If you’ve ever wondered what a free arm sewing machine is, we can help. This guidebook will explain what exactly free arm sewing machines are. We’ll also look at some of the device’s advantages and disadvantages compared to other types of sewing machines, explain how you can choose the right free arm sewing device, and provide you with some of our top picks.
So, What Exactly is a Free Arm Sewing Machine?
So, What Exactly is a Free Arm Sewing Machine? There are several mechanisms that work together to allow a sewing machine to create a stitch. If you’ve used a sewing machine, you’ve probably noticed how the shuttle, bobbin, needle, and feed dog all work in unison to create the stitches needed to sew and hem fabrics.
With a free arm sewing machine, the area that houses these mechanisms extends outward in a way the user can manipulate the fabric around the area they’re working on. This extended arm is all about convenience, as it gives the operator more room to work with, and the platform won’t be in their way.
Most of these machines have a removable plate equipped with the arm. The plate can be snapped on or off, so the user has the convenience of a flat-working surface for stitching flat pieces of fabric or a free arm when they need greater mobility.
Snapping the plate off and turning the machine into a freearm configuration is especially useful for stitching cylindrical pieces, such as trouser legs, cuffs, and sleeves, as you can slide the tube around the small profile of the free arm and position the exact part you want under the needle and presser foot.
What are the Advantages of Using a Free Arm Sewing Machine?
Free arm sewing machines allow you to easily work on cylindrical items, which are some of the most difficult things to sew.
Rather than fighting with your cylindrical fabric, you can just slide the surface plate away and pull the materials around the housing. This also gives you the freedom to rotate the fabric so you can sew all the way around it.
Free arm sewing machines are also useful for detail work. Really, any work that needs to be precisely adjusted will be easier on a less bulky machine.
Free arm sewing machines are most beneficial for these garment tasks:
- Pant and trouser legs
- Jacket sleeves
- Dress shirt and suit cuffs
- Seats of pants
- Fine detail garment repairs
If you’re someone who works on garments with cylindrical features, or any other type of sewing project that requires fine detail work, you’ll benefit from using a machine that has a free arm option.
What are the Disadvantages of Using a Free Arm Sewing Machine?
The only real disadvantage of a free arm sewing machine is it has a limited work area, which can be an issue when you’re stitching larger pieces of fabric together and completing straight stitch jobs. Luckily, most free arm sewing machines overcome this issue by having removable work plates.
This gives you the freedom to adjust your sewing machine to the needs of each project. If you need a platform to provide a workspace, you can attach it to the machine. If you’re working on a cylindrical project, or just need a smaller surface that you can maneuver materials over, you can remove the plate.
How to Choose a Free Arm Sewing Machine
The most important thing is making sure the free arm sewing machine has all of the features you need, ranging from the right number of built-in stitches, correct needle positions, a built-in thread cutter, or anything else you require.
From there, choose a machine that has a free arm option. It’ll work as long as it extends in a way the housing can accommodate cyclical materials. We recommend looking for a machine that has a removable plate, as this will give you the flexibility required to complete a variety of sewing tasks comfortably and conveniently.
Free Arm Sewing Machines We Recommend
If you’re looking for a versatile free arm sewing machine, equipped with a detachable work plate, consider the following:
Janome – 2212 Free Arm Sewing Machine
The Janome 2212 is a hybrid free arm and flatbed sewing machine, meaning users can choose to remove the side plates so they can sew in a free arm configuration. It’s available at an affordable price and includes some great features, such as a four-step buttonhole function and six built-in stitch patterns.
SINGER – Fashion Mate 3333 Free Arm Sewing Machine
This machine is equipped with 23 built-in stitches. It’s reliable and durable thanks to its heavy-duty metal frame. Best of all, it’s available at an affordable price.
Brother – ST371HD Free Arm Option Sewing Machine
With 37 unique built-in stitches and an auto-size buttonhole feature, this free arm sewing machine is the perfect option for both beginners and experienced sewing enthusiasts. Plus, it comes with all of the necessary sewing accessories, as well as some surprising extras.
