Novice sewing masters, unlike professional tailors and tailor workers, in most cases go to buy sewing equipment, not yet knowing what they will take. But if professionals can easily choose the right model based on their experience, then beginners are often subject to momentary weaknesses and the influence of the seller. As a result, it results in unnecessary costs and lack of pleasure from working on sewing equipment. In order to buy a sewing machine in Kiev correctly and not regret the money spent, you should know the main mistakes in choosing sewing machines.
Mistake 1. An expensive sewing machine is not needed by amateur craftsmen
Of course, for home sewing, an expensive computer sewing machine will become an unjustified waste, but excessive savings can also lead to the purchase of low-quality equipment. You must remember that the price of a sewing machine is based on its functionality, reliability, performance. It is desirable that the model has a strong metal case, a durable powerful motor, a sufficient set of sewing operations to perform all the necessary tasks.
The sheer number of operations and capabilities of the machine at a low cost should make you suspicious.
Mistake 2. The best sewing machines are made in the homeland of the brand
To save on production and increase series, most of the world-famous manufacturers have moved their production lines to countries with a more favorable tax system and cheap labor. Therefore, do not be surprised if you see sewing machines of the brands Janome , Husgvarna, Juki sewing machines, Brother and other brands marked “Made in China, Vietnam, Taiwan”, etc.
Such factories are under the full technological control of the manufacturer’s experts, so doubt the quality products are not worth it.
Mistake 3. Which shuttle is better?
In fact, the concept of a “best” sewing machine does not exist; it is more a marketing ploy of sellers. For home use, you won’t find much difference between using a vertical or horizontal shuttle. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, differing only in noise comfort, ease of threading the bobbin, and equipment capabilities. Only a professional can give you a complete answer to the question of which type of shuttle to choose.
The advantages of the vertical shuttle include:
- High strength due to all-metal construction.
- Durability and endurance.
- Convenient thread tension adjustment.
- Cheapness of repair.
But for reliable operation, vertical shuttles need constant lubrication of rubbing parts, such machines are not so convenient in threading and due to the design features, the maximum stitch width is no more than 5 mm. Also, when using the vertical hook sewing machine, more noise and vibration is generated due to the characteristic swinging motion of the hook. It is difficult to control the amount of thread remaining on the bobbin.
The advantages of a horizontal shuttle include:
- Convenience of threading.
- Noise and vibration comfort at work due to the fact that the shuttle rotates 360 degrees.
- The horizontal shuttle of household sewing machines is capable of making wider stitches up to 6.5-7 mm.
- Does not require frequent maintenance and lubrication.
- Allows you to control the amount of thread remaining thanks to the open bobbin design.
However, such sewing machines are more difficult and more expensive to repair; if used improperly, the user risks piercing the bobbin insert with a needle. It is not so convenient to adjust the thread tension on these sewing machines.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW! The position of the shuttle does not affect the thickness and density of the sewn fabric, it is influenced by other parameters (engine power, reduction in the mechanics of the machine, the presence of a stabilizer for the force of tissue puncture and a reinforced rail, a fabric conveyor, etc.)
Mistake 4. “I want a sewing machine with high quality stitching, so I take the most expensive one”!
This assumption is as true as it is wrong. The thing is that a number of parameters depend on getting a high-quality line:
- The first thing to look out for is a sewing machine manufacturer who should have a well-deserved reputation with sewing professionals. If you are not well versed in the parameters of cars, then in this way you can secure your purchase.
- Often purchasing a sewing machine, customers want to buy an old proven classic, because such a technique has passed the test of time and has established itself as reliable. This technique is truly capable of providing an optimal set of required functions and characteristics. But it is worth remembering about the constantly changing and improving market. The processing of various innovative fabrics, for example, supplex, satin, fleece, is often beyond the power of old, albeit high-quality, models. If you do not want to limit yourself in your sewing possibilities, choose new machines, already adapted and correctly tuned for modern fabrics.
- You must always remember about the functionality of the machine, first of all. For example, choosing a zigzag width of 7 mm and sewing with a size 100 universal needle, you are unlikely to get a high-quality stitch on a supplex. In addition, the likelihood that the sewing machine will end up in a service center due to such manipulations is extremely high. Therefore, for each fabric and selected stitch, it is necessary to correctly adjust the thread tension, use the right needles in size and type, and also use special accessories (sewing feet or accessories), which together will provide the highest quality stitching!
The conclusion is extremely simple – in order to get a high-quality stitch, you need to look at the capabilities and functionality of each individual model, and not at its price.
Mistake 5. Reviews or recommendations from sellers?
Those people who are familiar with the field of sales know that most of the reviews on popular sites are written by representatives of stores who are promoting themselves in this way. Another part of the reviews are enthusiastic comments from happy owners of new equipment who did not have time to fully evaluate the operation of the equipment or compare it with other machines.
If you want to know real reviews about a particular model, try calling any sewing school or private tailoring and repair atelier and find out what sewing machines they work on. Most likely, these will be brands that specifically produce only sewing equipment and have been doing this for many years. Well, if you buy a sewing machine from a manufacturer who is better known as a manufacturer of TVs or garden equipment, most likely you should not expect high quality sewing. The same goes for brands that came out of nowhere with no history or reputation of their own. They are more often promoted by salespeople by consultants for a salary bonus.
Error 6. The seller will tell you which sewing machine to take
If you are not too versed in the models of sewing machines, it is better to see with your own eyes how high-quality and convenient a copy is in front of you. Every self-respecting seller of sewing machines, in view of the narrow specialization of goods, must have a showroom with a showcase of sewing equipment, where you can see the goods with your own eyes, and also provide the client with the opportunity to test a sewing machine or overlock. A balanced choice is especially important, because you are buying the sewing machine on which you plan to work. And for beginners in sewing and for experienced craftswomen, such a purchase is comparable to purchasing a car! This will determine how well you will be able to sew all types of fabrics, how comfortable it will be to work on sewing equipment. And most importantly, these should be the real parameters of each individual model. And not an imposed advertising move by the seller.
You can check the honesty of an online store in a very simple and proven way. Before buying a sewing machine in one or another online store, try to call and inform that the sewing machine you bought from them broke down and you need help with repairs or you want to return the product, since it did not meet expectations! If they are ready to help you solve the problem and do not come up with excuses, we can safely say that you can buy goods 100% in such a store, you will be sure that the guarantee will work, and if the machine does not satisfy, you can always exchange it according to the law or return.
