Singer Futura

I’m would like to start sewing but I need to know a decent & affordable sewing machine to buy. Any suggestions?

I want to learn how to sew. i want do be able to make dresses for my two little girls and start selling some I make but first I need a sewing machine. I saw a Singer Futura CE-150 Sewing and Embroidery Machine at walmart because I would also like to embroider but costs $539 and I cannot afford that. Does anyone have any suggestions on a good sewing machine.

For embroidery, consider learning to do free motion embroidery on a sewing machine… any sewing machine will do. Here’s a pro working — though his setup is a little easier, it’s the same idea:
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3833/video-manuels-free-motion-embroidery-technique
And something less fancy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8hFRab26BE

As far as a sewing machine, I’d definitely suggest you want to get a model with a blindhem stitch… otherwise my basic suggestions are below. Please note that using a home sewing machine for business voids the warranty (they’re not meant for the duty cycle of sewing for a business), and that as soon as you learn the basic machine operation, I’m going to strongly suggest that you want to borrow Carol Ahles’ book, Fine Machine Sewing, from the library and at least learn her methods of machine blindhemming — it’ll save you lots and lots of time.

If you truly are going to use home machines to make stuff to sell, I’d buy a basic sewing machine (see below) and a decent 4 thread serger ASAP. Add computerized embroidery to that if you wish later.

My basic beginner sewing machine rant:
Take a look at Kate Dicey’s essay on choosing sewing machines at
http://www.katedicey.co.uk (and take a look around at her site…
there are a lot of nice little tutorials there!). The FAQ she
refers to is at http://preview.tinyurl.com/l5rzu6 now.

What I want for beginners in sewing:

- a machine that doesn’t scare you

- a machine that isn’t balky (cheap new machines are often very
balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable — just
too frustrating to learn on!)

- very good straight stitch

- good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy)

- a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you

- adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric
handling issues)

- accessory presser feet that don’t cost an arm and a leg
(machines that use a “short shank foot” typically handle generic
presser feet pretty well. Some brands of machines use proprietary
or very expensive presser feet)

If the budget stretches far enough:

- blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches

- triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications)

- a couple of decorative stitches (you won’t use them nearly as
much as you think)

- electronic machine because of the needle position control and
because the stepper motors give you full “punching force” at
slow sewing speeds — mechanical machines often will stall at
slow speeds.

Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them
to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used
machines you can afford. You’ll get a far better machine at a
specific price buying used than new and a good dealer is worth
their weight in sewing machine needles when you get a machine
problem — often they can talk you through the problem over the
phone. While you’re trying things out, try a couple of machines
(sewing only, not combo sewing-embroidery) over your price limit,
just so you can see what the difference in stitch quality and
ease of use might be. You may find you want to go for the used
Cadillac. Or you might want the new basic Chevy. Might as well
try both out.

Suggested reading: John Giordano’s The Sewing Machine Book
(especially for used machines), Carol Ahles’ Fine Machine Sewing
(especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg
Hazen’s Owner’s Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting
Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public
library.

Used brands I’d particularly look for: Elna, Bernina,
Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota

New “bargain brand” I’d probably pick, if new, decent and budget
was my choice: Janome (who also does Kenmore).

Singer Futura CE250 – CE 250 Sewing Embroidery Machine $608.00

Singer Futura CE250 – CE 250 Sewing Embroidery Machine $608.00

Singer Futura Sewing Machine Ce200 Instruction Manual $18.00

Singer Futura CE-350 w/ Embroidery/Sewing Base Software $499.99

Singer Futura Editing Software $125.00

SINGER FUTURA-ATHENA-5 HOLE sewing machine FOOT PEDAL $20.00

Singer CE-250 Futura Embroidery Sewing Machine CE250 $699.00

SINGER Futura II Model 920 Two Way Sewing Machine $29.00

Singer Auto Cross-Stitch Software Futura CE-100 CE-200 $179.00

SINGER FUTURA CE-250/CE-350 $1,000.00

Singer Photo Stitch Software For Futura CE-100 CE-200 $179.00

Singer AutoPunch Digitizing Software Futura CE-150 $299.00

Singer HyperFont Software Futura CE-150 CE-250 CE-350 $199.00

Singer Futura II Model 920 (Mint Condition) $2.25

Singer Auto Cross-Stitch Software Futura CE-150 250 350 $199.00

Singer AutoPunch Digitizing Software Futura CE-150 $299.00

Singer CE-250 Futura Embroidery Sewing Machine CE250 $699.00

Singer AutoPunch Digitizing Software Futura CE-150 $299.00

Singer CE-250 Futura Embroidery Sewing Machine CE250 !! $749.00

Singer Auto Cross Stitch Software Futura CE-100 CE-200 $179.00

Singer CE-250 Futura Embroidery Sewing Machine CE250 !! $749.00

Singer PhotoStitch Software Futura CE-100 CE-200 NEW $179.00

Singer Futura PhotoStitch for Ce-100 $49.99

Singer CE-100 Futura Computerized Sewing Machine $189.99

Singer Futura 2.5 Upgrade for the CE 100 / 200 $59.99

Singer Futura CE-150 Sewing Embroidery Machine $550.00

Cap Hat Embroidery Hoop Singer Futura CE150 CE250 CE350 $49.99

Singer CE-200 Quantum Futura Computerized Embroidery $199.95

Singer Sewing Machine 900 Futura attachments+parts $12.95

Singer Sewing Machine 900 Futura foot control $12.95

Singer CE-200 Quantum Futura Computerized Sewing Mac… $475.00

Singer Futura CE250 – CE 250 Sewing Embroidery Machine $657.01

Singer Futura CE 150 / CE150 Sewing Embroidery Machine $599.99

Singer Futura CE 350 / CE350 Sewing Embroidery Machine $779.21

Singer Futura CE 150 / CE150 Sewing Embroidery Machine $487.81

Singer Futura CE250 – CE 250 Sewing Embroidery Machine $799.99

Arrow 98611 Table -Fits Singer Futura CE150 CE250 CE350 $169.99

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.

About the Author:

Sally Bayfield loves sewing machines and does a mean cross-stitch. Find the best sewing machine for your uses.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Computerized Sewing Machines