If you want to know which sewing machine is right for me, you need first to be familiar with the six types. We’ll discuss the domestic and industrial machines to help you select the best one for your needs. We’ll also talk about considerations for the complete sewing machine buying guide.
Speaking of which, do you already know how to buy a sewing machine? Then, we recommend reading that separate guide as well.
How To Know Which Sewing Machine Is Right For Me
Treadle
The most basic type of sewing machine is the mechanical or treadle sewing machine. This type doesn’t depend on electric motors, which gives you an advantage when you can’t access electricity. However, you need to operate the treadle plate yourself and get used to the rhythm to work fast and smoothly.
You can read about how to use a treadle sewing machine if you’re interested to know more.
Electronic
Treadle sewing machines are straightforward to use, but they require effort and limit you since they are only capable of straight stitching. So if you don’t want to use your machine manually, the best type to get is the electronic sewing machine. These units offer various stitches and settings, and some are even capable of decorative and buttonhole stitches to save you the time to do them.
Portable
A portable, mini, or handheld sewing machine is suitable for people who only need quick repairs. This machine type is battery-powered, which means you can bring it anywhere. The compact size is also ideal for households without the space for an electronic sewing machine.
Are you interested to know how to use a handheld sewing machine? The good news is we’ve written a tutorial for this type.
Computerized
The more advanced type of electronic sewing machine is the computerized or fully automated sewing machine. They are usually the priciest and top-of-the-line units offered by sewing machine brands. The features you can expect with computerized models are stitch programs, automatic needle threading, and various settings to make sewing easy, especially for beginners or those who need to produce projects quickly but perfectly.
Embroidery
A specialized type of sewing machine is ideal if you will be doing embroideries the most. The embroidery machine has built-in designs for your convenience, and it comes in various types to suit the needs of all kinds of users. Some even have a USB port to access and store embroidery designs.
Quilting
Quilting is possible with a regular sewing machine. However, you can get a specialized unit called the quilting machine. Its advantage is you can pass larger fabrics of various types because of its long arm and feeding mechanism.
What is a serger sewing machine?
Those making large volumes of projects can save time hemming them with a specialized sewing machine called the serger or overlocking machine. Of course, you can’t replace an actual sewing machine with it since it can’t sew various types of stitches, but it’s a worthy investment. For example, it can make a rolled hem, blind hem, mock flatlock stitch, overlock stitch, mock overlock stitch, attach piping, and even gather fabric.
Read more about what is a serger sewing machine in our separate article.
What Are The Types Of Industrial Sewing Machines?
There is an array of industrial sewing machines since those doing mass sewing projects can benefit from models with specialized features. For example, there are the leather machine, button and buttonhole machine, lock stitch machine, cover stitch machine, chain stitch machine, blind stitch machine, zigzag machine, and back tack machine. The names themselves are self-explanatory, and they help do quick but perfect sewing practices.
How Do I Know What Sewing Machine Is Best For Me?
You can find the perfect sewing machine for your needs by asking the following questions:
- What sewing projects will I be doing?
- Do I need special features and settings when sewing?
- Do I prefer a manual, electronic, computerized, or portable sewing machine?
- Will I be mainly making quilts or embroidery?
- How much am I willing to spend on a sewing machine?
Is There A Machine That Will Sew For You?
The computerized sewing machine will sew for you, and all you need to do is select the stitch and pattern for it to know what to do. In addition, computerized machines come with various stitch styles and settings, so all you need to do is place the fabric and monitor it while it’s working. And for more minor repairs, you can also try the handheld or portable sewing machine since it only requires you to guide it through the fabric.
What’s The Easiest Sewing Machine To Use?
Electronic and manual sewing machines are easy to use as long as you practice and familiarize yourself with their features and mechanisms. The treadle can be intimidating to beginners, but it can even become a relaxing experience once you get the rhythm with your feet. Electronic and computerized sewing machines should also not scare those who are not tech-savvy since manufacturers design them intuitively.
Conclusion
Was this article helpful? To recap which sewing machine is right for me, you need to differentiate the six main types of domestic units. Some require manual intervention; some are electric, computerized, or even specializes in embroidery or quilting.
Nonetheless, never be intimidated by a sewing machine, even as a beginner. The key is to practice and study the manual of your unit.