Sewing Machine Buying Guide -
Computerized Sewing Machines
Modern computerized sewing
machines have greatly improved the efficiency
of clothes stitching in recent years. Relative
to traditional sewing machines, computerized
models have greatly reduced the cost and time
required to produce and alter high-quality
garments.
Today's top sewing machines
are powered by impressive computer technology
which is an electronic loop stitching system.
This technology greatly improves on the
efficiency of traditional hand stitching. This
technology allows the machine to create an
automated process by which the sewing needle
only partially passes through the fabric,
allowing for a continuous motion to improve the
speed and accuracy of the process. A motorized
needle bar ensures continuous motion, which are
controlled electronic gears. After the needle
point passes through, a loop is created in the
fabric, which is the core that ensures proper
needlepoint.
Electronic sewing machines
are capable of a wide variety of stitches,
including a simple chain stitch which relies
upon a looping hook that move continuously, in
unison with the motorized needle. A presser
foot ensures that the material stays in place,
while a feeder continues to pull the material
forward for additional loops. The result is a
process that can quickly stitch large pieces of
fabric. Commercial machines also utilize a
shuffle hook and bobbin to improve on the speed
of the process, relying upon a continuous
process.
Computerized machines are
programmed to stitch complicated fabric based
upon algorithms within the machine. For
example, a computerized machine is capable of
diagonal stitches which are not possible
without human intervention in a traditional
electric sewing machine. With integrated memory
which is capable of replicating patterns,
computerized sewing machines are capable of
complicated patterns, which are generally only
possible through hand embroidery. The machines
can be programmed with custom patterns or
connected to a removable memory disk which has
a program based on a customized set of
software. For those seeking to program a
complicated set for a variety of clothing
patterns, computerized machines are capable of
reproducing designs over a wide variety of
garments.
Modern computer driven
machines offer more flexibility and
capabilities than a traditional design. You can
download a wide variety of common patterns on
which you can build, saving quite a bit of time
over traditional sewing patterns. While the
machines can cost more, you can save countless
hours over traditional sewing methods. In
addition, you can pay for ready-made patterns,
allowing you to produce unique garments in
virtually no time. Whether you are a hobbyist
or a professional clothes maker, computerized
sewing technology is much more efficient than
traditional technologies. By saving time and
money over the standard production process,
small businesses are more reliable able to
scale up their operations to meet consumer
demand. In many ways, computerized sewing has
leveled the playing field for local merchants
to compete with mass market imported apparel
companies on the regional level.
There are a wide variety of
computerized machines on the market today,
ranging from entry-level models to those with
commercial applications. You can also get
customized software with high-end machines
which greatly increases the velocity of
production from the planning stage. Artists who
are accustomed to producing designs using
graphic software can become adept in designing
patterns which can easily be duplicated. One
mass market machine is the Brother 700 series
computerized machine, which is designed for
personalization of a wide variety of garments.
Priced competitively, the series brings
commercial technology to the personal
marketplace. Singer has also introduced a
series of Quantum Futura models which bring its
top end industrial technology to home users.
With over 100 integrated stitch patterns and a
programmable interface, the series allows home
users and clothes to generate patterns from
virtually any media source.
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