What To Look for When Buying a Sewing Machine

Set your eyes on the prize! Understand how the machine works. Familiarize yourself with texture, performance, and expectations of various fabrics and threads and how different machines respond to each. Your reward will be projects to be proud of. Successes are controlled by the machine's capabilities, failures by its user's shortcomings.

A Matter of Choice

Today's machines are user-friendly. The more computerized, the higher the price, but Internet downloads, ease, and time involvement might balance some of the costs.

If you are propelled by "maybe I'll sew some stuff," a modest universal sewing machine with capabilities of a dozen or so design and all-purpose stitches will do the job. If it is likely that the machine might quickly end up stuffed in "the closet of lost dreams and failed intentions," there are machines priced under $100.

Disregard choice when it comes to buttonhole and zipper capabilities - you need them. Buttonholes have uses in decorator, accessory, and utility projects was well as clothing. Plus, well-constructed buttonholes help determine a quality machine.

Starving To Be Artsy

Wearable art is in! Eye-catching at first sight, specialty fabrics and threads can affect a machine's performance. Consider the options.

Embroidery machines range from "embroidery only" to those capable of handling any sewing need. Pattern designs are not created equal and are formatted to specific machines; hoops come in different field sizes, determining pattern sizes. Machines are sold with one standard (limiting) range hoop or with multiple hoops.

Serging Ahead

Your field of dreams will determine the need for a serger; budget will determine the quality of machine. The 2-4 thread sergers create a two-thread overlock. The 3-4 thread serger has stretch capabilities to create stronger seams. Five-thread machines meet all needs while stitching seams with two threads and overlocking edges with three.

Most machines are capable of rolled hems with edges enclosed by thread. Sergers cannot be used for buttonholes, zippers, and embroidery work.

Explore the Possibilities

Test-drive machines, experiment with fabrics and threads. Consider some lessons (locally or online) before purchasing to determine what qualities you might desire in a sewing machine. Submit a list of your needs to the dealer for help in determining the right machine. Unfamiliarity breeds contempt. Learn how your machine works and understand its manual.