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Posts Tagged ‘Computerized Sewing Machines’

Does anyone have the consumer reports on sewing machines?

November 19th, 2012 2 comments

I am looking for a new sewing machine but would like to see what the consumer reports state. I use my sewing machine for making quilts. If anyone has a copy I would really appreciate the information.

Janome Decor Excel 5124
(*est. $360)

>> Where to buy Electronic sewing machine.In reviews, experts prefer electronic machines to mechanical sewing machines; changing stitches or adjusting stitch length and width involves pressing a button rather than turning a less-precise knob or lever. Janome is the largest manufacturer of domestic sewing machines, with a devoted fan base. Reviews say the Janome Décor Excel sewing machine is quiet and stable, with 24 stitches, including a one-step buttonhole. It comes with seven presser feet and a one-year warranty, an improvement over Kenmore’s paltry 90 days.
• Sears Kenmore 15218
(*est. $170)

>> Where to buy Mechanical sewing machine.The Kenmore uses knobs and levers to change and adjust stitches. Experts say such mechanical machines aren’t as precise or predictable as electronic sewing machines. If you only need a machine for a few occasional projects or repairs, an inexpensive mechanical machine will do, but reviews say more avid sewers should go for at least an electronic machine. Reviews say this Kenmore sewing machine is a good basic model with a few extra features, like a selection of stretch stitches and a one-step buttonhole.
• Brother NX-400
(*est. $700)

>> Where to buy Basic computerized sewing machine.Unlike mechanical and electronic models, computerized sewing machines use a series of small motors controlled by a microprocessor. That makes them almost maintenance free, and their memories hold many more customizable stitches. The Brother computerized sewing machine has two alphabet fonts (for monograms) and over 50 other stitches. It also has adjustable foot pressure, a knee lifter for hands-free raising and lowering of the presser foot, and custom stitch memory. In tests, the Brother NX-400 slightly outperforms similar models from Singer and Husqvarna Viking.
• Pfaff Performance 2056
(*est. $2,000)

>> Where to buy Computerized sewing machine.In reviews, Pfaff sewing machines are popular among quilters for their built-in walking foot (Pfaff calls this feature IDT), which feeds layers of fabric evenly through the machine. A color touch screen makes it easy to change and adjust stitches. The Pfaff sewing machine has 207 computerized stitches and four different alphabets for monograms. It has adjustable foot pressure, another good feature for quilters or others who work with different types of thicknesses of fabric.
• Singer Quantum XL-6000
(*est. $3,000)

>> Where to buy Embroidery sewing machine.The Singer is a combination sewing and embroidery machine, and along with high-end features like automatic threading and automatic bobbin refill, it can also create multicolor hoop embroidery patterns. The Singer embroidery machine comes with hundreds of pre-programmed embroidery designs, but you can download more patterns online. Machine embroidery is an expensive hobby, but those who’ve tried it are quickly addicted. (compare prices

What are the leading embroidery sewing machines?

October 28th, 2012 4 comments

Large embroidery design area, Help with color, user friendly, used with PC or Mac, Economical, up to date and not likely to be outdated soon. Easily available technical support.

Bernina’s top-of-the-line embroidery/sewing machine, the Embroidery/Sewing Machine Artista 730E, is one of those few "best that money can buy" models. With all that any embroidery-sewing hobbyist could possibly want and maybe more, the Artista 730E requires a sizeable investment. Fortunately, the size of the investment is highly negotiable. With a list price of $7999, the actual cost of this sewing machine can vary greatly from region to region and dealer to dealer. For this reason many home sewers start small and gradually trade up to this Cadillac of models. A wise consumer will shop all the dealers in their area, selecting one with appealing pricing as well as a supportive staff.

Since learning to use all of this machine’s features can take years, you’ll want to have a dealer who can help you every step of the way. While many machines provide excellent sewing or embroidery options, the Artista 730E offers the best of both worlds. This model is for you if you are looking for one of the finest computerized sewing machines available, paired with some of the most versatile and complete embroidery options on the market. Embroidery customization on this sewing machine is incredibly versatile. Designs and alphabets can be rescaled with stitch count changes on screen. Or, for a more familiar format and complex design alterations, plug your PC into the Artista 730E and make your changes on the large screen. Using both computer and sewing machine, you can make these changes with the included Editor Lite software. A design stick is also included for easy loading, transporting and saving of designs.

The primary design storage system of the Artista 730E is what sets it apart from machines by other manufacturers. While some manufacturers use primarily CD-Rom for design storage, Bernina relies heavily on embroidery memory cards. A built-in card slot accepts Bernina and OESD design collection cards into the machine. As an alternative, a CD- Rom drive may be purchased for using designs from other manufacturers. One particularly desirable sewing feature on this machine is the Bernina Stitch Regulator (BSR). It makes free motion sewing far easier to learn, by automatically regulating stitch length for both straight and zigzag stitching. This technique is particularly useful for those who enjoy quilting and can be used in place of the stippling stitch feature offered by other manufacturers.

An extensive menu of over 855 stitches is packed into this sewing machine together with 10 buttonholes and 31 quilting stitches. A very wide stitch width setting of 9 mm also serves to set this model apart from others. As amazing as this machine is, we would recommend you test it and the few others that are available in this price range. The decision should be based on how you sew and what is important to you, versus what machine is truly "best." In shopping for a machine of this quality, the best choice is the embroidery-sewing machine that meets the most of your needs and is offered by the dealer best prepared to help you learn to use it.

Warranty
2 years, electrical; 5 years, circuit boards; 20 years, mechanical