**Since I’ve emailed so many people with details on which machine to buy and what to look for, I thought I’d share my advice. Have anything to add – please let me know. I’d love to hear too how you decided on the machine you have. I hope this helps. LuckyStitches!!xxoo**
Let me also start by saying that if you are purchasing a machine for a young sewer, do not go to the store and buy the cheapest machine you can find, or the cutest one (I know, it was hard for me to not buy Hello Kitty sewing machine too – jeez).
Buy the kids (or yourself) a regular sewing machine. Chances are the cheapest or cutest machines don’t work, or don’t work well. The last thing you want to do is discourage anyone from sewing. Ever. A machine that constantly becomes unthreaded, or won’t sew through 2 layers of fabric just is not worth it. You will have wasted your small spending and either discouraged the heck out of a new stitcher or just wasted your money on nothing and have to buy a more expensive machine to get the job done.
Ok, off the soap box (for a minute at least – what can I say, I feel strongly about this).
First, who will be sewing? Is this a family machine? What projects do you hope to work on? What do you dream of making? Make sure your machine can live up to that dream. There are lots of things to think about, do you just want to make quilts? Want to make bags? Clothes? Curtains? Look for a machine that can sew through all sorts of thicknesses. Make sure the machine will sew through denim, canvas and leather (with the right needle and thread of course).
The basics you should look for in a machine:
- Stitches – Straight and ZigZag
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Stitch Width
- Automatic Button Hole Option
- Drop-In Bobbin Assembly
- Metal Parts
- Accessories
What does it all mean?
Stitches: You really, really, really don’t need the 5000 fancy stitches. really. In all reality, you just won’t use them. I know they are so tasty. And – well – think of the possibilities! but truth be told, if you are just starting out, you have miles to go before you need to embroider the entire dictionary with pictures on a pair of jeans. I know, crushing your dreams…I’m such a meanie.You really need a machine that does a STRAIGHT stitch and a ZIG ZAG stitch. Seriously. (and – you could really get away with just a straight stitch – imagine – years ago, that’s all they sewed with and stitchers were able to sew everything under the sun!) But if you got a machine with around 10-50 stitches, you’d still be golden.
What makes it all versatile is the ability to adjust STITCH LENGTH
and STITCH WIDTH.
Check before you buy. If you can’t adjust both of these important stitch charactertics, move on the the next machine. Being able to adjust the length and width of a stitch gives you a gaggle of options. If you can’t adjust one or both, your sewing will be greatly limited.
Automatic Button Hole Option:
While you can make button holes without it, they are less discouraging with the automatic stitch selector and the special foot (if it’s an option), plus they are a piece of cake – and who doesn’t like cake? On older machines, they are a whole separate accessory, if you buy an older machine, make sure this comes with it or you can find a used one to buy.
Drop In Bobbin Assembly:
There are two ways that a bobbin assembly is made. The drop in, where the bobbin is perpendicular to the needle or the vertical assembly, where it is parallel with the needle. I’ve sewn on both, and I have to tell you that the better machines are made with the Drop-In Assembly. The Vertical Assembly moves around too much and causes jams, screwy tension, unthreading and horrible headaches and might cause your kids to learn swear words (jsut kidding, but I’ve been known to use a few when sewing with these ugh). I’ve talked to machine manufacturers about the issue, and they swear up and down that there is nothing wrong with this, but of the kids who have machines like this, they pick it up right away (I love the young minds). And check out this cool post about how a bobbin works!
Metal Parts:
There are machines out there with plastic parts. Don’t ever buy one. Ever. In fact if you can find a machine that’s all metal, including the shell, buy it. Currently, machines are made with a plastic shell. Not so great. But most importantly, the gears and shafts and parts inside need to be metal. They will last. Plastic won’t.
Accessories:
Depending on what you want to make, you need certain accessories to make it happen. Some are standard, others are not. Your machine should come with a selection of feet, the bare minimum being a standard foot and a zipper foot. There are so many accessories out there. If you are going to quilt, perhaps a walking foot and a free motion foot. If you are sewing canvas and denim a walking foot. Planning on sewing a ton of buttons, then you’ll need a button foot too! Google your machine or check the manual to see what accessories come with it as well as what you can order for it. Make sure it meets your sewing dream requirements.
Do Your Research
Google machines, read other sewers reviews, ask around. Check this site – has GREAT information on sewing machines : PatternReview.com. It’s important to make an educated purchase. Not sure about a machine that you are researching? Ask questions, call dealers find out more. The more you know about what you are going to buy, the better.
Have you found a machine? Then you need to…
Try Before You Buy
Sit down and try it out. Have a friend that has a sewing machine? Have a dealer near by? Your Auntie Jane might love her machine, but is it the right one for you? You won’t know until you sit down and try it. Borrow a friends or visit a local dealer and try the machines, try them all. It will give you a feel for what your options are.
Try the different stitches, ask for a demonstration, spend about 30 minutes and use up all the scraps, get a feel for what the machine can do and what you want it to do. (You don’t need to know how to sew, the dealer or person who owns the machine can help you, just ask them, it’s ok!) Just ask yourself, “Self, is this comfortable? Do I like how this sews? Is the machine smooth”. Is the machine heavy? or Light? Does it vibrate across the table when you press all the way on the foot pedal? Will you be taking the machine to classes and sewing circles or sewing at home? It’s really important to ask yourself all these questions Don’t be afraid, just try the machines ask people questions, you will know which one is right for you.
Where do you buy a machine?
Well, lots of places sell them. I prefer many of the older models (from the 60s and 70s), they are metal and can pretty much sew through anything (with the right needle and thread), plus if you find one that has all the accessories and has been well taken care of, you’ll probably have it for the rest of your life! Check your local sewing machine dealer. Or your local Craig’s List. The paper might have them too. You can even check your local Freecycle. Tag sales and thrift stores are great places too! You could find fantastic machines for $20,$30 $50!!! Big Box stores like Wal*Mart and Target are not the places to get sewing machines. These stores noodle their vendors into submission to create sub standard machines, making us – the consumers think that we are getting a quality deal, when in fact, we would be buying junk. Buy from a local sewing machine dealer or fabric shop, You’ll get a much higher quality machine. It’s really worth your time to shop around. Do your research, ask questions of everybody and make an educated purchase. If you buy a used machine, sit down and make sure it sews before you hand over the cash. You will be sewing in no time.
Have a question? Please leave it in the comments.
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