Archive for the ‘best sewing machine’ Category
Jan
Some of the Best Sewing Machine Possible: A 1915 Singer in Action
From ron989.
This sewing machine is almost 100 years old but look at it go! The stitching seems tight, I bet it it still has a good solid bobbin, and it runs well. Many people believe that Singer makes the best sewing machine possible, and it’s hard to argue they are quality built.
Ever since the first sewing machine was made in the 19th century the design has been improving but the fundamentals have stayed the same. Sure, you can get computer controlled models, and stronger actions, but at it’s heart the sewing machine is still the same. I find it interesting. If you were to compare the end result from this antique sewing machine to the result of the best sewing machine today, most people couldn’t tell the difference. That’s a testament to the strength of this craft, and also shows how when you’re buying new sewing machines you’re buying features to make the act of sewing easier on you!
Jan
What’s the Best Sewing Machine to Sew Leather?
Leather can be interesting to work with - many patterns call for it, but if you’ve never used it before some problems can arise.
To determine the best sewing machine for this use, it depends on what kind of leather you’ll be using.
For thin or medium leather, the best sewing machine is probably what you have 
So long as you keep in mind the points below you should be okay. Modern machines are powerful for simple leather projects.
For thick or tough leather, things get a little more complicated. At this class of fabric it can be like sewing 4 or more layers of denim!
The best sewing machine will be one that can:
- Take the heavy thread you’ll need. Many experts recommend against cotton thread, and prefer polyester thread.
- Use the heaviest needle size possible. A 11, 14, or 16 would be good.
- Make as wide a stitch as possible. 5 to 5-1/2 is a good idea. If your machine can’t go above 3-1/2, don’t use it - it might rip the leather.
- Take a teflon or walker foot.
The most important consideration is using the best sewing machine needles for leather. Because leather will rip if the stitches are not wide enough apart you can get special needles. These are called knife edged needles made just for sewing leather, or a double needle.
For specific examples, many experts believe the best sewing machine for leather to be a Singer 20-U, Bernina 950, or an industrial class Pfaff or Brother. These are all good sewing machines for leather. If funds are tight, don’t overlook what you already have.
Happy Sewing - I’m sure it will turn out great!
Jan
Best Sewing Machine Review - The Brother 1034D Lay-In Thread Serger
Looking for an affordable serger? The Brother 1034D is one of the best sewing machine bang for your buck!
If you’ve been interested in sergers before but haven’t bought one yet, you’ll see this competitive model is under priced. Some people get scared off thinking that 4 thread overlocking is more difficult, but surprisingly this machine can make it easier.
It can do 3 or 4 thread overlocking, or 3 thread at 3mm and 5mm widths, blind hemming, and flatlocking. The end result is that attractive hem edge on your fabric that regular sewing machines cannot do.
For day to day consideration changing the spools is easy to do - it uses a color coded and numbered system to prevent errors. Thread tensioning is easy to set and troubleshoot should something go amiss. It comes with a responsive foot pedal and many users praise the machine’s smooth, fast action.
Some of the best sewing machine features can seem “hidden” off from use at first. Thankfully, experts praise the manual and included DVDs of instructional material. If you have never used a serger before I would recommend you go over them first.
Brother really understand their target buyer for this sewing machine. In fact, many people have been serging within a half hour of unpacking this machine despite having never tried before - that’s how precise the instructions are.
A nice surprise is the 1034D also can use regular thread spools and needles. This means if you have an existing sewing machine you can just swap these between the two.
As far as fabric choice goes, whatever you’re working on now should work - upholstery, frills, edging, etc.
The bottom line: The Brother 1034D Lay-In Thread Serger is one of the best sewing machine deals around. You will get professional level results at mainstream prices, and have a blast doing it.
Order the Brother 1034D 3/4 Lay-In Thread Serger from Amazon
Jan
Best Sewing Machine for Free-motion Quilting
Free-motion quilting can be very taxing on your sewing machine. Sometimes the work is just too large to fit, or the sewing machine’s arm can’t quite make it through.
The Bernina Activa series has some good quilters in it, but they can be unwieldy at larger size work. Look at the Bernina Activa 145S or Bernina Activa 125. Bernina also makes the Artista 730E or 630 which have a stitch regulator for free motion use. They are complex machines, but will do the job.
The Singer 301 is also a good choice. It has lots of adjustments and a powerful action so it can sew through multiple layers at a time. It could be the
The Viking Sapphire 870Q has some good and bad. It was made for free motion quilting, but some people don’t like it for quality reasons. I’ve had mixed feelings about some of Viking’s machines, but some people swear by them. Try them out before buying.
There are a couple of other machines made just for quilting. Pfaff makes a Quilt Expression series that let you ratchet down the arm speed for free motion quilting.
All in all, the best sewing machine to do free-motion quilting would be a specific model built just for quilting. If you like the Bernina’s I would recommend them - many people have had great experiences with the brand, and the Activa series are very feature packed.
Dec
What’s the Best Sewing Machine for Making Leotards or Working with Stretchy Fabric?
You might think that stretchy fabric - like Lycra or similar material used in a leotard or costume - would handle the same on any sewing machine, right? Unfortunately, this type of material does some things that make it difficult to work with.
If you’ve ever tried to sew stretchy fabric you probably noticed that the edges bunched up when cut. This makes straight lines hard to sew.
The best sewing machine for stretchy fabric is an overlocker or serger. Because of their unique stitching mechanisms, many of the problems you will encounter on normal machines don’t happen. While more costly, if you are serious about sewing Lycra, swimsuits, or costumes, this class is the best sewing machine for you.
If you cannot use a serger don’t fret. Look at what type of stitches you do have available. For many people, a quality zigzag will be the best. Don’t use the overlock style stitch on a non-overlocker - these stitches aren’t the same, and will not work well.
The best sewing machine needles to use are called stretch needles. They will penetrate the stretch the easiest, and prevent runs because they have a special tip and scarf. Many people prefer these after a general needle messed up too many times.
Some experts say to trace, pin, and cut after you’ve sewn. This is good advice, and allows for the most safety. You could even tape together and wash the fabric tape off later.
This fabric can be unforgiving at first, but after a while I am sure you’ll get the hang of it! And remember, even if you can’t use the best sewing machine for this type of fabric, it IS possible to work these patterns - just be gentle and good luck!
Dec
The Best Sewing Machine with Electronic Controls - Singer 7442
The Singer 7442 is the best sewing machine with basic electronic controls. Coming in as a top of it’s class machine in the price range, the 7442 is a good all around starter sewing machine.
It has 30 different types of available stitches, all consistently electronically controlled. The 7442 sews very well across common fabrics, household projects, and makes great buttonholes too.
Sturdy construction for the price, the 7442 has a drop-in bobbin and an automatic needle threader. In fact Singer calls it the “6-Second Threading System.”
Singer has the name of what many experts consider to the best sewing machine brand, and the 7442 is a good addition to their lineup. This machine will be able to handle what most people throw at it, and is sure to let you make a variety of projects.
Order the Singer 7442 Electronic Sewing Machine today!
Dec
Best Sewing Machine for Drapes
Making drapes can be an exciting hobby or a profitable business. Creating the best designs to go in a room is one thing - making sure you can sew them is another! There’s a few things to consider when making drapes. What is the best sewing machine for making drapes?
Drapes are heavy duty items if constructed well. Going from just that I would say, in general, an industrial or commercial grade machine would be good. If you don’t need or can’t find an industrial machine don’t worry! Many good commercial sewing machines will do just as well.
One feature you might easily overlook is making sure the gears inside are metal. This is where the heavy duty drape fabric will tax your machine. Metal gearing here will provide the right pull and make sure the stitching goes well. Also, metal gears are less likely than plastic gears to break. The best sewing machine you have isn’t very useful if it’s in for repairs when a new drape order comes in!
If you’re looking to also put on decorative stitching on your new drapes, make sure your machine has selectable patterns. A recommendation on the best sewing machine here is tough to make. Some industrial models will not have the decorative stitches you’re in-visioning, while some of the “200 stitches included” sewing machines are not sturdy enough for this heavy duty use.
For specific machines, I would say something like a Juki would be good. If it provides too much pull or is too hard to control, consider an older Kenmore or Benina. Many of their models are built extremely well, can sew through most heavy duty textiles, and are a joy to use. They both make what I would consider to be the best sewing machine well suited for drapery.
Happy sewing!
Dec
The Best Sewing Machine for Beginners - Brother XL-2600i
If you’re just getting into sewing this is the best sewing machine to start out on. It has 25 different stitches - this is enough to covers most common patterns. One of them is even an automatic button hole! Very useful.
As for the workings, it has an easy to thread needle and quick-change presser feet. The bobbin is a standard drop-in bobbin - no problems there. The XL-2600i can work on many different common fabrics from pillowcases to heavy slipcovers.
This is a light weight model and comes with 3 all purpose needles.
Brother is a good manufacturer of some of the best sewing machines using mechanical selection, and the XL-2600i is a fine machine for people who need a simple sewing machine to get going with. Order the Brother XL-2600i from Amazon.
The 25 different types of stitches. You select the one you want with a dial on the case, and it does the rest.
Tip - You can get a good storage case to prevent the machine from getting beat up when not in use, and if you have any fraying problems check the bottom tension. The manual is also very helpful.
Aug
Best Sewing Machine for Making Underwear, Lingerie, and Sleepwear
Sewing your own underwear and lingerie is a great idea. I’ve even made my own bras to avoid the ill-fitting and overprices department store ones.
Because this is a general type of sewing project your sewing machine will need to have adjustments for the stitch width, stitch length, and foot pressure. The foot pressure adjustments will help with sewing lingerie fabric.
In my experience I would recommend an electronic instead of a mechanical sewing machine. For this type of project needing fine control on stretchy fabric, they are the best sewing machine. If you’re lucky enough to have a serger it can help you add covered up seams and the elastic bands into the waist. It’s not required though - you can do without.
Some other hints - don’t use nylon tricut, think outside the box for your fabric choice. If you really like frills you can put beads or embroidery along the edges. It can look quite nice, and feel good on you!
The best sewing machine for lingerie needs to have:
- Lots of adjustments (special attention should be given to foot pressure adjustment)
- use of 8/60 needles
- preferably electronic controls
- a high quality straight stitch
- stretch blindhem would be nice to have too
Aug
Best Sewing Machine for Travel and Portability
A common need I’ve run across is having a portable sewing machine. While not necessarily your primary sewing machine, these can be the best sewing machine for backup use or as a spare machine. They are small and can even go on vacations or to conventions with you.
In the portable sewing machine category I have two recommendations:
For basic repairs and simple tasks go with the Mini Rex Cordless Sewing Machine. You can sew all kinds of fabrics and even craft paper. It’s a double stitch ultra portable, weighing only 2 pounds and measuring 9.3 x 4 x 7.5 inches. Easy to carry around the house or even tuck away in your travel luggage. This is the best sewing machine for students living away from home.
The Mini Rex has many of the features you would find on a standard size machine but at a fraction of the size. I bought one to take with me when I travel and I’ve found that I actually use it quite a bit a home for small projects that I don’t want to get out the big machine for. It runs on batteries too.
If you’re looking for a higher end machine for professional use on the go I highly recommend the Reliable Portable Walking Foot Zig-Zag Sewing Machine. It’s commercial quality for the mainstream.
Great for small business owners and serious hobbyists. This is basically an industrial quality machine, but in a 8.5 x 15.5 x 12.5 footprint. People are running deals for it online so it’s underpriced right now. You’ll find it for under $500 - what other machine can offer industrial needle size fittings, 1/4″ clearance, and 4 stitches an inch, AND be the size of roughly a shoe box?
