Posts Tagged ‘stiching’
Computerized Sewing Machine
computerized sewing machine
Computerized sewing machines are rather popular these days. There are many advantages of looking at computerized sewing machine, and one of those big advantages is the fact that the computerized machines allow you to program that and they have a great memory.
Having this great memory allows you to set a sewing machine to be able to have many different stitch settings. It’s easy to setup program and allows you to many more things that you could with a traditional sewing machine.
If you’re considering getting a computerized sewing machine, there are a few things to consider. First of all, you need to ask yourself what advanced level you are with someone. It may not make sense to purchase a computerized sewing machine just because of the fact that it’s more sewing machine that you need.
If you are a beginner, it may make sense to look at cheaper beginners sewing machines than a computerized.
If you’re going to get a computerized sewing machine and expect to pay several hundred dollars for your machine, if you are looking for something that is of high quality.
The advantage of a computerized sewing machine is the memory, meaning the machine can remember your favorite stitch or the configuration of a buttonhole you wish to repeat many times. The models reviewed at portable sewing machines can automatically set the stitch length and width, adjust the tension, and tell you which presser foot to use, and much more.
But looking at computerized sewing machines, there are many brands to consider. Some of the better reviewed computerized sewing machines are:
Bernina Activa 220 computerized sewing machine.
The Bernina Activa 220 is an entry-level computerized machine. It is a quality sewing machine that lacks some features you may quickly realize you need. Weighing this machine against a more expensive one will depend entirely upon the projects you intend to sew.
If you anticipate sewing many clothing projects, you may find yourself longing for the automatic one-step buttonhole feature, which is not included. It’s possible to create quality buttonholes with the Activa 220, but the multi-step procedure is time consuming and inconvenient. Quilters, home dec seamstresses and crafters, on the other hand, may find this machine to be an affordable model that meets their needs.
The well–rounded stitch package includes 118 stitches (5 specifically for quilting) and one basic alphabet style for labeling. Moving from stitch to stitch is quick and easy thanks to Bernina’s trademark Dial-A-Stitch feature. Especially helpful is the temporary stitch memory, which allows you to return to the same stitch time and time again within one sewing session.
Both stitch length and stitch width are easily adjustable with a pushbutton control. The feed dog also drops down for specialty sewing tasks. Quilters will especially appreciate the handy needle up/down feature that can be upgraded to foot control if desired.
The Activa 220 comes equipped with five presser feet and a soft machine cover. Consider this Bernina model if you won’t miss the automatic buttonhole feature. You can save money up front and upgrade to a larger sewing table, storage box and additional feet later if you find you need them.
Pros: Lightweight, high-quality affordable entry-level computerized machine, offers needle up/down, alphabet and temporary memory, is upgradeable with the exception of the automatic buttonhole
Cons: Lacks automatic buttonhole feature
Warranty
2 years, electrical; 5 years, printed circuits; 20 years, mechanical
Another computerized sewing machine to consider is:
Singer Futura Sewing/Embroidery Machine CE-100
At long last there’s a sewing/embroidery machine for those of us who don’t have thousands of dollars to invest. The Singer Futura CE-100 comes equipped to embroider 120 different designs and can be used to complete patterns from most available formats.
The incredibly low cost is due to the fact this model is powered by your existing computer. Although “computerized”, there is no actual computer onboard. Instead, the machine relies on your computer, providing it has the operating system Windows 98 or better. Like all computerized products, this machine can be subject to any viruses hiding in your PC and while many users report great satisfaction with this model, many others have not been so lucky.
Since it is sold mainly at large discount stores and online, the customer support is limited. The instructions are somewhat sketchy and have also caused some frustration. If you select this machine, be sure to refer to the included CD–it holds needed instructions, as well as the operating system that must be loaded onto your PC.
One feature this model lacks that the more expensive machines offers is editing, which allows you to combine embroideries and make changes in the size of the patterns you select. For beginners, the cost of this additional feature can be very prohibitive. Thus, the excitement that CE-100 has generated has been huge. As an alternative, CE-100 can be upgraded to edit later for about $200.
Another option that provides editing capability is to select the upgraded Singer’s CE-200 instead. In addition to embroidery capability, this model offers sewing functions. As a sewing machine, the CE-100 offers the convenience features that seamstresses have come to expect. You’ll find 80 built-in stitches, a needle-threader, two types of one-step buttonholes, a one-touch pattern selector, a programmable needle up/down position, and a drop-down feed.
An innovative leap for Singer, the Singer Futura CE-100 is making affordable embroidery machines a possibility for a whole new group of sewers.
Pros: Embroidery machine at a fraction of the cost
Con: Requires existing computer or laptop, limited customer support
These are just 2 of the many brands of popular computerized sewing machines on the market. Do your homeowrk and you will find a great sewing maching that matches your budget.