Mary Chambers
Do you need guidance when purchasing a sewing machine? Maybe you’ve recently started sewing on a borrowed machine and want to buy your first sewing machine. Perhaps you’re wanting to upgrade your current machine to something that will help you expand your sewing.
These two go hand in hand. If you are a beginner sewer you might want to go with a model that has less bells and whistles or even go for a used machine. Even if you are a more experienced sewer you may still want to consider buying a refurbished machine from a Sewing Shop, you may be surprised how much money you can save! It’s also important not to cheap out on a new machine. A poor machine can make the entire sewing experience a chore.
Make sure to buy a machine based off of the stitches you NEED, not based on the total number of stitches it has. Making sure your machine has adjustable straight and zig-zag stitches is a must. Pretty much all projects can be accomplished with straight, zig-zag, buttonhole, stretch, and blind hem stitches.
This one seems obvious but make sure you know how to use your machine before buying it! Especially if you are new to sewing it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of knobs, levers, buttons, and settings some of these machines have.
Again, make sure you buy a machine that has all of the special features you need but not so many where you feel overwhelmed about the whole ordeal. A built-in needle threader, speed control, top loading drop-in bobbin, and thread cutters are always nice features to have on a sewing machine.
If you’re like me and you like to ask a lot of questions before making a purchase then make sure to avoid big chain retailers and stick with a sewing specialty store. Employees at an authorized sewing machine dealer will be able to answer all of your questions and help you find the perfect machine for you. An authorized dealer will also be able to make any repairs on your machine if necessary. Whereas an employee from a big retailer may not be able to answer all of the questions you have.
Determine whether you want a mechanical machine, an electronic machine, or an embroidery machine. This choice depends on what you plan to sew with your new machine. Most people will go with an electronic machine.
