Time for a new machine?
Are you looking to put some of your spare time to work using your creative side? Have you thought about taking up or improving your sewing skills? If your answer is yes, then you will need some basic tools to help make this a fun hobby, and the most important tool would be your sewing machine.
These days, there are quite a few very good machines out there, so be sure to take some time to figure out what sewing machine will work best for you. This can be a bit overwhelming at first, so here are some tips to help you make your choice easier:
What are your needs?
What do you want to use your machine for – what kinds of sewing projects are of interest to you? For example, are you a beginner who would like to learn to sew basic things, such as clothing, or costumes? Or, are you an experienced seamstress looking for a better machine that the one you currently are using, with some additional features? Do you want to make specialty quilts, T-shirt quilts, baby blankets or just fun fleece tunnels for your furry friends?
How much do you wish to spend?
Sewing machines come in a wide range of prices, so it's important to set a budget before you start shopping. Consider how much you're willing to spend and look for a machine that offers the most of your preferred features for a price you can afford. In addition, consider the length of time you would like to keep the machine; consider this an investment if you plan to keep it a long time, justifying spending a bit more for some nicer features, as well as if you plan to put it to a lot of use! Beginners may wish to buy a less expensive machine until they figure out how much they plan to sew and what things are important, which comes with time.
What kind of machine?
Since there are different types of sewing machines available, including mechanical, electronic, and computerized machines, it helps to know what kind of sewing you plan to do so you can look at the right types of machines. Mechanical machines are simple to use and ideal for beginners, while electronic and computerized machines offer advanced features such as automatic threading and programmable stitches. It does not pay for features you do not plan to use.
What features are important?
Make a list if the features that are important to you. If you do a lot of thread changes and have “older eyes”, then an automatic or semi-automatic needle threader should be high on your list! Other features to look for would be number of and types of stitches, automatic button-holer, adjustable stitch length and width, and speed control. For me, and my quilting projects, I also wanted a large area to the right of the needle (the “neck” or “throat”) in order to be able to push a lot of material through while I was sewing the quilts.
What brand of machine?
If you plan to use your machine a lot, then its important to have it serviced periodically and also to have a good service center close by to work on it if you run into any problems. If you choose a well-known brand, be sure that there are service centers in your area that can do maintenance and provide parts. This is key since many machines are very similar in price and features, so it may come down to where you can take it for maintenance. It may be a good idea to also visit these service centers to be sure that you would trust them with your machine!
Can you try it out?
If possible, test out the sewing machine before making a purchase. This will give you a feel for how the machine operates, and allow you to ask questions before your purchase to be sure that this is the right machine for you!
What do people say?
Before making a final decision, read as many reviews as possible, both good and bad, to see what other users and machine owners say. You can also watch YouTube videos of many of these machines to help you make your decision as well. The more information that is out there, the easier it will be to learn about your machine, so this should also be factored into your decision. Customer support is also key so be careful about buying a machine with negative customer support experiences.
When you are ready...
Buying a sewing machine is a big step, so take your time and do your research. Once you make your decision, find a good dealer, watch for sales, and maybe even look at buying a gently used machine if your budget can not afford the one you really want. Just be sure there is a warranty for any used machine, “just in case”.
And remember, if you are happy with your machine, it will make your sewing time that much more enjoyable, allowing you to create beautiful sewing projects you can be proud of and maybe even share them with others…so many possibilities! Happy Sewing!!
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