Comparison Brother Innov-is 950 vs Brother Innov-is 4000

The number of stitches that the sewing machine can sew. The larger this number, the more extensive the possibilities of this model and the wider the choice of the user. However, a specific range of supported stitches needs to be specified separately.

The least options — mostly up to 25 — are provided in electromechanical machines, as well as specialized devices like overlockers and coverlocks (see "Type"). In computerized devices, the number of stitches can be in the tens, and some also allow you to download additional options from your computer.

The number of loops that the sewing machine can sew. Different types of loops are used for different types of fabrics and clothing. The larger this number, the wider the choice of the user and the less likely it is that the loop of the desired type will not be in the arsenal of the machine.

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 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. 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

— Presser foot pressure adjustment. The ability to change the degree of pressure of the foot on the fabric, adjusting it to the thickness of the material: for thin fabrics (chiffon, knitwear), the pressure should be small, for thick ones — on the contrary.

— Thread tension regulator. A device that allows you to adjust the degree of tension of the upper thread. A mismatch in tension between the top and bottom threads causes one of the threads to pull the other and the seam deteriorates. To avoid this phenomenon, this function is provided. Note that tension adjustment is also possible for the lower thread — it is carried out through the shuttle (all shuttles have this option). But for this, it is necessary to remove the bobbin case or even the entire shuttle. The top regulator is located directly on the body of the machine, and it is much easier to use it.

— Puncture force stabilizer. A device that provides a stable puncture force regardless of the engine speed. A feature of the mechanics of electric motors is that without special adjustment, the puncture force decreases markedly with an increase in speed. This function allows you to maintain approximately the same level over the entire speed range, which has a positive effect on the quality of work.

— Feed shutdown. Possibility to turn off the bottom...feed of the machine. This feature is indispensable for work in which the fabric needs to be shifted manually — for example, embroidering along a complex contour on a typewriter without an embroidery unit, sewing on buttons, etc.

— Speed control. The ability to set a speed limit for the machine. Thanks to this function, you can not be afraid to "squeeze" the pedal — even with strong pressure, the machine will work at a given speed, and no faster. This feature is useful, in particular, in jobs where you need to carefully control the process.

— Knee lever. A device that allows you to raise the presser foot and lower the lower feed dog with a knee movement without removing your hands from the fabric. Such a device is useful for quilting and some types of embroidery.

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 maximum size of the area that the machine in embroidering mode can process at one time without re-stretching the fabric on the hoop. In other words, this is the maximum size of the pattern that the device can embroider in one run.

The meaning of this parameter is obvious: it allows you to evaluate whether the selected model is suitable for embroidering patterns of the planned size.

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.

The number of hoops supplied with the machine.

The presence of several hoops in the kit allows you to minimize interruptions in work: while the machine is embroidering on some hoops, you can fasten the next workpiece to others, and after embroidering, you can quickly replace the hoops.