Flatbed Sewing Machine Description (what it is)
by Kelsi Watts: A flatbed sewing machine is a type of sewing machine that has a flat, horizontal surface for the fabric to be sewn on. This is in contrast to a free-arm sewing machine, which has a tubular extension for sewing difficult-to-reach areas, such as sleeves and pant legs.
Flatbed sewing machines are the most common type of sewing machine, and they are well-suited for a wide range of sewing projects, including clothing, home decor, and crafts.
They typically have a wide range of features, including adjustable stitch length and width, multiple stitch patterns, and a variety of presser feet for different sewing techniques.
Flatbed sewing machines are generally easy to use and are a good choice for beginners. They are also often more affordable than free-arm sewing machines, making them a more budget-friendly option.
Basic sewing machine parts to know (All 5)
There are five basic common components in every home sewing machine that you should know how to use. These five allow for user input while typical other parts, such as the motor and casing, do not.
The five basic parts to learn about are the bobbin(incl bobbin housing), the presser foot(and foot dogs), the needle, the throat plat(sometimes called the needle plate) and the electronic controls(electrical switches on older models).
The most popular sewing machine brand is…
Several sewing machine brands compete for the title of most popular sewing machine. There is some fluctuation based on which country the data comes from but, that being said, Brother is currently the most popular brand with a market share of 29% of all home sewing machines. Singer, Janome and Kenmore are almost as popular overall and, in many places, more popular. It's a very competitive market!
Sewing machine 'walking foot' description and use
A 'walking foot' is a small brace on your sewing machine that sits on your fabric and guides it past the needle while sewing. The walking foot rests on the top layer of your fabric and ensures that fabric moves ahead at relatively the same speed as the feed dogs below the fabric.
Serger machines make sewing faster (and easier)
After becoming proficient with a traditional home sewing machine it's common to want to upgrade your machine for something faster and easier. A serger home machine is the most common upgrade.
A serger sewing machine can handle seam sewing, edge finishing and trim away excess fabric all at once making it faster and, with some experience, easier.
Bobbin case location on a sewing machine
Front loading bobbin cases are always located on the side of the sewing machine facing the user. Side loading bobbin cases are more rare on newer machines and are located below the needle plate.
Front loading bobbin cases can be used on side loading machines but side loading bobbin cases, whether removable or inset, cannot be used with front loading sewing machines.
Cause of fabric movement in a sewing machine
The needle plate, a metal plate located under the needle, moves fabric forward during sewing. The needle plate works best with an optional presser foot engaged above the fabric while sewing because the needle plate and presser foot then work in tandem at the same speed.
The meaning of E1 on a Brother sewing machine
Psst, you likely forgot to lower the presser foot! According to documentation provided by the manufacturer, E1 is the error code you get when you press the foot controller while the reverse/reinforcement button is also pressed AND the presser foot is still raised. Solution: Lower the presser foot and the error should be cleared.
A presser foot holds the fabric while sewing
The presser foot is what holds your fabric while using you sew with your home sewing machine. It's important that you remember to lower the presser foot each time you start to sew of you'll find that the fabric doesn't move through your machine as easily as it should. When I first started sewing I forgot it ALL THE TIME!
Difference between a computerized and a regular sewing machine
A computerized sewing machine is programmable for repetitive tasks and a regular sewing machine is not. Computerized machines typically have more options and settings to fine tune results.
Mechanical machines, on the other hand, require manual user input to perform the same tasks. Many digital machines don't even require a foot pedal to control speed.
