How to choose a sewing machine for your home: a review of the best models of 2020

A sewing machine is a useful unit in your home. With such an item on hand, you can quickly repair old clothes, shorten long trousers, hem curtains, and simply engage in your favorite hobby - sewing new clothes.

How to choose a sewing machine for your home among the 2020 models? After all, the choice that is presented on the market is huge, and it is not at all easy to decide on the type of sewing machine. There are various criteria for choosing an aggregate, and this article will help both an experienced user and a beginner to quickly find a technique for their needs.

Criteria for choosing a sewing machine

• Sewing experience

For beginners, it is recommended to start developing sewing talents on a little functional machine, because of the many programs and functions, you can get confused and disappointed in your hobby. For experienced seamstresses, on the contrary, it will increase the level of skill.

• What price to focus on

The pricing policy is quite diverse, in order to understand at what price to navigate, you need to decide what functionality of the machine is necessary for you: simple manual or computer control.

• Purpose of sewing

For simple clothing repair, it is better to choose budget model options. If the work involves complex processes, then it is better to dwell on multifunctional views, even with an overlock.

• Mechanism

The best machines have a stitch adjustment of 0-7 mm and a length of 0-5 mm. Stitch adjustment allows you to use multiple stitch combinations.

• Spare parts

Be sure to pay attention to the presence of accessories. In the event of a breakdown, this will facilitate the repair of sewing equipment. Additional accessories increase the functionality of the work.

• Unit size

Smaller models will fit well into any space, however, bulky sewing machines have more built-in operations and more fabric handling options. If a machine is necessary for daily work, then it is better to choose a mechanical type, computerized small-sized forms are not so easy to find.

• Types of materials

It is not difficult to choose a machine based on the type of fabric used for sewing, it is enough to know the nuances of some points. For delicate materials, a sewing technique with an adjustable Teflon foot and fine needles is suitable. For heavy fabrics and quilling, a wide stitch is used, so the machine should have a high foot and stitch width adjustment. For knitwear, the machine needs built-in functional programs.

If you take into account the recommendations, you can choose a versatile home appliance.

Technical equipment of the machine

Inexperienced needlewomen or those who are just starting sewing experience should carefully study the technical equipment and choose models whose design and functionality meets the following basic criteria:

Characteristic	Description
Functioning parts	Must be of metallic origin.Budget options use plastics, it quickly fails, long-term work will not be for such models.
Needle impact force	Characterizes the power of the model. Expensive options cope with different densities of materials, their unit capacity corresponds. When choosing budget options, you cannot use them for sewing thick materials. The latest models include a function to adjust the force of the puncture.
Foot pressure	For sewing machines at budget prices, the adjustment of the pressure of the foot on the fabric is manual; for expensive types of machines, the adjustment is carried out automatically.
Stitching	Beginners should pay attention to aggregates that include basic and additional types of stitches, for example, overcast, zigzag and buttonhole.
Automatic fabric feeding	The operation of material feeding is necessarily programmed in the machine, it facilitates the sewing process.
Reverse button	Inexperienced amateurs should study the presence of this button. Thanks to it, reverse sewing is possible, it is used when securing the string.
Buttonholes	In inexpensive models, buttonholes are sewn manually in stages, in expensive machines with wide functionality, it is enough to change the foot, the buttonhole is processed automatically.
Equipment	The package of the selected type should include replaceable needles and feet. Desirable overlock foot for hemming, for sewing in zippers.
Stitch width and length	To orientate the possible sewing of fabrics of different weights, the following technical characteristics should be taken into account: the maximum stitch length indicates how thick the fabric can be sewn. The maximum stitch width characterizes the possibilities of decorative seams.

Important! Accessory compartment - A handy feature and should be found on most clippers.

Shuttle type

Inexpensive machines have a built-in vertical metal shuttle. The disadvantages are that it is impossible to control the amount of thread during operation, the shuttle creates a loud operation noise. Professional and expensive machines work with a horizontal shuttle with a transparent cover. The advantage is control over thread consumption on the bobbin.

In fact, there are more types of shuttle. Experienced needlewomen know about this; it will be useful for beginner seamstresses to find out the characteristics of each type.

Swinging vertical

Such a shuttle was used back in Soviet times, and now it is the most common type of shuttle in modern typewriters. In such units, the shuttle operation is precise and accurate. Additional configuration is not required for operation. Units with such a shuttle are mainly of economy class, inexpensive types operate on such a shuttle. The reliability of such models captivates consumers. However, the power of the swing shuttle is lower compared to others, and there is a speed limiter. The machine is quite noisy.

Vertical rotary

The shuttle is vertical, rotating in a circle. The average price of a car with such a shuttle is an order of magnitude higher than economy class models. A distinctive feature of the unit is its high working power, suitable for processing fabrics of different density. Universal. Can be used for sewing silk and leather.

Horizontal rotary

The bobbin is inserted directly into the hook, it is convenient to monitor the thread consumption on the bobbin during sewing, the lower thread is automatically threaded. Distinctive features: smooth running of the machine, noiselessness during sewing. The shuttle is made of plastic, therefore it is necessary to adhere to the recommendations for operating the machine, since neglect will lead to breakage and complete replacement of the shuttle. The horizontal shuttle is an inexpensive part that can be purchased immediately with a new unit.

Household sewing machines

These types of machines are equipped for household use, there is a classification of models according to the mechanism of operation. There are several categories. More about each.

Electromechanical

They are easy to use and have an attractive cost.The maximum sewing speed on this model depends entirely on the pressure on the pedal. This technique is convenient for beginners to start with. Here small operational capacity, but the unit is reliable, broken parts are quickly repaired. The electromechanical machine is not designed for intricate stitches and stitches, the functionality of the programs is very limited.

Electronic

The built-in electronic unit allows you to set up the machine for sewing all kinds of stitches and patterns. The electronic type of control controls the handicraft process. What is included in the functionality of the sewing unit: needle position; automatic lifting of the foot; speed limiter; performing work without using a pedal.

The electronic typewriter is able to memorize previously configured functions, automatically adjust the stitch and stitches to the type of fabric, and can have an LCD display, which greatly facilitates the work. A clear instruction helps a beginner to quickly master the unit. Only the necessary buttons remain on the body of the model, since the thread cutter, reverse, other functions are configured via the display. The disadvantage of the model is its high cost and difficult repairs.

Computer models

With such a model, the sewing operations work independently, and there is a speed control. It is capable of stitching thick fabrics, making high-quality stitches and buttonholes at low speed.

For professionals, computer models open a wide range of programs, embroidery is included, eyelet loops, there is sewing in several directions. Not all functions are presented in full in every typewriter, it all depends on the price.

The service life of computerized units is long, however, the instructions for use and operation of each built-in function should be carefully studied. If you do not pay enough attention to this, you will have to repair the machine, and the cost of spare parts and the repair itself will result in a round sum.

The computer-controlled model is multifunctional and expensive, it is difficult to find a budget high-quality machine. Working on such a sewing machine is a pleasure, the price-quality ratio is well maintained.

It is better not to start the experience of a sewing master with computerized equipment.

Embroidery and sewing-embroidery machines

The computer machine includes an embroidery unit. Such a model has the ability to connect to a computer and download the necessary information for embroidery. In order to choose the right unit, you should know the principle of operation. The functionality allows you to embroider using both a simple method and quilting, you can transfer photos to fabric. The hoop is used in the machine, the embroidery control is completely controlled by the computer, no intervention is required, if only the pattern consists of several colors, then it is necessary to replace the threads.

Before buying, you should know the maximum size of the embroidery without rearranging the hoop and with rearrangement. The method of fastening the hoop at two points is more reliable. For a large amount of embroidery, it is better to purchase industrial machines.

The display plays an important role. On inexpensive models, the screen displays a black and white image with color numbers, while expensive units display a color final image.

Inexperienced seamstresses should take into account that they will not be able to save money on this type of machine. Cheap sewing equipment will sew poorly, and the best models are expensive.

Cover-up

Such units are used for embroidering a flat seam, which is needed for neat processing of the cut edge of a knitted or stretch product. Previously, such machines were only for industrial use, now such a function is present in a number of household devices.There are separate sewing machines. They do not have a shuttle, the thread immediately goes to the looper and the needle.

This stitch can be repeated with twin needle sewing machines, but the quality and speed of sewing will be affected.

Flat seams stretch well, do not deform. They can be used both for decorative finishing and become part of the basic functionality, connection on a knitted product.

Having determined the possibilities of a flat seam, and starting from its necessary functions, you can make a choice of technique for a specific home use.

Overlock

What are these units for? The device overcovers the edges of various products. For comfortable work on a sewing machine with an overlock, you should pay attention to the convenience of threading. The overlock base includes multi-thread overcasting, it is used for all types of fabrics. In expensive computer developments, the function of an overlock is incorporated, but it should be purchased separately - this will allow you to perform better seams.

The home overlocker is designed for light workloads. It is capable of processing edges, it has a built-in special knife for cutting threads, which makes the seams of high quality, and can sew knitwear. If you need to sew different types of fabrics, you will not be limited to one overlock.

You do not need to purchase special threads, needles, everything fits from a sewing machine.

Such a useful unit has one drawback - the complicated threading process. Modern models are programmed to automatically put on the thread, but the cost of such devices is high and not everyone can afford to purchase such a model.

There is a kind of overlock - coverlock. The latter functions more broadly, makes: overcasting, flat seams and various connecting stitches for knitwear.

For sewing clothes for yourself, you can use built-in overlocks in sewing machines, if you plan to sew for sale, you will have to buy a separate device for processing edges, it will make the seams of high quality and beautiful.

Criteria a beginner should pay attention to when buying an overlock

For debugged work, an overlock should be chosen with the following features:

1. Rolled seam;
2. Thread tension controller;
3. Selection of the optimal stitch width;
4. Differential conveyor;
5. Knife regulator;
6. Presser foot.

Rating of sewing machines. Top best in 2020

The best sewing machines in 2020 were models of several companies. Among them are models suitable for completely inexperienced needlewomen, and machines for craftswomen of the highest category.

The best manufacturers of sewing machines, undoubtedly popular leaders in product quality: Singer, Janome, Brother, Bernina.

The top ten most popular models include the following models:

Janome 90A

Tenth place.

• electromechanical control;
• shuttle type - horizontal;
• sleeve platform;
• 23 operations programmed;
• automated loop processing function;
• 4 types of stitching;
• Price - 14,990 rubles.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

Singer Tradition 2282

Ninth place.

• electromechanical control;
• there is lighting;
• number of sewing operations: 34;
• loop processing - automatic;
• 4 types of stitching;
• cost - 8490 rubles.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

Janome Memory Craft 5200

Eighth place.

• works from a computer board;
• sewing without a pedal;
• horizontal shuttle;
• programmed - 561 functions;
• puncture power control;
• regulation of presser foot pressure;
• the complete set includes all types of legs;
• hard storage case;
• light weight.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

Brother INNOV-‘IS 10

Seventh place.

• electronic control;
• rotary shuttle;
• little weight;
• functions programmed - 16;
• puncture force stabilizer;
• pressure controller of the foot on the fabric;
• maxi patterns;
• advisor;
• work without a foot pedal;
• costs - 21,900 rubles.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

VLK Napoli 2400

Sixth place.

• electromechanical control;
• lighting during work;
• operational functionality: 19;
• loop processing - semiautomatic.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

Janome Sew Dream 510

Fifth place.

• electromechanical control;
• swinging shuttle;
• a foot for zippers only;
• the maximum number of programs is 14;
• semi-automatic loop processing;
• sleeve platform;
• price - 6550 rubles.

Benefits:

Disadvantage:

Brother E15

Fourth place.

• electromechanical control;
• lighting;
• horizontal shuttle;
• number of operations: 14
• semi-automatic looping;
• blind stitch, stretch stitch, stretch blind stitch;
• price - 5890 rubles.

Benefits:

Disadvantage:

Singer 8280 P

Third place.

• electromechanical control;
• swinging shuttle;
• functional - 8 programs;
• two-stage buttonhole sewing;
• all types of stitches are programmed;
• price - 6490 rubles.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

Brother CX5

Second place.

• electromechanical control;
• horizontal arrangement of the coil;
• manual processing of the loop;
• includes a foot for a zipper only;
• sleeve platform;
• the cost of the machine is 5490 rubles.

Advantage:

Disadvantages:

Janome 2015

First place.

• electromechanical control;
• swinging shuttle;
• programs laid down - 15;
• two-step embroidery buttonhole;
• overlock stitching and basic types of stitches;
• the cost of the model is 6440 rubles.

Benefits:

Which typewriter to stop on

As the rating of the most popular cars shows, in 2020, when choosing a model, it is not necessary to focus on price. Anyone can afford to buy a decent model for consumer services.

It is better for beginners to focus on models with a basic set of operations, experienced craftsmen give preference to units with additional accessories and wide functionality.

To answer the question of which company is better to buy a sewing machine, it is necessary to focus on the characteristics of the models described in the article, and compare which company can offer the most suitable option.