Comparison Janome SkyLine S5 vs BERNINA Bernette B38

The number of stitches that a sewing machine can sew. The larger this number, the more extensive the capabilities of this model, the wider the choice the user has; however, it wouldn’t hurt to clarify the specific range of supported stitches separately.

The fewest options - mostly up to 25 - are provided in electromechanical machines, as well as specialized devices such as overlockers and carpet lockers (see “Type”). In computer-controlled devices, the number of lines can be in the dozens, and some also allow you to download additional options from the computer.

The number of welt stitches that a sewing machine can make. Different types of loops are used for different types of fabrics and clothing. The larger this number, the wider the choice the user has and the less likely it is that the machine’s arsenal will not have the required type of loop.

The maximum stitch width provided by a sewing machine.

Most modern sewing machines are capable of working not only with the simplest longitudinal seam (when punctures with a needle occur strictly one after another), but also with seams that cover a certain width - for example, zigzag and various decorative ones. And in overlockers, such opportunities are generally available by definition.

The larger the maximum stitch width, the correspondingly wider the machine’s ability to work with specific types of seams (all other things being equal). An indicator of up to 5 mm is typical mainly for entry-level devices, 5 - 7 mm - average, 7 mm and more - advanced.

The maximum sewing speed provided by the sewing machine. In the vast majority of models, this parameter can be adjusted, so if necessary, you can sew at a lower speed.

The more stitches a machine makes per minute, the higher its productivity, the better suited it is for large volumes of work. At the same time, it is worth considering that high speed has a corresponding impact on price and energy consumption, and it is not always required. Detailed recommendations on choosing the optimal speed for certain types of work can be found in special sources.

— Presser foot pressure adjustment. The ability to change the degree of pressure of the foot on the fabric, adjusting it to the thickness of the material: for thin fabrics (chiffon, knitwear), the pressure should be small, for thick ones — on the contrary.

— Thread tension regulator. A device that allows you to adjust the degree of tension of the upper thread. A mismatch in tension between the top and bottom threads causes one of the threads to pull the other and the seam deteriorates; To avoid this phenomenon, this function is provided. Note that tension adjustment is also possible for the lower thread — it is carried out through the shuttle (all shuttles have this option). But for this it is necessary to remove the bobbin case, or even the entire shuttle. The top regulator is located directly on the body of the machine, and it is much easier to use it.

— Puncture force stabilizer. A device that provides a stable puncture force regardless of the engine speed. A feature of the mechanics of electric motors is that without special adjustment, the puncture force decreases markedly with an increase in speed. This function allows you to maintain approximately the same level over the entire speed range, which has a positive effect on the quality of work.

— Shutdown of the lower conveyor. Possibility to turn off the lower c...onveyor of the machine. This feature is indispensable for work in which the fabric needs to be shifted manually — for example, embroidering along a complex contour on a typewriter without an embroidery unit, sewing on buttons, etc.

— Speed limiter. The ability to set a speed limit for the machine. Thanks to this function, you can not be afraid to "squeeze" the pedal — even with strong pressure, the machine will work at a given speed, and no faster. This feature is useful, in particular, in jobs where you need to carefully control the process.

— Knee lever for lifting the foot. A device that allows you to raise the presser foot and lower the lower feed dog with a knee movement without removing your hands from the fabric. Such a device is useful for quilting and some types of embroidery.

Types of feet supplied with the sewing machine.

— Universal. A foot used for standard sewing, mainly straight stitches and zigzags.

— Overlock foot. A foot designed for overlocking. By definition, it is found in devices with an overlock function (see “Type”), however, it can also be provided in traditional sewing machines. In the latter case, such a foot, of course, will not replace a full-fledged overlock, but in some situations it allows you to do without it.

— Upper fabric conveyor. An additional top-mounted feed dog in place of the stock foot, in addition to the standard bottom feed dog. Such a device makes it easier to work with thin, delicate and sliding fabrics, as well as sewing together several layers of fabric: the material moves as evenly as possible, without distortions and displacements.

— Foot for sewing in a zipper. The foot for sewing in a zipper can have a different size and design — in particular, there are special devices for sewing in a hidden zipper. The specific features of this device should be clarified separately.

— Foot for decorative stitching. Feet designed for various types of decorative stitching. Such a line may not have a functional role, its main task is to emphasize a certain element of clothing (edges, pockets, individual seams, etc.). Anyway, the stitch line sh...ould usually strictly follow the contour along which it is applied — and this contour can consist of both straight lines and curved lines. Special foots for decorative stitching simplify the task: they are equipped with rulers or other devices that allow you to control the parallelism of the stitches.

— Satin stitch foot. This foot will be suitable for appliqué and other work where zigzag stitches are often used.

— Blind stitch foot. Foot designed for blind seams used when hemming the edge of the fabric. It is equipped with a device that provides a hem of the fabric and in this position feeds it under the needle.

— Quilting foot. Special feet for quilting — patchwork. In such works, it is necessary to sew the fabric in several layers, as well as to perform figured seams. In extreme cases, you can use the usual universal foot for quilting, but using a special device is still much more convenient.

— Monogramming foot. The foot for embroidery of monograms will allow you to make embroidery on any object, thereby "decorating" it with your signature or the emblem of any institution, company, sports club.

— Buttonhole foot. Buttonhole foot. It eliminates the need for manual work. The sewing machine will do everything for you, which will reduce your time and please you with quality.

— Foot for sewing on buttons. A foot designed to hold the button on the fabric while sewing on. It has a special protrusion pointing down: when the main part of the foot is pressed against the button, this protrusion presses the fabric and prevents it from slipping.

In addition to the above, other types of feet may be included in the delivery package — for example, for satin stitching, for processing sections, etc.

Possibility to create your own stitch types and store them in the sewing machine memory. The specific method of creation may be different: in some models, for this you need to use a computer and load the ready-made settings into the machine, others allow you to do everything on the machine itself, without additional equipment. Anyway, this function gives the user additional creative freedom; it is especially useful for those who plan to often use a non-standard line.

The power consumed by the machine during operation. Usually, the maximum power value is indicated in the characteristics.

Most of the electricity supplied to the machine is consumed by the engine, so this indicator primarily describes the power of the engine. The higher this power, the faster the machine can work and the better it is suitable for working with dense fabrics. However, there is no strict dependence here, much also depends on the general specialization of the unit.

Additional side table, expanding the working space of the machine. Such equipment is useful when working with large fabrics, in quilting and some varieties of embroidery.