TheBrother CS6000i/CS7000i is a computerized sewing and quilting machine, featuring an automatic needle threader, speed control, needle up/down positioning, an optional table extension, built-in free arm, and nine (9) accessory feet. This light-weight machine is a great starter machine for sewing novices, or for those less familiar with computerized sewing machines.
Sewing Machines are available by reservation at all makerspace locations. Reservations are for 1 to 4 hours, up to 2 times a month. They can be made up to one week in advance. Walk-ins are permitted - even if both reservations have already been used - however, usage of the machine cannot be guaranteed. See the link at the bottom of this box to reserve one of the sewing machines.
Explore the General Information tab of this guide for a quick list of provided notions (most available free of charge), such as thread, needles, pins, measuring tape, and cutting tools.
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The Husqvarna Viking Epic 980Q is a computerized Sewing & Quilting Machine that offers many features to assist you through sewing and will handle any type of material, from multiple layers of denim or soft furnishing or delicate materials such as silk and pieces of cotton.
Select fabric type and get a wide selection of available sewing techniques, from basic to detailed sewing. JoyOS ADVISOR feature will instantly set the best stitch, stitch width, stitch length, thread tension /portioning, and presser foot pressure for the technique you've chosen. Animations and illustrations will also assist you and provide expert advice right on the screen.
mySewnet allows easy access to files from multiple devices, including your computer, tablet or Epic 980Q sewing machine. The files will always be synchronized and available whenever you need them via WiFi.
Less time and effort spent on machine adjustments with high-quality results regardless of fabric and thread type. Perfect for metallic, sliver, or other specialty threads. Gorgeous stitch results on both sides of the fabric.
The Basics
Singer, Brother, and Kenmore are long established, well known brands, and Bernina, Husqvarna Viking, and Janome have gained popularity. Choose your retailer wisely. Different retail channels offer different advantages. An independent shop might not have the lowest prices but usually offers lessons, more personalized service, and repairs can often be done in the store, sometimes even on the spot. Note that some models are only sold at authorized dealers (usually independent stores), and they offer instructional classes and repairs.
Use the Right Needle
A dull one, or the wrong kind, can bend and damage the fabric and/or machine. Change your needles after every project or when switching fabric types. And at least every two years (more if you sew a lot), take your sewing machine in for a tune-up.
Electronic Machines
If you sew frequently or can spend more, an electronic model can be a worthwhile investment. These shift many tedious sewing jobs from your hands to computer chips. A typical machine offers touchpad controls, LED screen, an array of presser feet for challenges such as piping and topstitching, and settings for dozens or even hundreds of stitch types.
Even the most basic machine should be able to handle a variety of fabrics, from satin to denim and corduroy, without stretching or puckering the fabric or producing loose, loopy stitches. Good task lighting is essential, of course, and there are a number of features to consider.
Good Ergonomics and Controls
The machine should be responsive to pressure on the foot pedal, and not stall or growl when sewing thick fabric or multiple layers. The controls should be easy to reach and manipulate, and the symbols on the machine or LED display should be easy to read. Machines that have more room to the right of the needle provide more space for fabric and your hands.
Needle Position
This feature allows you to move the needle, and stitching line, from left to right, and to have the needle up or down when you stop. Needle down makes it easy to lift the pressure foot and turn a corner without a jump stitch.
Top-Load Bobbin
Unlike older machines, in which you had to thread the bobbin in a recessed compartment, many machines now allow you to simply slide open a panel and drop the bobbin in. A clear cover lets you see when thread is running low.
Brother International is one of the leading manufacturers, with a market share of 29 percent of home sewing machines. The company offers basic to top-of-the line combination sewing and embroidery machines. Models are high tech with multiple functions and advanced technology, yet easy to use. Models are available through
www.brother.com and a network of independent dealers and mass merchants.
Husqvarna Viking is one of the leading manufacturers of high-tech electronic and computerized sewing machines. The sewing machines are developed and manufactured in Sweden. The company recently launched Designer Diamond, which is the newest addition to their high-end full service computerized line of sewing and embroidery machines. The Designer Diamond and others are available at Husqvarna Viking full-service dealers.
Janome America is one of the top manufacturers of more-advanced and innovative sewing machines. Janome offers electronic and computerized models from entry level to the high end. Its most advanced computerized sewing and embroidery machine to date is the Memory Craft 11000, which has patented stepping-motor technology and computer software.
Singer is the leading brand of sewing machines, with more than 43 percent of sales. Singer offers a variety of models with style and features for beginners to proficient sewers. Models are available at specialty stores, mass merchants including Target, Walmart, Kmart, and other national retailers.
A Drop-In bobbin, goes into the machine from the top of the sewing area. Your machine will have a little clear window or panel that you remove in front of the needle area. The filled bobbin is placed into this area and then you slide the tail into the proper place. Some modern machines, particularly those made by Brother, have a little maze with arrows that gets the thread into the perfect position.
With a Front-Loading bobbin, you open a door on the front of the sewing machine below the needle area. Insert the filled bobbin into the bobbin case and pull the thread through a small groove. You then put the bobbin case back into the machine while keeping it aligned properly.
From just reading those two descriptions, you have probably already decided that a drop-in bobbin is going to be easier for you, but I ask you to keep an open mind for a moment longer. What I say next may change your mind.
If I step back and look at it, I think for beginners a drop-in bobbin is probably slightly easier. It also removes a lot of the desire to tinker, and perhaps mess up the tension of the bobbin (which is also easy to fix). It works great for almost all thread types. However, if you plan to sewing things with very thick fabric and thick strong thread, you will need to learn a few tricks about getting this thick bobbin thread to go in correctly. If you do need to adjust the bobbin tension (not needed for normal thread), you will need to open up the machine.
Also the Husqvarna Viking Emerald 118 has speed control, and needle up/down, but otherwise looks like a mechanical machine. Not all higher end machines have a speed control, so watch out if you want this feature. FYI, both the machines I just mentioned have a drop-in bobbin.
If you are feeling overwhelmed right now go grab a piece of chocolate/cup of coffee, and think about what you want to sew. You probably have all the information you need already. You already know the main differences; you are probably starting to get a feeling for what you want. Remember that Sewing Machine Buying Workbook? Down load it using the form below and fill it out with what you already know.
Feet can be made of metal or clear plastic. Replacement feet, and different kinds of feet are available aftermarket. This set of sewing machine feet on Amazon is very popular, and work for most low shank machines. Pfaff is the only exception here, but would work with an aftermarket ankle.
A free-arm is great for sewing small circles, like cuffs, necklines, and pant hems. These machines generally have an accessory box that comes off the front of the machine. This opens an area under the bobbin to allow for your small items to be sewn in a loop. I love this feature, but I rarely use it or forget I have it when it would be useful. If you sew a lot of clothes, this may be a feature you like.
Often machines have an automatic needle threader, which is massively enjoyable, although not truly automatic. If your machine does not have this you can buy aftermarket models that you either install on your machine or use in your hand. Your sewing machine manual is your best tool in determining the way to thread your machine, and to find out if you machine has an automatic needle threader. Some lower cost machines even have them.
If you are going to move your machine around a lot, to classes etc. consider how heavy the machine is and does it come with a cover or case. Rolling totes are available aftermarket that fit many machines. Be aware the light machines can also be a bit bouncy as they sew.
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