There are three
types of sewing machines- mechanical sewing machines, electronic
sewing machines, and computerized sewing machines. Since their
introduction in 1800 till 1960's, all sewing machines were
mechanical. Mechanical sewing machines are controlled by a rotary
wheel. They have knobs and dials to make changes in the tension or
the length or width of the stitch.
Lockstitch sewing
machines make use of a hook and a bobbin thread to create stitch
patterns, whereas chain stitch machines use a looper to form
stitches. One of the major drawbacks of chain stitching is that it is
very weak and the stitch can easily be pulled apart. In addition to
lock stitching and chain stitching machines, there are blind stitch
and buttonhole-and-button-sewing machines that use a spreader to
create stitches.
Mechanical sewing
machines are less expensive and are the simplest type of sewing
machine in terms of build. Bernina 1008, Kenmore 11101, Singer 6038,
Elna 2005, Kenmore Mini, Kenmore 15212, and Sears Kenmore 15218 are
some of the mechanical sewing machines available in the market.
By the year 1970,
electronic sewing machines became popular. There are more features in
an electronic sewing machine than in a mechanical sewing machine.
Instead of turning knobs or dials, electronic sewing machines use
button to adjust length or width of the stitch. Electronic sewing
machines have motors; each one is assigned with a specific task and
is run by electricity. Singer 7442, Singer 7462, Singer CE-100
Futura, Elna 3230, and Janome Decor Excel 5124 are some instances of
electronic sewing machines.
Another type is the
computerized sewing machine, which is very fast and easy to use.
Computerized sewing machines are similar to electronic sewing
machines. They use the same chips and stepper motors that are used in
electronic machines. Besides, they posses a microprocessor which
helps the sewing machine to accept new information in a card form and
create stitching patterns based on the information loaded in the
card. Singer CE-200 Quantum Futura, Singer Quantum XL-6000, Brother
SE270D, and Janome 8080 are some examples of computerized sewing
machine.
