How does a self-threading needle work?

When in the right place, the eye thread pushes through the needle. Then it pushes through a flexible, jam-resistant bobbin.

To self-thread properly, you must:

• Rotate the handwheel towards you and raise needle as high as possible;

• Carefully hook thread under thread guide;

• Pull down the needle threader as far as possible and pass the thread into the hook;

• Let the threader pull the loop through the needle eye;

• Finish by pulling the thread through entirely.

Who would use this sort of machine?

The machines are great for people who sew as a hobby. These people can use different fabrics simultaneously. People who have a lot to sew can also work more quickly.

The machines are ideal for people who finding sewing laborious and difficult. It means that you don’t have to worry about broken threads while doing that bit of quick, emergency sewing.

The fact that these machines for sewing save you from eye strain makes them great for older people or people with sight problems. Not having to thread or change the bobbin yourself is great for avoiding eyestrain.

What features to look for when buying self threading sewing machines?

It is important that your sew machine works for the type of material that you’re working with. It is also very useful to get a machine that is versatile and suites both heavy and light material.

Creative and artistic people will want a machine with different stitch options.

Of course, speed is a very important feature. It’s the reason that you’re buying the machine, so look out for speeds at around 700 a minute, if you want the best machine.

For convenience, you will want a good level of power to work through heavy, thick material. You will also need a good sized bobbin, so that you don’t keep running out of thread.

Computerised models are worth the extra money for advanced or creative sewers. You can program your stitch preferences or adjust settings to vary your technique.

Like with any product you order online, the warranty period is important. The best machines go up to 25 years warranty, so bear this in mind.

To be sure that a machine works for you, you could try out some of your own fabric on it before buying.

How much does a cheap one cost?

The cheapest hand-held sew machines cost around $20. But it is worth noting that these machines are not always very well-made. You may end up unhappy. 

A cheap but decent full-sized automatic threading sewing machine will cost between $100 and $150.

How much are the best self threading sewing machines?

Prices for decent machines can go up to thousands of dollars, if they are large in size and come with lots of add-ons.

It is possible to buy a very good full-sized machine for around $200. Excellent mini sewing machines cost around $60 on average. This is worth consideration if you don’t nee a full-size one.