How to choose sewing machines for schools

Sourcing sewing machines for schools can be a hefty investment.

Here we’ll explore the different types of sewing machines on offer, and provide tips on how to select the best model for your school.

Types of sewing machines for schools

There are two main options for school sewing machines:

1. Electric – a motor in the body controls the needle and other working parts. It’s driven by a foot pedal you control, and has a reasonable range and size of stitches.
2. Computerised – Controlled by an intuitive touchpad and screen, computerised sewing machines do everything electric machines do and more. They store hundreds of different stitches – all pre-programmed with the correct tension, length and width. With more advanced models, you can download programs from your PC.

What do you need from your school sewing machines?

Consider these three criteria when it comes to purchasing sewing machines for schools.

1. Safety

Almost every technology and textiles teacher has a horror story about a mistake made with a sewing machine. It is important that as a school, you try and limit the possibility of accidents occurring.

One of the best ways to do this is to install a finger guard on all of your machines. This stops your students’ fingers getting too close to the needle while they’re sewing.

Just in case that isn’t enough, an automatic stop feature is also recommended. This feature will stop the sewing machine if it detects a certain level of resistance through the needle.

With these two features, your students will be much safer, and your risk assessment forms should be a lot shorter!

2. Usability

This is perhaps the most important aspect of selecting your sewing machines. They must be easy to use.

Each school has different lessons on offer, but sewing classes tend to start at Key Stage 3. Your equipment must be able to be used by pupils in this age group.

For beginner sewers, we suggest that your sewing machines must have:

• Selection of foot attachments that will allow you to do the basics (e.g. inserting a zip)
  • Zipper foot, buttonhole foot, plastic foot (for delicate fabrics)
• Different stitch options
  • Several different lengths of straight stitch
  • Choice of zigzag stitches
  • An automatic buttonhole
• Adjustable stitch type, length, width
• Easy-to-load bobbin
• Easy-to-thread needle

Other options that you could use include:

• Automatic needle threaders
• Decorative stitches – if your students need to embellish/embroider their work
• Compatible accessories – in case some students wish to try more advanced techniques
• One-step buttonholes

These extra options are very good, but consider whether your students should be learning how to do these things on their own e.g. thread a needle.

3. Durability

It is not uncommon for schools to have cupboards full of broken sewing machines, waiting for their renewal date or annual service.

Your new sewing machines must be robust and able to withstand heavy usage by inexperienced students, or have a warranty service that gets them fixed fast.

There are lots of options to consider when selecting your school sewing machines. Try asking your teachers and students what they need from the new machines to ensure you obtain a product that satisfies both students and the school budget.

Call on Utility Rentals for more expert advice on how to choose sewing machines for schools.