Types of Sewing Machines

A sewing machine is a device that uses thread to sew fabrics and other materials together. During the first industrial revolution, sewing machines were developed to reduce the quantity of manual sewing work done in textile factories. The efficiency and productivity of the clothing business have significantly increased since the creation of the first sewing machine, widely credited to Englishman Thomas Saint in 1790.

One person can use a single stitch type at a time on a home sewing machine to sew specific objects. Modern sewing machines have automated the stitching process so that cloth may be fed into and removed from the machine without the hassle of using needles, thimbles, or other hand sewing supplies. Early sewing machines either used a foot-operated treadle mechanism or a handle that had to be turned continuously. Later, electrically powered devices were developed.

What is a Sewing Machine?

The industry that manufactures clothing greatly relies on sewing machines. Sewing machines are widely used in the industry of ready-made clothing. A sewing machine’s various parts include a spool pin, bobbin binder spindle, bobbin winding stopper, handwheel, stitch tension dial, reverse stitch lever, power stitch, bobbin winder thread guide, presser foot, and others. The use of sewing tools and sewing aids is critical when sewing by hand or with a sewing machine. In hand sewing, hand stitches are made, which makes it a bothersome process. This is the greatest disadvantage of hand sewing, which is overcome by the sewing machine. Instead of making hand stitches, stitches are made automatically by a machine, which is more convenient to use

Types of Sewing Machines

Basically, there are two types of sewing machines: domestic and industrial.

Domestic Sewing Machines

Sewing machines referred to as “domestic” or “household” are intended for use at home. Domestic models frequently use lighter components, such as sturdy plastics, than their industrial counterparts. Domestic appliances are more compact and slower than industrial appliances. They are also not designed for very rigorous use.

Electromechanical Machine

The automated seam selection is a unique characteristic of it. There are two: vertical and horizontal. The width of the rows in a horizontal type boat is 7 mm; therefore, it is not necessary to change the thread tension from below to lubricate the unit. The benefits of a horizontal-type boat include longevity, dependability, and low maintenance costs; however, the line’s width cannot be greater than 5 mm. Additionally, this particular machine makes a lot of noise.

Mechanical Machine

Their advantage over others is their durability, so you don’t require electricity. Cons: They require physical force to operate (rotation of the flywheel handle or use of a lever). Only a small number of rows can be processed by mechanical equipment using a simple form. By depressing the pedal, an electromechanical machine’s flywheel rotates an electric motor to adjust sewing speed;

Sewing and Embroidery Machine

The most advanced device is on this machine. It became a reality because of the additional tools and contemporary programmes that allow for the creation of authentic works of art at home. Such machines have virtually limitless sewing capabilities, including more than 500 work and decorative operations, roughly ten different loop types, automatic tension adjustment of the upper and lower threads, numerous types of alphabets and numbers, work needles oriented in more than 20 directions, and numerous automated tuning and preparation procedures. Users execute intricate drawings on the topic, use quilting features, do patchwork, construct lace, and apply applique. You can design your own embroidery storyboards and compose compositions from pre-existing designs using a personal computer.

Computerized Machine

Due to the user’s ability to connect the embroidery module and select from a variety of seams, the most appropriate type of sewing machine has elevated the sewing craft to a new level. Double-needle sewing, cosy lighting, the ability to remove the sleeve platform, and an electric motor for speed control are all advantages that comfort lovers will appreciate.

Overlockers

An excellent improvement to the sewing machine. 2/3/4/5 thread overlocks simultaneously stitch, smear, and cut the fabric. Knitwear will be simpler to work with thanks to the material feed differential. You can sew stitches, beads, wrinkles, and folds using a variety of extra legs.

Lockstitch Sewing Machines

Two spools of thread and a needle with the eye at the base are used in a lockstitch sewing machine to sew the material together. A sewing machine that uses the lockstitch technique creates strong, straight seams as opposed to a chain stitch machine. It was the first type of commercial sewing machine to be granted a patent, go into production, and be available to millions of families for automatic stitching. In contrast to a chain stitch, the machine works by interlocking two threads from two bobbins that are difficult to unwind. The length and tautness of the stitch can be adjusted using a dial. This type of lockstitch machine normally comes in two varieties

• Single needle lockstitch machine − A single needle is utilised on a single needle lockstitch machine.

• Double-needle lockstitch machine − A machine that uses two needles with a single shank to create two parallel rows on the front of the fabric and a zigzag stitch on the back is called a double-needle lockstitch machine.

Industrial Sewing Machines

Industrial sewing machines are frequently seen in factories and are primarily used to make large quantities of garments and other products. Industrial equipment is made to withstand heavy use and be long-lasting. In comparison to domestic machinery, they are typically more expensive and larger. They can sew more stitches per minute than domestic versions, making them faster as well.

Flat-Bed Sewing Machines

Factory floors frequently have flat-bed machinery. The flat bed of this machine makes it ideal for stitching together lengthy, flat pieces of fabric. Additionally, seams produced by flat bed machines frequently have a tidy, polished appearance.

Post-Bed Sewing Machines

An elevated bed is a feature of post-bed machines, giving a sewer more room. They are frequently used to create three-dimensional objects like gloves, caps, and boots. Additionally, they can be used to affix badges, logos, and emblems to clothing and accessories.

Cylinder-bed Sewing Machines

Machines with cylinder beds have cylindrical beds. Because of this, these machines are perfect for producing cylindrical items like sleeves and cuffs. Bulky objects like saddles and shoes can likewise be handled by cylinder bed machines.

Free-arm Sewing Machines

Circular jobs, like shirt sleeves and trouser cuffs, are significantly simpler to work on with the free arm machine due to its design.

Conclusion

To conclude, even if the technology has advanced for the sewing machine, one still needs to follow some basic safety rules while using the machine. It is a fact that sewing machines make sewing very easy nowadays. Of course, there are other kinds of sewing machines as well. The list might continue. Every type of sewing machine has a unique set of features. Sewing machines are chosen based on the project or item that will be sewn. And when one considers all a sewing machine is capable of, one can understand what a remarkable invention it really is.