Selecting a new sewing machine today for yourself or someone else can be a challenging task. There are many choices today in sewing machines with features to make the sewing experience a good one. If you haven’t looked at sewing machines in a few years, you may be surprised at what you will find. These are definitely not your “grandmother’s sewing machine.”
Planning ahead for your purchase can help when visiting a sewing machine dealer to look at new machines. Budget is always a major consideration. Sewing machines are available in all price ranges depending on model and features. Yes, machines may be purchased cheaper online or in a “big box store”, but you will not have the assistance needed to learn to use the machine.
Consider the following when selecting a machine for yourself or as a gift:
*Type of sewing: If the sewing is mainly repairs, a simple machine with a few stitches may be suitable. If quilting, you may want to consider a machine with a larger harp space (distance from needle to side of machine). For garment making, a machine with a one-step buttonhole and several types of buttonholes would be a good choice. A wide choice of decorative stitches may also be important to your sewing needs. If machine embroidery is your interest, you can choose between a combination sewing and embroidery or embroidery-only machine.
*Ask experienced sewing friends for recommendations: Find out what they like about their machines and what they might want on a new machine. Researching online can help, but be aware that most machines sold online are not likely to be found in dealer showrooms. Visit sewing machine manufacturer websites to get a good look at various models and features available.
*Visit a reputable dealer to view machines and “take a test drive”: Bringing a sample of some of the fabrics you normally sew with will help in getting a “feel” for the machine.
*Type of machines:
-Mechanical machines are a good choice for someone planning to do limited sewing (occasional repairs, light craft sewing). Mechanical machines are generally the “starter” or basic machines in a company’s line.
-Electronic machines are the next step up in features. These will have expanded stitch selection and one-step buttonhole functions. Stitches are usually chosen by pressing a button to scroll through stitch selection. Another feature often available is the automatic “scissors” that, with the press of a button, will cut the top and bottom thread and reset the tensions to begin sewing again – a very handy feature!
-Computerized machines, of course, have the greatest selection of stitches and features. Some models will let you design and save machine stitches. Expect a wide selection of decorative stitches and a built-in alphabet.
*Additional Features:
-Needle up/down button which allows the machine to stop with the needle either in a “down” or “up” position.
-Lighting: As you move up in price and features, the lighting will improve. Some machines have lights over the needle as well as under the arm which provides the best lighting for sewing. Another good feature is a speed control. You can set the speed and the machine will not go any faster even when the foot control is pressed to full power.
-Accessories: Consider the type of feet and accessories that come with the machine. It can be worth paying a bit more for a machine with more feet included instead of purchasing the feet separately. If you are a quilter, a 1/4″ piecing foot and even feed foot are necessities. Also check to see if a free-motion foot is included with the machine. Several machine models today also come with detachable sewing tables which give you a better surface on which to sew.
*Support & Service: Does the dealer provide classes for machine use? With so many features on machines today, these classes will help you get the best use from your machine. At The Sewing and Vacuum Center, we offer one-on-one lessons for anyone buying a machine from us. These lessons (and refreshers!) are good for as long as you own the machine. We also service the machines we sell, as well as stocking accessories for them.
Spending some time doing a bit of research before purchasing a sewing machine will ensure you make the best choice for your sewing needs. With careful consideration, you should enjoy many hours of creative expression with your new machine.
-submitted by The Sewing and Vacuum Center
