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How We Tested
The Tester
Hi, my name is Lisa Lawrence, mom to an eight-year-old and freelance photographer for Reviewed. I live in Los Angeles, but I’m originally from New Jersey where my mom and I used to sew together when I was a kid. I went from making little gifts to Halloween costumes and then clothing. My mom taught me everything from fancy cuffs to spaghetti straps. Later, I took sewing at a community college, which led to an obsession with making my own patterns. I spent free-time quilting, and dreaming of a child. Now, I’m lucky enough to have a little girl to pass on my skills to, not to mention make dresses for. Sewing has been both a creative outlet and, when I’m not cursing my mistakes, a soothing comfort.
The Tests
When it comes to sewing machines, there are a lot of moving parts. You’ve got mechanisms that grip the fabric, move the thread, and control the stitching speed. So, to gauge usability, we checked how easy it was to load the bobbin, adjust the stitch length, put the machine in reverse, and so on. For computerized models, we investigated how easy it was to navigate the LED screens. We also took noise level, build quality, and portability into consideration.
To test the performance of each machine, we straight stitched four 12-inch squares of fabric together, repeating the process using lightweight cotton lawn, medium quilter’s cotton, heavy cotton canvas, and waxed cotton. Some machines struggled with certain fabrics while others tackled almost anything we threw at it. We also sewed a pouch for lip balm, drawstring bags, both automatic & manual buttonholes, and blind-hem stitches.
What You Should Know About Sewing Machines
Sewing Machine Basics
No matter what kind of sewing machine you choose to buy, the basic functionality will be the same.
On any sewing machine, you’ll find two threads: one coming from a spool on the top of the machine and the other from the bobbin below the machine. These threads are threaded together to make a stitch. The fabric the stitch is being sewn into is held in place by the sewing machine’s metal plate and pressure foot while the needle goes in. The feed-dog, a metal piece with teeth, then moves the fabric forward and makes space for the next stitch.
For mechanical models, the motor is controlled by a foot pedal. As for computerized models, the motor is controlled by a button when the pedal is disconnected. As a rule, machines with metal frames and parts typically last longer, as plastic tends to crack and warp over time.
Computerized vs Mechanical
Computerized and mechanical machines have their pros and cons. Computerized machines generally offer extra creative options, but cost more. Personally, I really like using the cursors on computerized models, which move the needle in small increments, simplifying the blind-hem stitch and making button-sewing easier. They have buttons to raise and lower the needle, which is convenient, especially when you turn corners. Computerized machines typically have a one-step buttonhole function whereas the mechanical version finishes after four steps. A computerized machine may come with more bells and whistles, but don’t worry, the extras aren’t very difficult to use.
Mechanical machines are easier to repair and more affordable. That said, a lower price tag means you’re getting less of a machine. I could feel that difference while sewing. Computerized models offer more control and a smoother sewing experience. If you’re working with a flexible budget, I’d recommend springing for a computerized machine.
Basic Sewing Terms
Presser Foot
A Presser Foot is an attachment that holds the fabric in place while the needle pulls the thread. Machines come with an assortment of basic feet, which can handle straight stitches, zig-zags, and buttonholes. You can change out the feet as needed since each is designed to help you complete various tasks like adding a zipper or finishing a hem.
Bobbin
The bobbin sits inside the sewing machine. It’s designed to be loaded with the thread that provides the underside stitch-line.
Feed Dog
The feed dog helps move the fabric across the needle stitch plate, a removable metal shield where the fabric slides across. It has a set of metal teeth that grip the underside of the fabric. Most sewing machines allow you to move the feed dog up and down via a switch. Lowering feed dog releases the grip on the fabric, which is good for sewing a button or doing freehand work. Raising the feed dog grips the fabric and is good for straight stitching.
Blind-Hem Stitch
A blind hem stitch is a sewing technique in which the stitch is sewn into the folded area of a hem, effectively hiding the thread.
Other Sewing Machines We Tested
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Checking our work.
We use standardized and scientific testing methods to scrutinize every product and provide you with objectively accurate results. If you’ve found different results in your own research, email us and we’ll compare notes. If it looks substantial, we’ll gladly re-test a product to try and reproduce these results. After all, peer reviews are a critical part of any scientific process.
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