How to choose a sewing machine for home use

So, how to choose a sewing machine for home use?

Most models of sewing equipment existing on the modern market are quite decent in quality, functionality and ease of use at home. At least when it comes to well-known, well-established brands. At the same time, it is the abundance of different models of sewing machines that can make it difficult to choose, especially for a beginner. Our review will help you navigate what modern sewing machines are and understand how to choose a sewing machine for your home.
This review is about how to choose a sewing machine that is convenient to use at home for sewing. If you also want to machine embroider, you will need a sewing/embroidery machine or a separate embroidery machine. If your plans are to sew mainly knitwear, and to sew it really well, you will need an overlocker and a cover-stitching machine.

1. Decide on your goals
Before deciding which sewing machine to buy for home use, you should determine for yourself why you will need it and how you plan to work on it. The answer to this question is important so that, on the one hand, you do not buy a unit that is too expensive and has most of its functions, which you will not use, and on the other hand, so that you do not end up with a machine whose functionality turns out to be insufficient to implement your plans.
2. Select control type
The sewing machine can be electromechanical or computer - these are two types of control. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages of such machines are ease of design and repair, reliability, and low price. Compared to computer ones, they can perform fewer functions and stitches, but usually the available set is enough to carry out the necessary sewing operations for sewing at home and for working with different fabrics.
3. Select the shuttle design
The type of shuttle is an important parameter if we thoughtfully approach the question of how to choose a sewing machine. After all, the shuttle mechanism is considered its main device!

There are three types of shuttle in modern machines:

• horizontal,
• vertical swinging
• vertical rotating (rotary)

Horizontal is the most common option for sewing machines in the mid-price category. It is easy to use: the bobbin is inserted into the hook without a bobbin case, threading the bottom thread is quick and easy, and through the transparent window you can see how much thread is left on the bobbin.

Vertical swing is a “veteran” among shuttles. Similar ones were installed in the legendary Podolsk or Chaika machines, which worked for decades. Its main advantages are reliability and durability, the ability to use different threads and work with thick, dense fabrics, and ease of adjustment of the lower thread.

The Vertical rotating / rotary shuttle is the most advanced option. It is often installed on industrial machines (this type of shuttle is also called industrial). Its presence in a household machine usually indicates its high class. The advantages of such a shuttle: easy adjustment, good work even with complex types of fabrics, low noise level, high stitching speed, reliability, ability to withstand heavy loads, the ability to make stitches with large stitch lengths and widths.

Please note additional features:

Number of lines and set of possible lines.

Even for sewing quite complex things, you don’t need so many stitches - as a rule, no more than ten are regularly used. The two main ones are straight stitch and zigzag. Also useful are a reinforced straight stitch and a reinforced zigzag stitch, an elastic zigzag stitch for sewing on elastic, an elastic stitch for knits and other stretchy materials, one or more stitches for finishing edges, a stitch for an invisible hem, a stitch for an elastic invisible hem. An expensive machine may have hundreds of stitches in its arsenal, but it’s worth paying extra for it if you intend to use them, for example, to decorate things with decorative stitches.

Sewing machine for beginners, which one to choose?

Choose a trusted brand.

For starters, an electromechanical machine will be enough, but if your budget allows, buy an electronically controlled machine.
For simplicity and convenience of work, a horizontal shuttle is suitable. Another option is a vertical swinging hook on more expensive and high-quality machines.
If you are just learning to sew, choose a machine with variable speed control.
If you plan to sew thick and dense fabrics, thin and delicate fabrics, check whether the machine works with them.
In order not to immediately spend money on additional feet, choose a model with a good basic set.
Even if you buy a machine online, it is better to find the opportunity to try it out in an offline store and talk to sellers. If this is not possible, read reviews and ask for advice in thematic communities.

And we talked about how to choose the right needle depending on the material in this article.