Sewing machines that are computerized are all the rage nowadays, and with good reason. Whether you’re interested in creating masterpieces at home or you want to start a business with embroidery, these sewing machines have a lot to offer. They are nothing short of amazing when it comes to the features they offer, and they are not nearly as complicated to use as you might think.
To learn how to use a Brother computerized sewing machine you want to get familiar with it. Get the user’s manual out and go over the basic parts of the machine, which include the bobbin winder, tension-control dial, thread-cutter, and of course, the buttons that control which stitches are accommodated and where they are located.
Why Choose a Computerized Sewing Machine?
If you love to sew, but don’t feel you’re tech-savvy enough for a computerized sewing machine, not to worry because most of them are much easier to use than you might realize. For starters, sewing machines with computers allow you to use software programs that can do some amazing things. The computer is used for almost every function the sewing machine provides, including operation of the needle, feed dogs, stitch selection, tension discs, speed, and much more.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should choose one of these sewing machines if you’re a beginner. In fact, it is best to learn on a standard electric sewing machine first – one that isn’t computerized – so that you can become familiar with its basic features before you move up to one that does everything with fancy computer programs. You can easily become overwhelmed by all of the options on computerized machines if you aren’t at first familiar with the basics.
Video: Brother SE600 Computerized Sewing Machine
Brother Sewing Machines
Brother has been around since 1954 and is the producer of dozens of products for home, business, and industrial use, including printers, scanners, machine tools, and of course, all types of sewing machines, including specialized machines that are computerized and are made for embroidery tasks. If you are a little hesitant to operate a sewing machine with a computer in it, don’t be, because these sewing machines can be much easier for you to operate once you already know a little about sewing.
In addition, Brother has nearly 30 different sewing machines that can be used in various businesses and industries, including those that can accommodate up to 5,000 stitches per minute and machines that have twin needles, are programmable, have lockstitch capability, and those made specifically for embroidery purposes. In short, you can find anything you need when it comes to sewing machines that are operated by a computer, and the first step is always deciding what you want the machine to do.
Getting Started with your Computerized Sewing Machine
When you purchase a new Brother computerized sewing machine, the first thing you should do is get familiar with it. This is easier if you get the user’s manual out and go over the basic parts of the machine, which include the bobbin winder, tension-control dial, thread-cutter, and of course, the buttons that control which stitches are accommodated and where they are located. The first thing you’ll likely notice is how similar it is to a standard sewing machine – except for the many types of stitches available with a computerized machine.
There are also some optional accessories that are not included with all machines, such as accessories made especially for quilting projects. Tasks such as threading, using the foot pedal, winding the bobbin, and choosing which stitch to use are done much like they are with a standard electric sewing machine, except some of them will be a little easier. If you follow the directions, however, you should be able to complete these tasks and get used to them with ease.
Depending on which machine you purchase, you may have pre-programmed stitches installed on the machine, which often include embroidery designs and even letters of the alphabet. Many also have the ability to accept either pre-purchased or personalized designs and patterns through a computer software program. With these types of sewing machines, the possibilities are endless, and the good news is, once you thread the needle and get your bobbin ready, you can immediately begin to enjoy their many functions.
Appreciating the Advantages of a Computerized Sewing Machine
If you get into your car and drive somewhere, things such as power windows and electric seat controls aren’t necessities for the trip, but they sure do make many things easier on you. In essence, this is what a computerized sewing machine does – it makes tension control, adjusting settings, and many other tasks easier because the machine takes care of these things for you. This also means that tasks such as these will be faster to accomplish as well as simpler.
Indeed, sewing machines with computers make everything easier, from sewing hems to creating buttonholes and even mastering stretch and overcast stitches, making everything from t-shirts to lingerie to denim jeans and skirts much easier to handle. If you’ve never owned one of these machines and you’re looking for your first one, the best suggestion is to start small. You’ll want a sewing machine with basic utility stitches and maybe a few decorative ones, but you don’t have to start out with the biggest and most expensive machine.
If you’re a beginner with computerized machines, you might want to start out with the Brother CS6000i, which offers an oversized table, a lot of interchangeable feet, and a 25-year warranty. It also consists of:
- 20 decorative stitches
- 20 garment construction stitches
- Six heirloom embroidery stitches
- Seven quilting stitche
- Seven buttonhole styles
Video: Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine
In short, it’s a great sewing machine to have when you want to learn how computerized machines work, and it provides just enough special features that you’ll quickly learn to appreciate even if you’ve only used it for a short period of time. The overcast and zigzag stitches are perfect for preventing frayed edges, the stretch stitches can be used for reinforcing seams, and the buttonholes can accommodate a lot of different fabrics and applications.
This sewing machine also comes with an LCD display and even diagrams to help you wind the bobbin and thread the needle correctly. You get an automatic needle-threader and you can either use the foot pedal to sew or let it sew for you automatically with one of its three speeds. Best of all, once you get familiar with all of the advantages of these computerized machines, you can immediately start making masterpieces that up to that point were unthinkable.
Using the Brother Sewing Machines
Some of the many features that Brother sewing machines offer include the following:
- Needle cooler that prevents the thread from breaking
- Thread-trimmer that is quiet and cuts the thread more evenly and stable
- Thread tension that you can set as a numerical value
- Constant supply of clean oil to the shuttle hook only, which means no oil-staining
- Dozens of pre-programmed sewing patterns to choose from
Regardless of which model of computerized sewing machine you choose, you’ll quickly learn how advantageous they are and how much easier they can make your life, and even though there is a learning curve in the beginning, it shouldn’t be long before you start to wonder how you ever sewed without it.
Of course, there are a lot of features that make Brother sewing machines so easy to use. For starters, the color LCD panel is a touch panel that allows you to do lots of things with the touch of a button. You can easily set the cycle program, sewing speed, magnification, and of course, the sewing patterns. You can store the upper thread tension as a user program, and it even comes with a USB port that lets you transfer data to another sewing machine or upgrade the software whenever you like.
Brother machines also offer a large sewing area – up to 40 x 50 mm – that allows you to sew a lot more applications, including hook and loop fasteners and even appliques. Many of them have renewed button clamps that allow for a smoother button-setting action, as well as low vibrations and low noise that allow for a less stressful and more comfortable operation for the user.
Naturally, some of the Brother sewing machines made for industrial or heavy-duty purposes have even larger work areas and more programmable settings, so whether you intend to use your machine for household projects, your own embroidery business, or for industrial and commercial uses, you’ll be able to find one that can accommodate you perfectly.
Other uses and features of Brother sewing machines include digital controls of your thread needle tension for more accuracy, special machines just for extra-thick and denim materials, the ability to store dozens of seams, the ability to accommodate needles both thick and thin, double chain stitch and zigzag stitch capability, and large treble rotary hooks, which means no stepping foot. Indeed, Brother machines are personalized to meet the needs of all sewers, so whatever you’re looking for, you’ll be surprised by how easy it will be to get it.
Another advantage of choosing a Brother computerized sewing machine is that there is one made for all types of industries, including agriculture, health care, education, fashion, retail, and even the food industry, among many others. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll be accommodated when you choose a sewing machine made by Brother, and you can get all the details you need about any of their machines when you visit them at http://www.brother-usa.com.