What to Look for When Buying Your First Sewing Machine

Every household should own a sewing machine! You need a sewing machine in order to alter a ready-made garment, to make a pillow case, to design your own fashion, and to accomplish countless other fabric craft projects.

Daunting as it may sound, it’s really not all that hard. However, if you are an absolute beginner, you may falter at the very first step: choosing the right sewing machine.

Ground Rules

It’s best to leave the dazzling multi-function computerised sewing machines, as well as the specialised overlockers and embroidery sewing machines for later on, when you have learned the basics of sewing and perhaps want to go further.

What you need is a good all-rounder. A mid-range electronic sewing machine is the go-to choice for beginners. Your machine should be easy to operate and able to handle multiple fabric types. It should be strong and sturdy, but not so bulky and heavy that you cannot carry it around. Your sewing machine should also come with a range of additional attachments, such as various presser feet (buttonhole foot, blind hem foot, zipper foot, and so on); if it does not, make sure you can buy them separately.

A well-known brand name sewing machine will cost you more, but it is usually worth it. Finding spare parts and accessories and getting your machine serviced is so much easier when you opt for a brand name! Some of the popular sewing machine brands on Bob Shop are: Bernina, Brother, Elna, Empisal, Janome, Pfaff and Singer.

And one last important general consideration: your sewing machine should be relatively quiet! If the clatter your machine produces bothers everybody around you, you will be sewing much less than you want to.

Must-Have Features

A good quality sewing machine will last you for years to come, so make sure that the one you buy is versatile enough to meet your future needs:

• Look for a machine that can deliver at least ten different types of stitches. Even though most sewing projects require only straight and zigzag stitch, it is good to have options!
• Choose a sewing machine that allows you to adjust both the length and the width of your stitches (for baste stitching, buttonholes, stretch stitches, and so on).
• Backstitch functionality is important because it makes it easy to secure the seams at each end, so that the thread does not become loose. (Without it, you will end up tying knots by hand.)
• An adjustable thread tension control is a must. Some machines come with automatic tension setting, which is nice to have. 
• Free arm capability is also non-negotiable. It allows you to sew narrow, round garment pieces such as sleeves.

Nice-to-Have Features

These features are perhaps not essential, but they will make your sewing sessions much more pleasant:

• One of the most useful non-essential features is a built-in needle threader. Even if you have good eyesight and steady hands, this will make needle threading much faster.
• An automatic thread cutter is also a great feature, especially if you tend to lose your scissors in the piles of fabric.
• If you work late at night, or in a place that does not get enough natural light, look for a machine with a built-in light.
• Top loading drop-in bobbin is a real boon, because it is easy to replace. Plus, you can see when your bobbin thread is low through a transparent cover plate.

What about Mini and Hand-Held?

Small, cheap and very portable as they are, mini sewing machines are definitely not only for creating doll clothes. Some of them have many of the features of full-size options. However, the majority of mini sewing machines are suitable for lighter materials. If you plan to work with tougher fabric such as denim, a heavier duty machine is a better option. If you decide to buy a mini sewing machine, make sure it has non-skid base. This ensures that your machine does not budge during faster needle work.

The handheld sewing machines are handy when you need to repair a torn seam while on vacation.

All in all, get the sewing machine that is right for you and you are sure to enjoy using it!