A guide to the different types of sewing machines

There is a wide range of sewing machines available on the market today. These are different types of sewing machines that are suitable for different tasks. But how do you know which type of sewing machine is best for you? This post compares different types of sewing machines and helps you navigate the wide world of sewing and embroidery machines with confidence.

Shopping for a sewing machine? Whether you are intent on creating your own fashion-forward wardrobe or you simply plan to patch up holes or fix popped-off buttons, you will probably appreciate having a sewing machine by your side.

A well-selected sewing machine is essential for achieving good results with your projects. It should be used correctly in accordance with the job requirements. Normally, a standard sewing machine has limited function. It is only used to join fabrics and to do simple embroidery. There are variations of the standard machine that aids the machine carry out specialized functions. For instance, an embroidery machine is similar to a standard machine but with extra features. Embroidery machines are used in making fancy stitches and different kinds of embroidery stitches on fabrics. It can be used to create lots of decorative stitches on fabrics.

Types of sewing machines

There are basically two categories of sewing machines; the domestic and the industrial machines. The household or domestic machines serve a wider variety of tasks than the industrial ones. The domestic sewing machine has four different types based on the features they have. They are namely; the manual or mechanical machine, the electronic machine, the computerized machine and the overlocking machines or overlockers. There are a number of differences between the manual, electronic and computerized machines.

The manual or mechanical sewing machines are the most basic types available as they are not powered by electricity. They are controlled by a rotary wheel and are run by the foot, but at times may be converted to electric power machines. These machines have fewer features than computerized or electronic machines. They are usually used in homes and schools and are most popularly called domestic sewing machines and they are now only found as vintage models.

The electronic sewing machines use a single motor that electronically powers the needle. The electronic sewing machines have a lot of functions and stitch patterns.  Some of these functions can be accomplished by simply pushing a button. They are only run via electricity. You control the speed of the machine by putting pressure on an electronic foot pedal

The computerized sewing machines have a vast number of functions and they allow you to tailor these functions to your sewing needs. They have LED display or LCD display or large touchscreen in place of dials and/or buttons. These types of machines are for advanced needs. They can sew all types of materials. They are more versatile and provide you with the ability to program your machine to sew complex embroidery patterns.

The overlockers work differently to ordinary sewing machines, their primary purpose is to professionally finish hems and seams. They are especially useful for making curtains or hemming. These machines have fewer functions than sewing machines. They are an addition to regular sewing machines, not a replacement.

Industrial sewing machines are also known as commercial sewing machines. These machines are larger in size when compared to the domestic sewing machines. They are highly specialized machines that are designed to perform a smaller range of tasks as opposed to the common machines. Industrial sewing machines excel at heavy-duty sewing on projects that use material tougher than your regular sewing machine can withstand. They are built to perform jobs that may be too tough for other machines.

MHC has a wide selection of high-quality home sewing machines at great prices to help you get creative. For more about the types, features, and other must-know topics in order to make an informed choice, pay us a visit. Come and browse through a variety of sewing machine styles and types including the quilting machines, and embroidery machines.