The name explains half the mystery. A computerized sewing machine is an advanced variant of its mechanical counterpart.
It is richer in technology, features, convenience, heck in everything.
Yes, by everything I subtly tried to warn you about its higher price.
You can learn more about it in the article below.
You will also get to know about some of its major pros and cons.
All this information will help you understand this type better.
Not to mention, let you make up your mind whether to invest in one or not.
What is a Computerized Sewing Machine?
A computerized sewing machine is a technologically developed version of the generations-old mechanical sewing machine.
It has a computer installed in it where you can feed the required settings.
The settings can be punched via a display screen present on the front.
The software of a computerized sewing machine controls its various parts, including the feed dog, the needle bar, and the tension disc.
No wonder its thread tension game is so on-point, which is why it tackles delicate and thicker layers equally well.
How is it Different from a Standard Sewing Machine?
As you can see, the name alone tells half the story. A computerized sewing machine is programmable.
The presence of advanced features allows you to enter your desired settings for precise stitch delivery.
It is also rich in user-friendliness and convenient operation, thanks to the induction of automated features.
A mechanical or standard sewing machine, on the other hand, is like a manual car. It lacks technological advancement.
Here, you will manually have to adjust settings by using designated knobs.
Moreover, it doesn’t carry dozens of built-in stitches and focuses solely on basic stitching.
Therefore it is not capable of doing elaborate decorative or embroidery designs.
How Does a Computerized Sewing Machine Works?
If you know how a regular sewing machine works, understanding the computerized version will seem easier.
A read of the manual will help you figure out its features and how to take help from them.
Yet, we wouldn’t recommend these tech-loaded models to beginners.
The plethora of features and functions become overwhelming for novice users who are at the learner stage, just trying to get the hang of sewing.
Once the machine is plugged in, browse through the built-in stitches library or memory card to select the desired stitch or decorative design for the article.
You can even connect it to your PC to import patterns or create new ones for embroidery projects.
The digital display on one side of its front is the part where all this searching and incorporation of the required settings takes place, including speed settings.
You can also use the mechanical-style foot pedal for controlling stitch speed if you find it more convenient.
Afterwards, pushing the start button will get it running.
The presence of several keys and options might make you nervous at first, but you will get better at controlling it with practice.
What is a Computerized Sewing Machine Capable of?
A lot! There’s so much that you can do with these tech-loaded sewing machines.
People prefer a digital sewing machine mostly for its decorative or embroidery capabilities.
The designs that are tilted more towards high-end products offer hundreds of stitching and embroidery styles.
You could also save patterns on its onboard memory or add new ones to the collection.
You just need to enter the desired stitch or pattern, tap on the needed settings, and place the chosen fabric in the stitching area, the sewing machine will do the rest for you.
Most computerized models come with automatic needle threading to help you reach the sewing stage without any problem.
Whether you have to do regular stitching or create an elaborate design, these computerized versions are adept at both.
Similarly, whether you work on a delicate fabric or thicker material, this model will deliver stitches with precision.
Since it does the majority of the work for you, you finish a project a lot faster than expected time.
This is why these machines are considered more user-friendly and versatile.
Pros & Cons of a Computerised Sewing Machine
We have shortlisted a couple of pros and cons of a computerised sewing machine.
They will help you decide whether you should buy one or not.
Pros:
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Automated Features:
Most models have several automated features, including threading, thread cutting, needle up and down, thread tensioning etc. Some even let you pick the needle and fabric type and tell you about the right presser foot. These features not only make its operation uber-convenient but also save time.
Many models also have automatic locking stitch for a neat finishing.
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Extensive Stitch Selection:
Another advantage of this model is the choices it offers. It contains dozens of stitches, including basic stitches, decorative, buttonholes, symbols and numbers. Thus, you get a vast playing field to test and polish your creativity.
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Computer Connectivity & Onboard Memory:
Another perk is that most of these digital models can connect to computers. With the right software or computer program, you can create your own decorative and embroidery patterns and impart them to the project at hand.
Moreover, their built-in memory makes your work a lot easier. Not only you can save your favourite stitches or patterns but add new ones too. This ability to save stitches and designs comes in handy when you want to reuse them again.
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Better Speed Control:
Computerized sewing machines offer better speed control. They have speed settings either on the display monitor or among the buttons. You can increase or decrease its speed without using a foot pedal.
Speaking of which, they do come with foot pedals. You can stick to this old-school method for speed regulation if it’s more convenient.
Cons:
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Complicated:
The presence of dozens of stitches and other features can overcomplicate things, especially for beginners. There are stitches that you haven’t even heard of, let alone find a need to use often.
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Costly:
Computerized sewing machines are relatively expensive. You might find affordable models as well, but they will either lack in technology or features.
The more technologically advanced model you want, the higher will be the price.
Conclusion
Now that we have reached the final words, it is safe to assume that you would have got most of your questions answered.
It is a technologically developed version of your grandma-style mechanical sewing machine designed for ambitious and tech-savvy sewists.
The availability of dozens of features and user-friendly settings reduce your workload and offer a lot of variety at the same time.
We have listed some notable pros and cons as well.
Assess them twice, thrice even, and then decide whether you need to upgrade or the older unit is still sufficient for your needs.
