Comparison Brother Innov-is 950 vs Brother ML 900

The general type of sewing machine, which determines its functionality and specific application.

— Electromechanical. The classic, simplest type of sewing machines: they do not have computer control, all operating parameters are adjusted mechanically, and their use is limited to the simplest types of seams.

- Computerized. Sewing machines equipped with built-in computers that control the sewing process. Thanks to this, they have a more extensive set of functions and are more precise in setting than electromechanical ones, although they cost accordingly. Note that in this case we mean exclusively computerized sewing machines; embroidery and sewing-embroidery machines are divided into separate categories (see the corresponding paragraphs).

— Embroidery. Such machines were initially intended only for embroidering patterns, and are practically not suitable for work outside this specialization (regular sewing, hemming). They have appropriate design features, are equipped with a hoop and embroidery feet, and are often equipped with both a set of built-in presets (for example, embroidering letters of the alphabet) and the ability to connect to a PC and download patterns.

— Sewing and embroidery. Machines that can be used for both sewing and embroidery. The design and sewing capabilities are similar to computerized...models (see the corresponding paragraph), but are complemented by an embroidery unit, hoop and other embroidery equipment. And the built-in capabilities usually include both basic embroidery elements (crosses, stars, satin stitch, etc.) and the ability to embroider using patterns downloaded from a computer. Such machines are very versatile, but in terms of specific capabilities they may be inferior to more specialized models.

— Overlock. A special type of sewing machine designed primarily for seaming and trimming the edges of materials. An overlocker covers the edge of the fabric with a special seam, which prevents fraying, fraying and deformation. One of the design features of such devices is the presence of several working threads, from 2 to 10 (most often 3 or 4).

— Coverstitching machine. Devices designed to create the so-called. cover stitch - a flat elastic seam that is most often used to hem the folded edge in knitwear, as well as in some types of joints. Such machines are not used for other purposes.

— Coverlock. Devices that combine an overlocker and a cover stitching machine in one housing. For more information about each of these varieties, see the corresponding paragraph. Here we note that a carpet lock is actually a universal tool for processing edges: it is capable of overcasting them, cutting off excess fabric and hemming the folded edge with a cover stitch. In addition, many modern carpet stitchers are also capable of stitching materials (mainly with a two-thread chain stitch).

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 maximum stitch length that the sewing machine can sew. This parameter is important for working with dense thick fabrics: the stronger the fabric, the longer the seam used for it. Accordingly, the longer the stitch ( 5 mm or more), the better the machine is suitable for working with similar fabrics.

— 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.

The presence of an embroidery unit in the machine — an additional device in the form of a platform with a hoop that can move under the needle in different directions. In accordance with the name, such a block allows you to automatically embroider various patterns and patterns.

The maximum size of the area that the machine in embroidering mode can process at one time, without re-stretching the fabric on the hoop. In other words, this is the maximum size of the pattern that the device can embroider "in one go."

The meaning of this parameter is obvious: it allows you to evaluate whether the selected model is suitable for embroidering patterns of the planned size.

The number of embroidery patterns supported by the machine.

In this case, usually, it means the number of drawings that can be simultaneously written to the device's memory and stored there. The more diverse the planned embroidery work, the more memory is desirable for them. However, in modern models, the number of drawings often reaches several dozen.

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.

How to connect a sewing machine to a computer. By itself, such a connection can be used, in particular, to download new patterns or stitches, update the firmware and control the machine from a PC directly. And the connection methods can be as follows:

— USB. Wired connection to a standard USB port. For this purpose, the appropriate cable is provided in the kit. A fairly convenient and versatile option: almost all modern PCs and laptops have USB ports, and such a connection can be used both for file exchange and for direct control of the machine. However, the cable usually has a relatively short length (usually up to 1.5 m), which can create difficulties: it is not always possible to install a sewing machine and a computer at a distance sufficient for connection.

— Card reader. Memory card reader — usually SD/MMC; specific supported SD card standards should be specified separately. In this case, we are not talking about a direct connection but about data exchange: the necessary files (for example, patterns for embroidery) are written from a PC or laptop to the memory card, after which it is inserted into the machine.

— USB / card reader. Ability to work with both of the above connection options. It allows the user to choose the method that is most convenient in the current situation at his discretion.

— Wireless. Connect wirelessly, usually via Bluetooth. The main convenience of such a connection...is the absence of wires, while it works confidently at least at a distance of several metres (within the same room). On the other hand, wireless capabilities affect the cost of the machine, and an additional adapter may be required to connect via Bluetooth to a desktop PC.