A New Sewing Machine for Sewing Efficiency
If you want to learn more, please visit our website.
I'm always looking for ways to improve my little plushy business. When I first started it was all about reducing costs, but the larger it grows, the more I find myself strapped for time. I think every artist who freelances can relate to the feeling. If we only had a few more hours in the day to make more, do more, earn more, self care more, life would be so much easier. Time has become such a limiting factor in every aspect of BeeZeeArt. It stops me from offering new products, trying new techniques, updating old patterns (I feel like you guys are going to kill me soon if I don't find time to update the bat pattern), taking photos, and so much more.
I already posted this little article awhile ago on speeding up your sewing process (bit.ly/1UTzx4j) and much of that still remains relevant to me. However, I've since purchased a new sewing machine. My machine, a Pfaff Performance 5.0 is one of the best decisions I've made for a more efficient sewing process. The reason why I'm sharing all this is because, frankly, if someone would have told me that the single best way to reduce the amount of time I spent sewing would be to upgrade my machine, I wouldn't have believed them. There was nothing wrong with my Brother. There's still nothing wrong with it, it's a great machine and I'd recommend one in a heart beat. Even when I first got my Pfaff, I thought I had completely wasted my money. After I got used to the machine and built the same muscle memory I have with my Brother, the differences became startling. All the new features of my Pfaff realistically only save a bit of time. When you are sewing 8+ hours a day, 6 days a week, all of those tiny bits of time add up.
The IDT system has eliminated the need to pin most things. Yes, even minky. Slipping, sliding, and uneven feeding is almost nonexistent and my sewing is more accurate meaning less time spent seam ripping. The automatic presser foot (no bar to lift/lower it!) raises the presser foot instantly when the needle is set to stop down, which making tight turns that require a lot of pivoting an absolute dream. When you start sewing, everything lowers, so no annoying error message telling you to lower the presser foot. It also raises/lowers with a tap of the foot pedal and at the end of a seam after a thread snip. There are no screws on the needle plate, making it easy to remove for cleaning or if there is an issue (even the best sewing machine still bird nest the thread from time to time). It's easy to switch to a straight stitch plate to prevent small pieces from getting stuck in the feed dogs and the machine has a sensor that wont allow you to change the needle position if you forget the straight stitch plate is on. No more broken needles or machine damage due to carelessness. Automatic tension, uh, love! And I don't know if anyone else's SE400 did this, but when I started a line after using the automatic cutter to cut the thread, it started with a little micro bird nest of thread under the fabric, making decorative top stitching a pain in the butt to make it look nice. I had to use a fabric scrap as a starter to avoid this. With my pfaff, that's not an issue anymore.
Making a move to a high end machine is not something I recommend for a casual sewing hobby, but for someone who is sewing for a living, the amount of time I save has more than made up for it. I used to be able to sew about 4 plush bats a day, but the other day I managed to make a stunning 8 bats in a single day. Almost doubling my production means this machine will pay for itself quickly.
I know I sound like a Pfaff dealer at this point, but many of these features aren't exclusive to the Pfaff. Thought the IDT system is, Janome also has a similar, though not exactly the same, accufeed system. The other automation features can be found on most high end sewing machines, however. You don't need to drop $2,000+ for a new model, either. Check Ebay or Craigslist. Many people buy a high end sewing machine thinking they will use it for their hobby, then find it collecting dust. You can often find a model just one or two versions behind that will be much cheaper without sacrificing key features. My Pfaff dealer advised against buying a sewing machine in August or September. When kids go back to school, parents often branch out to new hobbies (like sewing) for their newly gained spare time and, as a result, sewing machines will rarely be on sale. You can also often buy old demo or floor models from sewing machine dealers for a reduced price. Another place to look for used sewing machines is anywhere that has sewing classes as they often have old machines that need a home when they upgrade to newer models.
So if you feel like you just can't squeeze any more time out of your day, maybe you should take a step back and look at your sewing machine. You might love it and love working on it, but maybe it's time for an upgrade. I still keep my Brother SE400 close at hand and ready to go, but my new machine has stolen my heart.
I am frequently asked for my thoughts on how to choose the best sewing machines for quilting. With people having more dedicated time at home over the past years, many people are taking up new ' or renewing old hobbies. Whether you are looking for a brand new beginner, entry-level sewing machine or you're ready to update your previous machine for larger throat space, variety of built-in stitches or other handy features, I've got lots of advice for you today. Continue reading to learn more about qualities to look for in the best quilting sewing machines!
My first and most important tip: find a local sewing machine dealer. Don't buy a machine from a big box store (Target, Costco, etc.). Those big box stores like to make it feel like you're getting a great deal. But when it comes to well-calibrated machines that you'll to enjoy year after year, project after project without any grief, the old adage is true: You get what you pay for.
That is not to say that you need to spend a lot of money if you're just getting started or maybe buying a first machine for a child or friend. There are some GREAT entry level machines at very reasonable prices. I'll get to those below.
The reason you want to buy a machine from a licensed sewing machine dealer is that relationship is worth every penny. The A#1 reason to shop at a dealers is they let you try all of the machines before you buy one.
And then they will help you find the machine that is just right for your sewing level and budget. In addition to those invaluable reasons, they will often also provide access to free classes (in person or online) to help you learn how to get the most out of your machine.
They also typically provide maintenance, repair, and trouble-shooting services if something goes wrong or when your machine just needs a tune-up.
And finally, a dealer will also allow your the opportunity to exchange your machine for new one when ever you are ready to upgrade! Dealers really are the best resource there is when it comes to finding happiness and satisfaction with a sewing machine.
They WANT you to succeed.
The machines at big box stores are generally lower quality and no one at Costco is going to teach you how to use your machine or help you troubleshoot when you run into a problem. (Which you most likely will sooner or later with one of those machines.)
I have been working in a sponsored partnership with Baby Lock sewing machines for the past few years and have genuinely LOVED each machine that I've worked with. Baby Lock has provided me with a variety of sewing machines to sample and try out ' from simple to super technically advanced ' and I've loved every one. Since these are the sewing machines I'm most familiar with, I will be sharing my recommendations based on what I've learned and my own personal experiences.
Baby Lock has a sewing machine that is just right for any level ' a simple basic machine for a beginner or super high-tech, state-of-the-art machine will all the bells and whistles. They also have machines simple or complex to fit your needs! You can find your nearest Baby Lock dealer here.
If you don't have a local dealer, Baby Lock Machines are now available directly online. AND get 10% off any purchase online from Baby Lock with the coupon code SAVE10-ASM2.
Recently I visited My Girlfriend's Quilt Shoppe ' a local Baby Lock Sewing Machines dealers' and they walked me through all of the latest options and levels of machines. Here are some of their recommendations (and mine):
Baby Lock recently released the the Genuine Collection ' a refreshed collection of updated smaller, entry level machines. Here's what I've learned and my experiences with beginner, entry level machines.
If you're looking for an inexpensive beginner-friendly, entry-level sewing machine, a Baby Lock Zest is the perfect machine. It's doesn't have all of the bells and whistles, making it affordable, but still sturdy and reliable. Russell Conte ' an experienced garment sewer and instructor, who teaches sewing classes at a college, uses and recommends these sewing machines for their beginning students. I highly trust his experience, opinion and recommendation.
If you are looking for a good just-beyond-entry-level-machine, whether it's your first sewing machine, or you're looking for a second machine that is easily portable, I highly recommend the Baby Lock Jubilant (read my review here). It's a lightweight and easily portable machine (making it a great travel machine) but is sturdy with a consistent stitch. I have been sewing with the Jubilant for over multiple years now ' especially when I am taking a machine to sew away from home.
This machine has over 80 built-in-stitches ' including overlock, buttonholes, and a variety of decorative stitches And it also sews a beautiful straight stitch at a decent speed- which is my biggest preference in a sewing machine.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Glory Tang Machinery.
Most Baby Lock sewing machines have a handy top drop-in bobbin making threading the machine easy.
The no-frills Jazz regular sewing machine is super simple to operate, sews 1,000 stitches per minute, has 28 different stitches, large throat space, and feed dogs that drop for free motion quilting. It's another popular machine without extra frills that offers a lot of bang for the buck. It's designed to be very easy to navigate and operate.
Another great mid-level upgrade is the Lyric. You can read Dana's (from Dana Made It) review of her Lyric here.
If you're looking for a one-stitch/straight-stitch machine ' as in you only need to sew a simple straight line and want to do it fast ' the Baby Lock Accomplish is for you! I shared more about the benefits of a straight-stitch machine and my experience with the Accomplish here.
This Accomplish is a heavy-duty sewing machine with a metal frame and all metal parts + knee-lift lever attachment that can sew 1,500 stitches per minute. This sturdy machine is perfect for any garment or quilting project.
One of the pros of a mechanical machine is that they tend to be simple to operate (with minimal gizmos) and all mechanical ' meaning no computerized parts. As a result, these purely-mechanical machines also require a lot less maintenance and fiddling. Even the thread tension settings are easier on a mechanical machine.
This machine as its own selection of presser feet unique to this straight-stitch work horse, including it's own walking foot attachment.
The Accomplish also has expanded throat space and comes with a large extension table which is great for machine quilting. This machine is a work horse ready for sewing pedal to the metal.
If you're ready to upgrade to a higher-end machine, I recommend the Baby Lock Aria or the Chorus. I've been sewing on the Baby Lock Chorus and it sews SO beautifully! It's a bigger machine with a wide throat space for quilting and includes a dual-feed presser foot attachment with stitch regulator (an upgrade from a regular walking foot) and a free-motion foot as well as a knee lifter for fast transitions. Also capacity for a wider stitch width - and therefore more decorative stitch options.
It also includes lots of other fancy features like a scissors button (automatic thread cutter) for instantly trimming threads. I love not having to remember to hold thread tails when I start sewing or long threads tails trailing from every seam. The automatic thread cutter makes for more efficient bobbin use. The automatic needle threader makes threading the needle SO easy.
I also love the laser beam light you can cast on to the needle plate and beyond ' perfect for making half square triangles or snow-ball corners. It also has amazing dual-feed stitching option for with a stitch-regulator for evenly-feeding fabric layers' perfect for sewing on binding or working with more slippery materials.
The great thing is that many of these plus features are available in other Baby Lock machines at a variety of price points.
You can read more about a Crescendo machine in this review by Elizabeth Chappell of Quilter's Candy. (We had very similar experiences switching machines.)
Honestly, there are so many handy dandy features on new machines these days. If it's been a while since you've tried a newer sewing machine you might have fun visiting a dealer and just seeing how far machines have come!
Another one of the things I love most about Baby Lock sewing machine is that they come with a range of accessories and over 7 sewing feet including a blind stitch and zipper foot. And if you need/want to buy other accessories, their sewing feet attachments are so reasonably priced ' it's easy and affordable to get the ones that you want. AND many of these sewing feet, bobbins, etc are interchangeable with the other Baby Lock machines. For example, I have a favorite ¼' foot that works on both the Jubilant and the Crescendo machine.
Baby Lock also has a range of Sewing Machines combined with Embroidery Machine functions. These machines can be used as a traditional sewing machine, but also have an embroidery attachment for a hoop for computerized embroidery designs. Many fonts and designs are included with the machine and there is also the capability to add other downloaded embroidery files.
I have been using the Baby Lock Destiny II machine (comparable to the current Altair) for about 6 years now and have loved it! One of my favorite features is being able to use files to foundation-piece traditional quilt blocks as well as computerized machine quilting designs to quilt my projects.
Once again, there is a large variety of sizes and price-points - based on hoop and embroidery sizes and machine capabilities. You can see the full range of Baby Lock Embroidery Machines here - and many are also available online directly from Baby Lock.
But if you want to talk in through with a professional, talk to your sewing machine dealer as they will help you find the best machine for your budget and needs.
There's a brief introduction to my favorite Baby Lock machines. A good, trusty sewing machine is worth it's weight in gold. You will get so much more enjoyment out of your sewing experience when you have a reliable machine, as well as a reliable dealer for anytime your well-loved-and-used machine needs a little tune up.
If you'd like to learn more about the variety of Baby Lock machines, check out the Baby Lock YouTube Channel for loads of information and sewing machine tips!
Once you get your new machine, don't forget to keep it properly maintained. Learn How to Clean a Sewing Machine here.
The company is the world’s best High Efficiency Quilting Machine supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.