A Guide to a Computerized Sewing Machine
25th Sep 2024
What Is a Computerized Sewing Machine?
You may have heard the term “computerized sewing machine” floating around if you’ve been a part of the sewing community for any length of time. This lengthy, complicated-sounding term is an important one to understand, especially if you’re in the market for a new sewing machine.
Today, we will delve into computerized sewing machines — what they are and why you should consider buying one.
How Does a Computerized Sewing Machine Work?
Computerized sewing machines make use of the latest technologies by utilizing computers to control most aspects of the machine. These digital machines have the ability to sew up to hundreds of different stitches, create embroidery patterns, and allow you to make a lot of stitch adjustments with the touch of a button (or the tap of a touchscreen).
Mechanical vs. Computerized Sewing Machine
Computerized sewing machines are a sharp contrast from traditional, mechanical sewing machines. Let’s dive into the differences between these two types of machines.
The basic difference between a computerized and a mechanical sewing machine is that computerized machines utilize internal computers to control many aspects of the machine, while mechanical machines do not include computers at all.
The stitches and other adjustments made on a mechanical machine are controlled only by dials and levers that you must physically move to make changes.
The choice between a mechanical and computerized machine really depends on your specific needs. There are pros and cons to both types of sewing machines, which we lay out for you below.
Pros of a Computerized Sewing Machine
- More stitch options
- Automatic buttonholes with multiple buttonhole options
- More control over settings, allows for easier sewing of a variety of fabrics and projects
- Can make many adjustments all in one easy-to-reach location
- Many computerized machines have embroidery capabilities
- Easy-to-read LED/LCD displays
Pros of a Mechanical Sewing Machine
- Easy to use and not as complicated
- Lower price point
- Very durable and can often last for generations
Cons of a Mechanical Sewing Machine
- Fewer stitch options
- Can’t make as many adjustments
- Some adjustments can be challenging to make and are in hard-to-reach locations
- No embroidery capabilities
- No LED/LCD display, can be difficult to see your settings
Top Computerized Sewing Machines
After learning more about the differences between a computerized and mechanical sewing machine, if you’ve decided a computerized sewing machine is the perfect fit for you, here are four great sewing machine options you will love.
Bernette offers high quality, precise machines that will be your partner through projects for many years to come. The Bernette B77 computerized sewing machine that is packed with features that any sewer will come to love. It offers over 500 different stitches and comes with a range of presser feet as well as a plethora of easy-to-make adjustments for more control while sewing. It’s a bit on the higher end pricewise, but the quality you get is worth paying for.
The Janome Skyline S3 sewing machine is the perfect computerized sewing machine for beginner or advanced sewers. It includes 120 different stitch options and basic stitch and needle position adjustments. This machine can sew automatic buttonholes and is equipped with an automatic needle threader. It’s a sturdy, reliable machine that offers the basic capabilities of a computerized machine in a simple-to-use format but with enough advanced features to make any sewer happy.
Juki Exceed HZL-F400 Quilt Pro
One of the higher priced options on this list, the Juki Exceed HZL-F400 comes with over 157 built-in stitches and sews with industrial quality stitching. It has an easy-to-read LCD screen with a range of buttons available to make all the adjustments you could need. This is a top-notch machine that will last for years of sewing.
The Brother SE600 sewing machine is a computerized machine that offers both sewing and embroidery capabilities at an affordable price. This machine includes over 100 built-in stitches and 80 embroidery designs. The LCD touchscreen display allows for easy and quick adjustments.
Top Mechanical Sewing Machines
Even after reading about our top picks in computerized sewing machines, you might still feel that a mechanical sewing machine is more up your alley. If so, these four mechanical sewing machines are all awesome choices as well.
This machine is a part of Bernette’s more affordable line of machines. It is an easy-to-use mechanical machine with 15 different stitch options and all the basic capabilities you would need for most sewing projects. This machine allows you to get the quality of a Bernina machine at a lower price point.
The Janome HD3000 is a high-quality, heavy duty, mechanical sewing machine. It you sew a lot or sew projects that use very thick fabrics, this machine can power through all your projects with ease. It has all the basic stitches and adjustments you would expect from a mechanical machine and will be a durable sewing partner for many years to come.
The Juki TL-2010Q is one of the higher priced mechanical machines on the market and is equipped only with a straight stitch option. But don’t count it out — this machine includes a powerful motor and sews with similar speed and quality to an industrial machine. It also has a large throat area perfect for quilters. If you’re looking for a sewing machine for your business, or just want one that can power through tons of projects, this could be the perfect machine for you.
The Brother BM3850 is a straightforward, inexpensive mechanical machine. This sewing machine is perfect for beginners with a smaller budget who don’t want to deal with the complications of a computerized machine. It includes all the basic stitches and adjustments you would need for most sewing projects including an extension table!
Still undecided about what sewing machine is right for you? Shop Premier Stitching for the largest selection of computerized and mechanical sewing machines for all your sewing projects!