Sewing and embroidery machines: what are there and how to choose?

One of the most popular and beautiful ways of decorating various clothes and fabrics has been embroidery for a long time. If earlier it was carried out exclusively by hand, then with the development of scientific and technical progress, it became possible to carry out this operation more efficiently and quickly using special machines. We are talking about sewing and embroidery machines, which are the most technologically advanced devices belonging to the category of sewing equipment. They allow sewing and embroidery operations and operations. Their use makes it possible to create amazing masterpieces. In this article we will tell you what they are and how to choose them.

Now let's say a little about the characteristics of such a thing as a sewing and embroidery machine in order to understand what will be really important when working with it. An important feature is the maximum embroidery dimensions. This moment, which is performed without rearranging the hoop, is determined by the size of the carriage move. And the embroidery width will be limited by the length of the block platform.

A number of manufacturers make adjustable hoops for their models. Their essence is that they have several fasteners, which is why first 50% of the embroidery is embroidered, after which the hoop is fixed on the second fastener and the other half is made. Naturally, for such hoops, a drawing should be prepared in advance by dividing it into parts in a special program.

It will not be a disadvantage if the machine has the function of embroidering designs from other manufacturers. That is, we are talking about the fact that these designs will fit into the hoop. But this will be relevant for those who need to embroider various products: bedspreads, clothes, paintings.But someone is only interested in embroidery of logos or decoration of children's clothing. Someone will need it for embroidering inscriptions. Then small hoops will be enough.

Another important characteristic is the reliability of the fastening. If there is play, the constant slight movement of the hoop will cause the embroidery details to move, and ultimately the design will be distorted. The larger the hoop size, the more the backlash will affect the accuracy of the work. Most of the models on the market have a hoop attached to either side. The use of this type of fastening greatly simplifies the embroidery module, but increases the risk of backlash.

To reduce the risk of its appearance, it is possible to fix the hoop at 2 points, but such an attachment is a rarity, which is characteristic only of professional and industrial devices. So you need to pay attention to this moment.

An equally important characteristic is the reliability of fixing the material in the hoop. If they do not hold the material well, then the embroidery can begin to tighten the fabric and the result will be, to put it mildly, so-so.

Also, it will not be superfluous to check the rigidity of the hoop. Pulling the fabric too tight can damage the fabric, making it extremely difficult to secure it properly. To increase their rigidity, a number of manufacturers simply reinforce them with special ribs.

The next characteristic is the quality of the embroidery. This is probably the most important point. Of course, it depends on many factors, and it is not always possible to test a particular model in practice. But you can read the reviews of those who use them, and then, even before purchasing the car you like, everything will become clear.

The method of transferring information to the device will also be an important point. It is most convenient to use devices such as USB. In most cases, it is easy to connect a flash drive to the machine. However, there are models to which you can connect a disk drive and even a device that will allow you to establish a wireless connection with a PC. There are models that support not very common media such as CompactFlash or PCMCIA cards.

The third group of models is those that use memory cards of a specially developed standard. When purchasing such devices, you should make sure that all the necessary additional materials and devices are available.

Another category of devices uses a direct connection to a personal computer.

Another important characteristic is the embroidery speed. It is clear that the higher this parameter, the better. But the technical characteristics in this context are only one side. This point is also influenced by the complexity of the design. That is, the more difficult it is, the lower the speed. But you can check it empirically. To do this, you can choose some kind of large one-color design, where long and short ties will be equally represented.

It should be said that sewing and embroidery machines are divided into different types and categories. If we talk about the principle of operation, then such devices are:

• free-running;
• computer.

The first category will require a certain skill and experience from a person. Here the principle of operation is somewhat similar to darning. And the performance of such models will be lower than analogs with computer embroidery. And using them is not as convenient as the second option.

And here computer models are modern, almost completely automated devices... The role of a person here is reduced to almost zero: he only needs to thread the thread and put the fabric in the work area. The rest will be done by the processor-controlled program.

Also, the considered category of equipment is divided by functional features into embroidery and sewing and embroidery machines. The first category allows you to apply applique and embroidery on fabric, while the second category combines both sewing and embroidery functions.

Such machines are single-head and multi-head. Single-head ones perform the necessary actions with only one head, and multi-head ones carry out drawing a pattern with several heads at once. In addition, the presence of several heads allows you to make combined embroidery.

In addition, sewing and embroidery machines can be:

• household or economy class;
• semi-professional;
• professional.

Household ones have relatively little functionality, low operating speed, small dimensions, and also a low price. Such models are perfect for home use and for small jobs. It will not be a problem to apply some simple drawings and illustrations with their help, but they are unlikely to be able to perform complex tasks.

If we talk about semi-professional, then they are suitable for some not too large production or the creation of some kind of designer exclusive products. Their speed of work, as well as a set of lines, will be significantly higher than that of models that are intended for use in everyday life.

Professional models are distinguished from others by the highest accuracy of operations, wide functionality, reliability, good quality and rather high cost. Such devices are bought only for production, since in all other cases their use is unlikely to pay off.

The first model for the house, which I would like to say a little about - Husqvarna Designer Topaz 50... It belongs to the category of computer-controlled machines. There is a rotary horizontal shuttle here. The model has an embroidery unit, a display, a needle threader, as well as an auto thread cutter and a needle position switch. In addition, the Husqvarna Designer Topaz 50 has 261 types of sewing operations, it can sew 9 types of buttonholes, 5 embroidery alphabets, 150 embroidery motifs and 2 types of monograms. The power consumption of the model is 90 watts.

The next model in our ranking is Brother Innov-IS V5... It also has a computer control and a horizontal rotary shuttle. The model is equipped with an embroidery unit, a display, a needle threader, a sleeve platform, and an automatic thread cutter. In addition, it is possible to connect the machine to a personal computer via a USB connector. The Brother Innov-IS V5 has a knee-operated foot lifter and multi-directional sewing. The maximum sewing speed here is 1050 lines per minute. If we talk about the number of sewing operations, then there are 531 of them. The model can perform 14 different types of buttonholes in automatic mode, 227 embroidery motifs and 17 embroidery alphabets. In addition, different types of stitches can be made here:

• elastic secret;
• elastic;
• overcasting;
• secret.

The next model to talk about is Bernina Bernette Chicago 7... It also applies to computer controlled devices with a horizontal rotary shuttle. There is an embroidery unit, a display, a needle threader, a special compartment for accessories and a needle position switch. It is possible to connect it to a computer via the available USB connector. In addition, there is an electronic-type puncture force stabilizer. If we talk about the number of sewing operations, then in this model there are 200. It can automatically perform 10 types of different loops. In addition, it can do several types of stitches and 2 types of embroidery alphabets.

Another model from Bernina that deserves attention - Bernina Aurora 1405... It is equipped with a vertical-type rotating shuttle. It has a particularly robust construction made of metal. There is a continuously variable speed with high quality sewing with a line width of 9 millimeters.

If we talk about the number of sewing programs, then in Bernina Aurora 1405 their 163... In addition, there are 4 sewing alphabets along with the Cyrillic alphabet. There are also 9 button programs, 11 different needle positions and 7 precision presser feet.

Another interesting sewing and embroidery machine - Pfaff Creative 1.5... It also has a computerized control type and a horizontal type rotary shuttle. There is also an electronic stabilizer of the approach force and regulation of the pressure of the paws on the fabric. In addition, the model has an embroidery unit, display, needle threader, arm platform, accessory compartment, auto thread cutter and needle position switch.

This machine weighs only 16 kilograms and has a power consumption of 70 watts. Separately, it should be said about the presence of an upper fabric conveyor, the ability to turn off the fabric feed mechanism, sewing in several directions, a mechanism for measuring the size of buttons and a reverse key. Note that there is a smooth adjustment of the sewing speed, and the maximum value of this indicator is 800 lines per minute. Besides, Pfaff Creative 1.5 can carry out 7 types of different buttonholes and 2 types of embroidery alphabets. She can also make 4 types of stitches.

Before purchasing sewing and embroidery machines for home use or for patchwork, you need to clearly determine the purpose of the purchase, financial possibilities, and also take into account the various characteristics and parameters of the model you are interested in. If we are talking about home use, then the household model will suffice. It will have, perhaps, not very wide functionality, but it will be enough for the house, and the price of the equipment will be affordable. If we are talking about large volumes of work, then a choice should be made in favor of semi-professional and professional models.

If we talk about specific criteria, then you should pay attention to the following points.

• Screen type. It can be color touchscreen or monochrome. And there are models that do not have a display at all, but they can be connected to a computer, on the monitor of which all the necessary information will be displayed.
• The size of the embroidery field.
• Number of needles. The number of colors that can be used for embroidery will depend on this criterion.
• The number of embroidery designs and sewing operations.
• Processing power. The quality and speed of the sewing and embroidery machine will depend on this.
• Memory. This indicator directly affects the number of patterns that the model can remember.
• Sketch compatibility. This characteristic allows the use of patterns that are developed by other manufacturing firms.
• The technique of saving drawings. Typically, these are methods such as Wi-Fi, disks, Bluetooth modules, or USB ports.

In general, this is just a basic list of characteristics. Much will depend on the purpose of using this technique. Sometimes it is not even necessary to purchase a combined model. It will be relevant if the embroidery is carried out regularly, but sometimes it is also required to carry out sewing-type operations, when, after decorating a thing, it is required to process or fix an element on clothes or a product.And unnecessary functions will only increase the cost of the sewing and embroidery machine, but may remain unused. Here you need to understand that it is better to purchase a more expensive model with cheap consumables and add-ons than a cheap solution, but with expensive accessories.

For an overview of the sewing and embroidery machine, see the following video.