What is the difference between electronic and computerized sewing machines

Once you set everything in place, you can choose the buttonhole stitch you want to use and let the machine do its thing. After your machine finishes the stitches for as many buttonholes as you need, you can take the fabric off and cut off the loose threads. Aside from the stitching options, there are also other automatic features most digital sewing machines have. Additionally, most machines also regulate the tension they put on the fabric on their own.

And, of course, most have automatic thread cutters as well. The best digital sewing machines can actually take over a lot of your workload. Some of them even allow you to set the needle and fabric type, choose the stitch and put in the fabric — then completely let the machine take over.

All of these features are amazingly convenient because they save you a lot of time you could otherwise have spent more wisely.

In fact, efficiency is absolutely the name of the game when it comes to digital machines. The feature is particularly helpful to those who tend to reuse the same patterns often. Some machines allow you to have even more options on Windows computers. Basically, the formats depend on the software capabilities of the various products. There are also plenty of computer programs, for both Windows and Mac operating systems, that allow you to create your own embroidery designs.

In fact, we even know of ways to convert JPEG files to one of these embroidery formats. So computer connectivity certainly opens up a whole host of possibilities you may not have considered! Even without computer connectivity features, you may yet be able to transfer stitches and embroidery designs to your digital machine.

Memory cartridges are really handy for just this purpose. While traditional embroidery is still a great hobby and skill to have, digital machines have all but replaced it as the primary decorative technique. Most digital machines that can embroider also have editing features. So if your design is too big or too small, or just off in some way, your machine may be able to fix it. However, the more intricate editing options are more common in special embroidery machines than digital ones.

Basically, these simpler sewing machines are more easily available in every way. The display simply allows you more control over the final product, certainly more than you would have had adjusting the dials and knobs on a mechanical machine.

Typically, there are some speed controls on the display or among the buttons on the side of the machine as well. In fact, speed is one of the most important advantages of working on this type of sewing machine.

In fact, the more impressive a digital sewing machine is, the pricier it tends to be. Some of them can even cost as much as several thousand dollars.

Still, this type of machine is more expensive than regular mechanical machines, on average. Having all of these extra features can also distract us from our original project plans. Most people who are stark proponents of mechanical machines consider digital ones to be needlessly complicated. Sure, we just adore all the additional automation these machines let us play with. Still, another reason why some people shy away from digital machines is that they require less involvement.

After all, many of us practice sewing as a hobby first — so why would we want to make the process quicker and less personal? Could working on a digital sewing machine make the magic of the process fade or disappear? You know, many of us still hold on to our first sewing machines. That means that our mechanical machines can be fully operational decades and, in some cases, a full century after the original purchase. This is not the case with digital machines.

No amount of oil will be able to fix malfunctioning computer parts. Moreover, you may not even want to hold on to your digital sewing machine after a decade or two.

Another amazing digital sewing machine could come out a few months or some years from now and make your own shiny new machine obsolete. As long as you can take your machine to the manufacturer for repairs, there is some hope for it. These computerized controls adjust your stitch length, width of your zig-zag , decorative stitching , and more. For many years, this reviewer was convinced that the extra expense of the electronic machines was not warranted and the electronics just one more thing that could need repairing.

However, today there are a number of electronic sewing machines that compete with the best of the mechanical machines. Some of them are fine, but it is extremely important to read reviews. Read reviews, determine who covers your warranty the dealer or the manufacturer , and purchase from a reliable source. Sewing is fun, creative, and can stretch your home budget in the long run.

Mechanical vs. The Pros of a Mechanical Sewing Machine Some people use a mechanical sewing machine their entire life. Some of the pros include: Comfort — If you learned to sew on a mechanical machine or used one in a sewing class, it might feel as familiar to you as eating with a fork! When you are ready to start a project, you really are ready! Simplicity — Sewing is an ages old skill that has been passed down through the generations of your family. You may have watched your grandmother sew on an old pedal-style machine.

A mechanical machine may be as modern as you want to get. There is a learning curve involved when transitioning to a computerized machine. More Affordable — Mechanical machines cost significantly less than computerized ones. You can purchase a top brand mechanical machine at a much lower cost of a top-end computerized one. Of course, there are also pros to purchasing a computerized machine , including: Automated Features — Computerized machines include a number of features that save time and make sewing easier.

An automatic needle-threader is the biggest time-saver in sewing! Other automatic features include tension adjustment, bobbin winder, thread cutter, locking straight stitch function for reinforcing seams, and auto-tying to secure the ends of the seam.