Comparison Janome Excellent Stitch 15A vs Janome Sew Line 200

The type of shuttle provided in the design of the sewing machine.

The shuttle is a device for feeding the lower thread; This is where the bobbin and thread is inserted. The following types of shuttles are found in modern machines:

- Rocking. Swinging shuttles have only a vertical layout. This is a simple, inexpensive and at the same time reliable mechanism, which also makes the device almost “omnivorous”: many models with swinging shuttles are able to cope with thick, coarse fabrics that are “too tough” for other types of machines. In addition, in such a shuttle it is very easy to adjust the method of thread tension. Among the disadvantages of this option, it is worth noting the increased level of vibration and noise, relatively low speed, as well as a more complex threading procedure than in horizontal shuttles.

— Vertical rotational. In a number of features, such shuttles are similar to swinging shuttles (see the corresponding paragraph): in particular, they are relatively simple to adjust the thread tension, but to thread the bobbin you must every time reach into the mechanism and remove the bobbin case from the shuttle. The key difference is that the shuttle does not swing during operation, but rotates. Because of this, such mechanisms are somewhat more complex and more expensive than swinging ones, but they provide higher sewing speeds with lower levels of vibration and noise....This option is used in professional and semi-professional machines, as well as industrial equipment.

— Horizontal rotational. Shuttles of this type are easy to use: to thread the bobbin thread, you do not need to remove the bobbin case; just open the cover and install the bobbin directly into the shuttle. In addition, the top cover is often made transparent, which allows you to monitor the remainder of the lower thread. Moreover, due to the rotational principle of operation, such a shuttle provides good speed and a minimum level of vibration and noise. Among the disadvantages of this option, one can note the difficulty in adjusting the thread tension: to do this, as a rule, you have to unscrew several bolts and remove the entire shuttle (whereas in vertical mechanisms the regulator is located on a quickly removable bobbin head). In addition, horizontal shuttles are not suitable for constant sewing with coarse threads - such a thread can rub a groove in the body, after which the mechanism will have to be changed.

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.

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

— Differential conveyor. The fabric conveyor, consisting of two gear racks — in front of and behind the needle. Depending on the set mode, such a conveyor 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. 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. 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.

— Sleeve platform. 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 widt...h of such a device may 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. 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.

— Sewing without a pedal. 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.

— Sewing with a double needle. The possibility of using a machine for sewing with a double 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.

— Positioning of the needle (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 power consumed by the machine during operation. Usually, the maximum power value is indicated in the characteristics.

Most of the electricity supplied to the machine is consumed by the engine, so this indicator primarily describes the power of the engine. The higher this power, the faster the machine can work and the better it is suitable for working with dense fabrics. However, there is no strict dependence here, much also depends on the general specialization of the unit.

The ruler scale applied directly to the body of the sewing machine. This feature allows you to simplify and speed up some measurements in the process of work: attaching the measured segment to the body of the machine is often more convenient than looking for a ruler or centimetre tape.