Choosing a sewing machine can be intimidating. What make what model? 
What feet do I need oe special stitches? Choose a machine can be intimidating for a first time sewist. Look no further! Here are some basic tips and things to look at when you’re buying a machine.
How to Choose a Sewing Machine:
Ask yourself the following Questions
1. Does it have a good weight?
A good machine need to pass the “huh” test. When you lift it do you have to say “huh”because it weights a lot? A good machine has some weight to it. You don’t want a machine that will bounce all around the table.
2. Does it have a solid straight stitch?
The straight stitch is a base stitch for the machine. So if you don’t like the straight stitch on the machine – you’re going to hate all the stitches it does. It should be even tight and you should like how it looks on the front and back of the stitch.
3. How is it’s speed and strength?
If you’re planning on sewing on jeans, leather or heavier materials you will want a machine with some power behind it. Also different makes of models will sew at different paces. It’s important that when you sit down and sew that you have a machine with a pacing and speed that you like. You don’t want to feel like that machine will run away from you, and on the flip side you don’t a want a machine that is so slow it drives you crazy.
4. What so you need it to do?
Before you buy a machine know what you need out it. What kind of projects are you going to do with it? So you need it to quilt embroider, just do basic sewing projects? Be sure to get the correct machine for your needs.
5. Where should you buy a machine?
I get it if you’re just starting out with sewing to go with a cheap machine. But I STRONGLY recommend that after a year you make the investment in getting a good machine. it makes a world of difference not having to fight with the machine to complete a project.
To get a machine I recommend going to a specialty store. It’s worth the extra money because they usually offer classes and other extras when you buy there, plus you have a knowledgeable contact if something goes wrong.
If you’re just starting out this is a good machine that doesn’t cost a lot
Do you already have a machine? What kind? Let me know in the comments below.
More How to Sew Lessons:
- How to get started sewing with a sewing machine
- How to Unpick a Seam
- How to Make a Button Hole
- What are the parts to a Sewing Machine?
- What is a Straight Stitch and How to Sew it
- What is a Basting Stitch?
- How to read a Sewing Pattern
- How to Make a Rolled Hem or a Baby Hem
- What are the must have sewing tools?
- Traditional Sewing Pattern VS Digital
- How to Choose a Sewing Machine
- 5 Easy Ways to Save Money on Crafts and Fabric
- You can see all the How to Sew Lessons Here
Working With Different Fabrics:
- Coral Fleece Vs. Polar Fleece what is the difference?
- What is the Anatomy of Fabric?
- 7 Things you need to know about sewing with Minky Fabric
- How to Sew with Faux Fur
- Which Fleece is Which? Your Quick Start Guide to Fleece
Katherine toyoko says
I recently bought the same machine you recommended, based off the personal recommendation of a friend. Has been working well so far, although I can tell the difference between this and my mom’s Bernina (especially the noise factor; I don’t sew past 10pm due to the noise and my apartment neighbors needing quiet.)
wanda phillips says
I bought a Brother CS6000i several years ago and I love it. It has many features that the more expense machines my have but the cost is much more affordable.