Tuesday 17 February 2015

Best Features to Look for in a Sewing Machine

Sewing Machine, best features to look for when choosing a sewing machine, lightweight or heavyweight, variety of stitches, free arm or flat bed, sewing machine feet, buttonhole feature, auto needle threader, auto tension
Sewing Machine
Before purchasing a sewing machine there are several considerations to take into account.  Besides the budget you have to spend and the space you have to put the machine in, you need to think about what you want to use the sewing machine for as this will have an impact on what type of machine and what features you need.

Why pay for an expensive machine with loads of features if you’re only going to use it for basic sewing projects?!  On the same note, if you intend to use your sewing machine for more advanced projects such as embroidery for example, then an entry level machine may not be the right choice for you.


Let’s take a look at some of the best features offered by sewing machines to help you decide what features you need for your particular projects :


Compact lightweight and portable sewing machines versus heavyweight machines

A compact lightweight and portable sewing machine is great if you are only likely to use the machine occasionally and haven’t got a dedicated space to leave the machine out permanently.  Think about what you would use the machine for, as if you are likely to be using the sewing machine to make things like quilts and blankets then a more heavyweight machine would be more suitable.


Free arm or flat bed

Most sewing machines come with both free arm and flat bed options with the ability to convert from one to the other.  Free arm makes it easier for you to sew smaller items such as sleeve cuffs whereas flat bed makes it easier to sew larger items.


Variety of stitches

Different sewing machines offer a variety of different stitches, ranging from around 10 basic stitches up to over 100+ stitches.  If you only need a sewing machine to perform basic sewing projects then 10 stitches will be enough.  However, if you are looking for a sewing machine to perform embroidery projects and decorative sewing, then you will be amazed at the great range of stitches some sewing machines can produce.  Some machines have a selection of built-in stitches that can be adjusted to your own needs if required.


Sewing machine feet

Different feet are available on some sewing machines which will help make performing some functions easier, such as:  decorative sewing foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, blind-stitch foot, presser foot.  If you are making your own clothes, then the buttonhole foot and the zipper foot are a must-have!  The blind-stitch foot is also valuable as it enables you to sew a hem without the stitching showing through on the outside of the garment.


Buttonhole feature

If you’re looking for a sewing machine to make your own clothes, then a machine with a buttonhole feature is a must.  Choose a machine with an automatic 1-step buttonhole feature for easy buttonholes.  Some machines will offer a variety of styles of buttonholes with auto-sizing.


Automatic needle threader

If you have difficulty trying to thread needles, then choose a sewing machine that has an automatic needle threader built in.  This is a great added feature that will save you from the frustration of trying to thread by hand and will save you time.


Drop-in bobbin

Many machines now come with a one-step drop-in bobbin system which places the bobbin and thread exactly where it’s needed without you having to worry about it.


Auto thread tension

Some machines come with auto thread tension which automatically adjusts the tension of the thread depending on the type of fabric you are sewing.  If you work with a lot of different fabrics then this will save you time from having to manually adjust the tension which some people find difficult to get quite right.

*Prices/discounts/shipping indicated correct at time of writing/publishing and may be subject to change anytime.  E&OE.





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