The invention of sewing machines made garment stitching very easy. It became a very important part of our lives, and people became more and more dependent on it. It not only served the evolving industrial and mass market economy but also became a very popular consumer durable and easy -to -use tool. It also paved the way for the ready-to-wear industry. In simpler terms, it affected our daily lives massively. And most importantly, it decreased the amount of manual sewing labor that was needed in most clothing companies.
Today’s sewing machine are getting more and more compact by the hour and are equipped with several beneficial and crucial features that allow you to go from being a beginner to a professional stitcher capable of undertaking complex and complicated as well as innovative and creative projects in no time. While purchasing a sewing machine, you also have to consider a lot of other factors, starting from the price to the size and weight of the machine as well as the durability and brand. So if you happen to enjoy stitching and are searching for a machine that will ease your efforts, look at the range of products we have to offer before making your pick.
The Brother XL2600i is easily one of the most reasonable under $100 sewing machines in the trade today. It is rather straightforward to use and very handy and compatible for everyday use. It is particularly recommended for those who are new to sewing and are looking to start out with the basics, therefore, making it a great pick for beginners. In addition to its low price, it is packed with features and even includes an automatic needle threader which makes the sewing process all the easier. You can even choose the type of stitch you want using the stitch selector dial like the one-step buttonhole stitch. Much like most machines in the market today, this one too is jam resistant — a rather important feature to look at in sewing machines.
The machine also allows very firm and clean stitches, lowering the risk of badly stitched garments. As a beginner, you can even control the speed and make sure it is working at your own pace — whether fast or slow. In addition to being light -weight, the machine is also very compact and can be placed anywhere in your home. It also comes with a manual to facilitate your understanding of your machine as it comes with easy to understand instructions.
This machine can also handle most fabrics, even the tougher ones. All in all, the machine makes for a very good pick if you are just starting out with stitching or even if you’re looking for a machine that takes care of your day-to-day stitching needs or even if you’re looking to start stitching on a larger and more advanced scale.
•Affordable
•Compact
•Easy-to-use
•Lightweight
•Easy threading system
•Easy bobbin winding
•Automatic needle threader
•Stitch selecting dial
With over 100 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, push button stitch selection option and an all-purpose foot on the machine, the Singer 7258 is a professional sewing machine made for any experienced user. The purchase even comes with a DVD that gives you all the information you need to get stitching and quick! A moderately priced machine, the sewing machine is equipped for garment stitching and quilting and can even undertake decorative as well as heirloom stitches.
Additionally, the machine has a built-in non -colored LCD that allows you to pick from its wide array of stitches. It is very adaptable and comes with facilitates that are both basic and professional stitching. As a user, you will find most of the nine essential stitches, the eight stretch stitches, seven buttonhole stitches and about seventy-six decorative stitches. The LCD screen even lets you control the length and width of your stitch and rest assured; you will never be disappointed with its perfect buttonhole stitches each and every time.
The automatic button threader even comes with a top loading bobbin that makes it absolutely trouble -free to know when you’re running out of thread as it is clear. The machine also includes an automatic reverse and press button foot option as well as ten different presser feet options. In addition to this, the machine also comes with a seam puller, a lint brush, a spool, a spool pin; a spool felt and a screwdriver.
- Moderately priced
- Advanced stitch options
- LED display screen
- ClAutomatic needle threader
- 0ver 100 stitch options
- Programmable needle speed
- Drop in bobbin system
From a brand is known widely for its reliable and well -priced products, the Brother
HC1850 is moderately priced and packed with rich features that can undertake both small and larger projects and is equipped to handle any cloth/material type. This middle range model is the perfect pick for both beginners and professionals as it is versatile enough to handle both. From quilting to stitching to mono -programming to embroidery to complex and intricate stitching tasks — the machine is suitable for everything.
Inclusive of an LCD screen display that lets you select, de -select, try and even adjust various sewing techniques, the machine even lets you edit and replace your stitches with just one little push of a button. The machine comes with 130 unique stitch options which include eight types of one-step buttonhole stitches, about fifty-six alpha -numeric sewing stitches, seven punctuation marks and about eight specialty symbols. This means that as a user you can create your own unique designs and make our stitches as creatively as you chose to. Since the machine has an automatic needle threader and a speed control unit, it is also a wonderful pick for beginners.
Another interesting feature of the machine is that it comes with an attached LED lit workspace that facilitates you to view your work in minimal lighting as well as work on darker fabrics without any inconvenience. As the machine comes with the facility to Monk -program your work, it will add a very personal touch to your designs and work.
The bilingual instructional DVD that comes attached with the machine make it extremely easy to understand the product and refer to it for future use. The machine is also light weighted and has a quilting table and a detachable foot. Brother also sends their purchases a wide variety of accessories to make their sewing process more fun, easy and worthy of the price the consumers are paying.
•Moderately priced
•Automatic needle threader
•LED work area
•LCD display screen
•Eight quick -change presser feet
•Adjustable sewing speed
•Mono-programming sewing unit
•Eight one-step buttonhole styles
The Brother CS6000i makes for a great purchase in the under $200 price range, especially with a model that comes with built-in automation features. As a user of this computerized sewing machine, you can pick with about 60 built-in stitches, which includes decorative stitches as well as seven one-step buttonhole stitches. The device also comes packed with nine presser feet and a detachable, large table for large-scale projects. The product also comes with a hard carry case making it easily portable for sewing classes and outstation visits. The machine also comes with an adjustable sewing speed. An LCD that serves as a stitch selector, easy threading facilities, a detachable and expandable table suitable for bigger projects, an automatic needle threader, a bright workstation, a simple bobbin winding facility and a built-in free arm especially made for sewing cuffs as well as sleeves. As the product also has a quilting foot, it ensures a far more accurate placing of your quilt stitches. The machines wide array of features and accessories also makes it a perfect pick for simple tasks like stitching on sleeves and buttons to more intricate, detailed designs of buttonhole stitches while ensuring seamless, invisible seams. Due to its large workspace, the CS6000i makes it very easy for beginners and professionals to be creative with their projects and work better with their quilt designs. This is because it becomes easier to maneuver larger projects if you have a larger space to work on. Since the machine has twenty-seven stitches designed especially for sewing clothes, it also comes equipped with overcast stitches and zigzag stitches, basting stitch that allows you to secure seams temporarily, triple stretch stitch, blind hem stitch and buttonhole stitches among several others. All in all, this sewing machine makes it very easy to re -model your wardrobe contents and transform it with your personal designs.
•Moderately priced
•Automatic needle threader
•LCD with button control stitch selector
•Start and stop reverse functions
•Quick set bobbin facility
•Speed control
•Automatic thread cutter
•Expandable and adjustable workspace
•LED workspace
Among the leading manufacturers of a sewing machine, the Janome Magnolia 7318 is indeed priced on a higher scale but comes with several necessary and useful features, especially for someone looking to use it on a more professional level. The machine also comes with 17 stitches and a four -step buttonhole and a dial for picking your type of stitch. It also comes with the feature of picking your stitch width and length.
Additionally, the machine comes with a unique feature of a front -set reverse lever for locking stitches.
A unique feature of the Janome Magnolia is the bobbin setting as it is placed under a plastic cover making it easier to check on your thread amount and decide on how soon you will need to change your thread without having to stop and check every once in a while. It also has a push and pulls bobbin winder further making it a reliable machine. This powerful motor also makes it a great pick for simple as well as complex projects making it easy to use for stitching a button or even making a stuffed toy from scratch. It also comes with a top loading jam proof bobbin system that ensures a tangle -free stitch and comes with a range of about 18 stitches which includes buttonhole stitches and an extra high presser foot lift and a stitch selection dial. The machine provides a maximum stitch length of 4mm and maximum stitch width of 5mm. It also comes with 5 -piece feeds dog, a free arm, one four -step buttonhole and snap -on the presser foot.
Additionality, it has a zig-zag foot, a zipper foot, and a sliding buttonhole foot. However, the thread control of this machine is manual as it is aimed for professional use.
•Highly priced
•Manual thread control
•Easy reverse button
•15 -piece feed dog
•1Dush and pull bobbin winding
•Stitch selection dials
•0ne four –step buttonhole
Choosing the best sewing machine for your needs Sewing skills can go a long way in today’s day and age. In the midst of our busy days and tight work schedules, a sewing machine will always come to our rescue. Investing in a sewing machine can, therefore, be a very crucial and important task and will require you to understand your needs and preference before deciding on a machine to suit your requirements. However, finding the perfect sewing machine also depends on your personal usage, the reason for your requirement – whether purely personal or professional, the type of work you will need it for – whether simple stitches or more complex artwork and other such factors. That said, apart from doing some research of your own, we’ll put together an array of information that will help you make your right pick as a buyer. The Brands:- With a huge market of sewing machines sprouting up, consumers are given a wide variety of products and brand to choose from. However, in the world of a sewing machine, the big names are as follows: Brother, Singer, Kenmore, Bernina and Janome are amongst the most reliable and popular brands. Once you have decided on the best brand of your choice, you can then move on to review models, availability and location of purchase. It can be a very confusing task to decide on one brand and so make sure you’ve done your research right before deciding on a brand. Your brand preference might also have an impact on your budgetary
considerations.
The User:
Are you a beginner or an experienced user? Are you looking to undertake simple projects like stitching a button or a sleeve on or more complex and innovative designs? Beginners looking to start out with the basics of stitching can opt for a starter -level sewing machine with useful features that will help you make -do with everyday requirements while learning to use a sewing machine. However, for an experienced user looking to undertake more creative and complex projects, a high -end machine with more features will be the best pick.
For people looking at still more advanced models, a computerized machine with downloadable stitches and designs are also available. It’s going to be all about the user and how you choose to use your machine and for what purpose.
The Budget:
Once you have your brand in mind, understand your budget. The most suitable product for you will naturally be the product that you can afford and fits your requirements. If you are walking into a store to purchase a low or moderately priced machine with minimal features and that exactly suits your needs, then there is no point in looking at higher end machines. Doing so will only confuse you and make you re -think your requirements. Always have a budget in mind, decide on it and make sure you stick to it. As a purchaser, you should ideally be looking for a machine under $100, then look at your options and requirements and match them to your price value. However, make sure that whatever amount you decide to invest in a sewing machine is worth the value and not a cheap, badly manufactured product. A good buy has to be a durable product too.
The Warranty:
-Machines that come with a warranty are always a better pick and the longer the warranty — the better. Warranties ensure that any manufacturing defect of the machine will be taken care of by the company itself.
This is a very useful feature to look at while purchasing a sewing machine as it means that your investment does not go waste due to a manufacturing defect.
The Projects:-
As a user, you then need to decide what kind of projects you are looking to undertake with your sewing machine. It could be simple alterations and/or repairs, sleeve and cuff stitching, dressmaking, quilting, embroidery or something still more complex. If you’re looking at just repairs and alterations and basic stitching needs, then a basic model will be suitable for you. However, if you want to take up more creative, innovative and complex projects, make sure to look at more advanced, computerized models as it will suit your needs better.
In addition to that, even basic models come with certain features you will be required to look at. For instance, a free arm will make sewing sleeves and cuffs very easy while a buttonhole stitch is important for dressmaking. So look out for these keywords when you’re reviewing your products.
Weight and Storage:
A machine that is compact and fits in small corners is generally a good pick as it makes your job of storing it much easier. If you were looking at taking it to classes, then a lighter and portable model should be preferred. Most sewing machine models come with some sort of storage facility like a hard or soft cover that will help you protect your machine from dirt and dust. If it doesn’t, then you should probably consider buying a storage bag for your sewing machine that will not only protect it from dust but also aid you in transportation. Weight and storage considerations are therefore very important before deciding on your sewing machine.
The Different Types of Sewing Machines:
Today’s sewing machines come in various forms and types. These range from computerized sewing machine to electronic sewing machines to mechanical sewing machines as well as simple over-lockers. Overlockers are basically finishing machines that are primarily used for hems and seams and even decorative stitches. These machines are very useful because they help you out with the finishing’ steps of any stitch, for instance, this machine will take care of your seam, get rid of all the excess fabric and finish the edge all at once. As purchasing an overlocker is also a crucial decision and comes with its own variants and features, as a buyer you will need to understand your needs before taking a call on the product.
Mechanical sewing machines come with the basic features that you will require as a beginner. They come with dials and knobs and written instructions that will facilitate your navigation and understanding of the product. However, higher priced mechanical machines come with more features and more complex stitches too. On the other hand, computerized sewing machines are generally found to be on higher end of your price scale as they come with expensive styles and designs. This is because they can undertake more complex and intricate embroidery stitches and designs. Alternatively, electronic sewing machines are ideally a mix of mechanical and computerized sewing machines and can be used for any stitching project, whether simple or complex. Most electronic machines also come with an LCD screen that makes your stitching experience more fun and easy.
Types of stitches:
Different machines give you a range of different stitch types that you, as a buyer, will need to review and to understand depending on your needs and requirements. There are so many types of stitches that as a beginner it might even confuse you. But if you have done your research and know what you are getting into then, it won’t be a difficult task. Stitch types vary from zig zag stitches, Straight stitches, chain stitches, lock stitches, back stitch, satin stitch, overlock stitch, running stitch, stretch stitch, triple stretch stitch, blind hem stretch and just blind hem stitch. Go prepared with your stitching jargon, so you know what you are getting into. An important factor to consider is that although the high -end machines provide you with plenty of stitch types, they might not exactly be useful. Ensure that you take only what you need.
Adjustable stitch length and width:
Even if you require a sewing machine that satisfies your basic stitching requirements, an adjustable stitch width and length are very important features to consider. Although most machines do come with this features, a few lower end machines do not. So as a buyer, look for the best features and then make your pick.
Adjustable Presser Foot: –
Most mid -range and higher end sewing machine models come with a pressure foot and come in handy when sewing heavier material. When you adjust the pressure foot, the feed dog grips the material better and that, in turn, sews perfect even stitches. The pressure foot decides the amount of pressure required for your fabric which you will need to adjust depending on your fabric type, whether thick or thin. Sewing machines that come with an adjustable pressure foot are therefore more suitable if you are looking to undertake a variety of different projects on a variety of different cloth types.
Automatic Needle Threader: –
An automatic needle threader is easily one of the most convenient features of modern sewing machines. An automatic needle threader is basically a little hook that is aligned with the eye of the needle through which the thread travels. This automatic threader will make sure the thread goes through the eye of the needle, no matter what. This is a particularly great feature to consider if you have poor eyesight or do not have the patience to get a thread through the eye of a needle manually. Alternatively, some machines come with a one –handed threading system that allows you to thread the machine with one hand and push the automatic needle lever and then get the thread into the eye instantly.
Bobbin Cover: –
Opting for a machine that comes with a translucent or even transparent bobbin cover is always an added advantage to your sewing machine. This bobbin cover is technically a plate that can be in either metal or plastic form that ideally protects the bobbin case. A solid bobbin cover increases your work in the sense that it will require you to stop and check the amount of thread left inside every once in a while. This step would not be necessary if your bobbin cover were to be see-through. If you tend to work in installments and over a span of few days, a transparent bobbin cover is definitely a more useful and sensible feature to opt for.
Bobbin Loading Type: –
A bobbin is a cylindrical object that may or may not come with flanges and on which thread or yarn can be wound. Although most bobbins are similarly made, they might differ based on diameter or depth or width. Bobbins are produced depending on the sewing machine, and not all bobbins are the same. Bobbing loading can be either front loading or top loading type. The front loading bobbin type is generally used for lower end sewing machines as the case needs to be detached from the machine so that the bobbin can then be loaded into it. The top loading bobbin, on the other hand, is found in most other higher –end sewing machines as it does not require you to detach it to load the bobbin. That function is automatic. You will only need to remove the bobbin case to get it cleaned every once in a while. The consensus is that top loading bobbin loaders are far more convenient and make the process of stitching much easier. Try looking for a machine that fits this criterion for a more comfortable experience.
The Reverse Button: –
Reverse buttons make for a rather important part of your sewing machine and facilitate a cleaner sew as and when required. The reverse button, as suggested, allows you to take a sew in reverse. This makes it easy for typing off stitches. This ensures cleaner stitches. Almost all sewing machines come with this reverse although very few offer a dual functionality of the same. If you do happen to get a machine which provides a dual functionality reverse button, you should opt for it.
Speed Control:-
Very few sewing machine provide for this feature. An adjustable speed control allows you to decide the speed at which you want to stitch. For instance, if you’re working on an intricate and complex design, you might want to slow down the process instead of just going with the default speed setting of the machine. This feature is very useful when sewing around complicated corners and curves and designs. Also, most machines that have this feature also provide for the needle up and down feature and is generally added along with a start and stop button.
Conclusion
Although finding the best sewing machine that matches your taste and budget as well as satisfies all your stitching needs is a very exhausting and time-consuming procedure, we have been able to recommend some of the best machines ranging from Brother to Singer to Janome. We considered budget constraints and ranged our products in the below $100 followed by the between $100 to $200 and then a more than $200 range product. We also found sewing machines that had some of the most important and necessary features that must be considered for beginners and professionals alike.
We also took into consideration durability and brand value and recommended only the best products for the benefit of our consumers. While the Brother XL2600i is low -end product, perfect for beginners, the Janome Magnolia 7318, in contrast, is a high -end sewing machine equipped to suit the needs of a professional looking at more complex projects and on thicker fabrics too. In the end, it’s all about understanding your needs and requirements before finalizing on one product. Once you know what you need, the rest is an easy path. So happy shopping and make sure you review our recommendation before making a purchase as it will be crucial in helping you parallel your needs with the product benefits.
Leave a Comment