Sewing Machines - Blog 2

One of the first questions I get is, what is the best sewing machine? Sewing machine companies make it difficult to know which is best for you due to the incredible variability in pricing.

I believe that the best machine is the one that can do the type of sewing that you plan to do. So, that leads me to ask, what type of sewing do you plan to do? Are you going to mend/repair your clothing, make your clothing, quilt, or make leather bags, or something else entirely?

There are two types of machines, industrial and home sewing machines. Think of it like this, industrial machines are designed to do one thing really well. For example, I have a straight stitch machine. This machine sews a straight line really well, and that is all it does. It sews through thick fabric like jeans, canvas, and leather with ease. It also sews through sequins and light-weight fabrics like chiffon and organza. Juki (TL series) and Janome (HD-9) both have a home sewing straight stitch machine that fits the bill if you are looking to sew a variety of projects and fabric weights. The down side? They don’t have a zigzag, blanket stitch, or button hole stitch. If you are looking for these features, you will have to purchase another machine. The TL Juki series is a really great machine for quilting, with the large throat space and the ability to sew many layers of fabric with ease. The learning curve isn’t too bad for these two machines.

Home sewing machines are designed to use at home with moderate use (depending on the machine) and they cater to the hobbyist. They can sew heavier fabrics but will require some assistance and often they say do not use these machines to sew heavy fabrics regularly. They are best suited for light to medium weight fabrics. They are often sold with several uses in one, an all in one type of machine. That can be incredibly useful if you plan to purchase one machine that has several uses.

So, now you know what you are going to sew. Which machine do you choose? I went down to my local sewing store and sewed with every machine I thought I might purchase. I looked at the interface and the learning curve associated. Most big brands have a video on just about anything you want to know. There are upwards of 30+ feet that you can purchase to customize your sewing along with 30+ stitches that you can use to embroider with or embellish your favorite shirt. The truth is, you probably won’t use many of those stitches. If you are looking for specific features in a machine, an all in one these are the features you are looking for:

1. A sewing machine store that services your machine. You’ll want to call your local store and make sure that they have someone who is able to work on your machine if it breaks or needs servicing.

2. A machine that matches your sewing needs. Is not too difficult for you to learn.

3. A machine that has an adjustable presser foot knob, or at least a foot that can adjust the pressure you are applying as you sew.

4. Knee bar, this helps with ergonomics while sewing and fatigue from adjusting the fabric. It moves the presser foot up/down with the movement of your knee.

5. Automatic thread cutter. This saves you from having to clip strings all the time.

6. Stitches you want to look for:

   1. A zigzag stitch (for knits),

   2. blanket stitch (for applique),

   3. overcast stitch (to secure the raw edge of fabric, acts like a serger to prevent wovens from fraying),

   4. button hole stitch,

   5. slip stitch (for a blind hem).

Things that don’t matter:

1. How fast it sews.

2. How much it costs.

Tips for Sewing:

1. Read your manual - this might be one of the most important things you do. This will teach you 3 basic things that prevent beginners from continuing to sew properly:

   1. thread your machine,

   2. thread your bobbin,

   3. insert your needle.

Maintain your machine. Your machine is like your car, if you do not maintain it, it will not sew the way it should. Some machines require oil, all machines require you to remove the lint in the bobbin area and under the face plate.

What brands of machine do I look for, is there a brand that is better than another?

The brands to look for are:

• Juki - I own a TL-18QVP straight stitch small industrial machine, it is the machine I sew on most frequently. The Juki line is overall great, they have both industrial and home sewing machines. I recommend Juki, they are reliable and user friendly. They also have machines in various price ranges. They do not price gouge their clients.

• Janome - I have a Janome Airthreader (overlock machine, it is wonderful!) They have machines in all price ranges and a reliable line. I recommend Janome for home sewing machines. They have pricey machines but you do not have to purchase an expensive machine to get a great Janome.

• Bernina - I have a Bernina 740. There are people who love Bernina, swear by them, love them. They are pricey and highly customizable. There is a bigger learning curve and their brand is overall more expensive. I don’t recommend for budget friendly, but they are good machines for heirloom sewing and highly detailed sewing.

• Singer - I have a 1954 singer, she is a straight stitch home sewing machine that I can sew leather on. I love this machine. I do not overall recommend the newest models of singer. If you find yourself wanting this brand, sew with it. They are a budget friendly machine. Overall, if you can pick yourself up an old singer they are a lot of fun to sew with. Very little learning curve and simple machines.

• Brother - I used to own a brother. It was my first machine and a great starter machine. They do not sell the one I had anymore. They are budget friendly but are not good for sewing heavy weight fabrics.