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The classic among the household sewing machines is the utility stitch sewing machine, with which you can sew both straight lines and zigzag stitches. In a way, it is the basic equipment for your sewing projects. You can find utility stitch sewing machines not only as mechanical or mechanical versions, but also as user-friendly computer sewing machines.
Besides the utility stitch sewing machine, there are the following three variants:
Overlock
Coverlock
Embroidery machines
Overlock as well as coverlock sewing machines are useful additions to a conventional sewing machine.
The former produce and neaten secure and clean seams with the overlock stitch. With such a sewing machine you can easily sew several layers of fabric. In addition, overlocks are equipped with a knife that cuts the fabric to create a hem.
Coverlocks do not have a knife. Accordingly, they not only sew along the edge of the fabric, but also in the middle. Their field of application is decorative seams. They have various decorative stitches for this purpose.
A special form, which is actually not a sewing machine at all, is the embroidery machine. As the name suggests, you do not use it for sewing, but for embroidering.
Some computer-controlled sewing machines offer various programs, for example for embroidery or overlock stitching. If you decide on such a comprehensive model, you do not necessarily need an additional machine. However, the professionals tend to do their job more reliably than the all-rounders.

If you want to make sewing your new hobby, but you're not sure if it's really your thing, it's not worth investing a lot of money in an extensive and therefore overwhelming sewing machine right from the start.
As a beginner, it is important that you choose a model that is easy to use. For example, you should be able to thread the thread easily so that you don't lose the fun of sewing before you have even started. You can often find information about how user-friendly individual machines are and whether they are suitable as a beginner's model in the reviews of other buyers on the pages of online shops.
If you are a sewing beginner, but already have concrete ideas about what sewing you want to do and what materials you want to use, make sure that the sewing machine of your choice is suitable or has the necessary accessories and adjustment options. For example, not all machines can handle thick fabrics, while others are not designed to handle stretchy fabrics.
In our savings blog, we present three models that are ideal for both beginners and advanced users. You'll also find helpful tips for a frustration-free and successful start in the sewing business.

The sewing machines you will find in this category are not suitable for children. They are usually too complex and do not have the absolutely necessary protections, such as an integrated finger guard. In addition, they are not designed for the physique of children.
You can find machines on which children can show their talent and give free rein to their creativity in our children's sewing machines category. There you will find the right children's sewing machine for different age groups. The selection ranges from very simple models with low power for the youngest to more sophisticated sewing machines for teens.

A free-arm sewing machine is a utility sewing machine with a small special feature: If you remove the feed table, the arm with the stitch plate, the so-called free arm, remains. You can use this arm to pull sleeves, trouser legs or small garments to finish their seams comfortably and accurately.

The number of sewing programs varies greatly from model to model. You will find models with only one program. Others have several hundred stitch programs. Computer sewing machines sometimes offer you over a thousand different programs that are controlled by software.
Especially at the beginning, your sewing machine does not have to offer a huge number of stitch programs - that is simply overwhelming in case of doubt. The following three stitch types are essential:
Straight stitch
Zigzag stitch
Lockstitch
Useful for sewing clothes and home textiles is also the overlock stitch.

First of all, take your time to read the instruction manual for your sewing machine. It will tell you where the controls are located and how to adjust them.
Depending on the model, you can set the desired stitch pattern, stitch length and stitch width using a dial or by pressing a button.
The correct thread tension is important for a good sewing result. Sewing machines have an extra regulator for this. This is usually a wheel with the numbers one to five printed on it. To set the thread tension, proceed as follows:
Move the presser foot up.
Select the appropriate tension on the dial. On many machines, a line between two numbers indicates the optimum thread tension range. Depending on the fabric you are sewing, adjust the knob between the two numbers. The middle represents a kind of universal thread tension for different fabrics.
You can only find out if you have set the correct tension by trial and error. Sew a few stitches on a piece of test fabric. Check the seam. You can tell when the tension is correct by the fact that neither the top thread nor the bobbin thread has been pulled through, i.e. they meet in the middle of the fabric. If the bobbin thread is visible on the top side of the fabric (too tight) or the top thread is visible on the bottom side of the fabric (too loose), you need to readjust.

If you are eager to put together the utensils for your new hobby, it can quickly happen that you overshoot the mark a little, because the range of sewing accessories is large and varied.
The absolute basic equipment includes:
Needles
Sewing thread
Fabric
You should be especially well equipped with needles. For one thing, you need needles for the sewing machine in different strengths from 70 to 100. For some fabrics, such as jersey, you also need special needles.
You should also always have a few pins handy for pinning the fabric. A sewing needle is also a must. Every now and then you will need to use a needle by hand to perfect your sewing.
When it comes to sewing thread, you should also have a small selection of threads in different colors and strengths. You can also find handy thread boxes that contain several spools in different colors. It's better to go for high quality thread. This is usually a little more expensive, but cheaper varieties from the discount store are sometimes not wound properly and vary in thickness. This can ruin your sewing results and in the worst case even your machine.
Of course you need the right fabric for your sewing projects. Beware of the danger of wild goose chasing here. Think carefully about what fabric and how much of it you need. Even if you find fabrics that don't fit your current project but will fit a later one because they have such a great pattern, try to keep it together and don't put them directly into your shopping cart - we all know that this leads to a confusing collection of fabrics.
Of course, you can't sew without needles, thread and fabric. In addition, I also recommend helpful utensils for fabric prep. This includes the material for the markings on the fabric, a ruler and tape measure, and scissors.
Especially in the beginning you don't necessarily have to invest a lot of money in special equipment. You can also make marks with a pencil instead of tailor's chalk. You don't necessarily need an extra cutting ruler either, a normal ruler with a length of 30 centimeters will do. When it comes to cutting, however, you should go for professional tools and get yourself a pair of tailor's scissors - conventional scissors won't be able to cut through the fabric.
For beginners, it's also worth buying a seam ripper - you can undo small mistakes without much effort.

To keep your sewing machine running smoothly for as long as possible, it is important that you dust and clean it from time to time. To do this, disconnect the machine from the power supply. Then remove the presser foot and needle. Then remove the needle plate, open the bobbin thread compartment and remove the bobbin case and thread spool. Also disassemble the sewing machine arm as much as possible.
Once you have removed all the removable covers and small parts, vacuum the machine to remove any large debris. Use either the crevice nozzle of your vacuum cleaner or a hand-held vacuum cleaner. Clean hard-to-reach areas and corners with a brush or cotton swab. Never use a wet cloth on your sewing machine, as there is a risk of moisture getting into the machine.
Modern, electric machines usually don't need any more care, so after cleaning you're done and can put the machine back together again.
Some mechanical sewing machines, on the other hand, do require a little oil at regular intervals. Check the instruction manual to see if this is the case with your machine. Study them carefully. If you oil your machine when it doesn't need it, you may damage the electronics. If the manufacturer recommends applying oil, apply it to the moving parts of the machine, such as the needle bar and the bobbin holder. Remove excess oil with a dry cloth. Always use special sewing machine oil, not cooking oil.

When setting up your sewing machine, it is important to have a stable surface, enough space to work, a comfortable working height and good lighting conditions.
If you only sit at your sewing machine occasionally, you can set it up just as well on the living room or kitchen table as on the desk in your study.
If you regularly spend several hours sewing and are working on more elaborate projects, I recommend getting a sewing table. Your sewing machine will have a permanent place on it. You won't have to set it up and take it down every time you want to use it, and it won't get in the way. In addition, sewing tables usually offer you practical storage space for your utensils.