SEWING MACHINE ADVICE

What sewing machine should I buy?

There isn’t a straight answer to this question. It’s like buying a car. You have to find out what are you planning to use it for, how long and how much you are willing to spend. We’ve put together some guidelines to help you in your search for the perfect sewing machine.

Types of sewing machines

1. Basic domestic mechanical sewing machines that have your basic stitches. Mechanical sewing machines have one motor which drives the main shaft with belt. With these types of machines you get your basic stitches including zigzag and buttonhole maker. They are reasonably priced and are perfect for simple projects .

2. Electronic sewing machines have built-in computers as well as a small monitor for easier operation.
In these types of machines the computer controls different motors which moves the needle bar, the tensioning discs and the feed dog precisely. Computer allows you to choose from a variety of different and complex stitches. These stitches can be stored in removable memory discs as well can be downloaded from your pc depending on the model of the machine. We recommend these type of machine to anybody from a beginner to an advanced sewer. The only thing you’d have to remember that more stitches doesn’t mean it is a better machine. Just like your cell phone. How often do we use all the features we actually paid for.

3. Embroidery machines are a combination of basic sewing and ability to create different embroidery patterns. Depending on the model, those patterns can be built-in, stored in removable discs or downloaded from your pc. We found that these types of machines can be very costly and are mostly used by quilters. Built-in patterns are very easy to use, yet it gets very complex when you get into designing your own.
If you are into designing clothing, just think: how often do you see embroidered dresses on runways. If you absolutely have to have an embroidered dress in your collection it might be better to hire a professional embroidery company anyway.
If you are still interested, please, do your homework, try different machines, talk to quilters. You don’t want to find out that it is a wrong machine after spending thousands of your hard earned dollars. Go to AllBrands.com for more information. We like their selection and great prices.

What features and functions do you really need?

Straight stitch, zigzag, pressure and thread tension dials also reverse function are something all machines come with. The rest depends on a model and a make. We decided to group those basic additional features into three categories.
MUST HAVE:
1) Manual stitch length selection ( not preset)
2) Manual stitch width selection ( not preset)
3) Stretch stitches (at least 2)
4) Free arm sewing
5) Zipper foot
6) Manual buttonhole
7) Additional spool pin
8) Carrying case

NICE TO HAVE:
1) Speed control
2) Up/Down needle position button
3) Ability to move your needle to the left or right
4) Needle threader
5) Automatic buttonhole
6) Visual touch screen
7) Blind stitch for hemming
8) Ability to sew through heavier fabric like basic jeans
9) Auto-lock button
10) Overedge foot
11) Satin stitch foot
12) Straight stitch foot
13) Teflon foot
14) Rolled hem foot
15) Carrying case on wheels
16) Basic decorative stitches ( up to 10)
17) Ability to save your preferred settings

REAL EXTRAS:
1) Monogramming
2) Embroidery
3) Elastic stitch
4) Darning stitch
5) Other decorative stitches
6) Pin-Tuck foot
7) Ruffler
8) Roller foot
9) Walking foot

OVERVIEW

1) Consumer reports.
It is an excellent source of information on brand names but don’t make your decision entirely on their rating. Example, in mechanical machines they are rating Pfaff Select 3.0 as the best one. For the price of it you can get yourself a real good electronic Janome 6260 QC. ( We use Janome or Kenmore (identical) machines in our shop as it is very simple, reasonable, durable and not fussy).

2) Return policy.
It is always a good idea to be able to try your machine at home, not just in the store and bring it back if you are not satisfied.

3) Warranty.
Don’t leave without one. Most of the stores offer one year warranty and you can purchase additional two or three years. You can survive without a comprehensive warranty on a mechanical model but not on electronic or embroidery. Shop for warranty just as much you are shopping for the machine itself.

Warranty questions:
1) How long is manufactures warranty and what does it cover?
2) How long is extended warranty and what is the cost?
3) What exactly an extended warranty cover ?
4) Can I purchase an extended warranty later?
5) Do I need to register on-line or by mail?
6) Where do I bring my machine for warranty repairs?
7) If I have to send it, who is responsible for shipping?
8) How long does it take?
9) How does the warranty work if I move?

4) Maintenance packages.
More sewing machines come with not to oil, to clean only instructions these days. That means that regular in-store maintenance is more vital now than it is used to be. Make sure to follow cleaning instructions at home and maintenance schedule with the store and you will enjoy your machine for years to come. Maintenance packages are optional. We strongly recommend them unless you are planning to move to a different city.

5) Weight.
Weight of the machine can be an important factor if you are planning to attend classes, retreats or if you move frequently.

P.S. These are only guidelines gathered from experience, research and intended as information only. Please, use it at your own risk. Uptown Sewing. 2009

Back