Changing Patterns

Elrika Ekblom/Photolibrary

Downloading something for your computer or cellphone is commonplace. But downloading to your sewing machine? Well, now you might, because high-tech features, including the ability to download, are the newest tools that sewing machine manufacturers are using these days to attract sewing enthusiasts of all skill levels.

For instance, manufacturers now make models that have high-definition LCD (liquid crystal display) screens that deliver a sharper view of intricate stitch and embroidery patterns. They also offer new models that have tiny, on-board needle cameras that can help to improve the accuracy of your stitch, and they have created more sewing workspace to the right of the sewing machine’s needle, which is good news for avid quilters.

Of course, models that include any or all of those new features won’t come cheap. In fact, believe it or not, the most expensive sewing machines these days can cost as much as a new car. But even if you’re not among the very few who’d be willing to fork over up to $12,000 for a new machine that specializes in large embroidery patterns, you’re still likely to feel a pinch to your pocketbook if you buy a new sewing machine in 2010. Even the most affordable sewing machines cost from $50 to $300 more than they did just 3 years ago when we last covered this category because of minor changes that manufacturers made to those models.

HIGH-DEF DESIGNS. So, why in the world would you even need an HD screen that is the size of a greeting card on your sewing machine? The truth is that most sewers don’t. Unless you do a lot of embroidery with large, intricate patterns, you likely won’t benefit from shelling out at least $8,000 for a high-end model that has a 5-inch by 7-inch HD screen. At press time, five manufacturers had combination sewing/embroidery machines that include HD displays. Of course, sewing machines that have standard-definition or even monochrome LCD screens have been around for nearly 20 years, and LCD screens that have touchscreen display arrived in 1994. LCD screens of any type are a nice feature, because they act like a computer interface, which allows you to make instant stitch selections and edit embroidery designs directly on the sewing machine’s touchscreen instead of on a computer that is hooked up to the machine cable, or having to transfer designs via a USB flash drive or specialized embroidery card.

We won’t discount the advantages of the HD screens, because when compared with standard LCD screens, the HD screens are clearer and deliver a more accurate picture of what the embroidery design or sewing stitch pattern will look like on the fabric. You can view the design and screen more clearly from all angles, and you won’t experience the glare that is associated with standard-definition screens. And because the screens are larger—about 20 percent larger than those on other models—you can be more precise when you select which areas of the embroidery design that you’d like to alter. In fact, you even can use a stylus pen or a computer mouse (instead of your finger) to make selections for on-screen stitch and design editing.

EYE FOR ACCURACY. Although the view on models that have an HD screen is great, it still can’t guarantee great sewing performance. That’s because it’s still up to you—the operator—to make sure that the stitches are accurate. Two manufacturers are working on that facet. Baby Lock and Brother have one model  apiece that uses an on-board needle camera that can save you lots of time and can deliver more-accurate stitches.