Not all, but most of the users are confused before investing in the right kind of machine. Therefore, many seamstresses heavily rely on the information provided on the web to decide about the right machine that will suffice all their needs.
However, with so many machines available at the market, one might get absolutely confused to pick up the right one.
Thus, we decided to dedicate an entire blog that stresses on the different type of sewing machines known to the sewing world.
Basically, there are two different types of sewing machines which are further subdivided into several other types.
The two main types of sewing machines are Industrial Sewing Machines and Domestic Sewing Machines. These machines are categorized according to the place of their use.
There is a vast difference between the construction of the machines which make them highly variable to one another. Also, the functions and features that come along with these machines are very much different from one another.
Different Type of Industrial Sewing Machines
Industrial sewing machines are designed and constructed in such a way that these machines stand the test of time even after rigorous work done with it. Thus, the built-in quality is given the top-most priority.
Also, these machines are capable of going through the hardest of fabrics without creating a fuss or breaking down. To break that down in simple words, these machines are more tough, advanced, and powerful than the regular domestic sewing machines.
To top the quality of the construction of the machine, most of these machines are equipped with several advanced features that give you the extra edge and options while undertaking a project.
Industrial sewing machines are comparatively larger in sizes compared to the domestic sewing machines. Because of the high-efficient features and strong built-in quality, these machines are also on the costlier side of the price. That, somehow, has a lasting effect on the price of the industrial machine.
There is a wide fleet of industrial machines available at the market. These machines are mainly categorized into:-
- Post Bed Sewing Machines
- Flat Bed Sewing Machines
- Cylinder Bed Sewing Machines
- Free Arm Sewing Machines
These machines are different from each other because of its needle post and the varied design of the arm. In most of the cases, the companies use high-quality metals in the construction of these machines.
Let us discover more about the four different type of industrial sewing machines mentioned above.
1. Post Bed Sewing Machines
Post Bed Sewing Machines are constructed to be fitted on the industrial sewing table with an external motor.
Both the parts that are required to attach to the machine are sold separately and do not come with the machine. It is designed to stitch 3-dimensional products like hats, caps, purses, and bags.
The vertical column of these machines is generally 10-45 centimeters high from the flatbed of the sewing table. Most of the parts like bobbin and feed dogs are placed vertically on such kind of machines.
2. Flat Bed Sewing Machines
These machines, more or less, look like the traditional sewing machines. They have an extended needle and the arm which is similar to the regular domestic machines.
They are used to sew basic flat fabrics and undertake simpler projects.
3. Cylinder Bed Sewing Machines
It is a complete contradiction to the flatbed sewing machines as it has a very narrow and horizontal column. Therefore, the fabric makes its way under and around the column.
It can be used to make cylindrical projects like cuffs, shoes, and saddle bags. The size of the cylinder can vary from 5 centimeters to 16 centimeters.
4. Free Arm Sewing Machines
Free arm machines are used to sew circular projects like cuffs, sleeves, t-shirts, etc. These machines usually come with an accessory that can convert the machine to a free arm machine or a flatbed machine according to your choice and requirement.
The free arm provided with the machine usually does the job of holding the bobbins, shuttle, and feed-dog.
One can sew through by inserting the fabric around the arm to give you the extra edge while you sew circular assignments.
Domestic Sewing Machines & Its Types
The machines which are entitled to accomplish household projects are known as domestic sewing machines. These machines are generally built with plastic and nylon polymers.
The speed of the machine isn’t that great compared to the industrial sewing machines. However, one can have a lot of features on a single machine which is not the case in the industrial sewing machines.
The fact that these machines are targeted for domestic use, they have a motor which heats up after rigorous work.
Industrial machines are utterly useless for domestic use as they are very heavy which makes them less portable.
So if you think that those machines can complete your work faster, think twice, because once placed, it will consume a lot of time to be moved.
Just like the industrial sewing machines, even the domestic sewing machines are categorized into 4 different types, viz.
- Manual Sewing Machine
- Computerized or Automatic Sewing Machine
- Over Locker Sewing Machine
- Electronic Sewing Machine
As the names suggest, all these machines are powered differently. While some rely on pedaling, few machines work on the dynamics of electricity and few are completely battery-based.
All these machines can carry out the basic task of sewing but differ largely in terms of the features offered.
1. Computerized or Automatic Sewing Machine
These machines are few of the most advanced type of machines known to the sewing world. They do not have the fussy dials or buttons.
Instead, these machines are equipped with an LCD or LED touch screen which allows selecting the required features with just a few touches.
Also, these machines are very précised about their working and never give you a variable stitch length.
Few of these machines even have a USB port or a Wi-Fi connection so that you can connect your machine to the computer to download or add some extra needed features.
These machines are packed with valuable features which smoothen your sewing experience. With so many advanced features that come with it, it surely ends up on the higher side of the price.
2. Manual Sewing Machines
The machines that are completely dependent on the pedaling of the seamstress. Therefore, the motor doesn’t jam up quickly which makes it more preferable for those who look out for durability.
No electricity or battery is required to run the motor which makes it cost-effective. They come in with very basic features and do not provide a huge variety of the computerized machines. Many new learners are inclined towards these machines due to the simpler functions.
3. Over Lock Sewing Machines
The machines mainly used to create seams, hems, and edges are known as overlock sewing machines. They are also called Sergers in some parts of the world.
They are used to sew over the borders of a cloth or two and create mistake-free edges.
Most of these machines have a designated cutter inside them, so that cut the edge while creating a flawless seam. They tend to have great speeds and are mostly used in industries.
4. Electronic Sewing Machines
The machines that derive power from the single motor and transfers it to the needle by applying the desired pressure on the foot pedal are known as electronic sewing machines.
There is a designated dial which helps you select the type and the length of the stitch. Also, there are several other features that attract the audiences towards it.
Apart from the above-mentioned machines, there are a few other machines that are categorized according to their versatile functionality and features. The other type of machines include:-
- Overedging Sewing Machine
- Embroidery Sewing Machine
- Buttonhole Sewing Machine
- Double Needle Sewing Machine
- Bar Tacking Sewing Machine
- Button Attachment Sewing Machine
- Lock Stitch Sewing Machine
5. Embroidery Sewing Machine
The machines used to make intricate embroidery designs on given fabrics are called as embroidery sewing machines. Most of the embroidery machines are fully computerized and come with an LCD or LED touchscreen.
Even though the embroideries done with hands are more favored, the machine work is more used due to its time-saving abilities.
People even use the zigzag stitch in the machine to create embroideries. However, with the introduction of the dedicated embroidery sewing machines, the usage of such machines has been reduced to a greater extent.
There are three different types of embroidery machines available at the market. These three types are:-
- The ones that come with very limited options
- The ones that give you the freedom to design your own embroideries.
- The ones that allow you to download and transfer the designs using a computer.
6. Over Edging Sewing Machine
Overedging sewing machines are nothing but another version of the overlock sewing machines.
These machines are used to sew over the borders of one or two pieces of fabrics. Also, they cut and seal the edges automatically with the help of the cutters present in the machine.
However, not all machines have the inbuilt cutters. These machines run at a faster speed than in comparison with the regular or other types of machines.
These machines have lesser functions and features than compared to the regular sewing machines. They require 2-9 threads and several needles to create an overcast stitch.
Overedging sewing machines can prove fruitful when used as a supplement to your regular sewing machine.
It cannot replace your basic sewing machines as the serger specializes in creating borders and giving them a well-finished look.
7. Buttonhole Sewing Machine
Before the invention of the multifunctional sewing machines, seamstresses had to use the different machine to make buttonholes. These machines were called buttonholer sewing machines.
However, with time, almost all machines started offering the buttonhole option to the users which added to the versatility of it.
These newly produced or invented machines give several buttonhole options which have eradicated the dedicated buttonhole sewing machines completely.
8. Double Needle Sewing Machine
The machines that allow you to use two needles and two bobbins at the same time are called double needle sewing machines. In common terms, they are also known as twin needle machines.
These machines are mainly used for decorative stitching. They sew in a parallel line of lock stitch. The distance between the two needles can be adjusted according to your requirements.
9. Bar Tacking Sewing Machine
Hiding the flaws of a garment or covering the torn part with a stitch is called bar tacking. Bar tacks provide a good strength to your product.
Hence, this method is used for sewing corner of the pockets, joining belt loops, and at the end of fleece blankets and zippers.
This method can also be done by hand by using a lot of zigzag stitches or whip stitches on the required area. Any machine that provides a zigzag stitch is safe enough to be called as a bar tack sewing machine.
10. Button Attachment Machine
The machines used to attach buttons to the desired fabric are known as button attachment machines.
Most machines with buttonhole feature an automatic button attaching options can be qualified to be termed as the button attachment machines.
When the features provided by these machines are not available in one of your machines, you can always depend on the lock stitch or the normal stitch to attach the buttons.
11. Lock Stitch Sewing Machine
Most of the machines known to the sewing world are equipped with the lock stitch. It is the most basic and common mechanical stitch found on every machine.
It is called as a lock stitch because of the use of two threads that lock together before they pass through the hole in a fabric. In most cases, you’d find a lock stitch in the center of the thickness of the material.
Pros and Cons of Manual or Mechanical Sewing Machines
There could be n number of factors that make a sewing machine good or bad. In most of the cases, it completely depends upon the choice of the user in context to their overall use.
Therefore, we decided to take a closer look at the pros and cons of mechanical sewing machines. This guide would make your selection process easy, and help you to select the perfect sewing machine.
Advantages of Manual Sewing Machines
Cost
Manual Sewing Machines generally tend to end on the lower side of the cost. These are the cheapest options available in the market when compared to the other sewing machines.
Therefore, they are very much preferred by entry-level seamstresses and people who want to learn the art of sewing.
Low at Maintenance
Due to the absence of electronic circuits and motherboards, it is very easy to understand the mechanics of the manual machines.
Thus, there are hardly any software issues with this kind of machines making it very pocket-friendly to maintain.
Many of the seamstresses are attracted to manual machines because of its simplicity and lower cost of maintenance.
Powerful & Effective
Although these machines are not electronically powered, they can provide excellent results. Also, they are durable and can easily stand the test of time.
Most of these machines have a strong built-in quality and have the capability to complete most of the projects thrown at them.
They are inherited with almost all basic stitches which can make your sewing experience even smoother.
Disadvantages of Manual Sewing Machines
Lack of options
These machines have all the basic stitches required to complete a project. However, they are deprived of n number of features that come with the automatic or electronically powered machines. They do not have a good number when it comes to built-in stitches and automatic buttonholes.
Settings can be a little tough to manage
Well, nothing can compete with the ease that LED or LCD touch-screens provide to its users. Thus, with the mechanical sewing machines, it can get difficult to attain the right settings.
However, one can select the desired options just within a few touches on the LED screens. Also, manual machines don’t have the features like automatic threader and automatic thread cutter which makes it very frustrating for the first time user.
Most of the newbies heavily depend on the machines to do most of the work. Thus, manual machines are not recommended for the people who want machines to ease their sewing experience.
Advantages of a Computerized Sewing Machine
Technology to the Rescue
Computerized sewing machines are packed with several features that ease the sewing process. Also, they have innumerable built-in stitches and automatic buttonholes to add to the efficiency of the machine.
Features like automatic threader and automatic thread cutter make these machines even more effective.
Computerized machines are more power packed and give a much-précised finish to the project. At no point of time, they skip any stitches and vary with the stitch length. Many of them have a locking stitch which gives a neat look to the undertaken project.
Built-in Stitch Options
Unlike mechanical sewing machines, computerized sewing machines have a wide fleet of built-in stitch options. Some of these machines come with as many as 100 options.
Therefore, it qualifies a good choice for seamstresses who love to customize their projects in the desired way. This gives endless possibilities to the user to create intricate designs.
Making Buttonholes Were Never This Easy
It is the easiest procedure to make buttonholes from the computerized sewing machines. All one has to do is place the fabric below the presser foot, and it’s done.
This is way too easier than compared to the mechanical sewing machines. Therefore, it makes a great choice for the seamstresses to save time and create wonderful mistake-free designs.
Better Control for Better Results
One can easily control the speed of the machine according to one’s mastery. They provide better control and efficiency than the manual machines. Also, things are a lot easy to understand and execute in the computerized sewing machines.
Disadvantages of a Computerized Sewing Machine
With plenty of options come plenty of confusion
Computerized sewing machines have so many different features that it may prove hectic to someone who is looking for a simpler machine.
Most of the offered features go unused by the entry-level seamstress. Thus, it is utterly worthless to shelve that extra amount of money on the features that won’t be used by you.
Durability is a Major Concern
Not only sewing machines but all electronically powered equipment have a lesser shelf life than most of the mechanically powered ones.
Although, many companies provide a warranty for 25 years. But take that into considerations, one changes his machine to try out new features.
So the machines that last a lifetime is a myth. Therefore, even if these machines have a shorter life span, they are safe enough to be purchased.
Higher on the price
With all the provided features, it is quite obvious for the producers to market these products at a higher price.
They are way too costly when compared to the regular mechanical sewing machines. Thus, one needs to pay attention to the prices and the features offered closely before jotting down on a machine.
Computerized machines of known brands like Janome and Brother can burn a hole in your pocket around $500 and more.
With this, we conclude our blog concerning the different type of sewing machines known to the sewing world. Also, we mentioned the in-depth analysis of the sub-types, pros, and cons of these machines.
The market is full of options with different kind of innovative machines appealing the seamstresses every other month.
Therefore, it gets necessary for the users to know about each of its types before planning to buy a sewing machine.
In case, we have missed out on any type of sewing machine, you can mention it in the comments section below, and we’d be happy to review and write about it in our next blog.
So considering the features used, the amount of money you want to spend on it, and other related factors, you can choose a machine that suffices all your sewing needs and helps you create desirable projects.
