Even if the sewing machine is a very old instrument, it has survived through the ages and is today experiencing a real revival of interest. For the sake of creativity, for entertainment, but also for the sake of economy, more and more people buy a sewing machine to repair, create clothes and do decoration work. This trend has been accompanied by amodernization of machine models and awide variety of choices.
Choosing the right sewing machine is not easy and comparisons between models are sometimes difficult to make.
Our guide has been designed to help you and guide you in this choice according to your needs and your budget.
You will find below aselection of the models of a sewing machine which appear to us today the most relevant and advantageous on the market, but also advice to select the machine you need, understand its operation and maintain it. adequately to make it last.
What is the best sewing machine?
The variety of sewing machines on the market is great. There are simple and small, portable and professional with a good amount of accessories and adjustable parts. There are also manuals and digital, each with a set of features and functions that will help you exploit all your creativity in the world of sewing.
In the following comparative list, we include simple machines so that novices can learn to make home decorations or create and repair their garments, even the most complex and complete for professional use. With this, we hope to help you choose the ideal model you so desire.
1. Sewing Machine Singer Curvy 8770
No one surpasses it
This digital sewing machine has won the love of the users and with reasons to spare. It has Swift & Smart intelligent threading system with automatic threader and Drops & Sew automatic winding system to collect the threads faster.
In turn, you can adjust the width and length of the 225 types of stitches that includes more 6 styles of automatic one-step buttonholes. Includes even alphanumeric patterns so you can give that personal touch to your projects with a monogram.
It is not one of the most economical of our list, but includes up to towing teeth, 3 LED lights, free arm, easy transport cabin, double-needle, 25-year warranty and much more. It is incredibly complete and useful even for professionals.
2. ANSELF SM-202A Sewing Machine
The most economic
It is the most affordable mechanical sewing machine on our list and, regardless of its price, it has excellent features. Offers double thread sewing and a straight stitch. It also has an automatic winding and easy replacement of the upper thread.
In turn, it is easy to thread the needle in this machine, it also allows you to adjust the speed of the stitches to low or high and has a pedal to choose if you adjust the pressure manually with the foot.
This small machine is even portable since its size and light-weight allow you to move it easily. If you want a good quality device without spending a lot, this is the right one.
3. Sewing Machine Alfa STYLE 40
Elegant and powerful
Alfa brand brings us this powerful manual sewing machine with a strong motor to sew up jeans or jeans and thick fabrics that allow you to take the belt to your pants without difficulty. It has 31 different stitches and 4-step buttonholes for you to work on any type of project and unleash your creativity.
It also has LED light to improve visibility, a rigid metal structure that guarantees good quality and durability, as well as presser foot and metal spool holders. Accessories also include thread cutter, automatic feeder, an analogue stitch indicator and adjustable foot.
It is available at a fairly good price and also allows to work with quilting and embroidery projects.
4. Bernette Sew B38 Sewing Machine
Great price-value ratio
It is a computer model that is really worth its price. It has a total of 197 styles of stitches, alphanumeric design, 7 styles of 1-step buttonholes, speed control, automatic threader, 15 needle positions and also allows to make decorative seams up to 7mm wide.
It has a memory that allows you to store different configurations and combinations, as well as a cap for the needle and start and stop functions of the seam. In turn, it has a built-in LED light to improve the vision of the workspace and free-arm function.
This convenient sewing machine is ideal for making quilts and for decorating and fashion enthusiasts.
5. Brother FS40 40-Stitch Electronic Sewing Machine
Versatile and convenient
For us, it is the product par excellence which brings together all the qualities for aperfect and very versatile sewing machine.
The Brother FS40 sewing machine has an extremely wide range of programs and really covers all your sewing needs. The 40 sewing stitches available (special hemstitch, special stitch for elastic fabrics, for overcasting, and thick fabrics), the large number of decorative and embroidery
stitches, the 5 different buttonhole stitches and the 7 feed dogs fabric makes it possible to do everything and means that there are practically no impossible tasks.
The stitch lengths and widths are adjustable and you can also adjust the thread tension. In addition, areverse and reinforcement stitches are available to make very solid seams. Finally, a free arm function makes it easier to sew cylindrical shapes (sleeves and bottom of pants).
6. Toyota 34B Super Jeans Sewing Machine
Improved power and versatility
The Japanese brand Toyota not only makes good vehicles but also makes excellent sewing machines. This mechanical model has 34 sewing programs, 4 different buttonhole styles, zigzag stitches, extended and decorative, improved visibility of the needle, includes 5 needles for leather and 10mm presser foot.
It is easy to thread the upper thread and the stitches are adjustable in width and length. Now, keep in mind that in these Toyota machines you can only use Toyota accessories. Fortunately, the stamp and presser kits of this brand can be easily found.
This model can be home and even for professionals since it is easy to use, it is silent and also has a good power motor for thick materials.
Why buying a sewing machine?
Sewing machines are one of those ideal tools to let our creativity and self-sufficiency flow. A good machine allows you to create perfect garments for you from scratch or even alter those that you bought and loved but that was simply not perfect in every sense of the word. Also, the pleasure of creating things with your own hands is a great thing about sewing machines.
At the same time, being able to sew your clothes, that button that went out of your shirt or takes the ring to your children’s pants before your first day of classes can be expensive. A sewing machine saves that expense, since, while it will take time, it is a good source of savings. You can even let your creativity flow and make that Halloween costume that your children so much want.
The different types of sewing machines
There are two types of sewing machines. There are mechanical or manual and computerized. The former gives a feeling older school and have tremendous durability, but the truth is that they are not as fast and simple to operate as the latter.
Mechanics or manuals
They are perfect for children and beginners as they are much easier to use than digital ones and have many fewer options for sewing and patching. In fact, even if it seems contradictory,
A good sewing machine of this type offers between 12 and 14 different stitches.
Computerized
They have LCD screens to select different functions, configurations and types of stitches and this is why some users see them as easier to use than manual sewing machines. In turn, the results tend to be more accurate and predictable with these digital machines.
In this category, sewing machines are capable of offering hundreds of different stitch options and some even have USB input to import styles and designs downloaded from the Internet.
How to choose the best sewing machine
The most important thing to keep in mind before buying a sewing machine is the type of work you want to do and the budget you have. That said, sewing machines come in a fairly varied price range and are designed for different sewing specialities.
There are small and portable to carry anywhere, as well as professionals who are perfect for working with heavier materials such as leather, shoes, handbags and bags. In turn, one that has quilting and embroidery capabilities will be more expensive.
Then, everything you need to keep in mind before choosing your ideal model:
Capacities for sewing
There are a variety of functions that affect the effectiveness of your sewing machine. Having many stitch patterns, and the possibility of adjusting the length and width of them will allow you to add personality to your projects and make more elaborate and better-decorated creations.
Speed
This is measured in stitches per minute (SPM). For large and complex projects, a machine that can give about 750 is preferable. In fact, some models allow adjusting the speed and tension, which will allow you to configure your machine to work with each type of fabric that you use in your projects.
Buttonhole styles
Having a variety of styles and a proper way to make them is essential to make dresses and other types of garments. The one-step only need the action of the machine without human intervention, while those of four steps need you to operate your device in a specific way.
It is important that your machine has several styles of buttonholes so you can add any type of button to your garments, as well as double-needle to be able to take uniform wheels.
Automaticity
Many models offer needle threading, cutting and winding machines. All automatic. This will help you finish your projects more quickly and efficiently. It does not matter if you have vision problems, because these comfortable functions will do a lot of the work for you.
Design
Most have adjustable heads to be able to sew in any direction, while those of better quality have input coils.
Also, look for a model that allows free-arm sewing and add extension tables to work with garments of any type and size. In turn, having a knee lifter will allow you to adjust the pressure without having to use your hands. Finally, there are models with light to improve visibility.
accessories
The accessories help make a greater diversity of projects easier and faster. A common accessory on any sewing machine is the presser foot, which allows you to adapt to many types of projects.
Some machines include needles, lids for the reels, screwdrivers, seam rippers and cleaning brushes for your convenience. Also, if your machine will spend a lot of time without use, it is advisable to keep it under a dust cover.
Support
With so many parts and accessories, you’re going to need a sewing machine with a good and solid guarantee, since there are electrical parts and accessories that usually have short warranties.
For maintenance, the manual of your machine will bring instructions. Anyway, there are tutorials and forums where they explain the most complicated procedures. Look for a brand with good online support.
How to maintain your sewing machine?
The first thing to do is to read the manual for your machine and follow the maintenance instructions there. But we can also identify some good practices to adopt.
Equip yourself for example with afine and clean brush and pass it after each use on all the equipment of your machine: needle, crowbar, claws. Thus you will remove all the fluff that has formed and the thread debris. Do not hesitate to vacuum (a table model will be fine) from time to time.
Once or twice a year you will have to oil your machine. It is important to do this because the mechanisms can easily seize up without lubrication. To do this, brush the mechanisms with a suitable oil (non-corrosive and non-colouring). Leave for a few tens of minutes and clean with a dry cloth. Make sewing stitches on unimportant fabric to remove the last traces of oil from the needle.
What problems can you encounter with a sewing machine?
Your manual is also important to give you directions for troubleshooting. This varies from brand to brand and depending on the model. But you will find below alist of simple problems, which you may encounter, with the diagnosis you can associate with it as well as its remedy.
- Your machine skips stitches: the needle is not adapted to the fabric and it must be changed.
- The thread is like a loop or does not stretch: you have the wrong tension of the upper thread. Also, clean the two tension discs.
- The upper thread makes tendrils: the bobbin is badly mounted or not adapted to the fabric. Tighten the case with a screwdriver or change the bobbin
- The stitches are irregular: the bobbin is badly wound.
- The upper thread breaks: change the needle because it is probably worn
- The bobbin thread breaks: it is incorrectly threaded.
- The fabric wrinkles:the presser foot has poor pressure and is improperly adjusted, or improperly positioned.
Finally, do not hesitate to take your machine to an authorized repairer for an annual service. It’s a low investment and a great way to make your sewing machine last for years!
