My first sewing machine was a loan from my aunt. She had an unused Singer manual sewing machine, that had been gathering dust in a corner of her house. It was a beautiful machine that sat on a wooden table, a sight to behold. At first it was a challenge to use but was after mastered it, I used it to sew up a storm and the rest is history.
If you are not so fortunate to get a machine from a family member or friend, you will need to buy one. To be honest I think this is the best option. Often inherited machines need to be serviced and sometimes repairs can be quite costly.
There are many sewing machine brands to choose from. It might help to consider a few things to help narrow down the choices. Below are a few things to consider before you make your purchase.
What will be you using the sewing machine for?
What will you be using it for? I believe beginner sewers should keep it simple. Many brands emphasize how many stitches they have, but I can attest that as a seasoned sewer, I have rarely used more than two. There are some features that are more unique and we will cover them in an upcoming post. Embroiderers might want to look at the decorative stitches that a machine offers. These machines are usually computerized to offer programing options for intricate patterns.
Where will you setup your sewing machine?
Before I moved to my current apartment, I had very limited space for a sewing studio. Thankfully most home sewing machines are quite small and compact, so I was able to find a corner for a permanent setup. Nothing impedes sewing progress more than having to keep setting up and taking down your machine. Find a spot in your home where your machine can remain visible and ready to use.
How much do you want to spend on your sewing machine?
You can find sewing machines in all price ranges, it just depends how much you would want to spend. While I have spent anywhere from $400 -$1300 on sewing machines, I cannot say that there was a significant difference in the quality of stitches they produced. Mostly they varied in how smoothly and quietly they run. If you are just starting out, I suggest spending no more than $200. It will sting much less if it ends up collecting dust in the closet. Though I hope I can keep you inspired enough to prevent that from happening.
Will you go into a store or buy it online?
If I can, I like to try out a piece of equipment before I buy it. Because of this I have not yet bought a sewing machine online. Most cities have at least one specialty store, that carries a wide range to select from. They also have experts to guide you in making the right choice for your needs. Machines are also available in national craft stores like Joann Fabrics and Michaels.
Now if you are comfortable making an online purchase, make sure that you fully understand the exchange and return policies. Though these purchases tend to be more affordable, there might be inadequate post purchase technical support if you require it.
All in all the most important thing is that you don’t take too long to buy a your machine, so you can get started on your sewing journey. If you start with a basic one, it will be easier to learn to use.
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