Complete Guide to the Different Types of Sewing Machines
27th Jul 2021
Complete Guide to the Different Types of Sewing Machines
If you've recently found yourself diving into the world of sewing and fabric crafts, you've probably seen a few different types of machines. Each sewing machine has its own set of features and specialties that make it ideal for a specific set of tasks. As you search for a sewing machine of your own, it's important to understand the different types of sewing machines and what they do.
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●Quilting Machines
●Embroidery Machines
●Sergers
●Mid-Arm/Long-Arm Machines
●Multi-Needle Embroidery Machines
Standard Sewing Machines
If you're a brand new sewer, then you'll want a standard sewing machine for your first model. These machines have a wide variety of features that enable them to perform sewing, quilting, and embroidery tasks all within a single machine. The lack of specialization on these machines is perfect for beginners who are still exploring the world of sewing crafts.
You can spend as much time as you need tinkering with clothes making, quilting, and free-arm embroidery before you decide on a specialty. Best of all, the starter models for standard sewing machines are more affordable than the starter models for specialty machines. They're the perfect way to start your sewing endeavors!
But they aren’t just the beginner’s choice. Many expert sewers still stick with standard sewing machines. While they are unspecialized in that they can perform even quilting tasks, they do tend to excel at clothes making, which is a huge draw for many sewers. High-end models in this category are feature rich and powerful. Many of them are computerized and may even allow for some automation of the sewing process. So if you're an expert who needs a machine that can keep up with your skill while enabling you to do a variety of different crafts, then a standard sewing machine is exactly what you need.
Quilting Machines
Quilting machines, as one might expect, are specialized to deal with the rigors of quilt making. While they have some features that make them distinct from standard sewing machines, they also tend to be multi-functional. Most quilting machines can make clothes. This is because sewing and quilting are functionally very similar, and if a machine can do one it should be able to do the other.
While the functions of these two types of machines are very similar, there are some key differences that make quilting machines uniquely suited to their function. Machines designed for quilting often have significantly larger workspaces than standard machines. Because quilts are so large and bulky, it's crucial to have a large space where it can be placed during quilting. Many machines amplify the large workspace even further by including an extension table.
In addition to a large workspace, quilting machines have more complex feed systems and a wider set of stitch options. The former ensures that these large projects move smoothly across the workspace, as consistent stitch speed and length are essential for quilts. A wide range of stitch options are not critical for quilting, but the more stitch options you have at your disposal, the greater variety of quilts you can create.
Embroidery Machines
With embroidery machines, we arrive at our first truly specialized machine. While there is some overlap between the capabilities of a sewing machine and an embroidery machine, you would not want to purchase a sewing machine to perform embroidery tasks or vice versa.
Embroidery machines are specialized for their task because they lack the flat presser foot that holds down fabric on a sewing machine. Instead, they have a rounded presser foot that sits off the fabric to prevent the fabric from popping up while the machine stitches through it. They also have arms that hold onto the embroidery hoop. These arms can move in any direction, allowing the embroiderer to rotate the design as needed.
In general, embroidery machines tend to be a bit more expensive than quilting or sewing machines. Because they are more specialized, they are produced in smaller quantities than models that have a wider range of capabilities. However, if you're an embroidery enthusiast, then an embroidery machine is well worth the investment. Machine embroidery is significantly faster than the free arm embroidery of sewing machines. It's also more accurate, and will regularly produce better results in your projects.
Sergers
Of all the machines in this guide, sergers have the most limited use case, but they're still an integral tool in the arsenal of any clothes maker. Sergers, also known as overlockers, are designed to create an overlock stitch. Overlock stitches are sewn over the edge of one or more pieces of cloth to create an edge, hem, or seam. While you can make clothes without a serger, if you plan to create professional quality garments, a serger is a must.
Other defining characteristics of this machine category include a high stitch speed and automated cutting. These machines can run at anywhere from 1000 to 9000 rpm, enabling them to create hems and seams significantly faster than a human or other machine type could. They also have an automated cutting function that trims the fabric edges as they are fed into the machine. This enables the machine to quickly produce clean edges for your project.
Mid-Arm/Long-Arm Machines
Mid-arm and long-arm machines are highly specialized quilting machines that enable the user to create more elaborate and larger quilts with greater ease. While these two types of machines are slightly different from one another, the main difference comes from the throat space. On a mid-arm machine, the workspace ranges from 12 to 17 inches, while a long-arm machine has 18 to 24 inches of workspace.
These machines are used in conjunction with a frame. Frames hold the quilt project on rollers that enable the user to expose specific areas of the project in order to work on them. These frames sometimes come with a table that attaches to the quilting machine. Once attached, the quilting machine can glide across the entirety of the exposed project, allowing for more intuitive free-hand stitching patterns and greater control. In addition to these features, these machines have a high stitch speed and a wide range of stitch designs that allow users to create better looking projects even faster.
Multi-Needle Embroidery Machines
Multi-needle embroidery machines take embroidery to an entirely new level. These machines are large and heavy, and often come with a table intended to hold the machine. Machines in this category are often seen in factories and other industrial embroidery operations, but some are available to be purchased by amateur embroiderers.
Unlike a standard embroidery machine, which uses a single needle, multi-needle embroidery machines use multiple needles per head simultaneously. Each needle is threaded with a different type of thread in order to reduce the number of times the user has to change out thread colors. These machines usually have a variety of automated features that allow the user to input their design, thread the needles, and then watch as the machine stitches out the pattern.
Multi-needle embroidery machines don't have the highest stitch speeds. But because they use multiple needles at the same time, you can multiply the stitch speed by the number of needles to see how many stitches are actually being produced by the machine. Because of their highly specialized purpose and the amount of machinery required to make one of these machines, they are among the most expensive machines on the home market.
Ready to Buy a Sewing Machine?
Now that you've learned about all of the major types of sewing machines, it's time to find out which one is right for you! At Premier Stitching we offer hundreds of models for prices that you'll love. Browse our website in search of an eye-catching machine or check out one of the following articles to see some of our favorites!
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● Beginner Friendly Sewing Machines