Whether you spend time with your children doing kid-friendly activities or just have a proclivity for crafts as in general, having a sewing machine will always come in handy. There are many different types of sewing machines, from beginner sewing machines to advanced computerized ones, to heavy duty machines for leather or other thick material.
Mechanical Sewing Machines
Mechanical sewing machines are the most basic type of sewing machines out there. They can either be treadle or hand-operated. With hand-operated models, the operator turns the handle to move the needle up and down. With a treadle machine, the operator uses a foot plate that resides just above the floor. The movement of the treadle moves a rubber belt that drives the machine.
Electronic Sewing Machines
Electronic sewing machines have many more options than mechanical sewing machines do and are also run with electrical power. There are a high number of electronic sewing machines to choose from if you happen to be shopping around; they offer different types of stitches and adjustable stitch width and length as well.
Electronic sewing machines can straight stitch, zig zag stitch, and usually include some decorative stitches as well. Usually, the more expensive an electronic sewing machine is, the higher number of stitch settings it will have. These machines sometimes also feature buttonhole settings. All of these functions are set with a knob or button, not with a computerised panel as on a computerised sewing machine.
Computerised or Automated Sewing Machines
Computerised sewing machines have even more features than electronic sewing machines do. These sewing machines usually have an LCD display screen, automatic needle threading, and even sometimes embroidery stitches. There are different tension controls integrated into these machines as well as differing stitch lengths.
Computerised sewing machines almost always have buttonhole stitches in addition to built in stitch programmes. These types of sewing machines are more expensive than mechanical or electronic ones, however they are durable and long lasting. Typically, if you buy a computerised sewing machine, you buy it for life.
Mini Sewing Machines
Mini sewing machines are another breed to electronic sewing machines. Mini machines are not sturdy enough for large amounts of sewing, however they are very portable and easy to carry around. These cute little devices are best suited to small projects and mending.
Embroidery Sewing Machines
If you plan on embroidering your various sewing projects with decorative patterns, then perhaps you should consider investing in an embroidery sewing machine. These specialised devices give you access to pre-programmed designs and even have a memory in order to store designs. They typically include a USB port to enable the user to access other designs and import them into the machine memory.
Embroidery sewing machines are extremely pricy and can cost thousands of pounds. Before you invest in one, make sure you absolutely need it.
Quilting Sewing Machines
Obviously, if you foresee yourself undertaking many quilting projects, consider investing in a quilting sewing machine. These sewing machines typically have a longer arm that allows more fabric to pass through the machine at one time compared to a more traditional sewing machine. These devices can also sew through thick layers of fabric compared to the average sewing machine. They also can handle tougher fabrics like leather or denim.
Overlocking Sewing Machines
Having an overlocking sewing machine is a definitive must if you plan to make clothing. It can sew nearly any fabric, from a stretch knit even to a hardy fleece. Overlocking sewing machines either come with three or four threads and are sewn simultaneously. These smart machines have the capability to sew, trim, oversew the edges of seams, and even create gentle gathers in the fabric. These devices are vital for making neat hems and edges. An overlocking sewing machine will add a professional quality to your work that you would not otherwise get with the average sewing machine.
Whichever sewing machine you decide to add to your collection next, make sure that it fits your needs. If you are more of a beginner, then perhaps stick with a mechanical or electronic sewing machine. If you are a practiced sewer who is looking for more of a challenge, then a computerised sewing machine is for you. If you are more into specific projects like garment making, embroidery, or quilting, then choose the corresponding machines. Happy sewing!.
