With such a wide choice of sewing machines, it can seem confusing as to the right machine for you. On this page you will find a guide to how to pick the right machine for your sewing needs.

There are three main types of sewing machines:-

 

Manual   -  You turn dials to select the stitch, stitch length and stitch width. 

 

 

Electronic / Computerized  -  Select stitches by pushing button.  These machines automatically select the average stitch length and stitch width for the stitch type selected, (but can still be changed by pressing buttons).   Usually have extra features like speed controls, needle up/down button and extra decorative stitches.

 

 Computerized Embroidery Machines - These machines do the same as the electronic/computerized, but then have the extra ability, whether built in or as optional extras, to create machine embroidery - this embroidery is done buy selecting a design in the machine and pressing a button to start   the machine embroidering on it's own. This embroidery is not the same as free hand embroidery, which can be done an any type of machine.

Below is listed different types of sewing, with a guide for the type of machine you might require:-

Beginner - A basic manual or a basic electronic computerized is a great place to start. Basic machines will usually consist of utility stitches with a couple of decorative.  The utility stitches are basic everyday stitches which can be used for most sewing and mending.  As you start getting into sewing and finding the type of sewing you wish to do, you can, if you choose, to part exchange for a machine that does a little more as you progress.

Occasional Mending and sewing   -  A basic manual or electronic/computerized machine with just the basic utility range of stitches for the mending and hemming jobs.

Intermediate   -  Mid ranged priced machines give you great flexibility in stitches. Manual machines give you more decorative stitches,  stitch width control, a automatic one step buttonhole and usually with a drop in bobbin.  Great machines for basic soft furnishings and intermediate dressmaking or textile art.  The electronic / computerized machines have the same as the manuals but with some extra features like speed control, needle up/down button and locking off on the spot (no need for reversing to secure stitches)

Quilting and Patchwork   -  Although this can be done on any machine, there are some stitches and features that a lot of patchworkers and quilters like to have.  These features tend to be on Midrange to Advance machines.  Popular extra features to look out for are:-  needle up/down button, locking off stitch, range of traditional quilting and decorative stitches, speed control, stop/start button, built in memory with alphabets for labeling quilts, extra feet like 1/4" patchwork foot, free hand embroidery foot, walking foot and stitch in the ditch foot, auto scissors (will cut the thread for you) and for some quilters and longer inside arm.  If your not interested in the extra features, then patchwork and quilting can be done on machines from basic manuals upwards.

Advanced / Professional Seamstresses   -  Again midrange to advanced machines are popular with this group of sewers.  However, if you are sewing day to day sometimes a heavier machine is needed.  For these type of machines look out for all or part metal bodies, good range of both utility and decorative stitches, more than one style of buttonhole, range of accessories and possible a long inside arm for those big projects like large curtains and wedding dresses.  For more heavy duty industrial work, then take a look at the Wimsew industrial machines.

University Students / Fashion and Design / Textile and Creative Art - A whole new popular area to explore and usually require more midrange machines similar to the professional seamstress.  Look out for part or all metal bodies, range of utility and decorative stitches, different styles of buttonholes and easy to drop the feed teeth for free hand embroidery.  If you are working on larger projects, than a machine with a long inside arm might be a consideration.

Computerized Embroidery   -  There are a few things to consider when looking as these machines.     

 1.   Embroidery only machine or combination embroidery and sewing machine.  Embroidery only means you can let the machine embroider away on it's own whilst leaving you free to sew on a separate machine.  Combination sewing and embroidery, takes up less space as only one machine, but you can't sew and embroider at the same time.

2.    Operating the embroidery section of machine.  There are two ways of operating these machines.

• A lap top is plugged into the side of the sewing machine and the embroidery section is controlled using the laptop/PC, but can take up more space on a table.
• The embroidery section of the machine is controlled within the sewing machine itself - normally buy pressing a button and the LCD screen then changes from a normal sewing screen to a embroidery control screen.
  

Embroidery software can be purchased as an optional extra that can take embroidery into a different level, even allowing you to become your own embroidery designer.

We will always give you as much help and advice on which machine is good for your sewing needs.  If you are still unsure as to which machine - email us your specific sewing requirements and we can give some suggestions of machine to look at.

Any questions you may have then please do not hesitate to contact us on 0117  9778216 or send us an email.