Sewing is a discipline that requires a great deal of rigour and dexterity. In order to succeed and obtain quality work it is important to be equipped with the best equipment available. Since equipment is the key to success, choosing the right sewing machine is essential. But for this you have to cross-reference a whole lot of information from the type of machine (electronic or mechanical), the number of adjustable stitches, the number of programs and the suspension thread setting. All this information is crucial and necessary for the choice of your machine. Depending on your requirements and the type of work you wish to carry out and your level in this field, one machine will suit you better than another. Here is a comparative guide of the best sewing machines on the market in 2020. If the latter presents bestseller models of the Singer and Brother brands, it is also interested in other models such as the Carina 291875, the Bernette Sew&GO 8 or the Toyota Super Jeans 15. Although this overview of sewing machines for hobby sewers is composed of versatile models for home use, each machine has its own specificities. To be discovered without further delay.
Our top 5 recommendations
Singer Initial
Strong points
Excellent price/performance ratio
Stitch length adjustment
Electronic rheostat
Comprehensive accessories supplied
Weaknesses
Stitch width adjustment step
This model is currently one of the best selling models and for good reason: it is an excellent value for money in the mechanical sewing machine category. At least from your point of view, it’s a great investment if you’re just starting to sew. With a power of 85 W, 10 programs, 18 adjustable stitches and a 4-step automatic buttonhole, it offers beginners all the features needed to perform basic work. Simplicity is sometimes an asset! This machine has many strong points: threading the thread is simplified, the free arm makes it possible to sew tubular pieces and the bobbin holder is metallic and very robust. The 6 feed claws also allow the fabric to advance smoothly. It really depends on the type of work you want to do. The sloping and illuminated work surface is also very much appreciated and makes work much easier. On the other hand, it will be able to put off the more experienced ones who are looking for more options. Anyway, The Original Singer is already a bestseller. Moreover, when buying a Singer sewing machine, you can be sure that you are not mistaken in terms of quality. The brand has been around for 165 years and today remains one of the world leaders in the field. We strongly advise you to read our complete test to get your opinion!
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Original Singer
- The essentials to get started in sewing pleasure!
- Modern and colourful design
- 18 adjustable stitches including straight, zigzag and decorative stitches
- Practical: simplified threading, reverse, 4-step auto buttonhole, sewing surface lighting
- Reliability and robustness with the metal canister holder
Brother CS10VM1
Another giant in the world of couture, the Brother brand is as much a reference as Singer. The CS10VM1 is a small digital display: for this price, it’s really a nice surprise and above all, it’s very pleasant to use. Thanks to this, the Brother gains in ergonomics and I admit that for long work sessions it’s pure happiness. Want to know more? The full test is just waiting for you.
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Brother CS10VM1
- LCD liquid crystal display and key selection of sewing functions
- 40 utility and decorative stitches
- 5 100% automatic buttonhole styles
- Integrated needle threader
- System for the quick positioning of the horizontal can
- Dual LED worktop lighting
Singer 41140 / 8280
Strong points:
Good ergonomics
Low noise and discreet machine
Easy to transport
Very good lighting of the sewing surface
Weaknesses:
Not suitable for thick fabrics
Risk of jamming at the can level
The Singer 41140 / 8280 mechanical sewing machine allows you to work quickly on many types of fabrics thanks to its 85 W motor. It integrates 9 sewing programs with 16 adjustable stitches. It is equipped with a 4-step automatic buttonhole, 6 feed dogs and a metal mechanical bobbin holder. In addition it is possible to control the sewing speed via the foot pedal. It has a compact appearance and can be considered light as it weighs only 7 kg. This machine represents a very good value for money and will be suitable for beginners as well as experienced seamstresses. It has a set of accessories that make it a very versatile machine, with a slide foot, a buttonhole foot, a buttonhole foot, needles, a guide plate and in particular several reels. Thanks to its many features, this sewing machine will allow you to make all kinds of creations such as making hems or mending old clothes. With an affordable price, attractive design, rugged durability, reliability and convenient stitch availability, the Singer 41140 / 8280 will get the job done with little effort. If you are looking for beautiful seams this machine is ideal.
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Singer 41140 / 8280
- Metal Can Holder
- 16 Adjustable Points – 9 Programs
- Simplified threading – Reverse gear
- 4-Step Auto Buttonhole
- Sewing Plan Lighting
Decorative Singer
Strengths:
Powerful and fast running
Easy to use
Robust and reliable
Low noise level
Weaknesses:
No cruise control
Can and threading difficult to set up
The Singer Decorative mechanical sewing machine has a motor power of 85 W and is very powerful compared to other machines in this range. She has absolutely nothing to envy her little sister the Original Singer. On the contrary, it is more complete than the latter. It has 19 sewing programs with 31 adjustable stitches including straight, zigzag and decorative stitches. This sewing machine gives the possibility to adjust the stitch length up to 4 mm to precisely adjust the stitch to the thickness of the fabric. The stitch width is adjustable only for zigzag stitches. The machine is equipped with a metal bobbin holder in vertical position, moreover the adjustment of the thread tension, which is a very important feature, is manual and is carried out by means of a suitable knurl. Its buttonhole is automatic and in 4 steps. To ensure that the fabric advances well, it has a 6-headed feed claw. This mechanical sewing machine remains compact and easy to transport even though it still weighs 9.07 kg. It will allow the user to give free rein to his imagination. However, the Singer Decorative is primarily intended for beginners and intermediate dressmakers.
Decorative Singer
- Let your creativity express itself!
- Modern and colourful design
- Creative: has 31 adjustable stitches: straight, zigzag, decorative stitches
- Practical: simplified threading, reverse, 4-step auto buttonhole, sewing surface lighting
- Reliability and robustness with the metal can holder
Brother X14
Strong points:
Convenient bobbin to set up
Quiet machine
Easy to handle and use
Possibility to use twin needle
Weaknesses:
Preset points for length and width
Cannot adjust crowbar pressure
The Brother X14 mechanical sewing machine has the right power with its 50 W motor. It has a limited choice of 4 adjustable stitches and 16 sewing programs. For this model, the stitch length and width are preset, so it is not possible to set them manually. This model is not suitable for sewing very thick fabrics. However, the thread tension can be adjusted manually. With a 4-step buttonhole at the button waist and 3 presser feet, it has 6 feed claws for easy fabric removal. Its metal can is easy to position and can be placed horizontally. Speed control is automatic. The machine is very compact and will therefore be practical to transport, weighing in at 6.8 kg. On the other hand, it has 3 crowbars on which it is impossible to adjust the pressure. This makes the Brother X14 more suitable for beginners than for more advanced profiles. The Brother brand with this model allows people to experience sewing while practicing on a quality machine even if it is limited by some of its features. It still has the necessary stitches for proper learning of sewing on the machine. In addition, it is often advisable to start with a cheap and simple sewing machine that does not have too many features so as not to get lost in it. So many elements to learn and discover the secrets as well as the joys of sewing.
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Brother X14
- 16 sewing functions and rotary hook
- 3 utility stitches (invisible stitch, elastic zigzag, elastic invisible hem)
- 6 zizag stitches with different width and length, Manual thread tension adjustment
- 6 straight stitches with different lengths
- 3 years warranty, demo DVD
Brother Innov-is 15
Strong points:
Very complete machine
Single needle threading
Machine
that warns in case of error
Easy stitch setting
Weak points:
Limited number of points for an electronic machine
Aged badly against wear and tear
Brother Innov-is 15 is an electronic sewing machine with 16 adjustable stitches and offers length adjustment up to 5 mm and width adjustment up to 7 mm. The Brother Innov-is 15 has a variable speed drive, manual thread tension, 7 feed claws and an automatic buttonhole. It is very quick to set up and fill the can. Its weight of 8.18 kg is reasonable for a sewing machine of this range. It will be perfect for sewing novices. Finally, thanks to its LCD screen, which guides and advises its user, the choice of points, the presser foot to be used and the general handling will be greatly facilitated. It is an extremely simple machine to use, very flexible and will allow a fast and well done work. This model will be able to satisfy any type of amateur dressmaker, whether he is learning or more experienced. Moreover, the Innov-is 15 machine can adapt to many types of seams more or less thick as well as to all kinds of fabrics. This machine is complete and is more than enough for a neophyte audience. Indeed Brother has thought of everything because it is composed of indispensable elements for learning how to sew on a machine: adjustment of the working speed, adjustment of the width and length of the stitches, essential stitches required, guide diagram for threading the thread… To top it all off, it is easy to handle.
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Brother Innov-is 15
- Brother NV 15 innovative sewing machine This machine has 16 useful stitches
- This machine has 16 useful stitches 3 different buttonholes — The electronic dial makes it very user friendly — Just turn the knob to the point you want to use and you can start.
- Easy to use — The LCD screen shows you useful information such as stitch length and width — Threading the machine is very easy with the automatic threader.
- 16 points
- Overview points: + 10 —- 3 Years Warranty
Brother Little Angel
Strong points:
Very nice design
Good protection for working
Free arm
High ease of use
Weaknesses:
Few programs
The Brother Little Angel sewing machine is a mechanical model created for the youngest as well as for sewing beginners. This model has 14 utility and decorative stitching programs, which is not a lot, but it gives you endless creative possibilities. The thread tension adjustment is manual which is very good for practice. The stitch width and length is preset. As the can is horizontal, access is very convenient. The machine is ultra light with a weight of 5.5 kg. This model has a 4-step buttonhole and has been designed for a young audience, which is why it is equipped with numerous protections. The chassis of this machine is very solid compared to other models in this “child” range. The Brother Little Angel sewing machine is perfect for hand sewing hems or buttonholes, and will be the ideal model to train in the basic principles and manipulations of sewing. Thanks to the most optimized ergonomics, any user will be able to quickly get used to the workings of sewing and become autonomous. Brother‘s Little Angel is a real sewing machine on which children or young people can learn to sew and make clothes, small bags or pouches, and it can also be used by parents to tinker with a few things.
Brother Little Angel
- Equipped with a finger guard to avoid contact with the needle when sewing, for creative young beginners with finger protection (14 stitches)
- 14 utilitarian & decorative sewing functions, including 1 buttonhole in 4 steps, for basic seams (hem, assembly,…) on different types of fabric (fine, medium, elastic,…)
- Free arm for sewing tubular pieces (trouser bottoms, sleeves,…)
- Powerful illumination of the worktop by “daylight” LED diode
- Preset stitch length & width, horizontal bobbin, manual tension adjustment, delivered with DVD for basic handling instruction
Singer MC Single 3221
Strengths:
Easy to use
Automatic threading
Elegant appliance
Different programs
Weaknesses:
For a novice audience
Reaches its limits very quickly
The Singer MC Simple 3221 mechanical sewing machine offers 21 programs and 22 adjustable stitches (straight, zigzag and decorative stitches). This sewing machine is equipped with a 2-stage presser foot, 1-stroke automatic buttonholer, free arm, 6 feed dog heads to facilitate the fabric feed under the needle and foot. The can holder is sturdy, made of metal and placed vertically. Its work surface is well lit and its rheostat is electronic. Thread tension adjustment is manual and there is the possibility to adjust the length on straight stitches and the width on zigzag stitches with the stitch width and length dial. With a featherweight of 5.7 kg, this sewing machine is easy to use. Its automatic threading saves a considerable amount of time. This is an elegant, ultra ergonomic device, in white and blue, which will suit beginners more than experienced sewing enthusiasts. A machine you can turn to without hesitation if you are taking your first steps in sewing. Indeed, it contains the most important base points as well as decorative and elastic points. It therefore combines practicality and creativity at the same time. A cheap sewing machine to use with good spirit.
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Singer MC Single
- Mechanical sewing machine
- 21 adjustable programs
- Automatic threading
- Reverse gear
- 1-stroke auto buttonhole
Carina 291875
Strong points:
Large number of points
Intuitive machine
Automatic threading
Robust machine
Weaknesses:
German language manual
Confusing because too many features
The electronic sewing machine Carina 291875, branded by Singer, has 206 stitches and the thread tension adjustment is automatic. It weighs only 7.7 kg, which makes it a transportable and compact machine with significant performance. The options offered by this machine are comprehensive enough to perform both conventional and difficult stitches. This electronic model has an LCD control screen and control buttons to guide its users through the huge choice of stitches (over 200) when sewing. The Carina 291875 is equipped with an automatic adjustment system, which can be an advantage for some, saving you time, or a disadvantage for others, as those more advanced in sewing will find it frustrating not to be free to make their own adjustments. This is paradoxical, but this machine has the advantages of its disadvantages. Indeed, if its choice of points and features of all kinds is really very wide, its user will quickly get lost in it. This machine will appeal to beginners with a use concentrated on only a few functions or to amateurs who wish to carry out precise adjustment work with specific points. And if you love DIY sewing and have already downloaded patterns just waiting to be made, then this machine is for you.
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Carina 291875
- 200 stitch programs with letters and numbers Quilting stitches, embroidery stitches, overlock stitches, automatic take-up
- 1-step automatic buttonhole
- Automatic threader
- High torque for solid tissues
- Memory function for custom stitch patterns
Bernette Sew&go 8
Strengths :
Very clean sewing
Robust machine
Powerful even on thick fabrics
Number of stitches
Free arm
Weaknesses:
No French instructions
The Bernette Sew&go 8 is an electronic sewing machine with a power of 850 stitches per minute. It is generous and comes with 197 adjustable stitches including 1 alphabet, 7 buttonholes and 1 eyelet. The stitch length (max. 4.5 mm) and width can be adjusted manually, the width of the decorative stitches can be up to 7 mm and it is also possible to adjust the upper thread tension, which is really a plus compared to other sewing machines in this range. It is equipped with a double crowbar lift, ideal for heavy fabrics, and with its head of 7 feed claws, it allows the fabric to slide easily. It is also equipped with a variable speed drive, a start/stop function and another equally important function, that of stopping the needle up and down. In addition, it has very good LED lighting of the work surface. It has 7 presser feet (soles), an automatic needle threader, a rotating hook and all this for a weight of 7.7 kg. Its handling is ultra fast and really easy, because its computerized system is very intuitive. Thread insertion into the needle is also easy and there is the possibility to sew without pedal, which is very practical for simple and regular stitches. The Bernette sew&go 8 is a machine rich in practical functions that will satisfy any type of public.
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Bernette Sew&go 8
- EASY TO USE: Ideal sewing machine for professional use. The innovative LCD display allows you to view the selected points 197
- SEWING POINTS: 197 different stitches (utilitarian, elastic. decorative) 1 Alphabet and 7 Automatic buttonholes including one rounded buttonhole, make this machine perfect for Patchwork and Quilting
- SPECIAL THICK FABRICS: Thanks to its excellent feed claw system, this machine is ideal for thick or difficult fabrics such as Jean, for example.
- INNOVATIVE: The start/stop button will allow you to stop and restart the seam at any time, and its rotating hook allows constant bobbin control and simplifies threading of the lower thread.
- TWO-YEAR WARRANTY. Since 1893 Bernina sewing machines have been synonymous with Swiss perfection and reliability.
Brother FS100WT
Strong points:
Robust machine
Good power
Space-saving
Easy to transport with integrated carrying handle
Weaknesses:
Machine slightly unstable at full speed.
The Brother FS100WT electronic sewing machine has a wide selection of 100 adjustable stitches for both utility and decorative sewing. This model offers indispensable stitches for utilitarian sewing, such as straight, zigzag, joining or overcasting stitches, and for creative sewing, it features patchwork, scallop, cross stitch or quitling stitches. It has a good power of 850 points per minute. It has 8 buttonholes 100% automatic in 1 step. Thanks to the stitch selection, length adjustment of up to 5 mm and width adjustment of up to 7 mm can be carried out very quickly by means of simple keys. The Brother FS100WT has, among other things, an automatic needle threading system, which makes it very easy to put the thread in the needle eye! The thread tension is manually adjusted and the bobbin is filled horizontally, making it quick and easy to set up. In addition, it has a speed variator, which allows its sewing speed to be controlled from slow to fast. Its LED lighting and backlit LCD screen allow you to see at night as if it were daylight. Finally, this model is ideal for sewing from the most basic to the most fragile types of fabric, so this machine will be suitable for cotton and denim as well as silk, sheer and even fine woollen fabrics.
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Brother FS100WT
- 100 stitch types, 8 buttonhole types, 1 alphabet (from 7mm)
- Backlit LCD display, Quick Positioning Can, Auto Threading
- LED lighting, quick-release foot, 7 drive claws, free arm
- LCD display for stitch length and width, reverse key, speed variator and stitch width and length adjustment, start/stop key, twin needle function, sewing with or without the foot pedal
- 3 years warranty, Extension table for Quilting and Patchwork
Toyota Super Jeans 15
Strengths:
Suitable for thick and strong fabrics
Good value for money
Easy handling
Very good performance
Weaknesses:
Lack of stability
The Toyota Super Jeans 15 is a mechanical sewing machine that is, as its name suggests, perfectly suited for thick fabrics such as jeans. It has a suitable power output with a 65 W motor. It has 9 adjustable points and 15 different programs. This model has a 4-step automatic buttonhole with a 4-head feed claw. The bobbin position is horizontal and the threading of the needle is automatic. This machine is ideal for mending parts on jeans and making hems, but not only. Indeed, it contains 6 crowbars: buttonhole, zip closure, hem, overlock, zigzag and special denim. The thread tension is manually adjustable and its weight is very advantageous as it weighs only 4.9 kg, making it easy to move around. Although the Toyota Super J15 is an entry-level sewing machine, it’s nonetheless ultra-efficient. It will suit beginners as well as advanced people, thanks to these 9 stitches: 4 decorative stitches, 2 types of zigzag and 3 types of straight stitches. It will be able to carry out simple to more extensive work. In addition, as mentioned above, this model has a guided needle threading as it has a thread guide that makes it easy to handle and work with. On the safety side, it has an on/off button which, in case of danger, ensures an immediate stop of the machine. All in all, the Toyota Super Jeans 15 is an attractively priced machine that comes with lots of accessories, making it a complete model for thick fabrics.
Toyota Super Jeans 15
- Product Description: Toyota SUPERJ15
- Type of power supply: Electrical
- Color: Black
- Sewing machine accessories included: buttonhole feet
Singer Brilliance 6160
Another Singer machine! The Brilliance 6160 is a more powerful model than the Initial but also a little more expensive. It is more for intermediate level seamstresses but will also be perfect as a first machine if your budget allows it. It is very easy to use thanks to its small display screen. You will have a choice of 60 points. The machine also offers automatic adjustment of the width, length and tension of the thread, which can be very practical. We also appreciate the assistant who makes threading the needle much easier. The Brilliance 6160 fits almost anything: it will be comfortable on thick layers of jeans as well as on thin and stretchy fabrics.
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Singer Brilliance 6160
- 60 stitches
- Ergonomic and easy to use
- Designed for difficult and thick fabrics
- Automatic needle threading
Juki HZL LB5100
As you can read below in our guide to choosing your sewing machine, the Juki brand is clearly playing in the upper end of the market. If patchwork is your passion, this model can clearly interest you. The machine offers a wide choice of stitches, from the most basic to the most fanciful. As on the Singer Brilliance, we like the automatic threader which allows a real time saving. Its 7 claw drive system is excellent and very robust. The adjustment of the crowbar pressure is done via a small knob. The machine assures even on the thickest layers or fabrics. Finally, its LCD screen will tell you which sole to use, the selected point, and it can even advise you on width and length adjustments according to your current work.
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Juki HZL LB5100
- 100 stitches
- Ideal for patchwork, quilting and decorating fabrics.
- Strong, sturdy metal shell
- Perfect fabric entrainment
- Simple stitching on pants, sleeves and cuffs
PFAFF Passport 2.0
We continue with another model in a slightly better range with the PFAFF Passport 2.0. What can I say about this machine except that it’s an excellent choice. It is robust and reliable. What’s more, it’s compact, which makes it easy to move it around, for example to go to your sewing classes. However, the brand has not neglected quality since the Passport 2.0 comes with the famous IDT Original system that guarantees perfect seams. With its 70 points, you’ll have plenty to do and give free rein to your creativity!
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PFAFF Passport 2.0
- Original IDT system with integrated dual drive
- Original PFAFF presser foot system
- LED lights to illuminate the working area
- 70 points
- Magnificent pinpoint for appliqué
- Comes with 6 feet and rigid hood
Choosing your future sewing machine can be a laborious and daunting task. It is difficult to make a choice when faced with the many brands and models available on the market. Finding the right sewing machine really depends on how you will use it, but before giving yourself a headache with all these possibilities, it is useful to ask yourself the right questions.
What’s your budget?
Defining your budget is the first step in making the right choice. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between what you want to buy and what you can buy.
There’s no point in looking at high-end machines if you have a limited budget. You’re going to hurt yourself for nothing. Decide on a budget and stick to it, even if you know you could buy a more powerful and advanced machine by spending just a little more.
Spending $50 on a cheap sewing machine is not a good idea, even if it sounds like a good deal. A cheap machine will not last and, in most cases, will not allow you to work properly. Buy the best product you can afford.
We also advise you to buy your product online. Prices are often more interesting and you will be able to compare them more easily. In a store, you are much more likely to be encouraged to buy something more expensive than you actually need, not because you need the machine, but because the seller needs to sell.
How many points do you need?
Once you know your budget, you need to think about what you really need in terms of performance. Your needs and desires are two very different things! To sew successfully, you only need one straight stitch and one zigzag stitch. These two points will allow you to do just about anything you want.
The rest depends on how you intend to use the machine. My sewing machine offers more than 200 different stitches, and even though I sew every day, I very rarely use anything other than my straight and zigzag stitches. The rest of the points are great and fun, but will you use any of them in your work?
Can you adjust the stitch length?
While straight stitch and zigzag stitch may be sufficient, adjustment of the stitch width and length is essential.
When sewing patterns for example, I adjust the stitch to its shortest length to ensure tight little stitches. I constantly adjust the length and width of the zigzag for application and finishing of the edges.
While most machines offer variable stitch widths and lengths, some cheaper models do not, so check better.
What accessories are supplied with the machine?
Having several crowbars can make all the difference in working optimally, so it is important to know which accessories are supplied with the purchase and which accessories can be purchased later.
If you want to make clothes, you will need at least a buttonhole foot, a zipper foot and an invisible hem foot to start with a good foundation.
However, if you intend to make quilts, you will need a walking foot, a patchwork foot from ¼ inch and maybe even a freehand embroidery foot. For basic sewing, feet of different widths are highly recommended.
If the machine you are considering buying doesn’t come with the feet you want, make sure they are available for purchase separately and don’t cost a fortune. It is also very useful to check the ease with which the feet can be changed. A lot of machines just have feet that snap together, which really saves a lot of time if you find yourself having to switch from one foot to the other.
How big is the machine?
In general, the heavier the machine, the more powerful it is. This also ensures that the machine will be more stable due to its considerable weight. A robust, heavy-duty motor will be more suitable for frequent or even intensive use, and will be better able to sew heavy fabrics, such as upholstery and jeans.
An all-plastic machine will not withstand the test of time as well as a machine with metal parts. Of course, if you know that you need to transport your machine frequently, even if it’s just to get it out of a cabinet, you might think that a light machine is better. But be aware that in general, a machine that is too light is often a cheap machine …
Which brand to choose?
The brand is very important in the choice of your sewing machine. All machines are not equal and are not built in the same way. Even if most people know mainly Singer, it is important to know that there are other manufacturers who offer excellent models, sometimes better than the most famous brand.
It’s not just about buying a name, be sure to look at the technical specifications. Brands such as Singer, Brother and Janome offer very successful models with interesting entry-level models for casual sewing.
Bernina, Pfaff, Huqsvarna and Juki will offer more high-end models with much more expensive prices, but intended for intensive use by expert seamstresses.
It is always best to buy a brand that is recognized in the field.
Is the machine noisy?
It’s something very few people think about when they buy a sewing machine, but once you’re sewing, it can affect your work.
If you’re like most people and only have time to sew in the evening (after work or when the kids are in bed), go for a quiet model.
Mechanical or computerized?
Most high-end machines on the market are now fully computerized, with touch screens and programmable point sequences. But they are also much more expensive, and if your budget is limited, the question is whether to buy a mechanical or a computerized machine.
Mechanical machines tend to be simple to use and are not as heavy because they do not have a built-in computer. They require much less maintenance. If kept clean and oiled, they will serve you for a long time, making them an excellent choice for someone on a limited budget.
A well-maintained computerized machine will sew a nice, straight and very regular stitch every time. Almost all top-of-the-range models are computerised, as this simplifies the selection of stitches. Most of these machines have a handy touch screen. Because computerized machines are generally more expensive, they offer powerful machines that are perfect for larger projects. In addition, they can be programmed so that specific stitch sequences can be stored, and they offer a huge selection of decorative stitches and embroidery. A computerized sewing machine will probably need regular maintenance by a professional.
You also have a third option: the electronic machine. It’s a hybrid machine between mechanical and computerized. It usually has a screen although the machine is completely mechanical in its operation. When properly maintained, these machines can last for decades. The electronics usually include stitch selection, needle up/down, needle position and a thread trimmer. These machines offer an interesting choice of points. They sew beautifully.
Whether you choose a fully computerized or electronic machine, you will have many more sewing options than on a mechanical machine.
How often will you use your machine?
That’s one of the questions you have to answer honestly. Most people will only run two or three times a year. So the question is not how often you would like to sew, but how often you will actually do it!
If you plan to use your machine very occasionally then a top of the range model may not be the best investment. On the other hand, a good quality electronic machine can improve your sewing experience and encourage you to start sewing more often.
If you’re a real sewing buff, infected with the sewing bug, and the only thing standing between you and daily practice is the lack of a good machine, then buy the best model your budget allows.
Keep in mind, though, that sewing should remain a pleasure, whether it’s once a day, once a month or just once a year.
What are your expectations?
This is the question that will help you decide whether your desire for an incredible and expensive machine is based on a real need or a compulsive desire to buy.
If the idea of learning how to use a new machine fills you with excitement, then a model with many options and possibilities will be made for you. Be careful because even if all these buttons and programs make you crack, there is a good chance that the huge instruction manual will give you a headache!
Similarly, if your ambition is to make quality quilts, then buying a limited machine will prevent you from achieving your goal and will probably leave you frustrated.
And if you want to make your own clothes, invest in a high-end machine that offers many options and possibilities.
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