A Beginner’s Guide to Sewing Machines

If you're new to the world of sewing machines, chances are you have a lot of questions. With all the different types of machines, accessories, components, and capabilities, there's a lot to learn. To help you dive into the world of sewing, we've created a beginner's guide to sewing machines.

In this guide, you'll learn about the common components, accessories, and features that you'll find on a sewing machine as well as the different types:

• Sewing Machine Basics
• Main Types of Sewing Machines

Sewing Machine Basics

Sewing machines have come a long way since their invention in 1846. Today's sewing machines are virtual miracles of technology and mechanics. But even with all the technological advancements, most sewing machines still consist of the same basic parts and areas.

Here's a list of the primary elements of a sewing machine and a short explanation of each.

• Hand Wheel – The hand wheel is a large knob on the side of the sewing machine used to raise and lower the needle.
• Bobbin – A spindle that holds the thread being used by the sewing machine, the bobbin is typically situated inside the sewing machine beneath the needle.
• Adjustment Dials – Most sewing machines feature various adjustment dials that can be used to adjust thread tension, stitch length, stitch type, and more. The number of dials present varies from machine to machine.
• Display – Displays (screens) are only present on computerized machines. Made of either LCD or LED, these display information about the current settings on the machine. Many of these machines also use the display for stitch selection, pattern selection, and other settings adjustments.
• Presser Foot – The presser foot holds fabric in place when lowered to ensure even stitching.
• Bobbin Cover – This cover sits above the bobbin to protect it during sewing.
• Feed Dog – Feed dogs pull fabric forward during sewing. They make sewing a smoother process with fewer manual adjustments.
• Needle – The needle sits above the needle plate and is flanked by the presser foot on both sides. Thread is attached to the needle, which is then punched through fabric during sewing to create stitches.
• Needle Plate – The needle plate sits underneath the needle and presser foot. It assists the sewing process with a hole that enables the needle to push through the fabric and create a stitch. It also has a second hole that the feed dogs use to move the fabric along the plate. This part is sometimes called a throat plate.

Main Types of Sewing Machines

Just like there are many different types of crafts one can make with a sewing machine, there are many different types of sewing machines. Some machines are capable of performing a wide variety of functions, while others are specialized for specific tasks. Here are some of the most common sewing machine types.

Standard Sewing Machine

This is your typical sewing machine. Most machines in the standard category are capable of quilting, and some can also perform embroidery through the use of a free arm. In general, these machines excel at making clothes and other fabric-based tasks. They are often more affordable than specialized machines and are perfect for those who are getting into sewing. But these are not only for beginners. There are plenty of high-end sewing machines that fit this category. More expensive machines in this category have a robust set of features, are more powerful than lower-priced models, and are often computerized.

Quilting Machine

Quilting machines are designed to punch through the layers of thick fabric that quilts require. These machines tend to be slightly larger than standard sewing machines, and many come with the option to add a workspace extender, which helps with large projects. Like standard sewing machines, these machines have a wide price range. The more expensive machines are more powerful and sturdy, but a more affordable unit will perfectly serve the average quilt-maker.

Embroidery Machine

Embroidery machines are more specialized than quilting machines and as a result have a smaller range of tasks that they can perform. In exchange for this, they are faster and more capable when it comes to the fine art of embroidery.

These machines make the delicate work of embroidery dozens of times faster than hand embroidery through their high stitch speeds and computerization features. Higher-end embroidery machines can even automate the embroidery process. At the highest end of this machine category, you'll find multi-needle embroidery machines, which use numerous thread types simultaneously to expedite the embroidering process. Because of their specialized nature, these machines are more expensive than quilting and sewing machines on average.

Serger

Sergers are designed for a task known as overlocking. Overlocking is when the machine creates a stitch that sews over the edge of one or two pieces of cloth in order to create edges, hems or seams. These highly specialized machines greatly improve the look and feel of homemade clothes and boast exceptionally high stitch speeds.

Mid-Arm and Long-Arm Sewing Machines

Mid-arm and long-arm sewing machines are a special type of quilting machine that enables the user to freely move the arm of the machine using handles attached to the top of the machine. These handles typically have buttons that can be used to adjust stitch length, speed, and design. Often, these machines are used with a frame that holds the entire project at once, allowing for greater freedom while working.

Buy a New Sewing Machine Today!

Now that you understand the basics of sewing machines, you're ready to find a machine that suits your needs! At Premier Stitching, we offer hundreds of different sewing machines, each with their own specialized set of features. Browse our site to find the sewing machine of your dreams or check out one of our helpful guides to find a machine that works for you!

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