Having a sewing machine gives you the ability to do sewing in your own way. This also saves a lot of money. Many of us spend long hours of leisure time at home. We actually do not do anything potential at this particular time. To utilize your time, a sewing machine can help you develop new skills in the best way possible. A sewing machine can teach many important life skills such as determination, patience, concentration, and creativity.
For beginners, getting a brand-new sewing machine can be an enormous amount of happiness. But to get that, you need to choose the best sewing machine that suits your home decoration and your needs as well. Do you know how to get the best sewing machine for you?
In this article, there will be reasons and ideas to choose a suitable sewing machine. So sit tight and pay full attention.
Key Takeaways
- Make a selection by considering uses, reliability, and price range.
- Check machine features to see your needs.
- Narrow down options by compromising the price and complexity of machine types.
- Select a brand and design before buying.
Choosing a Sewing Machine for Beginner
We must need to consider 3 important steps to choose a sewing machine for beginner.
- Consider of Uses: Why Do You Need a Sewing Machine.
- Reliability: Beginner-Friendly Sewing Machine.
- Price Range: Budget Friendly.
Consider of Uses: Why Do You Need a Sewing Machine?
Before you step on buying a sewing machine, you need to be sure of why you need a sewing machine. Sewing machines are intended for specific purposes to satisfy your sewing needs. There are a lot of different sewing machines for various sewing plans and projects. You may be sewing for kids, making quilts and clothing, or maybe planning on home decor projects like pillows and sleepovers. Perhaps, you may be making handbags and other fashion accessories.
Selecting a suitable sewing machine can give you the knowledge to sewing a much more enjoyable way. A sewing machine is a good investment of time and something that you will likely be using for a very long time. Whenever you sit down to sew, you might the one that is dependable.
Reliability: Beginner-Friendly Sewing Machine
A sewing machine must be reliable in every aspect. It should be easy to operate and handy. The features must be useful and easy to find. For that, you should explore and gather info about sewing machines in the market.
As a beginner, you may have a beginner-friendly automated sewing machine that is easy to function. But, I would suggest grabbing an old-school mechanical sewing machine that can help you get to know sewing very well. But, a sewing machine must be reliable according to your needs sewing.
Price Range: Budget Friendly
A sewing machine can also be very expensive. For that, you do need to keep a budget in mind. Making a good budget is essential to get a really good sewing machine. As a wise person, you should be making budgets for every single before you buy. Your budget must be feasible. This is not advice for only seasonal fashion makers.
If you are new to sewing, small difficulties can derail you. So do not start with a machine that does not sew well just for the reason that it is cheaper. You should not let your machine discourage your new hobby. Also, do not spend money on a sewing machine its features won’t have any use for you.
Features of A Basic Sewing Machine
Any basic sewing machine should be able to handle a variety of fabrics. From satin to denim and corduroy, without stretching or producing loose, silly stitches. There are a number of features to consider before buying a suitable sewing machine.
Power Switch
This feature is very common in most sewing machines. There is a switch to turn the machine on and off. It is a safety feature for kids. If the machine does not have a power switch then plug it into a safety strip with a master switch.
Buttonhole Stitch
Technically, a buttonhole stitch makes a zigzag stitch that is computerized. Any machine that has a zigzag stitch should also have a buttonhole feature. Try this feature out before buying a machine.
Feed-Dog Adjustment
Feed dogs are a toothy mechanism below the sewing surface. Some machines allow you to drop this mechanism to do free-style embroidery or darning.
Good efficiency and Controls
The machine is supposed to be receptive to the foot pedal and not stall while sewing thick fabric or multiple layers. The controls have to be easy to influence and manipulate. The symbols on the machine body or LED display must be easy to understand. Machines must have more space to the right of the needle to provide enough ground for fabric and your hands.
Needle Position
This feature allows you to change the position of the needle and stitch the line from left to right. This also allows you to have the needle stitch when you stop. Turning down the needle makes it easy to lift the pressure foot and turn a corner without a jump stitch.
Needle Thread
This maintains the thread through the eye of the needle and saves you from squinting and prevents blocking.
Presser Feet
For basic sewing, multi-purpose feet lets you do straight and zigzag stitches. But you will want zipper feet and buttonhole feet too. An adjustable presser foot controls how tightly the machine holds the fabric while you sew and also prevents puckering in fine fabrics and stretching in knits. You will find many specific presser feet to choose from.
Speed Control
Regulate the pace at which fabric is fed through the machine by enabling you to sew at a nice, steady speed rather than stopping and starting.
Stitches
There are a few stitches that are ideal for sewing with knits. One looks like a bolt-like symbol and the other is a triple stretch stitch. Eventually, both will allow the knits to stretch once they are stitched. While a zigzag stitch is to sew stretch fabrics well and special knit stitches do an outstanding job.
Tension Adjustment
You need to follow up tightness of the thread. If it is too tight it can result in puckered fabric and if the thread is too loose, the result is loopy stitches.
Top-Load Bobbin
Unlike old-school machines, in which you had to thread the bobbin in a dipped compartment, many machines will allow you to simply slide open a panel and drop the bobbin in. A transparent cover lets you see when a thread is running low.
Lightweight
If you will be able to store the machine in a closet and haul it out when you want to sew then look for a machine that’s easy to lift up and has a handle.
How to Choose a Better Sewing Machine for Home Use
There are plenty of good and better sewing machines in the market. You may find many options online from which you can choose. Too many options can easily make you confused to choose the right one. You may fall for false marketing as a result of buying the wrong product.
To avoid all these, you need to consider your interest in the sewing machine. Compare each model and brand. Then focus on reliability and price range to remove the burden from your head. Look for all the important features that suit your category of sewing. By considering all these sectors, you can narrow it down to 2 to 3 choices that can actually serve your need and meet the goal. There are a few types of sewing machines to know about and that can help you to decide well.
There are 3 types of sewing machines both for beginner and expert users. These types have access to all categories of sewing techniques. You can choose from any of these according to your need for sewing.
1. Mechanical Machine
If you are a random sewer or on short, this type should work fine. They require you to operate most controls by hand and can handle the basic repairs, hems, simple clothing, and crafts projects.
2. Electronic Machine
If you sew frequently or spend more time, an electronic sewing machine can be worth an investment. These shift many boring sewing jobs from your hands to a computer program. A typical electronic sewing machine has touchpad controls and an LED screen. This also has an array of presser feet for challenges such as piping and topstitching and settings for dozens or even hundreds of stitch types.
3. Computerized Sewing Machine
Technology has taken over sewing a step further with the top-notch computerized sewing machine that is every tailor’s dream. Computerized sewing machines work without dials or levers. They come with a display screen where all sewing specifications are imputed for automatic sewing. You can also have USB ports for flash drivers or an Internet connection from where the machine can download sewing patterns and designs to replicate on fabrics.
Added Benefits
The Basics
Singer, Brother, and Kenmore are long-established, well-known brands. Bernina, Husqvarna Viking, and Janome have gained popularity. Choose your retailer wisely. Different retail brands offer different advantages. An independent retail shop usually offers lessons and more personalized service, and repairs, sometimes even on the spot.
Ask About the Warranty
Ask about warranty and guarantee when you explore. Even if you are not buying. Look for sales discounts on sewing machines typically around Mother’s Day and Christmas and try before you buy. Take fabric samples with you and test several machines on a variety of fabrics and settings to make sure that they stitch evenly as you want and are easy to use.
Ways to Save
Search online for coupons and ask about upcoming sales and trade-in allowances. Don’t be shy about negotiating with dealers and asking for free sewing lessons.
Check Repair Policies
Authentic dealers offer in-store repair services. They also have a repair center for the manufacturer. This can take time and vary from days to weeks. Remember that repairs made by technicians who are not factory-authorized can break the manufacturer’s warranty. And keep your machine’s box and necessary packaging in case it needs to be shipped for repairs.
Design
You need to understand a sewing machine not only sews but also makes a view of your living room. It is a piece of furniture and home decor. Buying a sewing machine that does not match color or design can be a shame for you. So, look for a lovely and pleasant design. Different brands have sewing machines with elegant designs and colors. If you do not find one to match your home, try a custom-made cover for it.
FAQs
Why are old sewing machines better?
How long do sewing machines last?
Which brand is the best for sewing machines?
This brand has a really good reputation all over the world.
Final Thoughts
Making a decision before buying a sewing machine is not like any other decision. This machine will stay with you for years. A bad move can ruin your sewing experience forever. So, make a mindset about what will be the purpose of it. Then consider all the features and compare the price range. Focus on the type of sewing machine that meets your need. Then go for a better brand and model to buy. I hope this article may help you to choose the right sewing machine for you.