The sewing machine is a great companion for regular sewers and those who sew for making a living. However, if you are looking forward to opting for this profession, I’ve got a starter for you.
First, you need to know about different types of sewing machines and their uses so that you won’t lead astray once you enter the market.
In this article, I have prepared a list of a good 21 types of sewing machines. I will take you through their intros and functions in a surely enjoyable way.
Types & Uses of Different Sewing Machines
In this list, I have gathered the knowledge of my experience in the sewing machine writing and from the internet that will surely help you in career development.
Without any further fuss, let us start this beautiful journey!
1. Manual Sewing Machine
The first and foremost category in which sewing machines are divided is manual sewing machines. They are simpler in functions and good for beginners. They are old-fashioned.
Uses: The main component for functioning in them is a handwheel. They work with electricity and are non-portable. A good choice for beginners.
2. Mechanical Sewing Machine
This is a one-step advancement in the manual sewing machine with little adaptations. There is a pedal for sewing, and an ON/OFF switch.
Uses: There are some stitch options, and the length/width of stitches is also adjustable.
It is not very precise as the presently used sewing machines but serves the purpose to a great extent. You need to put more effort into them.
3. Portable Sewing Machines
They are a perfect companion if you attend sewing classes or if you just like moving around while doing a project. They are the same in function as the other regular domestic machines.
Uses: They are portable, i.e., you can easily carry them around due to their lightweight and compact size. But this has no effect on their power and smoothness of operation.
4.Electronic Sewing Machine
These machines also work with the help of a pedal.
However, there is an advancement that you can keep them plugged in, and the operation begins only when you press the pedal.
Uses: They have many features that make them much more attractive than the previous oldies’ versions.
5. Sergers
They are specially designed sewing machines for serging.
They have a special feature of overlocking the edges, giving you a chance to attain sleek and errorless finishing giving an industrial impression with the minimum effort.
Uses: They work in the same way as other sewers, the only difference being the cutters implied in order to cut extra fabric for a better finish.
6. Computerized Sewing Machines
These are the machines of today.
They use computer functions to help optimize and ease the sewing process. The process is easier and simpler with these machines, which means you don’t have to deal with hectic controls such as dials.
Uses: The LCD computerized operation helps you select between various functions with the help of a simple touch. They also have a USB port and WIFI enabled on them.
7. Double-Needle Sewing Machine
As the name suggests, this machine comes with two needles and bobbins. It is also known as a twin needle lockstitch machine.
They can create two parallel stitches at a time hence attaining a better and stronger stitch.
Uses: The distance between the two stitches can be adjusted. So, you can achieve fashionable designs using this machine.
8. Embroidery Machines
These machines have some special features which help in embroidery. The number of options on these machines mainly depends upon the quality, which relates directly to the price.
Uses: The most premium quality embroidery machines have the quality of downloading the designs from your laptop and then applying them through computer operations.
9. Buttonholing Machine
There are many different types of buttonholes, and you can imply them either by using add-ons in your existing machines or just getting one specially designed for the drill.
Uses: These machines come with a zig-zag lock stitch and can help in your functioning a lot. They are an especial attraction for tailors.
10. Button Attachment Machine
This is also a special attraction for tailors and is used to add buttons to the clothing. A simple lockstitch is good for that job.
Uses: If you have to deal with a lot of boutiques at the same time, you can use them for easy operation.
11. Bar-Tacking Sewing Machine
In the many different types of sewing machines, bar-tacking is the one if you are looking to get some extra strength to the collar, pockets, or buttonholes.
Uses: This machine will easily sustain any wear and tear in the clothing. It is exceptionally good for belt loops and the ends of zippers.
12. Lockstitch Sewer
Lock stitch is the most used stitch in a mechanical sewing machine.
However, there are machines specially designed for attaining a perfect lock stitch with minimum effort. These are called lockstitch sewing machines, and they usually come with one or two needles.
Uses: Two threads lock together before they pass through the hole. Hence, the durability increases.
13. Flat Bed
This is a special machine which comes with the addition of a flatbed. You can use this machine if you are dealing with a relatively larger project, which takes more space.
Uses: You can connect large pieces of fabric together on the flatbed. Its design is the same as that of a regular sewer; however, it is faster and more efficient.
14. Cylinder Bed
This machine comes with a bed that is cylindrical in shape, hence the name. It is very useful in round sewing pieces of fabric, such as collars and handcuffs.
Uses: The fabric goes over and under the column and provides easy sewing. The diameter is about 15 to 16 cm.
15. Post Bed
A post bed machine is typically implied when doing projects which require 3D sewings such as boots, hats, and gloves.
Uses: It offers a broader space and a raised bed for increased efficiency.
16. Off-the-arm sewing Machine
This is also an industrial-grade sewing machine having a free arm. This machine also allows easier sewing of round projects such as cuffs.
Uses: Most machines have the arms which are removable, and a free arm sewing machine is seldom available.
17. Blind Hemming Sewing Machine
This machine helps in hemming, which is difficult to do with the help of a naked eye. Such operations are not easy to be done with a regular sewing machine
Uses: A handy dial can be moved in either direction in order to grab the fabric. If the fabric is grabbed in a higher proportion, we will get a longer stitch.
18. Chain Stitch Sewing Machine
A sewer who loves embroidery features would generally prefer a chain stitch over a lock stitch machine.
Such machines can easily do the embroidery on flat surfaces and curtains. Some people would prefer a lockstitch as a chain stitch is less sturdy.
It is because the chain comes out sometimes.
Uses: However, the machine is reliable and requires a tad bit of efficiency for reliable and durable use.
19. Cycle Machine
These sorts of machines work in cycles that are very small and fast. Precise in action, which helps the sewer in achieving tiny details with utmost efficiency.
Uses: These machines come in various designs, such as button holding, buttonhole sewing, bar tacking, and label-sewing machines.
20. Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
These are industrial-grade sewing machines mostly used for one-purpose stitching with higher powers and endurance in industrial projects on a bulk level.
Uses: They can work on the thickest of materials and give us reliable and ideal stitches. They can perform many advanced tasks in a versatile way, thus replacing many machines at a time.
They are also used in home projects but are a smaller and lighter version of the original. They are a lot faster and stronger.
21. Cover-Stitch Sewing Machine
Last but not least, we have come to the cover-stitch sewing machine. Almost all the fabrics which are used in making wearables are worked on by a cover-stitch sewing machine.
Uses: In contrast with an overlocking machine, the cover-stitch does not contain blades for finishing. However, the machine, by default, attains very good quality cutting of extra fabric threads rendering a quality finish.
This machine is simpler than other machines used for the same purpose.
Also, you can operate them by using 1, 2, or 3 needles in contrast with other machines. The cover-stitched edges and ends are far cleaner and sleeker than other machines.
Conclusion
That will be all from my side; I hope I have given you enough information on different types of sewing machines, and you can use imply this information for various operations.
With this knowledge, you can easily choose which machine you want in order to start a new career or if you are a regular user, now you have a broader vision, and you can act more smartly in your choices.
The machine you choose for yourself should in parallel with your work. Best of luck!
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