We have been receiving a lot of inquiries related to different parts of the sewing machines and how to operate a sewing machine, so we decided to write this guide to answer all the possible questions that a beginner sewist has in mind.
While writing this detailed guide on the sewing machine, we have kept in mind all those questions that we were asked regarding sewing machines. So this guide going to be very helpful for many people.
There are a lot of things that one needs to keep in mind before one starts with their first-ever sewing project.
If you are a beginner sewist, you need to know the types of sewing machines available in the market and what are the advantages of these different sewing machines.
There are different sewing machines made to serve special purposes apart from general sewing jobs.
For example, if you need to sew a thick material like denim or canvas, you’ll be needing a heavy-duty sewing machine such as SINGER 4423.
Similarly, if you need to automate a few functions, you will need a computerized sewing machine.
Types of Sewing Machines
So, there are different sewing machines to perform different tasks.
However, if we talk about the types of sewing machines, there are mainly three.
- Mechanical Sewing Machine
- Computerized Sewing Machine.
- Electronic Sewing Machine.
Let’s get to know more about each of these types of sewing machines.
Mechanical Sewing Machines
These are the most common types of sewing machines.
While they are easy to operate for some people because they find to have more control over the sewing machine, they have manual controls.
These types of sewing machines have big rotatory dials for controlling the thread tension, stitch length & width, and other things.
Most mechanical sewing machines are bulky and have the basic functions that one needs in a sewing machine.
This type of sewing machine is easy to operate and less costly than others.
For someone who just started to sew or wants to learn to sew, mechanical sewing machines are the ideal choice.
The mechanical sewing machines have manual controls and sometimes you need to experiment several times before you find the best settings that could give you the best stitches.
They are also easily repairable and durable as compared to other types of sewing machines.
The Mechanical sewing machines are inexpensive and don’t have many built-in stitches.
Also, they don’t have other special features like buttonholes. They are generally good for straight stitching.
Computerized Sewing Machines
Computerized sewing machines are advanced sewing machines that use the latest technology to perform different tasks easily.
They are feature-rich sewing machines that come with a lot of automatic features such as an automatic needle threader, automatic thread tension controlling system, automatic thread cutter, etc.
They are generally used in industries or factories where a heavy workload has to be handled.
The computerized sewing machines are connected to the computer via USB cable and import patterns.
They also come with design card slots to import patterns.
While they are complex to operate and suitable for expert sewists, sometimes they come out to be a good option for beginners because they have many automatic features that help beginner sewists do the tasks faster and without putting much effort.
Compared to mechanical /manual sewing machines, computerized sewing machines are bigger in size and have the ability to perform several other tasks than just sewing.
The computerized sewing machines have a lot of built-in stitches, automatic needle threaders, cutters, tension controllers, and free arm features for cuffs & sleeves.
They are expensive sewing machines and have a higher maintenance cost. Also, the repair cost of a computerized sewing machine is relatively very high.
They are futuristic sewing machines and some of the computerized sewing machines with multiple needles, big colored LCD touchscreen, reverse stitching, and multiple spool spinners for different colored threads.
The computerized sewing machines have push buttons or touch buttons instead of those big dials/ knobs of the mechanical sewing machines to control different features.
Electronic Sewing Machines
Electronic sewing machines have more features than mechanical sewing machines.
They can be used at home and may not be a good choice to use industrial units. They generally come with an on/off button to sew the clothes.
They are a combination of mechanical and computerized sewing machines.
So if you are looking for a not-so-complicated sewing machine with some features like a computerized sewing machine, electronic sewing machines are a good choice.
They aren’t as bulky as mechanical sewing machines and are easy to maneuver.
Some of the general features of electronic sewing machines are a Free Arm, LCD touchscreen with push buttons to select stitch design, automatic needle threader, reverse stitching, etc.
As far as the price of electronic sewing machines is concern, they are less costly than computerized sewing machines.
However, you need to spend more than a mechanical sewing machine to get an electronic sewing machine.
These are the most common types of sewing machines that one can get according to their requirements.
Apart from them, there is one more type of sewing machine called Serger or Interlocking sewing machine which is used for different purposes.
While it was the traditional classification of the sewing machines, we too have classified the sewing machines based on the purpose they are being used for.
- Sewing Machine for Beginners
- Sewing Machine for Quilting
- Embroidery Machines
- Heavy Duty Sewing Machines
- Combined Sewing Machines
Sewing Machine for Beginners
We have categorized sewing machines based on the skills of the users.
So, if you are new to sewing, you should go for sewing machines that are easy to operate and understand.
The sewing machines that are made for beginners generally have basic functions and they are inexpensive.
They generally have less number of built-in stitches and with the help of user manuals and videos on youtube, you can start learning to sew.
They aren’t complex and help you get started as quickly as possible. Some of the best sewing machines for the are:
- Brother CS6000i
- SINGER 7258
- Brother XM1010
- Janome 2212
Looking for the best sewing machine for beginners? See this post
Sewing Machine for Quilting
If you are looking for the best sewing machine for quilting, you should check out this section closely.
Quilting sewing machines are the ideal choice for someone who anticipates lots of quilting work.
Some of the beginner sewing machines that I’ve discussed above are used for quilting purposes as well.
So if you are a beginner and learning to quilt, you can consider purchasing them.
The sewing machines that are good for quilting generally come with a detachable extension table so that when you work on your quilt, you can attach it and remove it when you don’t need it.
There is no special quilting machine, some of the sewing machines which are used for fashion sewing can also be used for quilting purposes as well.
So if you feel that you will use your sewing machine for quilting purposes as well, go for the one that can be used for the same as well.
Some of the best sewing machines for Quilting are:
- Brother CS6000i
- SINGER 9960
- Brother SE400 & Brother SE600
- Brother HC1850.
Looking for the best sewing machine for Quilting? See this post
Embroidery Machines
The embroidery machines are used for decorating your project with different designs and patterns.
Such machines are expensive sewing machines and generally come with computer connectivity.
You can connect these machines to the computer and import designs that you have downloaded from the internet.
The sewing machines such as Brother SE400, and SE600 are good for regular sewing as well as for embroidery work because you can use them.
There are some models exclusively used for embroidery work such as Brother PE770, and SINGER Futura XL580.
So if you are considering buying your machine only for embroidery purposes, go for an embroidery machine else you can try the sewing machine which can be used for fashion sewing as well as for embroidery works.
Looking for the best sewing machine for beginners? See this post
Heavy Duty Sewing Machines
We have included the sewing machines which are used for heavy-duty tasks under this category.
Such types of sewing machines come with a metallic frame which offers the sewing machines sturdiness, stability, and durability.
Heavy-duty sewing machines are generally used in factories or industries where they need to stand long hours per day.
They are good for sewing heavy materials such as denim, canvas, etc.
Some people prefer buying a heavy-duty sewing machine for their home.
In that case, they can consider buying SINGER 4423, SINGER 4432, Brother ST371 HD, or Janome HD3000.
Looking for the best sewing machine for beginners? See this post
Combined Sewing Machines
While there are sewing machines that serve a single purpose, there are some other sewing machines that can be used for not just regular sewing but for embroidery or quilting works as well.
Hence, you will not be required to have two separate sewing machines for sewing, quilting, or embroidery work.
The sewing machines such as Brother CS6000i can be used for fashion sewing and quilting.
Similarly, Brother SE600 can be used for fashion sewing as well as for embroidery works.
The high-end combined sewing machines come with a lot of interesting features and computer connectivity that lets you import designs through a USB cable or a memory stick.
How to Use a Sewing Machine
While each sewing machine comes with a user manual that explains everything right from explaining their parts and how to use it, sometimes it becomes confusing and needs a complete guide on “How to use a Sewing Machine“.
