Recommendations for choosing a manual sewing machine

A sewing machine may be needed at any time - put a patch, sew a hole. And for such small manipulations, it is not necessary to acquire an expensive device with many functions — manual models will cope with such tasks, and their cost will be an order of magnitude lower than that of stationary ones.

Main types

The main criterion by which these devices are classified is the mechanism that drives the machine. Depending on the type of this mechanism, manual machines can be:

  • mechanical, which are responsible for the work of special wheels, gears, levers inside the device. They are activated by rotating the handwheel knob;
  • electromechanical: the "insides" of the device begin to move after the start of the electric motor. On the front panel of the hand-held sewing machines are buttons for turning the device on and off;
  • electronic (computer), on which all actions are performed thanks to the built-in microprocessor. The functionality of the models depends on the programs and their settings.

Depending on the type of stitch and the method of weaving threads such devices are chain and shuttle.

Devices can be equipped with a variety of needles and are divided into single-needle, two-needle and multi-needle (three or more).

The process itself is carried out due to the rotation of the main shaft, and depending on the speed of its operation, manual sewing machines are divided into:

  • low speed (making up to 2.5 thousand stitches per minute);
  • medium speed - from 2.5 to 5 thousand stitches;
  • high-speed - over 5 thousand.
All sewing machines are divided into universal ones that perform various types of operations, and special ones that perform certain functions: sewing, setting buttons, fasteners, overcasting edges, embroidery, creating a long seam, etc.

What models of manual machines are

On the modern market there is a huge range of sewing devices at home: there are miniature products with a removable battery, there are electromechanical ones. Before choosing a suitable option, you should explore all the models, especially their application.

Manual Mechanical

Among modern devices, it is rather difficult to find such sewing machines, however, products of such brands as Podolsk, Seagull or Singer still occupy honorable places among many housewives. Many years ago, these machines were considered the best, but today you can find more modern, high-quality and easy-to-operate devices on the market.

Hand-operated sewing machines are ideal for beginner craftswomen, because they are easy to use, rarely fail, though they can perform a small list of functions.

The main advantage of such products is considered the possibility of processing thick fabrics, leather, in addition, they can be used even in the absence of electricity.

The easiest option is DragonFly JA2-2, which costs 4,500 rubles. The main characteristics of such a machine include:

  • the presence of a rocking shuttle;
  • metal case;
  • adjustable foot lift;
  • small compartment for sewing accessories;
  • sewing speed adjustment functions.

Among the minuses of the device is the execution of a straight line only. However, this machine is suitable for all types of fabrics.

Sewing mini-machine

If occasionally there is a need to use a special sewing device for a small repair of clothes, but you do not want to buy bulky equipment, the mini-machine is the best option. It is small in size, has a minimal set of functions, but at the same time the functionality of the device is sufficient for repairing things, sewing on a patch, and processing frayed edges.

Using such a device is simple, it is only important to properly thread the thread itself.

The most famous model - Zimber 10919-ZM, which costs only 2600 rubles. The main characteristics of the product include:

  • small dimensions and weight - only 1.5 kg;
  • plastic case;
  • availability of the sewing speed function;
  • automatic thread threader;
  • coil compartment;
  • work from the network or battery.

Among the main drawbacks, they note a slight stability, vibration when working with a cloth, but autonomy is a plus.

Electromechanical

Such devices are small in size, suitable for repairing clothes, sewing. The cost is affected by the bundling, the number of functions, the quality of the body (the material of manufacture).

The most optimal option for the characteristics and cost is the Comfort 2 model, which costs 3,500 rubles. The device weighs only 3 kg, other characteristics include:

  • rotary hook;
  • 11 operations;
  • backlight work area.

However, this device is not suitable for handling thick fabrics.

Rechargeable

Easy to use manual sewing machine, which is ideal for travel, since it is small in size and will allow on the road to correct any misunderstandings with clothing. Powered by batteries or battery.

The most well-known option is the Mini Sticher SEW014442. Sold for 850 rubles. The machine weighs only 350 g, it works either from batteries or from an adapter. Small and compact version. The truth is, there is a minus - it does not serve for long.

Tips for choosing

If you decide to purchase a manual sewing machine, the following tips will help you choose the most suitable device:

  • Initially, you need to decide on the purpose for which the machine is required, how much space in the apartment you can take under it. The optimum choice for the beginning masters - the electromechanical machine with a small little table. But if you need to use a machine for repairing clothes, you need to choose a mini-model that runs on batteries;
  • It is important to pay attention to the complete set of the device: in case of infrequent sewing, you need to choose a device with a minimal set of functions, but if you seriously decide to do sewing, you should choose a multifunctional device;
  • Pay attention to the body, namely the material, workmanship. You can, for example, choose a plastic case, but only from durable material, but such elements as a foot, holders should be made of metal.

And remember that not always high cost is an indicator of quality, because before buying it is advisable to study the reviews, recommendations of experienced seamstresses, and always ask the seller to show how the device works.

General Rules for Using Hand Sewing Machines

Work on such a device is quite simple, especially with each device attached instruction. However, it is worth remembering about the rules, which must be followed:

  1. It is necessary to carefully observe safety precautions, which will exclude injuries when working on a typewriter.
  2. The handwheel of the device can be twisted only in one direction - towards itself, otherwise the shuttle thread will simply get tangled.
  3. It is impossible to work on a typewriter without a cloth, as this will cause the lower teeth of the paws to dull.
  4. When working, try not to stretch the fabric - just adjust the direction of the material.
  5. When operating the device cover on the case should be closed.
  6. Try not to hold your fingers too close to the needle when sewing.
  7. The pins that hold the fabric together cannot be sewn, as this will break the needle.

Mastering the work on the sewing machine is not difficult. The main thing is to act according to the instructions and strictly observe safety.

Reviews

She never loved and did not sew, but when her daughter went into the garden, she had to master this complicated skill. It’s good that there was an old grandmother’s hand, “The Seagull,” who became my reliable assistant. The first works were far from ideal, but somehow quickly became friends with the machine. This year I have already made a carnival costume for my daughter.

Svetlana, 33 years old

I always wanted to buy a good, expensive sewing machine, but I didn’t have enough money, so I decided to start small - I ordered an electro-mechanical manual mini-sewing machine via the Internet. I'm learning to sew with my youngest daughter, while the device is satisfied.

Olga, 35 years old

Do not be fooled by advertising miniature wonder-machines for sewing. This is real rubbish! Such a device was enough for me to process one leg of the men’s trousers, after which this praised manual sewing machine simply stopped working - the bottom thread did not cling, so the line could not work. For this money it was possible to flash several things in the studio.

Marina, 27 years old

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