- A basic electric sewing machine has a motor that drives the needle and other moving parts of the sewing machine. They usually have a range of speeds and use a foot pedal that sits on the floor, as an accelerator to make the machine go faster or slower pretty much like the accelerator on your car.
- A computerized sewing machine is controlled by a computer chip that adjusts the settings on the sewing machine – including the tension, the stitch type and stitch size. These machines are operated using a touch pad screen and can store hundreds of different stitches as well as memorizing past sewing work. You are also able to download more stitches and programs for your sewing machine from the internet, via your computer.