Steffani Lincecum - Sewing Machine Magic: Make the Most of Your Machine

All sewing machines do the same thing: they join layers of fabric together by inserting threads between them. As you explore different kinds of machines, youll find that most machines add a variety of unique features to this basic function. The key to determining the best machine for you is knowing which of these extra features you need or want.

Just like other appliances and even cars, there are many manufacturers that sell several types of sewing machines. Every brand usually sells all levels of machines, from entry level and less expensive basic machines, to intermediate machines with more features, to high-end machines that are more expensive, with more elaborate features.

Different brands are known for different things, and youre bound to hear lots of opinions when you start researching. Choose the brand that feels right when you take it for a test drive. And, be sure to purchase your machine from a friendly, helpful sewing shopone that is available if you run into problems, offers classes, and, of course, provides general maintenance. Because youll probably find your favorite brand, lets, for our purposes, assume that all brands are equal and just look at the various features youll want to consider.

There are three main types: mechanical, electronic, and computerized. There are also machines with features designed specifically for decorative sewing and quilting enthusiasts.

Mechanical machines are the basic workhorses of the sewing world. They perform the functions that the average sewist needs and are usually the most affordable. You choose different sewing functions on these machines by moving mechanical levers and dials. On some mechanical models, you can move the needle position to the left or right, in varying degrees. You can also make manual buttonholes on most models, but youll need to mark the size of the buttonhole on the fabric and then move the stitch dial to form the buttonhole.

Electronic machines fall in the middle of the field, both in price point and in number of special features. Some features include the ability of the machine to stop in a needle up or needle down position and to adjust the needle position in small increments for really precise sewing. Electronic machines have more decorative stitches than mechanical machines do, including stitches that are programmed and stored in the machines memory. They can also stitch small letters and numbers in a line of decorative stitching, combine decorative stitches, and store those sequences. They also have a selection of automatic buttonholes, requiring no manual adjustments. These are great features to have, especially if youre doing a lot of garment sewing where you need precise needle position for topstitching or needle-down position for accurate corners and curves like those in shirt making and tailoring. Controlling stitch length and width, stitch selection, and even changes in tension settings are done by interacting with buttons or directly on a small screen, instead of with mechanical dials and levers.

Computerized machines, also called embroidery machines, are the top of the line. They have all the utility stitches, decorative stitches, memory capacity, and needle-position features of the mechanical and electronic machines, but the computer in these machines allows the user to stitch very complex embroidery designs. They can be programmed to stitch letters and numbers, as well as monograms and words much larger in scale than those stitched on electronic machines. These designs are stored in the machines memory or can be downloaded from another computer or stored on a USB stick.

Computerized machines with advanced embroidery capabilities are compatible with separate embroidery design software that allows you to create your own designs. They come with various hoops that hold your work in place and usually a separate embroidery unit with an arm that moves the hoop back and forth while the needle works in decorative and zigzag patterns to create the designs. These designs can be much larger than the single rows (up to /" [8.5 mm] wide) of stitching you get with an electronic machine. Some computerized machines have feeding mechanisms that not only feed forward and backward but also sideways, allowing what are called Maxi Stitch patterns up to 2" (52 mm) wide!

Any of these machines can be used for quilting, garment sewing, tailoring, and repairs. Some are designed specifically for quilters and have unique features, such as a larger space between the needle and the upright part of the machine (called harp space) to maneuver large, bulky projects. They also have stitches that replicate hand stitching and come with accessories such as free motion feet (see ).

Characteristics of Sewing Machines

MECHANICAL MACHINES

Most affordable

Most utility stitches

Some stretch stitches

Limited decorative stitches

Multistep, manual buttonhole

Levers or dials for needle position, stitch width, stitch length

ELECTRONIC MACHINES