Embroidery is a very expensive hobby so some people choose to buy a sewing machine that also does embroidery. But there are others who’d invest in a machine that does only embroidery and use another cheaper machine for basic sewing so that the embroidery machine suffers less wear and tear.
Which do you think is better then? If you want a 2-in-1, I recommend this Brother SE270D. It has a lot more built-in designs than the SE350, including Mickey Mouse designs, florals and other patterns, and 5 monogram fonts.
Brother SE270D Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Add More Designs with Software
You can buy more design cards or expand the database by getting a card reader and software. The software allows you to download all the designs you like from the internet. Both options are wallet-killers, but I did tell you that embroidery is an expensive hobby.
A USB port for downloading is a better option but the Brother PE700II (a pure embroidery machine) which has this feature, costs twice the price of the SE270D.
The size of the embroidery hoop is 4 by 4, not industrial size but good enough for making some nice embroidery on purses, pockets, and baby blankets, to name a few.
Good for Sewing Too
As for the sewing part, it sews pretty nicely with straight and precise stitches, and the three sewing speeds are great for beginners.
You can also adjust for long stitches if you’re doing thick or multi-layered fabrics. The automatic threading makes it very easy to switch from embroidery to sewing or to switch colors.
The Brother SE270D is very easy to use with simple controls, just right for people who’re taking on embroidery for the first time.
Further information:
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Usually, many problems relating to your sewing machine can be solved by simply changing the needle or some other switches. Here is a list of simple troubleshooting checklist for common problems.
Skipped or irregular stitches
- This is usually caused by the machine’s needle. Make sure that you are using one that is the correct size. If your machine works fine but the stitches come out wrong, try changing the needle to another size.
- The needle of the sewing machine is made from a silver of metal. You may have bent it while sewing so try replacing it. Also, try learning more about sewing machine needles.
- If you frequently find yourself changing the needles, it may be because you are forcing the fabric and bending the sewing needle. Let the feed dog do its work and let it feed the fabric through the machine.
Bunching or breaking thread
- Try using higher quality threads. Lower grade threads will cause excessive lint, have looser fibers and knots that will deteriorate your stitching.
- You may have threaded your thread wrongly. Rethread your sewing machine and always remember to thread it using the presser foot up. Upper threading errors are usually caused by knotting the thread on the bottom side.
- Make sure the bobbin and bobbin case is threaded correctly. Also be sure the bobbin is threaded in the correct direction.
- There is also a possibility of bobbin wear especially those made from plastic.
Tension adjustment
- You may want to adjust the tension of the machine, which depends on its make. Remember the rule of thumb, right is to tighten and left is to loosen. These adjustments will help repositioning the springs and screws. By turning them to the left you are loosening the springs while to the right is to tighten them up.
If you can’t solve your machine’s problems, always consult your sewing machine’s manual for the best care and maintenance instructions.
Safety
- Always turn off your machine and unplug them when you are not using them. Children may run over the foot pedal and accidentally run the machine. Worse, they will get hurt by the sharp objects.
- Children are attracted to knobs and buttons, so keep them where they can’t reach to push on the buttons and turning the knobs.
Maintenance
- Always take time to do regular maintenance on your machine to keep it running smoothly. This will keep them free lint, dirt and grease built up.
- Here are some cleaning and maintenance tips for you to keep your sewing machine running smoothly and last you many happy years.
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In general, sewing machines require the basic cleaning, oiling and lubricating. Each machine has its own requirement so it is best to consult its manual first. Below are general cleaning tips for your sewing machine.
- When you are cleaning your machine, get your supplies ready, unplug the machine and remove it to a well lighted area. Don’t forget to protect the floor and table tops. Wrap the motor and wire with plastic to protect them from oil and cleaning solvent.
- Always remove only the parts that are involve and note where it is from, its position and which way is top. When unscrewing / screwing with a screw driver, don’t put pressure on the twist but on the push. Bolts should be unbolted using a wrench and not pliers.
- The first thing that you should do is to remove the needle, presser foot, slide plate, throat plate, bobbin case, and the face plate. Place them in a tray and soak them in cleaning fluids while cleaning other areas of the machine.
- Next, start working on the machine head. With your hand, run the machine by turning the hand wheel. At the same time, squirt cleaning fluid into all oil holes, bearings and places where they rub against or turn within another.
- If the machine seems to run hard, it may be caused by lint and dirt built up inside a bearing. Continue to run the machine and squirting cleaning fluid until the machines runs easily. Tip the head and flush the parts underneath the machine. Run the machine again until it functions smoothly.
- Remaining built up in easily reached areas can be rid off by dipping a cloth or brush into cleaning fluids to scrub it off. If the parts are hard to reach, pry the built up away with a pointed instrument like a needle or knife.
- Next, check the lower tension of the bobbin case and the upper thread discs. This can be done by pulling a thread soaked in cleaning fluid under and between the bobbin case and discs. Then, with a dry cloth, repeat the process to ensure there is no lint left.
- Dry everything up and assemble all the parts accordingly. Do not plug the machine until all the fluids are dry.
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Using the right kind of needle when sewing, quilting and embroidering, means that you make your job easier and the result better. I was a lazy bugger who couldn’t be bothered to change the needle as I changed projects, but soon I found that spending a minute to change the needle is easier than having to cope with ruined projects and a frustrating disappointment.
Here are the types of needles commonly used:
Universal Point Needle – The standard needle used for all kinds of light sewing.
Ballpoint Needle – Just like its name, this kind of needle has round instead of sharp point and goes through between the threads of the fabric. This is good for knits and mesh-like fabrics.
Denim Needle –This kind of needle is used for denim and heavy fabrics. This has a stronger shaft and sharper point for easier piercing.
Embroidery Needle – Use this for embroidery. The eye is large and there is a groove on the eye that will prevent slicing or breaking the rayon or acrylic threads.
Quilting Needle –Use this for quilting. This kind of needle can pierce several layers of fabric.
Top stitching Needle – Use this for quilting heavy material. The eye is extra large and the groove is deeper; great for thicker threads.
Metallic Needle – Use with heavy threads like metallic threads. The large eye will prevent the threads breaking.
Sharp Point or Microtex Needle – This kind of needle is long and thin, and it is sharper than most needles. Use this for delicate fabrics.
Self-threading Needle – This kind of needle is easy to thread because it has a slotted eye.
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Below are the few features I feel are the most important to me when looking for a sewing machine. If you want to know how to choose the best sewing machine, click here a more detailed account.
Drop-in Bobbin
No more fumbling underneath the machine to insert the bobbin, but you can open a section right on top to drop the bobbin in. You’ll see the thread running low through a clear panel.
Automatic Buttonholer
Also called a one-step buttonholer, and is a feature that most electronic and computerized sewing machines have. Sews your buttonhole in a step without you having to turn the fabric around. Some can adjust the buttonhole size according to the button you put into a slot in the machine.
Needle Threader
Threads your needle by itself. If you have had a hard time squinting and pricking your finger in the needle-threading process, this is a life-saver. But some users didn’t like it because they are much defter than the machine.
Adjustable Presser Foot
Now you can adjust how tight the machine holds your fabric. This is important if you sew many kinds of fabric like me. Thin fabrics do not deserve the same treatment as thick ones.
Sound
Sewing machines make a certain amount of noise while sewing. Do you need to be quiet when you sew? When your baby is asleep, maybe? If that is the case, you shall have to get a sewing machine that is very quiet so that you can sew at any time of the day.
Size and Weight
Traveling around with my sewing machine is a bother, so I don’t do it. But if you need to carry it to sewing class or stow it away each time after use, the size and weight of the machine is definitely something to note. Because I sew a lot, I just cleared out a space at home specially for sewing so that I can just leave my stuff there.
Manual
The sewing machine manual is VERY IMPORTANT. Check reviews to see whether the model you’re buying has an easy understandable manual. Don’t chuck it in the box and leave it. Instead, as soon as you got your purchase, read the manual thoroughly and try it out with a few pieces of fabric.
Warranty
Sewing machines can and should last a very long time. However, always check for a warranty from the manufacturer. Most machines come with a 25-year warranty or limited warranty.
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There are three types of sewing machine – mechanical, electrical/electronic, and computerized.
Mechanical
Don’t get me wrong! Mechanical sewing machines are not the ancient type that requires more effort to manage than an alien spaceship. They run on electricity, only you have to control the settings – such as stitch length and needle position – manually.
These come cheap and are suitable for the occasional simple task such as repairing a hem or making a buttonhole, or for novices who want to learn the basic stuff before investing in an upgrade.
- I recommend this model: Brother XL2600I 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine – Best Basic Sewing Machine
Electrical/Electronic
If you want a balance over features and flexibility, this type will give you value for your money. Electronic sewing machines do not necessarily come cheaper than computerized ones, but they offer a great variety of features. The more features it has, the more it costs.
If you’re looking for good value for price, I’d recommend you:
- Singer 7442 Electronic Sewing Machine – Best Value Electronic Sewing Machine
If you’re looking for ease of use, this one is highly recommended:
- Singer 7470 Confidence Electronic Sewing Machine – Best user friendly sewing machine
Computerized
Computerized sewing machines are really cool in the sense that it has a memory and remembers the configurations you want it to repeat. They can make many settings automatically and offer over a hundred stitch styles. You can even connect to a PC and download stitch patterns directly online!
These smart sewing machines are expensive and are usually used by those who sew crafts. Embroidery sewing machines are mostly computerized.
- Brother ES2000 77 Stitch Function Computerized Free Arm Sewing Machine – Best Budget Computerized Sewing Machine
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Type of Work
What are you buying the sewing machine for? This is the ultimate question that will help you mark the range of sewing machines you’ll be looking at.
1. Embroidery
There are single use embroidery machines that can only do embroidery; and there are dual use embroidery and sewing machines that can do sewing jobs besides embroidery.
To save money, I suggest that you buy a single use machine plus a separate electronic sewing machine if you do a whole lot of sewing jobs besides embroidery. This means your embroidery machine takes less wear and tear from usual sewing.
If you are doing mainly embroidery and only the occasional sewing of buttonholes and hems, get a dual use machine.
When buying an embroidery machine, whether single or dual use, you can look at these details:
- Size of the loop
- Number of built-in designs
- Size of designs and fonts
- Additional design cards or software for downloading designs
- USB port
- Easy selection and controls
2. Quilting
Most mid-end sewing machines can do quilts (you may have to get your own walking foot if it’s not included) but if you are doing a lot of quilts you can look for a good quilting sewing machine that provides plenty of quilting accessories and features.
I just bought a great quilting sewing machine – Brother CS6000I, just to do quilts, because it comes with a quilting table, walking foot, quilt guides and a wide selection of quilting stitches!
3. Basic sewing
Forget about embroidery and quilting machines, you’re just looking for a sewing machine that can make dresses, cushion covers, pillowcases, buttonholes, and fix that hem.
I suggest you get an electronic sewing machine. Personally I don’t think a computerized sewing machine is needed for basic sewing; a computer memory is only for designs.
- Price range – It’s easy to choose if you keep this in mind: there are only two main price ranges for electronic sewing machines – below $250 and above $250.
If you’re doing a lot of heavy fabrics (curtains, denims and multi-layers), definitely get the higher range.It’ll be worth it in the long run because expensive machines have a heavier and more durable make to last you a long time. The heavy fabrics feed better so the stitches will be finer too.
As far as I can see, you can still be pleasantly surprised by the quality of sewing machines below $250, but please don’t expect them to take heavy sewing for years and years.
Go ahead and buy these budget machines if you are only sewing fabrics of normal thickness most of the time. They will give you value for the price if you do plenty of dresses, covers, buttonholes and hems instead of heavy curtains and denims.
Singer 7442 is the best value electronic sewing machine while an even cheaper one for minimal sewing would be the Brother XL2600I.
- Type of fabric – What type of fabric will you be using?
Thick fabrics will need longer stitches. Check the machine for a good selection of stitches including long and short stitches for different thickness of fabrics.
The other feature to check is automatic tension. That will save you a lot of time because the machine adjusts the tension according to the fabric thickness without you having to do it manually.
Delicate fabrics like silk and chiffon are tricky to sew because they snag easily. If you’re using these fabrics check to see whether the presser foot can be adjusted to a lesser pressure. The right needles must be used (click here to see the different types of needles for different fabrics) but you can buy these to add if your machine does not include them.
Stretchy fabrics shall need a stretch stitch. If the machine you’re checking out does not say anything about the kinds of stitches it makes, read the reviews!
Large projects like bed sheets and curtains are easier done with an extension table. If your machine doesn’t come with one, check to see whether this can be added.
Person using it
Are you buying the sewing machine as a gift? There are some features that are convenient to certain people, while being cumbersome to others.
People with poor eyesight or shaky hands would find the auto threader very handy and time-saving. Some machines also have a thread cutter, but there are people who think it gets in the way.
Novices or young seamstresses would find a well-written manual helpful if they are not taking sewing classes. A more user-friendly sewing machine would also include auto tension, drop-in bobbin, and simple controls. I highly recommend the Singer 7470 Confidence for friendliness!
Portability
You might not be using your sewing machine at the same spot every time.
I myself like to place my sewing machine out in the open so that I can sew at every opportunity, and there is a cleared space for me to work and throw down all my stuff. But my girl friends have all kinds of habits like:
- Sewing on the dining table or shared spots and clearing away after use
- Using a different spot in the house every time
- Bringing the sewing machine to sewing classes
- Bringing the sewing machine to a friend’s house to sew
So when you buy a sewing machine, you’ll have to take this into consideration. If you’re not like me, you’ll need a lightweight machine to carry around or store away after use, but it shouldn’t be so light that it will prance on the table like an excited dog when you feed it with fabric.
Machines with some weight are good for heavy fabrics. In short, you’ll have to strike a balance between having a machine sturdy enough for fabrics you’re using, and light enough to carry. All the better if the machine comes with a hard cover carrying case.
Tip: If your machine does slide a bit when in use, place it on a sheet of thin rubber mat.
For more sewing machine reviews and recommendations, go to my Sewing Machine Review main page.
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The Brother XL2610 Free-Arm Sewing Machine is definitely a woman’s machine, simply because it’s white and PINK!
Brother XL2610 Free-Arm Sewing Machine
Cuteness aside, it’s also quite a handy little machine that attends to all my sewing needs. Very clear and useful instructions that facilitated ease of use. The machine itself had diagrams for bobbin and needle threading that sped up the learning process.
The speed is great and allowed for better control of stitching; although more advanced users may prefer a faster machine. So far I’ve used Brother XL2610 Free-Arm Sewing Machine to mend jeans, heavy canvas and curtains without any issues.
The bobbin makes the job easier with its automatic winding system, and a transparent cover so you’ll know when to replace it. I also love the automatic threader.
All the different built-in stitches and functions made sewing so much fun. Even my husband is starting to get into it. We’re in middle of making a scrapbook for my parents’ anniversary and the various stitches add a more creative touch to the project. Just a turn of the dial changes the stitching with great ease.
What I DON’T quite like, though, is the plastic presser foot. It’s too low and blocks my view so most of the time, I need to use my finger to tap it up. I’m used to it now but it was quite annoying when I started using this machine.
Brother XL2610 Free-Arm Sewing Machine is also mostly made of plastic, which makes it portable but on the flip side, also makes it feel fragile. Great machine though, for its price, and will definitely please beginners looking for an easy machine that can handle more advanced sewing in the future.
Further information:
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The Singer 1507 8-Stitch Sewing Machine is a wonderful machine that’s a great deal for its price. I couldn’t be more pleased. My mother-in-law borrowed it to mend her curtains and just called to say she plans to get this machine for herself.
Singer 1507 8-Stitch Sewing Machine
Pros:
Cons:
Overall: Singer 1507 8-Stitch Sewing Machine is a great sewing machine for beginners and basic sewing. It’s clearly made with convenience in mind, evident from the ‘little touches’ included like threading instructions on the machine, storage compartments for accessories, bobbin winder, and even a small bottle of oil.
Just don’t give up on the horizontal spool and you’ve got a handy machine at your disposal.
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Brother SE350 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine is a good embroidery sewing machine. It has a range of 70 built-in embroidery designs, 5 styles of monogramming fonts as well as 120 frame pattern combinations.
Brother SE350 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine
If the 70 built-in embroidery designs are not enough for you, another over 1,000 additional designs are accessible from Brother’s optional embroidery design card. Better still, you can save up to 12 embroidery designs in the built-in memory of this machine.
It also offers a maximum embroidery field of 4 by 4 inches. It is a bit small for some designs, but this is a home user sewing machine after all.
This computerized sewing machine is equipped with a large LCD touch screen, which enables you to access to the built-in embroidery designs and do on-screen modifications to your designs. Furthermore, intuitive reference guide in 16 different languages can be read from this LCD touch screen.
Other than that, it has 67 types of built-in stitches with 98 kinds of incorporated stitch functions. This sewing machine provides a maximum sewing speed of 710 stitches per minute. With the free-arm structure, I can do those difficult parts of garments such as cuffs, sleeves, and trousers’ hems easily.
Brother SE350 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine has many other great features such as automatic needle threader and push-button controlled thread cutter, 15 needle positions, snap-on presser foot attachment, automatic presser foot pressure as well as the drop feed function.
The one-step automatic buttonhole formation function comes with 10 various kinds of styles. It has an automatic quick-set bobbin system, which eases and simplifies the bobbin changing process.
Some users find completely removable bobbin cover easily misplaced as it is rather small, so you might want to be careful with it.
Brother SE350 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine has
- seven types of presser feet
- a seam ripper
- four bobbins
- a needle set
- a twin needle
- a cleaning brush
- an eyelet punch
- a screwdriver
- a touch pen
- three spool caps
- a spool pin
- a spool net
- a foot controller
- a pair of scissors
- an embroidery hoop
- an accessory pouch
- a bilingual user manual with instructional CD in English and Spanish
- 25 years warranty
Brother SE350 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine is the one for you if you’re looking for a good embroidery sewing machine that can do normal tasks just as well.
Further information:
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Hi welcome to my first post of sewing machine review blog.
Sewing machine is a textile machine use to stitch fabric or other material together. Sewing machine where first invented during the first industrial revolution to help increase production in cloth companies. Since then, it has vastly improved the efficiency and productivity.
Sewing Machine Review
I hope to write some sewing machine review post to help to find the right one for your need.
Most of the sewing machine being review here will be lightweight and portable sewing machine. Portable sewing machine come with 10 built-in stitches will be perfect for basic sewing, mending, crafting, and scrapbooking projects.
With today sewing technology, some of them offers an automatic bobbin winder, an automatic four-step buttonholer, forward and reverse sewing, and quick-change snap-on presser feet that include a buttonhole foot, zipper foot, button-sewing foot and many more!
Well, getting one great sewing machine will be home sewn fashion at your fingertips. Stay tune for more sewing machine review to come.
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Sewing Machine Review 