Buying a Sewing Machine

With the variety of sewing machines available, making a decision of which sewing machine to purchase is much more complex than it was way back when.....

Today's quilters are presented with some interesting and fun options that can make their quilting more interesting and relaxing.

Many of the more popular brands, including Singer, Simplicity, Janome, Brother, White and Necci sewing machines feature an LCD display, dial-a-stitch selector, automatic needle threader, convertible free arm, extension table, electronic speed control, drop in bobbin, and computerized stitch selection, to name just a few. These machines sew not only straight stitches, but zig zag, button hole, and fancy embroidery stitches.

Several sewing machine companies cater to the quilting market by including speed adjustments to make machine quilting easier. The White 1740 Quilter's Machine has an extra wide extension bed to support your work, and reduce pulling and stretching. The Simplicity American Quilter sewing machine features a convertible free-arm and snap-on presser foot. All of that and they are lightweight, too - so you can easily transport your machine to your quilting class.

In addition to regular sewing machines, there are sergers and longarm quilting machines to consider.

Prices for sewing machines range from around $100 up to, well, in the thousands.

All of these choices are wonderful, yet how to decide.

Before making your purchase, you should decide how you will use your machine, and whether you might want more than one machine. Those decisions can be made within the context of your budget and lifestyle, in addition to your commitment to quilting and the type of quilting you will be doing.

If you are going to be using your machine only for machine piecing quilt tops, and not doing any machine quilting or fancy stitching, a fairly simple sewing machine will likely serve your needs. If you are going to purchase only one machine and are planning to take it to quilting classes with you, weight and bulk may be a consideration. In addition, it may be important for the machine to come with a carrying case; and possibly space in the carrying case for some sewing supplies.

If you are planning to machine piece your quilt tops and machine quilt the completed project, a heavier duty machine with the power to glide through multiple layers of fabric and batting would be a better choice. In addition, you may want to look for a machine that offers a "walking foot," or something similar, or possibly even built into the machine. This feature will feed the quilt top, batting and quilt backing evenly through the machine as the quilt is stitched, reducing puckering and unsightly folds.

Another consideration if you will be doing much machine quilting is to purchase a sewing machine that is ideal for machine piecing, and a separate longarm machine just for machine quilting. In the past, these machines were designed and priced for the professional market. As with many things, the technology has improved, demand has increased, and now longarm quilting machines are more of an option for home quilters.

Once you have decided how you will use your machine and what features are important to you, the next step is to ponder the particular brands available. Price is not always a determination of quality, so a visit to a local sewing machine store - whether it is the community Sew and Vac, a Walmart, Sears, or something else - where you can "test drive" the machines might be the next order of business.

Trying several different brands with different features will give you an idea of what you prefer. A conversation with a sewing machine repair person will give you a hint about brands that need a lot of service and those which last years with just a yearly tune up.

Once you have narrowed it down to a particular brand or two, and know which features are important, the next step is to do some research on price and availability. The internet offers some great choices for saving money - eBay, overstock.com, PriceGrabber.com, etc. While these sources offer good savings, they may not provide a guarantee or the service you may want for your machine. If your local Sew and Vac will service the machine once you have it, the price savings may prove worthwhile.

Used sewing machines may also be a consideration. Some of the older machines are in excellent condition and offer features not found on current machines. Singer Featherweight sewing machines from the 40s and 50s are still popular with quilters. These little machines are like the Energizer Bunny - they just keep going and going. They are lightweight and simple. Some have attachments, many just sew forward and backward and are perfect for machine piecing. Keep them oiled and they will last many lifetimes!

Wouldn't it be nice if the decision were easier, and you could just "call Sears" and order the machine? On the other hand, isn't it fantastic that the quilting days of 75 years ago are behind us and we can now create quilts using technology that encourages our creativity!

Additional information about purchasing a sewing machine and a detailed checklist are available at: [http://www.how-to-quilt.com/products.shtml]

Happy Quilting!

©2005, Penny Halgren Penny is a quilter of more than 24 years who seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to create beautiful quilts.

http://www.How-to-Quilt.com Inspiration and Education for Beginning Quilters

http://www.Rag-Quilt-Instructions.com Fast, Fun and Funky Quilts

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The Uses Of Sewing Machine

Sewing machines were invented long back during the first Industrial Revolution. The intention behind the invention of such machines was to decrease the time required in sewing, as before this all the sewing work was done manually. The cloth companies needed to optimize their work and sewing machines was the answer.

Once the first sewing machine was invented, the productivity and the efficiency of the clothing and fabric industries increased vastly. Also, the sewing machines have improved greatly with their speeds increasing manifolds, variations available in stitching styles. The modern sewing machines look and work in a much more mechanized way as compared to the sewing machines which our great grandmothers used. Instead of simple stitching, they embroider, stitch, attach buttons, do pekoe and many more other activities.

The older machines used a single thread chain stitch mechanism. The modern sewing machine uses two threads instead of one and uses what is called lock stitching mechanism. The industrial sewing machines are generally specialized for one type of stitching since they need to be optimized. They are designed in a way that the fabric is able to glide in and out easily, without any hassle of thimbles and needles. The ease reduces the effort required and saves a lot of time.

The problem with the chain stitch was - it was extremely weak and it was possible to pull it apart very easily. With the introduction of machines in the field, people started to think that a better and stronger way of stitching could now be devised which would only be possible through machine usage. Lock stitch was the answer to their questions. In the case of lock stitch, two different threads are interlocked from both the sides of the fabric. It results in a stitch which can be looked as if the fabric is stitched from both ends making it much more strong and durable than the conventional chain stitch.

Thomas Saint was the first person to have a design for sewing machine patented. His machine was designed to work on canvas and leather. A working model of the same was never built. Other designs and patents came along in the future. Walter Hunt was the developer of lock stitch technique.

Other than the basic requirements in the motion of loopers, needles and bobbins, the most important movement is that of the fabric. It is necessary that the fabric moves at the required time (generally continuously) so that the stitches are made at the right position. The motion is also called as `feed`. Typical feed motion include: needle feed, drop feed, puller, walking foot, and manual. Generally, more than one kind of feed is used in a single machine to optimize the working.

A household machine will generally include only the lock stitch mechanism. But the machine can be used in a little different way (generally by moving the needle in different ways which is an included function in the machine); fancy stitches can be made possible. The simplest form of a fancy stitch is zigzag in which the needle just needs to perform an oscillatory motion continuously as the stitching is done normally.

Mechanical configuration can differ vastly in sewing machines. Some of the typical configurations are - cylinder bed, flat bed, off the arm and post bed. All the basic feed mechanism and stitch types are available in all these configurations. However, for industrial purposes the best possible configuration is used for a type of stitch. Like, blind stitch always uses cylinder bed configuration.

The invention of sewing machine was a necessity. And its introduction greatly increased the production and quality of the cloth industry.

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for PoloMercantil

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Sewing Machine Repair Manual - What Does Tony Asef's Sewing Machine Repair Book Include?

Learning how to repair your own sewing machine is a worthwhile skill since it can save you a lot of money. However, a sewing machine is a tricky apparatus which is made up of many parts like: bobbin, needle bar, motor, drive belt, hand wheel, levers, and more. So knowing how to fix a sewing machine isn't the easiest thing in the world, although once you get the hang of it it's not so difficult. One sewing machine repair manual is the one written by Tony Asef who has over 25 years of experience.

The How To Repair Sewing Machines at Home manual is a 70+ pages e-book about how to do repairs in the comfort of your own home. This e-book details how to fix many brands like Singer, Brother, Bernina, Pfaff, Viking, Juki, and more. The e-book includes many diagrams and is very easy to understand.

As this sewing machine repair book costs 39.95$ only, if it only saves you a single trip to a store, you've already made your only back and more. If you sew regularly, this is a worthwhile investment which you should definitely make.

Apart from fixing breakdowns, this sewing machine repair manual also teaches how to turn this skill into a profitable home business. You may find it surprising, but a lot of individuals have turned this into a handsome home business. Indeed, you can make a few hundreds of dollars each month by repairing other people's machines. With this sewing machine repair training manual, you learn how to get customers and expand your business.

As you see, How To Repair Sewing Machines at Home can teach you many things about how to take your sewing machines skill to a new level.

To read more about sewing machine repair, click here: Sewing Machine Repair Manual.

Rachel Newman writes about sewing and sewing machines. To read her review of Sewing Machine Repair, click here: Sewing Machine Repair - Do It Yourself.

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Check Out Brother XL2600I 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions for $89.99

Brother XL2600I 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions Review

I bought this machine for my 8 year old to learn some basic sewing on. For this purpose, the machine offers good value for the money. She can use it to make items for her dolls and learn some basic mending. If you're looking for a workhorse machine, or for sewing on heavier fabrics, or for doing fine satin stitching on appliques, I would not recommend it.

Brother XL2600I 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions Feature

• Versatile, lightweight sewing machine for sewing, quilting, and decorating clothing, crafts, and home fashion
• 25 built-in stitches, each with multiple stitch functions; 1-step automatic buttonholer; free-arm capability
• Adjustable stitch width/length; automatic needle threader; drop-in bobbin system; quick-change presser feet
• Foot control, screwdriver, bobbins, needles, extra spool pin, darning plate, and manual included
• Measures 12-1/4 by 7-3/4 by 9-3/5 inches; 25-year limited warranty

Brother XL2600I 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions Overview

Brother's new XL2600i is a 25 stitch free arm sewing machine with multiple stitch functions. Easy to use, the XL2600i features an automatic needle threader, built in thread cutter and drop-in bobbin system. This sewing machine also has a built in one-step automatic buttonholer with a stitch balance control for perfect buttonholes every time. The stitches include built-in stretch, blind hem and decorative stitches as well as basic stitches for garment construction, quilting and embellishment. The XL2600i also has adjustable width and length as well as a dial thread tension control to give you more sewing flexibility. Brother's XL2600i has a convertible sewing surface from flatbed to freearm so that you can easily sew on hems or cuffs as well as larger items. Accessories are included for quilting, zipper insertion, darning, buttonholes and button sewing and this machine features quick change presser feet so you can easily change the feet to meet your sewing needs. The XL2600i is lightweight with a built-in handle for portability. Instructions are bilingual in English and Spanish.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

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Customer Reviews

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 23, 2010 15:28:15

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The Damascus Grand Rotary Sewing Machine and Its Reputation

The Damascus Grand Rotary Sewing Machine, sold by Montgomery Ward, decades ago, remains one of the most beloved machines ever created. People around the globe still use, revere, and protect their Grand Rotary sewing machine.

A collector's item, this amazing machine at the time sewed about 1/3 quicker than all other models at the time and it became an instant classic. Every serious sewer and amateur sewer alike quickly learns the nuances of a machine and then becomes one with their machine. This machine is one of the few machines in history to become such an instant and enduring classic.

Even in today's society where convenience and speed are paramount, people enjoy and perfect their sewing skills. In fact, we often pay a premium to have people sew things for us as we appreciate the quality of good sewing. Those among us who have perfected the art of sewing will be quick to point out that it is as much about their machine as it is about their individual skills.

Whether creating a new dress or shirt, hemming pants, altering their favorite garment, attaching buttons or embroidering, the art of sewing is appreciated by all, yet mastered by surprising few. In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in sewing that has led to an increase in popularity of collectible machines such as this one.

Collectors know the value of a great machine and all of its accessories including the needles, cases and even manuals. That's right, there is an entire market of people looking for, finding and selling owner manuals for popular machines such as this one.

As people look for the ultimate find in sewing, they often come online and research these classic machines to find the machines themselves, as well as the various accessories that are available for the machine.

We would be curious to learn if Montgomery Ward's thought for a moment that when they began to offer this machine nearly a century ago that it would become such an instant classic. Whether they knew it at the time or not, there is no doubt that this amazing machine has caught the heart and the attention of sewing aficionados around the world who love their Damascus Grand Rotary sewing machine. If you are serious about sewing, I highly recommend you get your hands on one of these machines.

Byran Kempa for Sewing Machine Resource - a resource site providing information on all types of sewing machines including the Damascus Grand Rotary sewing machine.

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Your Singer Sewing Machine: 7 Tips for Easy Upkeep

Your Singer sewing machine is made to last with minimal upkeep and repairs. However, just like any machine, it needs regular preventative maintenance to ensure smooth running.

1. Unplug Your Machine -- Always unplug your sewing machine from any electricity before performing any upkeep.


2. Clean Your Machine -- You can wipe down the surface with a damp, soft cloth, using a mild soap if you like.


3. Use a lint brush to remove lint -- Especially tackle the lint remaining on the take-up lever and thread guides, presser, needle bars, and bobbin case.


4. Lubricate your machine -- Your machine usually comes with a small bottle of special oil just right for your Singer sewing machine. If you run out, you can purchase more at either a Singer distributor, or online. Check your manual for a diagram of where you need to lubricate your machine and how often. Singer machines are generally designed to need oiling only once a year when the machine is used several times weekly. More frequent use may require more frequent lubricating.


5. Keep a spare light bulb around -- Find the right light bulb part number on the Singerco.com site and keep one around in case yours burns out.


6. Check your manual for any special instructions -- Especially if you are having any trouble, your manual may have a good troubleshooting section.


7. Have your machine checked by professionals -- Singer authorized dealers will have a shop that is designated for routine maintenance. Routine checkups will keep your Singer sewing machine in the family for generations.

A little upkeep goes a long way with these reliable machines. If you have a really old Singer, you may need the motor checked, or the belt replaced. It's worth the small amount of time and energy to ensure that you can keep on sewing all your favorite projects.

Robin A. Brown is a Singer sewing machine fan from her youth. She has always sewn on Singer. Today she sews for her family and for pleasure with a reliable mechanical Singer sewing machine.

On her site http://www.SewSing.com , Robin also has some video tutorials to help with common activities you need to get started sewing, like threading your bobbin and threading your Singer sewing machine.

Visit http://www.SewSing.com today for Singer sewing machines and accessories.

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Industrial Sewing Machine - Starting a Small Tailoring Business

Aside from your creativity and skills, a heavy-duty industrial sewing machine is one of the working tools you will need to get started in a tailoring business. Even if, at the moment, you do not have a lot of customers while you are starting your business, in time you will have quite a few people coming to shop to have their clothes made so you will need to invest in a high-quality industrial sewing machine right from the start. Investing in equipment is one of the best things to do particularly when you intend to stay in the industry for an extended period of time.

Selecting Your Industrial Sewing Machine

There are numerous models of industrial sewing machines that are available on the market today. To help select a model of industrial sewing machine that will help you the most, you should initially make an inventory of the types of things that you will require in your shop. You can also make a prediction of the kind of projects that you'll likely receive so that you can figure out what types of materials that you'll need to work on.

Once you have come to your conclusion on these assessments, you should now do some research and shop for the right industrial sewing machine for your tailoring business. Some of the industrial sewing machines that might be useful for you are as follows;

* Lock Stitch Industrial Sewing Machine

* Zigzag Lock Stitch Sewing Machine

* Button Attaching Industrial Sewing Machine

Lock stitched machines are very important since you will require this to do basic primary sewing tasks. If you believe that you will be having a heavy workload, you should buy a machine that has the ability to handle numerous different types of fabrics.

There are many lock stitch industrial sewing machines that have the ability to handle light materials, as well as difficult to sew materials, medium types of materials and heavy materials. The great thing about purchasing this kind of industrial sewing machine is that you will not have to switch to any other type of machine when you change materials, so your shop floor won't be cluttered with numerous different types of machines for varying types of fabrics.

In regards to your zigzag sewing machine, you should select that type of machine if you are looking to offer a wide variety of patterns. Because you may wish to use different patterns every now and then, it is better to get a sewing machine that has more options and capabilities. Conversely, your button attached sewing machine is a machine you should get if you're looking for stability regardless of the size of the buttons or the type of thread that you will use.

Listen to Korbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of fine apparel. If you would like to learn more go to Sewing Machine advice and at Sewing Pattern tips.

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Help - My Sewing Machine Not Working

Does this situation sound familiar? Putting the finishing touches on a sewing project you are moments away from finishing, when suddenly the thread breaks. This is a frustrating situation that in many cases leads capable sewers to forfeit their sewing adventure. Thread breakage is a nuisance that frustrates even the most experienced of sewers; fortunately in numerous situations, the fault of the thread breakage is due to the user's carelessness and easily fixable.

The first thing to check if you are experiencing thread looping or breakage is the machine tension. If the machine tension is not set properly you may experience thread looping because the tension is set too low and breakage if it set too high. Be sure that the tension is properly set to help avoid such problems from occurring.

A different problem that often leads in thread breakage is imprecise threading. Often sewers who have used their machine for a long time they presume that their experience makes them impervious to mistakes. This is often untrue as anyone can make a mistake and even the most skilled of sewers are not immune to making an accident, such as incorrectly threading the machine, which results in thread breakage. To prevent problems with threading your machine it is important to check that thread comes off the spool in a flowing and even manner. You are at a much higher risk for thread breakage if the thread does not lift from the spool smoothly.

A regularly recurring accident is faulty threading the tension assembly. A large number of sewers are aware that there is a tension assembly, but despite knowing this fact are oblivious on how to thread it correctly. To properly thread the machine a user must "floss" the thread into the tension assembly. This will prevent thread breakage because it will allow your machine to apply the optimal amount of upper tension.

Another over looked factor that often leads to thread breakage is incorrect threading of the take-up lever. An immeasurable amount of sewers are oblivious to the fact that the take up lever even exists. This unawareness results in sewers unconsciously failing to get thread over the take up lever. Not getting the thread over the take up lever leads to thread breakage, so it is critically important to ensure that when threading your machine that the tread is getting over the take up lever.

Many sewers are unsure of the type of bobbin their machine uses. If you use the incorrect bobbin for your machine you could cause thread looping or irregular thread feeding. Make sure you are using the correct bobbin and that the bobbin is inserted in the machine correctly to help prevent a potential problem. Consult the user manual for your machine for the proper size bobbin and how to properly install the bobbin.

To ensure effortless sewing a machine must be kept clean. A clean machine must be clean from the inside and out; simply dusting the outer parts does not mean the machine is truly clean. Elimination of dust and thread in the thread linkage, gears and bobbin case assist in having you perform optimally and helps avoid thread breakage.

A well-maintained and clean machine prevents headaches and troubles for the user. Taking your sewing machine to a trained sewing specialized location to have your machine cleaned and lubricated is a very good idea. Many sewing machines of today are called no-oiling machines, a no-oiling machine does not have to be oiled by the user, but should be periodically lubricated and cleaned by a sewing machine mechanic. A qualified sewing machine mechanic would insure that all inside parts of your sewing machine receive the attention they need.

Using the simple steps above will help to severely cut down on thread breaking. When a sewing machine is well kept and in good working order, it results in using less wasted time, thread and, stress for the user

For more content, and tips on sewing machines such as brother sewing machines and singer sewing machines visit us at Mr Vac and Mrs Sew.

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