Sewing and embroidery machines: what are and how to choose?

One of the most popular and beautiful ways of decorating various clothes and fabric products has long been embroidery. If earlier it was carried out exclusively by hand, then with the development of scientific and technological progress, it became possible to carry out this operation more efficiently and quickly using special machines. We are talking about sewing and embroidery machines, which are the most technological devices that belong to the category of sewing equipment. They allow you to make sewing and embroidery activities and operations. Their application makes it possible to create amazing masterpieces. In this article we will tell you what they are and how to choose them.

Now let's talk a little about the characteristics of such a thing as a sewing and embroidery machine, in order to understand what will be really important when working with it. An important feature is the maximum dimensions of embroidery. This moment, which is done without rearranging the hoop, is determined by the value of the carriage stroke. And the embroidery width will be limited by the length of the block platform.

A number of manufacturers make hoop hoops for their models. Their essence is that they have several fasteners, because of which 50% of embroidery is first embroidered, after which the hoop is fixed on the second fastener and the other half is made. Naturally, for such hoops, you should prepare a drawing in advance by dividing it into parts in a special program.

It will not be a minus if the machine is equipped with embroidery designs of other manufacturers. That is, we are talking about the fact that these drawings will be hooped. But this will be relevant for those who need to embroider various products: bedspreads, clothes, paintings.But someone is only interested in embroidering logos or decorating children's clothing. Someone will need it to embroider inscriptions. Then a small hoop will be enough.

Another important characteristic is the reliability of fastening. If there is play, then a constant slight movement of the hoop will cause the embroidery details to move, and ultimately the pattern will be distorted. The larger the hoop size, the stronger the backlash will affect the accuracy. Most models on the market have hoops attached to one of the sides. Using this type of fastening greatly simplifies the embroidery module, but increases the risk of backlash.

The risk of its occurrence can be reduced by attaching the hoop at 2 points, but such fastening is a rarity that is unique to professional and industrial devices. So at this point you need to pay attention.

An equally important characteristic is the reliability of fixing the material in the hoop. If they hold the material poorly, then embroidery can begin to tighten the fabric and the result will be, to say the least, so-so.

It will also not be superfluous to check the rigidity of the hoop. If the fabric tension is too strong, they can be damaged, which makes reliable fixation extremely difficult. To increase their rigidity, a number of manufacturers simply reinforce them with special ribs.

The next characteristic is the quality of embroidery. This is probably the most important point. Of course, it depends on many factors, and it is not always possible to test one or another model in practice. But you can read the reviews of those who use them, and then even before acquiring the machine you like, everything will become clear.

An important point will be the method of transmitting information to the device. The most convenient is the use of USB devices. In most cases, it is easy to connect a flash drive to the machine. However, there are models to which you can connect a drive and even a device that allows you to establish a wireless connection with a PC. There are models that support not-so-common media like CompactFlash or PCMCIA cards.

The third group of models are those that use memory cards of a specially developed standard. When purchasing such devices, you should make sure that all necessary additional materials and devices are on sale.

Another category of devices uses a direct connection to a personal computer.

Another important characteristic is embroidery speed. It is clear that the higher this parameter is, the better. But technical specifications in this context are only one side. At this point, design complexity also affects. That is, the harder it is, the lower the speed. But you can verify this empirically. To do this, you can choose some kind of large one-color design, where long and short ties will be equally represented.

It should be said that sewing and embroidery machines are divided into various types and categories. If we talk about the principle of operation, then such devices are:

• freewheel;
• computer

The first category will require a certain skill and experience from a person. Here the principle of operation is somewhat similar to darning. And the performance of such models will be lower than analogs with computer embroidery. And using them is not as convenient as the second option.

But computer models are modern, almost fully automated devices. The role of man here is reduced to almost zero: he only needs to thread the thread and put the fabric in the work area. The processor-controlled program will do the rest.

Also, the considered category of technology is divided by functional features into embroidery and sewing-embroidery machines. The first category allows you to apply applique and embroidery on the fabric, and the second category combines both sewing and embroidery functions.

Such machines are single and multi-head. Single heads produce the desired actions with only one head, while multiheads carry out the application of several patterns at once. In addition, the presence of several heads allows you to do combined embroidery.

In addition, sewing embroidery machines can be:

• household or economy class;
• semi-professional;
• professional.

Households have a relatively small functionality, low speed, small dimensions, as well as a low price. Such models are perfect for use at home and for small jobs. To apply with their help any simple drawings and illustrations will not be a problem, but they can hardly perform complex tasks.

If we talk about semi-professional, then they are suitable for some not too large production or the creation of some designer exclusive products. Their speed of work, as well as a set of lines will be significantly higher than for models that are intended for use in everyday life.

Professional models are distinguished from others by the highest accuracy of operations, wide functionality, reliability, good quality and rather high cost. Such devices are bought only for production, since in all other cases their use is unlikely to pay off.

The first model for the house, which I want to say a little about - Husqvarna Designer Topaz 50. It belongs to the category of computer-controlled machines. There is a horizontal rotation shuttle. The model has an embroidery unit, a display, a needle threader, as well as a thread cutter and a needle position switch. In addition, Husqvarna Designer Topaz 50 has 261 types of sewing operations, it can do 9 types of loops, 5 embroidery alphabets, 150 embroidery motifs and 2 types of monograms. Power consumption of the model is 90 watts.

The next model of our rating is Brother Innov-IS V5. It also has computer control and a horizontal rotary shuttle. The model is equipped with an embroidery unit, a display, a needle threader, a sleeve platform, as well as an automatic thread cutter. In addition, there is the ability to connect the machine to a personal computer via a USB connector. Brother Innov-IS V5 has a knee lever for raising the presser foot, as well as the ability to sew in several directions. The maximum sewing speed here is 1050 lines per minute. If we talk about the number of sewing operations, then there are 531. The model can perform 14 different types of loops in automatic mode, 227 embroidery motifs and 17 embroidery alphabets. In addition, here you can make various types of lines:

• elastic secret;
• elastic;
• basting;
• secret.

The next model to be mentioned is Bernina Bernette Chicago 7. It also relates to computer-controlled devices with a horizontal rotary shuttle. There is an embroidery unit, a display, a needle threader, a special section for accessories and a needle position switch. It is possible to connect it to a computer via an existing USB connector. In addition, there is an electronic type puncture force stabilizer. If we talk about the number of sewing operations, then in this model there are 200 of them. She can automatically perform 10 types of different loops. In addition, it can do several types of construction projects and 2 types of embroidery alphabets.

Another model from Bernina that deserves attention - Bernina Aurora 1405. It is equipped with a vertical rotating shuttle. It has a particularly strong construction made of metal. There is a continuously adjustable speed with high quality sewing with a line width of 9 millimeters.

If we talk about the number of sewing programs, then in Bernina Aurora 1405 of them 163. In addition, there are 4 sewing alphabets along with the Cyrillic alphabet. There are also 9 button programs, 11 different needle positions and 7 precision clamping legs.

Another interesting sewing and embroidery machine is Pfaff Creative 1.5. It also has a computer control type and a horizontal rotation shuttle. There is also an electronic stabilizer of the approach force and regulation of the pressure of the legs on the fabric. In addition, the model has an embroidery unit, a display, a needle threader, a sleeve platform, an accessory section, a thread auto cutter and a needle position switch.

This machine weighs only 16 kilograms, its power consumption is 70 watts. Separately, it should be said about the presence of the upper fabric conveyor, the ability to turn off the fabric feed mechanism, sewing in several directions, the button size measurement mechanism and the reverse key. Note that there is a smooth adjustment of the sewing speed, and the maximum value of this indicator is 800 lines per minute. Besides, Pfaff Creative 1.5 can perform 7 types of different loops and 2 types of embroidery alphabets. She can also make 4 types of stitches.

Before purchasing sewing embroidery machines for home use or for patchwork, you must clearly determine the purpose of the purchase, financial capabilities, and also take into account the various characteristics and parameters of the model you are interested in. If we are talking about home use, then a household model will be enough. She will have, perhaps, not too wide functionality, but for the house it will be enough, and the price of equipment will be affordable. If we are talking about large volumes of work, then we should make a choice in favor of semi-professional and professional models.

If we talk about specific criteria, then you should pay attention to the following points.

• Screen type. It can be color touch or monochrome. And there are models that do not have a display at all, but they can be connected to a computer, on the monitor of which all the necessary information will be displayed.
• Size of field for embroidery.
• The number of needles. The number of colors that can be used for embroidery will depend on this criterion.
• The number of embroidery designs and sewing operations.
• Processor power. The quality and speed of the sewing embroidery machine will depend on this.
• Memory size. This indicator directly affects the number of patterns that the model can remember.
• Sketch compatibility. This characteristic allows the use of patterns that are developed by other manufacturing companies.
• Technique for saving drawings. Typically, these are methods such as Wi-Fi, drives, Bluetooth modules, or USB ports.

In general, this is just a basic list of features. Much will depend on the purpose of using this technique. Sometimes it’s not necessary to purchase even a combined model. It will be relevant if embroidery is carried out regularly, but sometimes it is also necessary to carry out sewing-type operations, when after decorating things, it is necessary to process or fix the element on clothes or products.And unnecessary functions will only increase the cost of the sewing-embroidery machine, but may remain unused. Here you need to understand that it is better to purchase a more expensive model with cheaper supplies and accessories than a cheap solution, but with expensive accessories.

See the next video for an overview of the sewing embroidery machine.