  The
most important tool for a person who
does mending, creating garments, and works
with certain crafts is the sewing machine.
Ranging from very basic to complex mechanical
and computerized functions, sewing machines
today allow a person to pick the right machine
for their purposes. Here are a few things
to consider when purchasing a sewing machine:
Level of Sophistication - Pick a machine to meet your sewing skill
and the types of projects you
will be doing
now and in the future (it would
be wasteful
to be forced to upgrade your
machine anytime
soon -- just as it would be to
buy too many
features that you will never
use). If needed
only for occasional mending,
hemming, or
creating simple garments or craft
projects,
a basic machine is sufficient.
Otherwise,
consider these features:
- A foot pedal that allows you to control
the speed of the machine
without interrupting
your work.
- A built-in light on the machine that allows
better viewing of your work.
- If you will be making a lot of buttonholes,
a built-in buttonholer is
helpful. If you
do designer fashions, a machine
that offers
a variety of buttonhole styles
might be what
you want.
- Automatic needle threader saves a lot of
time and frustration threading
the needle,
especially if your eyesight
isn't razor sharp
- An adjustable pressure foot, thread tension,
and dogfeed mechanism help
to make stronger,
more uniform stitching with
a variety of
threads and fabrics.
- Embroidery options and designs. These features
use advanced technology and
so are normally
found on expensive, top-of-the
line units.
Table top versus cabinet mounted models - How often you will use the machine and
where you keep it will help to
determine
which type model you should choose.
A table
top model can be kept in a closet
when not
in use, but a cabinet-mounted
model can be
an attractive piece of furniture
and provide
you with a working surface flush
with the
machine's
working surface for smoother feeding of
the fabric, and drawers and other spaces
to put patterns, thread, scissors and other
sewing accessories.
Machine attachment storage - Some machines have built-in storage areas
for attachments that keep the
attachments
readily available.
|
