Juki HZL F600 Sewing and Quilting Machine Review
Posted on June 5th, 2017
Brother vs Singer Sewing Machines
When you start your sewing journey you’ll see a lot of machines, but two brands will pop up a lot, particularly if you are do your shopping online – Brother and Singer sewing machines are two well known and affordably priced sewing machine brands and they have machines that will suit most needs.
Both brands target the home sewing niche and rely heavily on the internet to sell their machines so most of these brands’ models are available somewhere online.
This is opposed to other brands like Baby Lock or Husqvarna Viking that are sold through dealers only, and are considerably higher priced.
Brother Sewing Machines
Brother is a well known brand with dozens of sewing machines suitable for beginners, advanced 
sewers, quilters, and this brand also has a popular serger sewing machine. The best selling sewing machine on Amazon right now is the Brother CS6000i – an affordably priced machine perfect for a beginner or advanced seamstress.
The Brother CS6000i is about $150, but Brother also has machines that are over $1,000 like the SE1800 sewing and embroidery machine.
The Brother brand is known for incorporating high technology into even its basic sewing machines. Brother has been a successful with the home sewing market because it provides affordable machines with a myriad of features.
They create slightly different versions of the same model, which keeps costs low but provides a wide range of choices for various needs as you can see above. You can get started with a basic machine and move up in cost and features as needed.
Singer Sewing Machines
Singer is possibly the most famous brand of sewing machines and the most well known. It was established in 1851 so we are coming up on 200 years of sewing machine history. Its name is synonymous with sewing.
The Singer 7258 is their best selling machine on Amazon – a reasonably priced beginner machine with 100 built-in stitches and other convenience features.
The Singer 7258 is an entry level machine that costs about $178, but Singer also has models in the $1,000 range like the Singer SE300.
With that being said, it is similar to Brother because it has a wide range of models which can satisfy beginners and experts.
Singer and Brother have similar strategies but Singer gets to play on their history which gives them somewhat of an advantage.
Is One Better Than the Other?
I think the Brother vs. Singer debate is kind of like Coke vs. Pepsi or apples vs. oranges. So
me like one and some like the other.
Both make a lot of machines targeting beginners and hope you’ll move up to a more advanced model of their brand as you gain experience.
I have a brother sewing machine that I do most of my sewing on and I also own a Brother Serger and I love them both. But I am positive that if I owned the Singer model that is similar in features, I would not be disappointed.
What is most important is to find out what it is you are looking for in a sewing machine and then narrow it down from there.
Don’t focus on a particular brand if you are a novice because there are so many awesome machines out there that will suit you.
Narrow down the features that you really want – computerized vs mechanical or do you need a heavy duty machine for sewing thick fabrics like denim or upholstery? Or maybe you are on a tight budget and need a simple machine that costs under $100. You could also buy a straight stitch machine and ditch all the fancy bells and whistles.
And of course, there are other brands as well – Janome and Juki are two other brands that have excellent machines for all experience levels.
via Sewing Machine Savvy – Best Reviews and Comparisons http://www.sewingmachinesavvy.com/brother-vs-singer-sewing-machines/
Posted on December 29th, 2016
Serger vs Sewing Machine – What’s the Difference?
If you’re anything like me then somewhere along your sewing journey you come across a serger and asked yourself – what is a serger and do I need one?
I hope to give you a clear comparison of a serger vs. a sewing machine and help you figure out if a serger is something worth investing in.
Serger vs. Sewing Machine – The Key Difference
You are likely familiar with what a basic sewing machine does so let’s focus o
n what a serger is.
Simply put, a serger can be considered as a specialized sewing machine – sometimes referred to as an overlock sewing machine.
Take a look at the image to the right – what you see are beautiful edges that are neatly finished with a serger.
Without serging the edge, it would look unfinished and unprofessional, and the fabric will fray over time.
Sergers take anywhere from 3 to 8 thread cones at a time, and loop thread around the edge of the fabric, which prevents fraying. The Singer serger to the right has 5 cones.
The most common sergers use 3 to 4 cones of thread. Compare this to a sewing machine where you typically use just one thread or possible 2 if you are using a double needle.
Because of the multiple threads being looped together, a serger makes a more professional and durable seam than a standard sewing machine.
The threads lock around the seam to prevent fraying, and it also has a blade that cuts off the seam allowance as it sews (the blade can also be turned off if you like).
One of the great features of a serger is how fast they are – it trims away seam allowances and encases raw edges – all at up to speeds of 1700 stitches per minute!
Similar Features of the Two
The interesting thing is that a serger can actually do a lot of things that sewing machines can do. Some examples are:
This video does a great job visualizing some of the similar features of a serger and sewing machine (and its kinda funny too).
What a Serger Cannot Do
A serger has its strengths and can speedily create durable and professionally finished edges, but it is not a stand-alone machine so it isn’t able to replace a standard sewing machine for most projects.
You will still need your trusty sewing machine to do buttonholes, zippers, facings, and topstitching.
Do I Really Need Both?
In short, you do not need a sewing machine and a serger. But here’s the thing – you can get away with many projects using only a sewing machine without a serger. So a good quality basic sewing machine is a must, and a serger is something you will add as you gain experience and see a need for its features.
Some things to keep in mind if you are thinking about purchasing a serger:
Keep in mind that there are “overlock” foot attachments for standard sewing machines, and many are content with the quality of finished edges it can make. But others point out that an overlock attachment simply cannot make as durable of a stitch as a serger with multiple looping threads.
A Final Note
I purchased a Brother 1034D a few months after I learned how to sew because I wanted more professional looking finishes. There is a learning curve – especially trying to figure out how to set it up with 4 different threads, but from the start I absolutely loved what it is capable of doing. I have it out on my sewing table and use it with ease.
What I heard is that once you try out a serger you won’t want to do without it. Well I can say that was definitely true in my case – the speed, power, and beautifully finished edges are something I can’t do without now that I have one.
If you aren’t sure about spending $200 or more on a serger then I would recommend going into a local sewing shop and using one to see what you think.
via Sewing Machine Savvy – Best Reviews and Comparisons http://www.sewingmachinesavvy.com/serger-vs-sewing-machine/
Posted on December 27th, 2016
What is a Straight Stitch Sewing Machine
With all of the fancy modern computerized sewing machines on the market these days, an advanced or beginner seamstress can have at their hands on a machine that has options to do dozens if not hundreds of types of stitches, embroidery, letters, numbers, etc.
Before we had the option to do all of these different stitches there was the simplicity of a straight stitch only machine. And although this may seem less appealing than a machine with all the “bells and whistles”, many advanced seamstresses choose a straight stitch machine and are able to sew just about any project with it.
What is a Straight Stitch Sewing Machine?
A straight stitch is the most basic stitch that a seamstress will use when sewing. It is formed by the interlocking thread and bobbin thread. Although it is a basic stitch, the length, tension, and other features of the stitch can vary.
A straight stitch only sewing machine can do one stitch only – straight! Simple enough. That means you can stitch forward straight as well as in reverse to anchor a stitch. But it is important to understand that a straight stitch machine still has a lot of versatility. It can be used to do many other things besides sewing a seam together –
Why Buy a Straight Stitch Only Machine
Did you know that most sewing is about 85-90% straight stitching? This is why a lot of sewers who are mostly into clothing construction and quilting swear by the accuracy and precision that a straight stitch only machine can give.
Just think about it, before we had all of the fancy machines everyone used a straight stitch only sewing machine, and were able to sew just about anything with it. And to top that off, a lot of those vintage machines are still around today.
Top Straight Stitch Only Machines
Brother PQ1500SL
The Brother PQ1500SL is a ultimate machine for tackling problem fabrics, and is amazing for
larger scale jobs.
A high-speed straight stitching machine, sewing up to 1,500 stitches per minute!
The PQ1500SL features an adjustable pin feed mechanism, 4 feed dog settings for maximum fabric control, knee lifter & bed extension table for quilting, full range foot pressure adjustment and an Automatic thread cutter with F.A.S.T. needle threader – a time saving convenience. Includes straight stitch sewing foot, rolled hem foot, adjustable zipper foot, invisible zipper foot, quarter inch foot, spring action quilting foot, seam guide, walking foot, power cord, foot control, sewing notions, owner’s manual.
Singer S16 Studio Industrial-Grade True Straight Stitch Only Sewing and Quilting Machine
The name of this sewing machine says it all – straight stitch, industrial-grade, and quilting.
Singer touts this machine as having the power of an industrial machine for a fraction of the cost. It can sew up to 1600 stitches per minute. It also has conventent features such as: Easy Threading, Automatic Needle Threader & Presser Foot Sensor as well as a Programmable Needle Up/Down and Knee Lifter, which are helpful for piecing quilt tops.
The Singer S16 also features a variable speed control so you can set the stitches between 100 and 1600 stitches per minute.
Users of the S16 love the speed and also mention how heavy and durable it is – perfect for heavy duty jobs. Users also raved about how easy it was to setup and use right out of the box.
Juki DDL-8700 Industrial Straight Stitch Sewing Machine
This powerhouse can sew up to 5500 stitches per minute – that is incredible!
This is a true industrial machines so it is permanently installed in a table top and it is not portable like the two machines above.
With engineering for reduced vibration and noise, the Juki DDL-8700 is optimized for comfortable operation. With the addition of a servo sewing motor, this unit is almost completely silent so it is perfect for home use, but it is a popular choice for businesses and schools as well.
Straight Stitch Sewing Machine Bottom Line
Straight stitch only sewing machines have been around since sewing machines were invented. It is the most basic stitch that is used 99% of the time in sewing projects. Because of this, a straight stitch machine is an excellent choice if you want a workhorse to do most of your sewing on. Just keep in mind that you will not get all the bells and whistles that other machines have.
For newbie sewers, the electronic machines are often a good place to start and once you have some experience, a straight stitch only machine may be something you decide to purchase for the majority of your projects.
via Sewing Machine Savvy – Best Reviews and Comparisons http://www.sewingmachinesavvy.com/straight-stitch-sewing-machine/
Posted on November 19th, 2016
Best Heavy Duty Sewing Machines
Are you looking for a heavy duty sewing machine that will sew through leather like butter? Will you be sewing materials like denim or draperies? Or do you need a machine that will handle multiple layers of fabric at once? These type of fabrics and projects require a solid machine built for heavy jobs, unlike some of the more inexpensive beginner sewing machines.
This article will help you learn what to look for when shopping for the best heavy duty sewing machine and what features are a must.
What to Look for In a Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
When it comes to sewing machines there are several different categories you can examine -beginner or basic machines; machines made specifically for quilting; industrial machines; and also heavy duty sewing machines, which really just means they can handle thicker fabric and overall tougher and bigger sewing projects.
Really sewing machines for quilting can often times be under the same category as a heavy duty machine and industrial machines are definitely considered heavy duty, but most home sewers will not need the power of an industrial machine.
What Makes a Heavy Duty Machine Different?
Keep in mind that just because a machine isn’t specifically labeled “heavy-duty,” doesn’t mean it can’t handle heavier fabrics, like denim, leather, or multiple layers. So when you are shopping for a sewing machine for jeans and denim it is important to know what kind of features to look for because heavy-duty sewing machines are made differently than basic home or beginner sewing machines.
Many basic home or beginner sewing machines have plastic gears and relatively weak motors, which can easily wear out over time if you are consistently sewing heavy-duty materials and projects. This is not something you want to happen. There is nothing worse than the smell of burning plastic if you are in the middle of a project – a sure sign that your machine is not strong enough for the job.
Things to Keep In Mind When Shopping for a Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
Weight. A heavy duty machine typically weighs more than 15 pounds, with many being closer to 20 or more. This is important because you will be working with thicker, heavier fabrics and a lightweight machine can easily topple over or it will simply move along the table as you try to feed fabric through it.
A strong motor. Sewing machines that do well with heavy materials such as denim and leather need to have a strong motor so it can drive the needle through thick fabric over and over without slowing down or wearing down. Keep in mind that industrial machines used in factories have much bigger motors than heavy duty home machines because they are being used hours and hours on end.
Extra-high presser foot lift.This is important because if you are going to sew through multiple layers of fabric or thick fabrics like leather, you will need to fit the fabric under the presser foot. I would say it needs to be able to handle at least 1/4 of an inch of fabric or more.
Leveling button. You may have seen this feature on Look for machines with a leveling button on the general purpose foot. This is a tiny button (usually it’s black) on the presser foot. When pressed, it lifts the front of the presser foot up so that it can climb over the thickness change in fabric. This comes in handy when sewing through the multi-layer side seam or the multi-layer bottom seam in jeans. This is typically the area of sewing jeans that causes the most broken needles.
Comparison of Three Top Heavy Duty Sewing Machines
In Depth Review of Each Machine
Janome DC2014 Computerized Sewing Machine
Of the three machines here, this is the only one that is computerized and the only one with an electronic speed control. This allows you
to modify the pace of your machine to fit your specific need. Set the speed to the “Max” if you want to sew quickly or to “Min” if you are teaching someone or if you need to sew something slowly and with precision. Every seamstress has different likes and from my experience, I use this feature all the time and it is one I wouldn’t want to do without.
The Janome DC2014 is a great choice for a heavy-duty sewing machine. It easily sews through several layers of thick fabric such as denim, and it also has many other convenient and user-friendly features that are handy for all types of projects.
Features of the Janome DC2014:
Memorized Up / Down needle stop position (you are able to either have the needle always stop down or up)
At 18 lbs it has a good amount of weight to it and it also comes with a hard case with convenient handle so it is definitely portable.
If you are interested in this machine, I have a complete in-depth review here.
You can also read customer reviews of the Janome DC2014 to assist you with your buying decision.
Though it is the higher priced of the three machines I’m reviewing here, Janome sewing machines are well known for their quality and prevision, and the DC2014 is my top pick for a heavy-duty sewing machine. A big plus about this machine is that even though it is powerful, it is also fairly quiet.
Janome HD3000 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
Janome sewing machines are among my favorite mid range sewing machines and this one is no exception.
This is a mechanical sewing machine with an extra high presser lift, 18 built-in stitches, built-in needle threader, and a free arm.
It weighs close to 19 pounds so it has a nice amount of weight to it. It has an aluminum body, and although the outside has some plastic, most of the internal structure is metal.
Users report that it easily sews through 10 or more layers of denim as well as heavy upholstery material and a “quilt sandwich” with no problem.
Singer 5532 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine 
While I don’t think this is the top of the line as far as heavy-duty machines go, I chose it for a couple of reasons.
1. It sews up to 1100 stitches per minute and it does well with heavier material such as denim or leather.
2. It has a heavy duty metal frame and stainless steel bedplate.
3. I also chose this because of the price. If you need a heavy-duty machine but you are on a budget, this is a solid option. It is almost half the cost of Janome HD3000 and the Janome DC2014 mentioned above.
Let’s look at the features:
This is a mechanical sewing machine so it doesn’t have any fancy electronic buttons but it still has 32 built-in stitches that you access with the turn of a knob and you can change the width of a stitch with another dial on the top.
Overall, this machine has great reviews. Users rave about the ease of use and how easy it is to learn to use it. Users were able to sew denim, thick purse straps, and other heavier materials with no problems.
One downside that was repeated but several users is the noise and some quilters say it is not the best choice for their craft.
Sometimes reading reviews from those who have the machine is the best way to decide on whether a machine is right for you. Check out the positive reviews from savvy seamstresses who bought this particular machine.
One Extreme Heavy Duty Sewing Machine 
Option
The previous three machines work well for most household and clothing projects.
What if you need a machine that is more industrial but you don’t have the space or the budget for a true industrial machine? This Sailrite Heavy Duty Sewing Machine is a great option.
This thing is heavy – weighing close to 40 lbs! So you definitely don’t have to worry about it walking around on you.
The Bottom Line on Heavy Duty Sewing Machines
If you want a machine that can handle big projects and heavy fabrics, as well as having durability to stand the test of time, then a heavy duty sewing machine is a good choice.
Get the best quality sewing machine you can. It can easily last for years and be passed down to a child or grandchild if desired.
I’m sure one of the 3 machines mentioned above will suit your needs and your budget for a heavy duty sewing machine. You can always check out Amazon.com for other heavy duty sewing machines
and to read reviews and compare price ranges. Keep in mind that people often buy older sewing machines and off of craigslist or ebay. These can be good options too and its no surprise that a lot of these machines are still ticking after 50+ years.
Let me know if you have any questions. I do my best to respond to everyone 
via Sewing Machine Savvy – Best Reviews and Comparisons http://www.sewingmachinesavvy.com/best-heavy-duty-sewing-machines/
Posted on November 2nd, 2016
Sewing Machine Savvy
Find the best sewing machine for your needs, your budget, and your sewing experience. Whether you’ve just taken up sewing as a hobby or if you are discovering the wonderful asset that the skill of sewing can provide, a basic beginner sewing machine is a must.
Posted on July 2nd, 2016