Buying a sewing machine is not an easy task. The range of sewing machines is so widely represented on the market, that you have doubts about which one to choose. In fact, the study of hundreds of instructions and reviews will not lead to anything. First of all, it is necessary to clearly define the purpose for which you wish to use the sewing machine.
Qualitative characteristics
Currently, all the most popular brands – Pfaff, Janome, Singer, Juki, Brother – produce sewing machines for every taste. The “cooler” the technical characteristics and skills of the machine, the more expensive it is. In inexpensive sewing machines, the range of operations and additional features are significantly limited (check Best sewing machines under $500.) There are also inexpensive multifunctional machines. To reduce the cost of a sewing machine, some manufacturers replace part of metal parts with parts made of lightweight alloys or plastic. The quality of the line is not reflected in any way, but in the case when it comes to a well-known manufacturer who is “responsible” for quality.
Professional seamstresses, focusing on their own specifics of work, clearly know which machine is suitable for them and that it should be able to. Household sewing machines are got spontaneously. Like the design of the machine, the price is not bad, why not buy it. The emotional choice is often not the best, and subsequently, you are not immune from frustration.
What is my machine sewing?
All household machines belonging to the economy class, not designed for significant loads. They are designed for sewing lightweight fabrics. Parts and assemblies made of plastic will break if used improperly. If you purchased an inexpensive sewing machine with a small set of operations, then do not expect miracles from it – it will not sew leather and coarse fabrics. On such a sewing machine you do not sew a zipper in jeans. Even if the mechanism of the machine does not break immediately, the use of thick threads will lead to wear of the shuttle. A tightly stretched coarse thread pierces the edges of the plastic from which it is made.
If you want to sew infrequently, but any fabrics, you can buy a model that focuses only on sewing, with a swinging hook, which is made of metal and can withstand considerable loads.
Sewing machine for frequent use
If you need a versatile and multifunctional machine that will be used intensively, then endurance and reliability are the most significant criteria. And after that – design and cost.
In any store specializing in the sale of sewing equipment, the consultant will be able to give you comprehensive answers to all questions. The main thing is to know what to ask. Focus on your ultimate goals – to sew fur and leather products, hem coarse fabrics, etc. If the sewing equipment shop is really large, then there is an opportunity to test the ability of the chosen machine on pieces of fabric. Choose the most “capricious” fabrics – stretch, leather, knitwear. In addition to the usual seam, see if the buttonhole-looping operation (making a buttonhole) goes smoothly.
To summarize the above – if you are limited by finances, we recommend purchasing a sewing machine from the economy class line of professional manufacturers of sewing machines. In addition, manufacturers such as Brother, give a long-term warranty on their products. The main rule in operation is to sew only the materials that it can overpower, not sew coarse fabrics in several additions.
Buying a used sewing machine
If nevertheless, an economy class machine does not suit you in terms of technical characteristics, but there is a lot of money, we recommend looking for used machines for sale. Often, for a relatively small amount, you can buy a high power sewing machine with a wide range of functions. You can find a Japanese sewing machine in second-hand and at the same time in excellent condition.
If the owner of the sewing machine says that did not use it, then it is easy to check. The pedal is not polished to a shine, it has kept the factory paint – the sewing machine is really in perfect condition.
Computer-controlled sewing machines
Well, if you have plenty of money, or you are going to sew “on an industrial scale” and for sale, then you can buy a sewing machine not simple, but with program management. Your smart computerized machine will not only carry out a lot of lines but also warn you of any mistake made.
As a rule, such a machine is equipped with a display, and the number of operations that it can perform is incalculable. If you acquire a machine with software control, it will take some time to master the skills to properly use this sophisticated device. However, in addition to the high cost of the sewing machine itself, in the event of a breakdown, it will require difficult and expensive repairs. In addition, not every city has specialists who can perform it.
An important feature is the type of shuttle
The most important characteristic is the type of sewing shuttle. If the sewing machine is cheap, probably the shuttle will be a vertical swinging type. The most tangible inconvenience is the thread, always unexpectedly ending in a bobbin; an even worse version is the confusing thread. And, of course, noise and low sewing speed.
Currently, the horizontal shuttle can be considered as an excellent technical solution. The bobbin is attached at the top. It is always visible, there is an opportunity to follow the thread. The stitch width in horizontal hook machines can reach 7 mm. The line is smooth and beautiful, as the bottom thread is removed without jerking. Sewing speed is high, and the course of the sewing machine is quiet and smooth. If there is a financial opportunity, then buying a machine with a horizontal shuttle would be a great solution.
In conclusion, we want to say that before buying you need detailed consultation of the seller. The last and most important recommendation is to choose a large store specializing in the sale of sewing equipment and accessories for sewing machines. We wish you happy shopping!