Comparison Brother Innov-is 950 vs Brother Innov-is 900

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.

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 that, if necessary, you can sew at a lower speed.

The more stitches per minute the machine makes, the higher its productivity, and the better it is suitable for large volumes of work. At the same time, note that high speed has a corresponding effect on price and power 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.

— Alphabet letter embroidery. The ability to embroider letters of the alphabet using a machine. This function is found in computerized models. It is carried out due to a set of letters entered into the memory of the machine. Many models with this feature have several built-in fonts, and some even allow you to upload your fonts from your computer.

— Differential bottom feed. The fabric feed consists of two gear racks — in front of and behind the needle. Depending on the set mode, such a feed can additionally stretch or, conversely, collect fabric during sewing; the first is useful when working with dense fabrics, the second — for knitwear, stretch and other easily stretching materials.

— Reverse stitching. A function that allows you to switch the direction of movement of the fabric under the needle and, accordingly, the direction of the seam. Mainly used for stitching. The reverse is practically obligatory for sewing machines in the classical sense of the word — electromechanical, computerized and sewing-embroidery (see "Type"), but practically does not occur in other types.

— Free arm. A device for working with sleeves, trousers and other similar parts of clothing. This function is most often implemented due to the removable part of the desktop — when it is removed, the table turns into a narrow platform. The specific width of such a device ma...y be different, it should be specified separately.

— Needle threader. A special device designed to facilitate the process of threading a needle. The presence of a needle threader is especially useful when changing threads frequently (for example, sewing alternately with different colours).

— Thread cutter. A mechanism for cutting the threads after sewing, eliminating the need to use scissors: to cut the thread, just press the button. Note that we are talking about an automatic thread cutter; hand tools mounted on the bodies of some machines are not considered thread cutters in this case.

— Pedal free sewing. The ability to use the machine without connecting the pedal. To start and stop the process in such models, usually, a special button is provided. Such an opportunity can be useful for long sewing when it would be tiring to keep the pedal constantly depressed, and for occasional use, when the machine starts “for a couple of stitches” and there is no need to fiddle with connecting the pedal.

— Twin needle sewing. The possibility of using a machine for sewing with a twin needle — a pair of needles fixed in one holder. There are different types of such needles and different methods of working with them, and some work is done only with a double needle. Anyway, the use of such devices requires that the machine be initially compatible with them.

— Needle stop switch (top/bottom). A switch that allows the user to select whether the needle will be in the up or down position after the motor stops. In the absence of such a switch, the needle, usually, stops only in the upper position, and this is not always convenient

The presence of an embroidery unit in the machine. It is an additional device in the form of a platform with a hoop that can move under the needle in different directions. Such a unit allows you to embroider various patterns and patterns automatically.

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 presser feet supplied with the sewing machine.

— Universal foot. A foot is 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 overlocker, but in some situations it allows you to work without it.

— Top feed or walking foot. 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.

— Zipper foot. 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.

— Decorative stitch foot. 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 stit...ch line should usually strictly follow the contour along which it is applied — and this contour can consist of both straight lines and curved lines. Special feet 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 hem 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, or 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.

— Button sewing foot. A foot is 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 kit.

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.