I get asked this and the questions below all the time
so I thought it time I created a blog post
How much should I spend?
As
with a camera or bike it’s always good to buy the best you can afford. That being said there is really no need to be
spending any more than €200 on a basic machine, unless you are intending to be
a seamstress or professional textile designer.
If you are buying for a complete
beginner you should expect to pay at least €100 for a machine that will give
you all the basic functions listed below.
I myself have several machines but continue to use a Toyota sewing
machine that I bought nearly 20 years ago for €70 and it’s never caused me any
problems.
What brand should I buy?
Some
of the most popular brands would be Singer, Brother, Bernina and Janome. For me if it does what you want who cares about
the name. However I am used to working
with and fixing machines. That being
said I wouldn’t recommend own brands in some of the cheaper retail shops as
many dealers will not fix/service them should something go wrong.
What type of machine should I buy?
This, to me, is the most important
question really. Is the machine for general
sewing i.e. craft sewing, basic clothes mending etc. or is it going to be for
an advanced seamstress/dress maker/textile designer. Please don’t be lured by 50+ decorative stitches
and embroidery options for a beginner as you will rarely ever use them. The
basic stitches – straight stitch, zig zag, over
locker and button hole are all you need 99% of the time. If you are an advanced sewer I would
recommend going to a dealer where you can try before you buy and/or a trade
show where you can speak directly to the sales reps for each brand and see
demos.
What are the basics I need?
- · At least 10 automatic stitches.
- · 2 needle positions
- · Automatic bobbin winding
- · 4-step buttonhole
- · Zipper insertion
- · Push lever reverse
- · Clip-on feet
- · Stitch pattern indicator
- · Stitch length control
- · Stitch width control
- · Tension control
Most models come with a clear bag of accessories
which include: Zigzag foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot,
large screwdriver, seam ripper/brush, oil bottle, pack of spare needles, bobbins,
seam guide, darning plate and spool holder.
Apart from that I would suggest going
for a top loading bobbin. It’s much
easier for beginners. I would also make
sure that the machine has a free arm – this will be useful for all sorts of
sewing projects. Most new models do but
it’s worth checking.
Final words of wisdom
Machines need to be used (like a car)
to keep them in good working order.
There’s no point buying a machine and leaving it sitting in a box under
the stairs because you’re afraid to use it.
I run Sewing Machine Basics workshops to help get you started. Find out more on my website.
What are your tips on buying a sewing machine? What would you say is or are must have feature (s) ?
Let us know in the comment section below.
I really think you covered everything I have ever looked for in a sewing machine I have 4 machines myself my latest was a embroidery machine my hubby got me for Christmas but I find myself using my old faithful Brother I have had for 20+ years. All the media hype makes us sewers think we need the "HIGHLY END" of everything on the market which is usually just as said "HYPE". thanks for sharing with us Linda Lee (just a sewing Mama & Granny
ReplyDeleteThanks for your commment Linda :O) Yes, we are always encouraged to go for the one with bells and whistles when all we need is the basics. Keeeeep stitching!
DeleteI would agree with what you've said, I get asked this question a lot too and always give similar advice. I started sewing on a Lidl machine, and for the money I paid, it served me well a didn't owe me a thing when it packed it in. I have a Pfaff machine now and I always recommend them, they're a great brand. Just one thing I'd add - if you're buying a machine with the intention of quilting, try to get one which allows you to drop the feed dogs completely rather than cover them with a plate.
ReplyDeleteGood point Sarah - same too for machine embroidery. :o)
DeleteWhat a great post! I'm thinking of upgrading some time soon, but I wouldn't have a clue what to look for. So, thank you for the tips..... :-)
ReplyDeleteCarly
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