Understanding Today’s Sewing Machines and Choosing the Right One for You

Today’s modern sewing machines not only make the task easier, they can make even the novice seamstress look like a pro relatively quickly. There are a variety of options that weren’t available just a dozen years ago on the newer models that make tasks easier, provide smoother stitches and mean ease of operation and more fluid movement of the needle and other parts. There are three main types of modern sewing machine on the market today:

Electronic sewing machines are currently the most popular on the market with good reason. These have features such as dozens of automatic stitches and variable speed controls. More electronic sewing machines are sold than any other type in the United States, with Janome being the largest manufacturer. Take a look at www.allbrands.com where you can find a great deal on some of the best Janome models, including their DE-51244 for only $359.

For beginners or those who want a simpler machine for occasional sewing, visit www.sewingmachinesplus.com and look for some of the more basic mechanical sewing machines. The Rex Sewing Machine Plus Rx-3300 is on sale for only $149, and is a nice, easy-use machine. While mechanical machines still have a motor, they do not have automatic tension adjustment, but use manual adjustments for this and other elements such as stitch length, tension, etc.

Or, if you want to go straight to the high end, check out the Husqvarna machines. Usually reserved for industrial or professional use, this company does make some exceptional home sewing machines, including the Viking Lily 545 for $899.99 at www.acesewvac.com.

If you are looking for a good deal on a solid electronic sewing machine, you can save a good bit of money by shopping around. You can save 10-25% on the cost this way. Visit www.sewvacdirec.com for deals by being patient and checking prices every few weeks for a month or two. Also consider good reserviced sewing machines with a warranty.

Computerized sewing machines take the elements of an electronic sewing machine one step further and allow you to program in your own specifications because there is a computerized memory chip. You can therefore “customize” the machine by storing specific stitches or instructions into the memory. Often, computerized sewing machines are also the ones that are combination models that also have quilting or embroidery features.

One of the best manufacturers of computerized sewing machines is Pfaff – known for their exceptional machines that have a following with quilters. Pfaff sewing machines have adjustable foot pressure and a staggering array of specialized stitches on some of their higher end models and a “walking foot” that helps with feeding the batting material through the machine when quilting. Pfaff sewing machines range from the hundreds to well into the thousands depending on the complexity you are looking for, so do shop around. Amazon.com has a model called the Euro-Pro 9105 for $599, however, that has a variety of features including 33 stitch patterns, 3 styles of button holes and an LCD screen.

When shopping for an electric or a computerized sewing machine keep a few things in mind:

• How often will you be using it?
• Which features and functions are essential?
• Which features and functions are extras that you would like to have but aren’t absolutely necessary?
• What is the price range you are considering?
• How important is it that your machine is portable, or will you be able to keep it out permanently once you set it up?
• What types of materials will you be using when you sew? Will they be primarily cottons and blends, or will you be working with heavier materials?
• Will you be doing a lot of elaborate stitches?

Take each of these questions into consideration when making your decision about the type of machine you will need. Your investment should not be one you regret, either financially or because you purchase a sewing machine that doesn’t meet your needs.

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