Threaded Together: Finding the Perfect Sewing Machine
Hi Sewing Friends,
Happy Crafting Month! So you’re inspired and want to dive in to sewing? If you’re like many of us, you may be wondering which sewing machine will be the right fit for you ? Budget, features , ease of use, accessories……all these factors will ultimately determine your satisfaction years from now. Let’s face it, this choice can be overwhelming so let’s break it down and determine what to look for so you and your machine can live happily ever after!
FEATURES CHECK LIST:
- Needle Down–allows stopping/turning & continue to sew without skipping a stitch or losing your spot
- Twin Needle – allows twin needle sewing and prevents the twin needle from hitting the needle plate on a decorative stitch side-sweep
- Stitch Elongation– elongates certain decorative satin stitches up to 5X their pre-programmed length
- Single Image Locking Stitch–stitches one digit and then stops and anchors the thread
- Mirror Imaging–flips an asymmetrical stitch 180*, Can be vertical or horizontal or both
- Auto Pilot– sews on demand with the push of a button, no foot pedal needed!
- Speed Control–Slider bar limits or increases sewing speed to wherever you’re comfortable
- Push Button Reverse– Does it react immediately or is there a ‘few stitch’ delay?
- Bobbin– Is it a simple top, drop-in bobbin or a front oscillating that goes into a case and then into the machine? Are the bobbins metal or plastic? Are they readily available?
- Memory–”Working Memory”–Holds selected information until machine is turned off
Permanent Memory”– Hold selected information until deleted whether machine is on or off
Most machines can contain 1-8 separate pods of memory with 20-40 digits in each pod. Stitch sequencing and editing data within the pods varies between models and brands- Auto Thread Cutter– This push button feature cuts both bobbin and top thread when the seam is completed.
- Needle Threader– Automatically sends the top thread through the eye of the needle
- Presser Foot Pressure Control– Can the amount of pressure exerted on the material be changed?
- Presser foot Lift– How high is the clearance when you’re shifting your work under the presser foot.
- Drop Feed– Can the feed dogs be lowered easily or do you need to use a separate cover plate when engaging in free-motion embroidery or button attachment?
- LCD Screen– There are variances in resolution which affects how you see the stitches on the screen . The higher the resolution, the more ‘actual’ the stitches look
- Lighting– How many light sources are there and is it equipped with new LED or incandescent bulbs that need to be replaced more frequently?
- Stitch Package– How many stitches are there overall and will they suit your needs?
- Accessory Package– How many extra feet or other goodies come with this model and will I likely celebrate having them in my arsenal?
It isn’t always easy to know if a feature is right for you if you haven’t tried it yet so rule of thumb is to purchase the best machine you can comfortably afford and be delighted as you peel away the layers of discovery. Thank you for stopping by. You’re invited to call in to the live shows and come back next month when we go for the ‘test drive.’
Happy Sewing!
Darlene…I purchased the Futura Quartet in Dec., and love the machine. Have become a quilt “addict”. One problem I’m having is that upon trying to embroider, the thread continuously breaks and the bobbin case jams up. How do I properly use the spool netting?
hello,Darlene
I have purchased many machines from HSN after watching you. I as well really wish their were different videos of the shows you do, you show and teach SO much on each one, that after watching I cannot remember all you were teaching. My two favorite machine at this point are the SEQS 6000 & 6700. Are their any videos that teach the operations of these two machines I have mastered the basics but have not gotten to the new and fun stuff. Primarily because I do not know how to operate these machines as you do. I would LOVE TO KNOW HOW TO DO THE THINGS I HAVE WATCHED YOU DO, so many many times on the presentations. Thank you so much in advance for helping someone who loves my machines, but has not the knowledge you have. And I really want to learn thank again arobin
Hi Darlene, I’m having SOOO much trouble with m singer quantum 9960, Can’t seem to set in the drop in bobbin correctly, no DVDs ? I’m really sorry I bought this machine. Help me?
During your presentation in Jan 2013, I believe it was Jan. 9th, there was a cream colored place mat which had diamond shaped designs on the end borders which looked like they were created with a particular stitch on the machine and appeared to be stitched in gold thread. It was the same demo that featured the wine glass cozies. I got the instructions for the cozies, but could not find the insturctions for the beautiful place mat. Is there any way I can obtain the instructions. Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi, Darlene, I would love to see more sewing variety on HSN instead of the other crafts that I have no interest in. Sewing machines, all varieties and longer demo’s. I know a lot of people are still interested in the other crafts but I sew enjoy the demos you do on sewing, quilting and the use of the various machines. I have purchased so many machines at least 5 from HSN because of your demos explaining them so well. I have not been disappointed in them. Love your sewing shows, maybe HSN could have more than they have this past month. I was watching what was supposed to be sewing and it was electronics instead. They keep repeating the same National Craft Month program over and over and it gets old. The only parts that I watch are the sewing sections. I know I’m not the only one that feels this way. There are a lot more sewers and quilters out there than crafters, I think. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise. Sue
Is there a video or are there printed instructions available for using the Singer Edge/Quilting Guide? It came with my Heavy Duty machine with quilting table, but there are no instructions included that I can find. I can also find nothing on the Singer web page. Also, are the feet that came with the Heavy Duty machine be used on the Singer Perfect Finish? Thanks for your help.
Hi Dalene,
Have been watching you demonstrate the different sewing maching models and I purchased a new machine! Very excited and have projects planned. Have NOT made anything in a long (years) time….did not like my machine from the 1970’s which was given to me by a friend. Sooooo, found a new home for my old one and getting myself a new one.
On Sunday, March 3rd you demonstrated the black Singer machine and was working on a quilt like project that you joined on the machine and turned into a bowl. Do you happen to have and williing to share the pattern?
Plan on keeping in touch with your website and learning alot.
Thank you soooooooo much.
Sandi ZZ1
Hi Darlene,
I have purchased the Singer Perfect Finish Sewing machine & Serger and am a complete novice when it comes to sewing. I am petite and have 8 pairs of pants that need hemming which machine would you suggest using for the most professional look?
Isis1, You made a smart choice to purchase a set! Now you have so many options available:) There are many factors that would determine which machine to use for your alteration but generally speaking, you would 1) Mark the new hemline with Tailor’s chalk 2) cut 1.25″ -1.50″ longer than the hemline making sure both legs are even (unless you have an obvious leg length difference) 3) Use your serger to clean finish the hems. The overcasting stitch wide will finish off the edge while removing frayed threads 4) use the blind hem stitch & foot on your sewing machine to complete the hemlines. Happy Sewing!
Sewthankful, thanks for your feedback.