thin materials. In more expensive models, the puncture force is already regulated by the operator or the machine itself thanks to the built-in electronic stabilizer.
Foot pressure - here, too, it is better to make a choice in favor of adjustable or adjustable clamp, as in professional computerized models. So it will be easier to work with fabrics of different thickness, without losing the quality of the stitch.
What kind of sewing machine to choose
1. Those who do not want to fight more with threads and needles, sew up the next torn things of children, and do not want to spend time on trips in the studio for hemming new trousers, just enough an electromechanical machine. Choose an inexpensive but functional model with a dozen basic work lines. It is better to make it easier, otherwise you will be too lazy to get it out of the closet when needed.
2. Those who sew at home a lot and often, on the contrary - need a heavy machine with a metal frame and the same reliable filling. It doesn’t matter whether it is an electrician or an electronic model - the main thing is that it has a sufficient variety of stitches for your purposes (at least 20).If there is a small child in the house or you sew at night, immediately choose a technique with a horizontal shuttle so as not to make noise.
3. Advanced electronic or even computerized models will work for experienced craftswomen (if revenues allow such a purchase). Here, the number of working stitches will already be measured in hundreds, and additional useful functions will facilitate the work as much as possible. Your car will need the option of adjusting the speed, stabilizer puncture and the ability to change the presser foot - all this will allow you to work with any type of fabric.
4. Professionals who “on stream” create exclusive accessories, custom-made clothing and souvenirs, need a computerized model with a large selection of decorative stitches, several options for making buttonholes, and preferably with an embroidery unit. Useful and sleeve platform for working with small details of clothing. Shuttle - only vertical or horizontal, otherwise the quality of the line is not received.
5. Additional features will expand the capabilities of technology and facilitate the work, but try to pick up the machine with those options that you really will use. For example, reverse, built-in needle threader, bartack and thread trimming speed up the process and will be useful to everyone. But the mirror image of the pattern or programmable repeating elements, if you do not embroider, may not be required.
How much is a sewing machine
The price of a sewing machine is largely determined by its technical equipment - you will have to pay for the additional “skills” of your assistant. But for each type of equipment there is a price threshold below which it is undesirable to fall:
- An amateur EM machine with good functionality should not be cheaper than 5,000–6,000 rubles, but you should not buy such equipment more expensive than 10–12 thousand.
- Semiprofessional models with an electronic control unit, depending on the number of operations performed, are more expensive - from 12–15 to 100–150 thousand.
- For the majority of skilled workers, sheathing only their family and a small circle of acquaintances, the possibilities of the machines, which are sold for 25,000-40,000 rubles, suffice. It can be both electronic and computerized models.
- In a professional studio, cars from 50 thousand rubles and above are needed. It is difficult to establish the ceiling here, but in terms of price and functionality, a reasonable limit is 350-400 thousand.
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