Whether you’re a newbie to sewing or you’ve got years of experience, you still want to make sure that when you invest money in a new sewing machine, you’re getting the best value for your money – and that means knowing what you’re looking for.
My advice is to sit down and decide what you want your sewing machine for. After all, if you only want it for mending, that will be a very different set of wants and needs as well as a very different machine from what you would require if you want to create beautiful quilts, crafts or clothing that require embroidery or fancy stitching.
Also, how much are you likely to be using your sewing machine? If you’re only going to use it occasionally then a cheaper model may be appropriate for you, however if you’re doing a lot of sewing you’re going to want to ensure that you buy a sewing machine that can handle the workload and a higher investment may be required.
So, here is a list that I’ve compiled of some things to look for when buying a sewing machine:
Price – Know how much you want to spend or can afford to spend on a sewing machine.
Pay attention to the sewing machine prices. Even though more expensive machines may look more appealing, look at sewing machines in your price range and stick to your budget. It’s not worth suffering financially later on and regretting buying your expensive sewing machine – rent, electricity and food are always more important!
What do you want to use it for? Is it just for repairs and straight forward sewing tasks?
Or perhaps you may want to:
- Be able to do embroidery
- or have a range of button hole styles available to you and be able to do them as quickly as possible
- or perhaps quilting and other craft projects
What weights of fabric are you likely to use?
- Light sheer fabrics?
- or heavy fabrics?
- or stretch fabrics
These are all things that should be taken into consideration when you’re about to invest in a sewing machine. You need to ensure that the sewing machine that you buy, will do what you require of it. Otherwise you’re going to end up one frustrated and unhappy camper and you’ll be looking to buy another sewing machine before you know it, having wasted your money on the first one.
On the other hand, if you’re only wanting to do some repairs and basic sewing, you don’t want to spend more money than necessary on a machine with all the bells and whistles that you’ll never use! Be realistic about your requirements.
Basic Electric or Computerized?
A basic electric sewing machine has a motor that drives the needle and other moving parts in the body of the machine. They usually have a range of speeds and a foot pedal that you use to make the machine go faster or slower just like the accelerator on a car.
Most have a range of styles and sizes of stitches available and dials to change the tension, as well as to change the size and type of stitch. A basic electric machine is enough for many sewing needs.
A computerized sewing machine is controlled by a computer chip that adjusts the tension, as well as the stitch type and size. These machines are operated using a touch pad and a screen and can store hundreds of different stitches as well as memorizing past sewing work. They also allow you to download programs from your computer.
Weight
You need to think about where your sewing machine will live and how often you’re going to have to carry it. Are you going to have an area where your sewing machine will reside permanently? Or will you have to pack it up after you’ve finished sewing and move it? If you’re going to have to carry it around, then it may be wise to opt for a lighter model.
Automatic Threading
If you’re planning on doing a lot of sewing, having a machine that auto threads, can save a lot of time.
Presser Feet
Again depending on how often you will use your sewing machine and what you are planning on using it for, you may want only basic presser feet or you may want a variety of specific types of presser feet that will make your sewing tasks quicker and easier.
Button Hole Types
Generally a basic sewing machine will come with the ability to one style of basic button hole and it may take a few steps to complete each button hole. More advanced machines on the other hand, may have several types of button holes available and my allow you to complete a button hole with one or two steps and very quickly and easily. Is it important to you to have the ability to create different styles of button holes and/or to complete them quickly?
Number and Variety of Stitches
Some computerized sewing machines have literally hundreds of stitches and more available for download from the internet, while others may only have a dozen or so. What type of sewing tasks are you planning on undertaking and how likely are you to require a variety of stitches?
Carry Case
Again, if you’re going to be moving your machine around, a carry case will be invaluable to protect your sewing machine as well as to allow easier storage. On the other hand, if your machine will have a permanent residence on a sewing table, then a soft cover may suffice or even no cover at all depending you your situation.
Free Arm
This is the ability to remove some of the sewing bed (the area you actually sew on), to allow for tubes to be sewn. For example, the hem on a sleeve – if the sleeve is already created, then you will want a free arm so that you can feed the sleeve on to it and sew around the end to form a hem.
More about sewing equipment
This video has some great information on sewing machines and other equipment that will help you create beautiful and functional clothing and crafts
That’s covered the basics of what you should be thinking about before you buy your new sewing machine. It all really comes down to what you are wanting to use your sewing machine for and how often you are likely to use it. If you’re a seasoned seamstress, then you’ll have a very good idea of what you’re requirements are. However if you’re a newcomer to sewing, then considering the above options will help you to purchase a machine that will keep you happy (for a while anyway).
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