What Sewing Machine Should I Buy?

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By creativelycc

Sewing Machine

Are you ready for a new sewing machine? If this is your first sewing machine or even your second or third, buying a new sewing machine can be a confusing task since there are so many brands and types to choose from. Before making a decision on which one you will actually purchase, some things should be considered. This will keep you from becoming overwhelmed, which can lead to discouragement. Take a deep breath and plan to buy a sewing machine which will allow you to complete your projects with ease and give you lots of happy memories.

Considerations For A Sewing Machine

Purchasing a new sewing machine is a major investment, so seriously consider and make a list of what you will need your sewing machine for to help with your decision.

  1. The most important of considerations is the type of projects you will be accomplishing with your sewing machine. Will you need the sewing machine for making a diversity of garments or will you only be making quilts? Will you need a sewing machine that can embellish many outfits with detailed embroidery stitches or will you need a sewing machine to perform minor alterations.
  2. Types of fabric you will be using. Research and see which machines can handle the types of fabrics you will be using. If you plan to use heavy denim or leather, an industrial type sewing machine may be better for you. Do you think you will be using stretch knit fabrics, if so, make sure the sewing machine has a built in stretch knit stitch. Most sewing machines do.
  3. Frequency - will you be using it a few times per month or will you need the machine for your very busy sewing business.

Budget

Prices for a new sewing machines can range from a little over one hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.Setting a budget on what you are able to spend will help you to narrow your choices down. There are some fabulous sewing machines on the market which cost a pretty penny and can perform many different functions. There are also many reasonably priced machines on the market that can perform the same tasks. You have to carefully do your research.

Computerized Sewing Machines

These types of sewing machines have a computer built in them with a monitor displayed on the front of the sewing machine. The computer controls the functions of the machine making otherwise difficult tasks easy by pushing a button or tapping a touch screen. Many computerized sewing machines have the capability of storing stitch patterns and of downloading patterns from the internet.

Embroidery Sewing Machines

An embroidery machine can easily add embroidery stitches to attire, pocketbooks and other items. The machine is designed to perform these functions with ease. This type of machine can monogram your projects in less time than a regular sewing machine. Many embroidery sewing machines have USB ports which gives you the option to utilize a thumb drive or internet services to download extra patterns.

Brother SE400 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine
Amazon Price: $368.99
List Price: $899.00
Brother LB6800PRW Project Runway Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine
Amazon Price: $348.99
List Price: $599.00
Gingher 4-1/2-Inch Knife Edge Thread Nippers
Amazon Price: $12.99
List Price: $25.99

Long Arm Quilting Machine

A long arm quilting machine is a special sewing machine that helps you to make professional quality quilts. It also comes equipped with a table that measures 10 to 14 feet wide. The machine gives you the ability to sew pieces up to 18 inches on a side, making large quilt making easy. Only the machine moves during operation while the fabric stays still, producing professional long stitches and large patterns.

Serger

A serger is designed to cut, sew and finish a seam at the same time with professional looking results. Some sergers use up to five spools of thread to produce overlock and other types of stitches. Some sergers can be quite complicated to thread and some thread much easier. Once learned how to operate and thread, a serger is the perfect compliment to a sewing machine.

Brother 1034D 3/4 Lay-In Thread Serger
Amazon Price: $194.00
List Price: $463.30
The Complete Serger Handbook
Amazon Price: $2.05
List Price: $2.15
Janome 8002D Serger Sewing Machine
Amazon Price: $299.00

Hand Held Sewing Machine

Hand held sewing machines are great for repairing seams, hems and other minor repairs if you're on the go and away from your regular sewing machine. Some of these machines can sew a single thread chain stitch on light or medium weight fabrics. Many come pre-threaded and ready to use along with pre-threaded bobbins, needles and a threader.

Felting machine

Felting machines are one of the very first type of sewing machines. They are able to attach yarn or fabric to fabric by using a special barbed needle that attaches unspun fleece or felt to a base fabric. Projects can be completed faster and easier with a felting machine

Blind Hemmers

A blind hemmer is worth investing in if you are a seamstress or a tailor who does a large amount of hemming. These machines produce professional quality chain blind hem stitches and will save your regular sewing machine from too much use.

Comments

Pamela Kinnaird W profile image

Pamela Kinnaird W Level 6 Commenter 3 months ago

This is great information. I didn't know about the hand-held sewing machine or the blind hemmers. I had the same sewing machine for 36 years. Finally the bobbin threader broke. I had purchased a mini-bobbin threader separately years ago, but couldn't find it, so I thought it must be the perfect time to get a new, state-of-the-art sewing machine. That was a very anxiety-ridden three days while I tried to set up and operate my new sewing machine. I ended up putting it all back into the box and returning it to the store so that I could breathe normally again. (And I bought another mini-bobbin-threader thing, so I could use my old sewing machine again.)

It is a good idea to really research what you are looking for in a machine and its capabilities -- before you buy it -- as you've said in this hub.

Voting up and useful.

creativelycc profile image

creativelycc Hub Author 3 months ago

Thank you for your comments Pamela. You must have an excellent sewing machine for having it so long. I bet it's built very sturdy. So many of the new models are not as sturdy as the older ones. The best to you!

myawn profile image

myawn 3 months ago

I just got a new runway brother machine because my old singer broke.I love it, It was inexpensive but computerized stitches.It is easy to use/I do want one of the bobbin threaders too.

creativelycc profile image

creativelycc Hub Author 3 months ago

Hi myawn, I'm happy you got a new sewing machine and love it. Brother does have great inexpensive computerized sewing machines. I hope you make many happy memories with it Thank you very much for your comment!

billips profile image

billips Level 5 Commenter 2 months ago

You have put a lot of work into this hub - there is a wealth of information here for anyone contemplating a new purchase - in many respects, I think that the less expensive models perform just as well as their more expensive brethren - I think the difference lies in how long they will last - mine is still going strong after 39 years - B.

creativelycc profile image

creativelycc Hub Author 2 months ago

Thank you very much billips! The less expensive ones do perform very well. I do love the older machines, they were made a lot sturdier than the newer ones. What brand is your sewing machine?

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