Sewing Machines

Are you looking for a new sewing machine? Maybe it’s your first or you need a basic model for the odd job. Find the best sewing machine to suit your abilities and needs in our guide!

Basic Mechanical Sewing Machine Features

• Good for beginners or the occasional user.
• Often lightweight and easily portable.
• Basic buttonholing. Either manual or 4-step self measure.
• Often have front load bobbin case (manually inserted).
• Limited stitch range, up to 20 functions but often less than 15.
• Limited versatility, often has pre-set stitch widths for most utility stitches. Limited extra feetavailable.

Advanced Mechanical Sewing Machine Features

• Recommended for those who like to make some of their own clothes or have a limited budget but require a solid, reliable machine.
• Often lightweight and portable.
• Good range of practical stitches with good stretch sewing options. Usually 15 plus stitches.
• Frequently have an advanced bobbin set-up, forgiving of small mistakes in set up.
• Full mechanical control over stitch variations.
• Can have different speed settings with either hi/lo switches or a knob on the machine.
• Usually has 1 step auto measuring buttonholes.
• Usually have pressure adjustments for presser foot.
• Often has a wider range of accessories or feet available.
• Easily serviced with more likelihood of long-term parts availability.

Electronic & Computerised Sewing Machine Features

• Recommended for serious sewers, patch workers and craft addicts.
• A little heavier than mechanical machines. Holds the table well.
• Have electronic motors and/or foot controls. More control and greater speed control sensitivity.
• Usually have excellent ranges of both practical and decorative stitches—at least 30 but up to 250.
• Reliable thread tension and bobbin set-up.
• Electronic controls offer accurate set-up and greater versatility.
• Often have a number of different buttonhole programs.
• High-end machines offer alphabets, with many including different fonts.
• Most have full pressure adjustments on presser foot.
• Usually supplied with a comprehensive range of feet.
• Will often have in-built suggested settings for each stitch.
• Some come with knee lift for pressure foot for quicker turns.
• Most feature one-touch needle up/down buttons and some form of automatic lock-off stitch.
• Some models have flat beds with good space to the right, ideal for patch workers and
  quilters.
  

Embroidery Machine Features



• Recommended for those who want the whole package.
• Larger and heavier. Easily transported with a roller case.
• Fully electronic, usually top specification equipment and electronics.
• Excellent range of built-in stitches in most cases, with many having good in-built embroidery patterns as well.
• Multi buttonhole, darning and other automatic functions.
• Frequently have large touch screens for easy stitch selection and information.
• Usually have in-built instructions and troubleshooting guides.
• Updates frequently available with manufacturers often providing yearly improvements.
• Depending on model, embroidery might range from 100x100mm up to 360x240mm. However, this seems to increase every year.
• Usually have full range of feet for most functions.
• Most have auto-thread cutters. Needle up, down and pivot features. Many have knee lifters. Most have low bobbin sensors. All have thread break sensors.
• Some have side motion in normal stitching for oversized stitching.
• All have fully automatic thread tensions with the option of override if necessary for difficult fabrics.
• Many are now connectable to PCs for updates and download of different embroidery patterns.