Sewing machines: features, functions, rating models

People who cannot imagine their life without sewing are well aware of what an overlock and a sewing machine are. Thanks to these devices for sewing, you can not only expand your capabilities in work, but also create a better product.

A sewing machine is the type of sewing equipment that is used to create flat elastic stitches that can stretch in length without distorting the product. This device does not have a bobbin case, like a conventional sewing machine, but the rest of the design is similar to it.

The main characteristics of the sewing machine:

• functioning with a different number of needles;
• manufacturing a wide, narrow, triple main seam;
• the presence of an automatic threading system;
• the sensitivity of the mechanism contributes to the selection of individual thread tension for each type of material;
• the ability to process slices, as well as perform decorative finishes.

A classic sewing machine is unable to efficiently cope with the processing of the edges of the product created by interweaving threads during the operation of the staff at the bottom of the machine. Such seams are called stitching. They have the ability not to burst when stretched, but to stretch in length.

According to the general classification the sewing machine can be household and industrial, with top cover and without it. The household appliance is suitable for home use or a small private workshop or atelier.Industrial stitching machines are used at a large industrial enterprise for mass tailoring. In contrast to the previous version, such industrial equipment has large dimensions. Also in its design there are adjusting units, thread tensioners, numerous racks and thread layers.

This equipment is used for sewing clothes, knitwear, bedding, as well as home textiles. They are necessary for sewing operations of specialization.

The sewing machine is capable of grind exclusively knitted elastic fabrics. This fact is considered the main difference between this technique and overlock. The latter are used for overcasting fabric edges, which prevents its breakdown into fibers. Overlocks, in turn, perform the functions of sewing machines and overlocks at the same time.

Users who are not in-depth familiar with the sewing technique may not be able to distinguish between the above units, since they are almost identical in appearance. To determine the overlock, you should pay attention to the sleeve - this device is small. You can distinguish between the sewing machine and the carpet by the sticker on which different seams are depicted. In the case of the image of the overcast seam, we can conclude that this is a carpet.

When buying a sewing machine, it is worth considering the speed of its work, capabilities, quality of seams. Many well-known manufacturers are ready to offer high-quality sewing equipment. The most popular of them are the following:

• Brother
• Janome;
• Minerva;
• Family
• Elna
• Merrylock
• Hew Home.

The following models have also proven themselves well.

• Janome Cover Pro 1000 CP. The unit weighs 8 kilograms, while it consumes power of 90 watts. The equipment is capable of performing 4 sewing operations. It works on the basis of 3 and 4 threads. The device has the ability to make 1000 stitches in 60 seconds.

• The Brother 2340 CV weighs 7 kilograms. The power consumption of the unit is 90 watts. This model is able to make a 2-, 3- and 4-thread seam. The machine has a removable platform and color marking. Brother 2340 CV has no threading.

• Minerva M2000 C. The product is made in Austria, it is able to perform 4 sewing operations. Makes seams of 2, 3, 4 threads. With a power of 120 watts, the unit produces 1100 stitches in 60 seconds. The advantages of this type of technology are its performance, and the disadvantage is the lack of gas station of needles and loopers.

• Janome Cover Pro 1000 CP. This machine is considered ideal for beginners in sewing who do not want to invest heavily in technology. The unit appropriately combines the necessary options and the lack of electrical control. Such equipment is inexpensive, while it has the ability to perform 4 sewing operations from 3- and 4-thread seams. To increase the capabilities of the machine, additional legs are attached to it. The advantages of Janome Cover Pro 1000 CP are the ability to work with different types of material, the production of high-quality flat seams, light weight and the presence of a removable sleeve.

• Family MasterLock 8000. This model is able to work effectively with 3 and 4 threads. In 60 seconds, the unit is able to make 1000 stitches. Thanks to the removable sleeve, the user will be able to handle the cuffs and collars beautifully and conveniently. The machine is suitable for working with any kind of fabric. Of the advantages of this model, high build quality, the presence of a stabilizer, the presence of color marking of threads are distinguished.The disadvantage of this type of technology, users consider the high cost, the lack of gas station thread and looper, as well as the display.

• Fujima 14 U557 - A compact model of a sewing machine that can operate in 20 modes. Thanks to the weaving of 2-5 threads, the seam is quite strong and neat. The unit works almost silently, processes materials with different thicknesses. This expensive model comes with a dustbin.

• Elna 444 - A professional model of high quality, characterized by reliability. The unit is able to work with a variety of materials, ranging from silk to artificial leather. The technique has 14 functions, makes the seams pretty neat. This type can be used not only by a professional dressmaker, but also by a beginning seamstress. The advantages of the Elna 444 include the ease of threading, low noise during operation, good performance and the presence of a looper gas station. Among the shortcomings can be identified the need for branded threads, as well as the lack of their gas station.

• Juki MF-7723-V10-B48 - This is a device that is characterized by high performance during the processing of knitwear with different thicknesses and textures. The technique is characterized by automatic lubrication of elements, as well as the presence of 5 threads in operation. The cost of this product is quite high.

The standard components of sewing equipment include paws, needles, threads.

Some models suggest the presence of a complete dust cover.

Sewing machines are currently considered quite popular, so many brands produce them. To make the right choice of sewing equipment for the home and atelier, you should pay attention to the following factors:

• number of threads;
• number of needles;
• the possibility of automatic refueling;
• tension option;
• speed of work;
• choice of modes;
• line width.

Many sewing machines operate with a small number of threads, namely from 3 to 5. It is better to opt for a 4-thread technique, since it is considered universal.

Paying attention to the number of needles, it is worth remembering that this criterion is directly related to the width of the stitch. If the work requires laying exclusively narrow stitches, then 2 needles will be quite enough. In a situation with wider seams, it is worth buying a sewing machine with 3 needles.

For professional sewing, automatic threading will be especially appropriate. This is due to the fact that the sewing technique consumes threads at high speed, as it stacks them with steppe stitches. The gas station simplifies the sewing process, in this case the user does not have to think about the threads running out quickly.

An important criterion when choosing a sewing technique is the method of tension. In units of low and medium cost, this procedure will need to be carried out manually. With automatic tension, low-quality threads may break. A seamstress is also worth considering what operations she will perform on her machine. For home use, do not buy equipment with wide functionality, since it costs a lot.

The best option can be considered a sewing machine that sews chain stitches 2.8-5.6 millimeters wide. On sale, you can also meet the unit with an increased range of widths up to 6 millimeters. Such machines allow you to organically and accurately process the clothes of an adult and a child. When buying sewing equipment Do not ignore the noise and how smooth the stroke of the working foot is.

Using a sewing machine seems difficult only until you get to know it in detail. First you need to thread the thread. This is done in the direction of the coils, namely from right to left.

When the lower thread is threaded, you can proceed to the upper needle thread. Fill up all available needles. After that, you can start using the sewing machine.

According to user reviews, damage to the unit is quite rare. The main cause of malfunctions is considered improper operation of the equipment.

The following are the most common causes of damage to the sewing machine.

• The unit does not turn on. The cause of this situation may be a failure of the power supply.
• Equipment skips stitches. This malfunction can be caused by poor setup of the equipment, as well as the use of inappropriate threads and needles.
• Needle breaks happenif their thickness does not match the characteristics of the fabric.
• Threads break off. Such a nuisance occurs with excessive tension of the upper and lower threads.
• High noise level during operation indicates the wear of parts, the need to replace them, as well as insufficient lubrication of equipment.
• The machine doesn’t sew well which is characterized by a heavy stroke, breakage of threads, skipped stitches, broken needles. If you find these problems, you should contact a specialist. Repairing broken equipment will cost much less than buying a new one.

Since knitwear is not easy to process fabric, to work with it is worth buying high-quality needles, threads, and correctly configure the unit. Needles should be selected with long tips, and it is better to choose a thread of textured or polyester type. Subject to the above rules, you can count on high-quality processing of jersey, stretch or superstretch fabrics.

Sewing machine is necessary for high-quality processing of fabrics. It can perform many functions, therefore, it is in demand both in the household and in the professional sphere. The surface-sewing machine is able to ease the efforts of the dressmaker when creating a quality product with correctly crafted edges, saving her time and effort.

An overview of the Janome Cover Pro 2000CPX sewing machine is shown below.