Hi all,
When people find out I sew, I normally get two reactions. The first, total disbelief. Why would anyone want to sew their own clothes? It’s so… provincial.
The second, pure wonder and awe.
This second bunch are the people who express an interest in taking up the hobby themselves. So they ask what equipment they need. Most often it’s what sewing machine they should buy.
It’s a tough question for me to answer.
Last count, I had eleven, mostly vintage, Singers. Up until I got Grandma, a Singer treadle from 1912, most of my sewing was on Jerome. A Janome from 2004. My requirements for a sewing machine are a bit eclectic and differ depending on which machine is easiest to get to. Or less hassle to use.
If you ask me today, I’ll say, “go Jerome!” Mainly because Grandma is being a bleep.
The question of what sewing machine to buy comes up in various sewing related Facebook groups too.
All the time.
More often than not the 100 or so comments will rattle off brand names for sewing machines. Usually the brand the comment maker uses. With no comparison to other brands or reasons why that particular make is the best choice. Other than, it’s the brand they’ve always used.
Which is why, if you’re in the market for a sewing machine, you shouldn’t ask a sewist which one you should buy. It’s a bit like asking the owner of a Ford what car to recommend to a new driver. Chances are, they’ll say… Ford.
You see, even the more experienced sewist is only familiar with the machines they personally use. They only know what features they like using and what they like to sew.
Recommending a machine to someone else based on their own likes and dislikes is a recipe for disaster.
Knowing which machine to go for really is a question only you can answer. But, there are some hints, tips and suggestions I can give that will make your choice a lot easier.
What Do You Want to Sew?
Sewing covers a multitude of activities. From quilting, embroidery, and apparel, to fabric art and home décor. There is also a large selection of sewing machines to carry out the many varied tasks. Some are better suited for light use, some can cope with heavy use.
What you want to sew and how often you are going to sew are the top two considerations when you are looking for a machine.
They’re also the top two reasons why no one else can tell you which machine to go for.
Only you know how, when and what you sew.
Identify the kind of sewing you like to do and how many hours a day you’re likely to sew for. Whatever machine you choose will have to be able to cope with the use you intend to put it to.
What features do you need?
Different machines have different features. From the number of stitches available to luxury items like automatic threading or a needle up and down button. Some even come with a selection of feet, whilst others just have one basic foot. The features you choose will determine the type of machine you need.
If all you want is straight stitch, zigzag and the ability to create buttonholes, there’s no point getting a machine with 300 built in decorative stitches you’ll never use. Need an automatic needle threader? Kind of eliminates antique machines. They just don’t come with that option.
Before you decide on a machine, narrow down what you want that machine to do. Make a list of all the things you can’t do without.
What is your budget?
When you are looking for a machine, keep your list of needs in mind, set a budget and stick to it. There is nothing more devastating than overspending on an all bells and whistles machine, to find it doesn’t do what you need it to.
Yes, that semi-industrial doing 1500 stitches a minute will sail through your sewing at twice the speed of sound. And it’s just so in vogue right now – everyone’s getting one… and it’s on sale!
But. You need to stop, stand back and actually say, but!
If all you sew are knit fabrics, and the semi-industrial powerhouse doesn’t have a zigzag stitch… how will it work for you?
Cost of accessories
Most of the big brand names like Singer, Janome, Brother and Babylock have relatively cheap accessories. Like extra bobbins or feet designed for a specific task. Some machines can even use generic or non-branded accessories.
There are a couple of brands that don’t have this compatibility with others. Bernina for instance, can only use Bernina accessories which tend to run on the expensive side.
The availability and cost of a brand’s accessories should be a consideration when choosing a machine. As is the number of accessories that come with it. Having to buy extra feet for specific tasks is likely to send you over budget and round the bend. Especially if you don’t realise the foot you need is missing until you need to use it.
Not a problem if you can use a generic foot from your local store.
More than a little annoying if you have to get a brand specific one from a certified dealer. In the next town. More than 100 miles away. Leaving you with little option but to buy online, pay a fortune for delivery and have to wait a week for it to arrive.
New or second hand?
Whether you go new or second hand is, more often than not, budget related. There is an expectation second hand will be cheaper. Whilst this can be true, depending on how well the previous owner looked after the machine, they could work out more expensive.
Parts for older machines can be pricey or non-existent. Needles can also be expensive to replace if the second hand machine uses a size no longer in mass production.
Always make sure parts and accessories for second hand machines are still available. Otherwise, that cheap option may end up being an expensive doorstop.
Make sure to check all the parts are attached to the machine. Particularly the bobbin and the bobbin casing. If it’s electric, make sure it has a foot pedal. Some sellers have been known to split machines from pedals to charge a separate price for each.
Oh, and make sure you see the machine working and can have a play on it. Just because the seller says, “it worked last time I turned it on”, doesn’t mean it will now.
Sometimes the benefits of a new machine outweigh the usefulness of an older one. New machines tend to come with a warranty, all the parts and the reassuring fact, they’ve never been mistreated.
New machines come in all price ranges and there’s sure to be one to suit any budget.
Looks and Usability
Aesthetics of a machine are just as important as functionality. To be happy sewing with it, you have to like how it looks and be comfortable with the placement of the various buttons, knobs or levers needed to work it.
Talking of working, how user friendly is it? Make sure you test drive any machine you intend to buy to make sure it fits you and what you need it to do. The last thing you need is a machine where you bang your head on the arm when you try to thread the needle. Sounds silly but, only the first time you do that is funny. Every time after will be annoying.
Remember to consider ease of use. The functions on some sewing machines can be incredibly convoluted. Breaking the manual out every time you want to change a stitch gets old real quick. An overly complicated machine will sap the life out of your sewing mojo. Instead of enjoying your new machine, you won’t want to take it out of the box.
The best way to pick a sewing machine for your needs is to go into a dealer and test drive one. Or two. Or maybe half a dozen. Dealers are there to help and using your list of requirements, they can advise on machines to suit your needs.
Better yet, buying from a dealer also gives you after sales care and possibly free lessons on getting started with your new sewing machine.
If you can’t get to a dealer, research your preferred make and model online. Check out reviews. Not on manufacturer websites. They’ll sing all the praises. Go to YouTube and watch videos by independent third parties on the sewing machine you are most interested in. Go to blog posts and review sites like GoodHouseKeeping.Com or Sewing Machine Reviews. Really get to know how others feel about the machine you are interested in.
When you know which machine attracts you the most – then you can go to the Facebook groups and ask if others have used it and what they think.
That way, you’ll get useful feedback and be able to make an informed choice.
Sewing machines are an investment. The one you buy will be part of your sewing adventures for a long time.
These tips should help you make sure that time is enjoyable and productive.
Bye for now
Olly
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