Type of Sewing Machines (Complete Guide)

The very essence of a sewing machine is akin to human life. Knot by knot a sewing machine turns a piece of clothing into an attire. Similarly, every day we live our lives to make it count so that at the end of the day we can say that I have lived my life to its best.

But when it comes to owning a sewing machine you need to consider several variables before deciding on the type of machine that will suit your requirements. In this guide, we will go through all the different types of sewing machines. We will also discuss their uses, differences, uniqueness, usage, and much more.

Types of Sewing Machines:

Broadly, there are two categories of sewing machines available in the market. One is Domestic and the other is industrial sewing machines. Further, these two are sub-divided into various types depending on their features and the sewing mechanism.

Industrial Stitching Machines:

The industrial sewing machines are more robust, powerful, and can handle heavy stitching jobs with ease. These types of machines require less maintenance and they are more durable than domestic machines. Apart from this, the industrial machines can handle tougher stitching jobs and can last longer.

You can operate them for longer hours without a risk of failure or shutdown. Hence, the industrial machines are more expensive than domestic ones.

Here are the different types of Industrial Sewing machines.

Types	Features	Benefits
Flat Bed Machines	These are the most basic type of industrial-grade sewing machines and can perform heavier functions in the industrial outset. But this type of sewing machine can only perform little to medium jobs in the professional workplace. They can handle some heavier fabric and provide an amazing stitch quality. Moreover, you can stitch the flat fabric pieces on this machine and the design of the flatbed machines is similar to a domestic machine.	For simple stitching tasks, these are the best option for Industrial usage.
Post-Bed sewing machines	The post bed sewing machines are to be fitted on a table along with an external motor. The motor is to be brought extra and doesn’t come along with the machine.	These machines are used for stitching three-dimensional stitching, for stuff like caps, bags, etc.
Cylinder Bed Sewing Machines	These machines have an extremely narrow head and horizontal cylindrical column, instead of the usual flatbed.	Due to this feature, this machine is normally used for stitching circular objects, like collars, cuffs, shoes, etc.
Free Arm Sewing Machines	The striking feature of a free arm sewing machines its detachable flat-bed arm. The additional free arm helps in holding the bobbins, shuttle, and the feed dog in place.	This is again useful for stitching circular products like caps, cuffs, etc. The extra edge means smoother and faster stitching.

Domestic Sewing Machines:

As the name suggests the domestic sewing machines are made for everyday use. In our houses, the mother and grandmother’s most important necessity is a sewing machine.

From repairing a small tear in the shirt to stitching their own suit, the housewives can do a lot with their sewing machines. But it is also important to know that, the domestic machines can only handle cotton, silk, woolen and other types of everyday fabric.

Here are a few types of Domestic Sewing Machines available in the market.

Types	Features	Benefits
Manual Sewing Machines	Considered as one of the most durable sewing machines, these are common in most Indian households. Manual machines also cost less as they are operated by hand or with the help of pedals. They are best suited for performing all the simple and basic functions of sewing with precision and affordability.	Manual means that they help save energy and the operating cost is also less. They also require less maintenance, so you are good to go for a long time. However, regular oiling is essential for smooth functioning.
Electronic Sewing Machines	It is evident that these types of sewing machines are powered by a single motor and will cost more than the hand-operated machines. There is a pedal for the foot and pressing it rotates the motor and the motor runs the machine. Some electronic machines have a dial option that allows you to modify the stitch length and the types.	This type of machine has more control and it is faster than the manual machines. Moreover, the users can control the cloth with both hands.
Automatic Sewing Machines	The automatic machines have allowed every housewife to design her own clothes without putting in too much of an effort. This is because they have an automatic sequencing ability with which the user can command the machine to draw up specific patterns on the fabric. You can connect the automatic machine to WiFi or even insert a USB. The interface is also touch-based and the LED display adds yet another innovation to the machine.	They don’t have any complicated dials, for handling. Most of the automatic sewing machines look very sleek and stylish to keep at home.

Further, the domestic machines are also segregated by their unique functions and ability to provide different types of stitches. Here they are.

Type	Feature	Benefits
Over Locker Sewing Machine	The overlocker machines are not exactly meant for stitching but to place overlocked stitches on hems to fasten them up. While sewing, it automatically trims the hems, and make them look neat.	These machines are really fast to use. You can buy some additional attachments to use this machine for sewing rolled rims, or zig-zag patterns, etc.
Over Edging Sewing Machine	A level up from the overlocking machine, this one also cuts and seals the edges automatically and smoothly. Its, however, has fewer functions than your regular sewing machines.	This machine is simply super fast
Buttonhole	The buttonhole machines as the name suggests, help in creating buttonholes.	However, these days the need for a separate buttonhole machine is almost negligible.
Bar Tacking	Bar tacking machines are used to add extra strength to sew, that might be prone to additional wear and tear	These are extremely useful to strengthen the stitching around zippers, pocket corners, etc.
Embroidery Sewing Machine	Yes, these are for embroidering delicate patterns onto fabrics. These even come with touch screen controls. There are different types of sewing machines	Though hand-woven fabrics are more in demand, this machine is quite a time saver.
Lockstitch Sewing Machine	The Lock Stitch machines are named as such because they lock the fabric from two sides, upper and lower. Both the threads punch a hole in the fabric that originates from the spool that is kept at the top. The lockstitch mechanism is used for joining the inner linings of the clothes and they are more robust than other types of stitches because of the double lock.	The lock stitch machines offer a fast and quick sewing experience with a nice finish to the fabric. They provide strengthened stitches which are protective and will not let the fabric lose its sharpness.
Double Needle Machines	The double-needle machine uses two needles for stitching and both these needles can be attached to two different types of threads and colours.	Dual needles mean that you can sew with more strength. Plus, the double needle stitches are better to provide decorative stitching.
Button Attachment Sewing Machines	Lastly, you have the button attachment sewing machines. But these machines are normally used in the garment workshops where they need to attach a huge number of buttons to garments on a daily basis.	For household purposes, this type of machine can help you attach shirt buttons with efficiency and precision.

Recommended Sewing Machines

Brother FS 101 Computerized Sewing Machine

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Brother offers some of the best and most innovative sewing machines in the country. The FS 101 is a computerized sewing machine which has 100 stitch number and 55 alphanumeric stitches. It is best used for household purposes including simple stitch and join functions to more complex button attachment purposes.

Being a computerized machine you can use it to perform a lot of stitching functions. Plus, this machine has an inbuilt needle threader which makes the most intricate task of stitching easy and convenient.

Singer 8280 Sewing Machine

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Singer is a brand that has made its mark in almost every Indian House with its amazing sewing machines. Singer 8280 is a versatile machine when it comes to performing for all the household tasks. You can use it for the embroidery along with everyday stitching purposes.

There are up to 24 stitching functions in this machine and you will find it easy to use the machine because it has an inbuilt thread cutter. When you are looking for an affordable sewing machine that has all the modern features, this is the machine that you need to buy. Plus, all the parts and products of the Singer 8280 come with a 2-year warranty.

Usha Janome Allure

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Even though the size of this sewing machine is smaller but when it comes to functions and properties, the Usha Janome Allure has a lot to offer. This sewing machine is made to last longer and you will always have you one arm free to move the fabric understitching.

It can perform a lot of functions (21) and this includes hemming, button attaching, and fixing the zips. In the embroidery section, you can use this machine for functions like smoking, etc.

You will find that there are two dials on this machine each for changing the patterns and stitch lengths. Plus, Usha is also known for its customer service and this sewing machine.

Difference Between the Chain Stitch, Cover Stitch, and Blind Stitch Machines?

Chain Stitch:

Well, starting out the chain stitch sewing machines provide a continuous chain link of stitches on the fabric. This type of stitch is carried out with one single thread. This single line of thread is cemented in its place in two ways.

For one it is looped around the fabric cloth and secondly, it is looped around itself. So you can see a chain stitch that joins, combines, creates, or repairs one or more than one piece of fabric.

Plus you can stitch it in a straight line or even go for zigzag or curvy stitches. The Chain stitches can also vary as per the thread and needle.

Some machines can give results to a chain stitch with two needles both working in sync with each other. Chain stitching is also used for decorative works and fabrication.

Blind Stitch:

The name-blind stitch means that the user cannot see the stitched fabric or margins. Bling stitching is done on the margins (hems) of the fabric, something we can call as hemming. It is specifically helpful when you are stitching pants, shorts, skirts. As most of these fabrics have hard fabric stuff, the blind stitches are appropriate for these types of clothes.

Cover Stitches:

The cover stitches are the most decorative kind of stitches that can be done with a machine. This stitches type makes for amazing looking margins or hemstitching and help in knitting garments easily.

What type of machine is Serger?

Sergers are a unique kind of stitching machines which are known for its durability and smooth finishing to the stitches. Sergers offer multi-purpose stitch types and allow the user to sew sportswear, stretched clothes, and knitted dresses.

Sergers offer more comfort in stitching than other sewing machines it combines the features of overlock and overedges sewing machines into one.

The edges knitted by the sergers are neat and they have a good finish which allows for the seams to look as if they are much closer and intact.

You can also find some serger machines which have embedded cutters in them. These cutters will cut at the edges of the fabrics which are undergoing stitching.

This along with the fact that the sergers save a lot of time when stitching their overlocking stitches capability allows for four to five thread sergers in one go.

How to decide which Sewing Machine is appropriate for me?

Buying a sewing machine may look redundant to some, but it is an essential and money-saving appliance that is necessary for every house.

Sewing machine as such has a common range and features, but there are some differences in each of them. Knowing about these differences will help you make a better and informed choice.

Budgeting

The first thing that you need to consider is how much are you willing to spend. Because you can get a lot of range with regard to these machines in the market.

A good automatic sewing machine will cost you around Rs. 25000, on the other hand, a simple hand-operated machine will cost only Rs. 3000 to 4000.

Hence, as per your budget, you can get a brand new sewing machine for your home or domestic purposes. But without looking at the budget always go for a strong and robust sewing machine. Do not go after the plastic-bodied machine which is cheaper. It won’t last long.

Type of Stitching

If you want to give results to some menial everyday stitching jobs then do not go for a fully-featured sewing machine. You won’t get a chance to use most of its functions.

Buy a machine which is somewhat better than the basic ones. This way it can serve your purpose and also give you something new to learn. But before that, you also need to know what type of stitching or purpose suits you. Because there are different sorts of machines that provide you with the freedom of various stitching types and combinations.

For patchworks the stitches are different and for button attachment, you need different stitches. That is why it is essential to segregate between the purpose and then choose the one machine which is appropriate for you.

Usage Intensity

Even if you are a beginner, using a sewing machine can be a bit addictive. Starting out you may use it occasionally, but once you get around it, you will want to use the machine more often.

And in such instances, having a sewing machine that cannot handle more work will not be beneficial. So, it is essential to know how much work you are going to put upon your sewing machine beforehand.

Conclusion

So, it is evident that buying a sewing machine is rather important for every household or a fabric industry. Big workshops or garment industries have the required knowledge about which type of machine they want.

But when it comes to households, it is essential to know what are the different types of machines and which ones are better than most.

Plus, there are a lot of variables that you need to look after before buying a sewing machine for your home. Having the right information in your hands can help you make a better choice than most.