Choosing a Sewing Machine
Your
sewing machine acts as a helper in completing sewing tasks
faster and increase productivity. Before you start looking for
your new sewing machine ask yourself a few questions.
Are you interested in making garments?
Do you need a sewing machine for crafting?
Are you interested in quilting?
Are you interested in making repairs?
Next, where will you store your sewing machine and accessories?
I have been all over the house in picking my personal sewing
area. I was in the
spare bedroom but later outgrew it.
I was in the garage, it was roomy but temperature was not
controlled. I have
been in the M Room (multipurpose-theatre room) but the pins
stuck to the carpet like a porcupine and plus it took away from
family movie night, even though I really loved the scenery from
the M Room. I am
now in the Dining/living room.
We do not use these rooms a lot, so I moved my hobby near the
study, close to my husband.
I used my dining table as a cutting table and/or visitors
sewing table.
So, do you have an entire sewing room for yourself, or will you
be setting up on the kitchen table? Will you be sewing on
top of your bed or in your bedroom? Consider the
space that you have available and the type of space. Do
you need to put your sewing away from others or children?
Do you have a child you will be sewing for? You might
like to do some embroidery for your awesome child/ren or make
personalized gifts, or do you plan on always storing your
equipment away and pull it out as needed? I would consider a
closet and a small sewing cabinet to store away sewing items.
Will it be in a closet with a number of different items,
like coats and shoes, or do you have an entire cabinet set aside
where you can store it?
If you will be sewing in a place with a number of other
people around, like your dining room table, you will want a more
compact machine without many accessories. You can go all
out if you have an entire sewing room.
What is your budget? How long do you plan on using this
machine? If you want to have it for years, you will be
making larger investment than if you’re just buying something
for a few months or a year.
Do not sweat this question because, most likely if you
are really into sewing, you will upgrade to a better and nicer
sewing machine.
First decided exactly what your stitching needs are, how much
sewing you are going to do, what is the purpose of your sewing,
will you have a sewing area to store your sewing machine,
and how much machine can you afford to spend.
Look online at different machine models as possible. Read
as much as you can about the various types of machines available
and then try out as many models as possible.
Picking your sewing machine features is half of the fun.
Try to get as much as sewing machine as possible for the
money (meaning more features and stitch option.
Mechanical machines connect all movement to one motor.
Eleven metal cams, one for each stitch pattern.
Whereas a computerize sewing machine eliminates many
moving parts. A special stepping motor in computerizes machine
provide more control, precision, simple buttonhole and ease of
use. Don’t buy from
someone who isn’t friendly, helpful and with tendencies to
charge needlessly.
A sewing machine can last a lifetime if you are careful before
and after your purchase.
Make sure your sewing machine is place on a solid and
firm table (those portable craft tables are not good to hold
sewing machine). My
husband was so rough with moving my sewing equipment around one
day, all my sewing machine felt to the floor as in a dominoes
effect. Need I say,
I suddenly had a need for really nice machine upgrade, plus
repair of my old machines.
This shouldn't be an impulse purchase, nor should you allow a
sales person to talk you into a machine you don't want. There
are dozens of different manufacturers offering dozens of
different types of machines. When you take your time and do your
homework, you can find the perfect machine for your needs. Many
sewing enthusiasts start with a very basic machine and over the
years upgrade to more complex machines.
You might be able to find a dealer who will give some
free lessons. Don’t rush yourself; this is an important
decision. I will
not pick your sewing machine for you.
I will only guide you in picking your new friend.
Keep notes of what you like or dislike about a machine.
Your sewing machine will be around for many years.
So, build your relationship with your sewing machine on a
sure basis on your desires for it and why you have chosen it.
It would be best to bring your own fabric samples to test the
machines yourself at various dealers. Owners say a few minutes
spent working with the machine will give you a good indication
of whether it's the right one for your sewing needs.
Dealer’s make sewing on a machine seen like child’s play
which is nothing if you cannot work the sewing machine yourself.
The following is a list of features experts say to look for in a sewing machine. The models in Consumer Search Best Reviewed meet most, if not all, of these considerations. Again, mark what you like and what you are interested in with your new machine. If you cannot afford your total list, you can purchase everything when you upgrade.
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Look for a solid construction sewing machine. The machine should have a good weight,
operate quietly and not vibrate off the table. It shouldn't
rattle or have pieces that can be easily snapped off. Make
sure hinges, levers and buttons feel strong.
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Look for a one-step
buttonhole.
Various styles of 1-step automatic buttonholes are preferred
and most machines include a special foot that creates
correctly sized, uniform buttonholes.
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Warranty and service. The industry average is 25 years on
the machine head, two years for most other parts and one
year on labor. Make sure your dealer answers your questions
and is willing to make minor adjustments without a fuss. If
you buy your unit from a discounter, find out where the
machine needs to go for service and whom you can call with
questions. Some inexpensive sewing machines have only a
90-day warranty; this is often true of entry-level Singer
and Kenmore machines.
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Buying online can be tricky.
If you purchase a machine online, make sure the retailer is
an authorized dealer for the brand and the manufacturer's
warranty still applies to your purchase. Note whether the
machine is new, used or refurbished. Be sure to ask about a
substitute warranty if the original manufacturer warranty
does not apply to online sales.
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A clear explanation of hidden costs.
Top-of-the-line machines offer a wide variety of options,
such as software, embroidery cards and additional
attachments. Be sure what is and is not included in the
purchase price.
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Other basic features include easy bobbin winding, droppable
feed dogs, a variety of needle positions and adjustable
stitch width and length.
Also, be sure to get enough stitches. A straight stitch,
zip, blind hem and buttonhole (or satin stitch) is standard,
but you'll also want a stretch stitch and at least a few
decorative stitches.
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Easy reverse stitch button.
I hate the reverse levels and it feels so cheap.
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Free Arm
- A removable flat bed so you can stitch small openings such
as sleeves. How deep
is the arm space, or throat? If you do a lot of machine
quilting, the larger this area is, the larger the quilt you
can quilt. The
Janome 6600 has a
large open arm space.
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Get a many built-in stitches
and stitch functions as possible
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A stretch stitch
necessary for knits
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Built in Embroidery designs and several monogramming fonts
are preferable for embroidery combination machines.
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Backlit, LCD/LED touch screen for easy stitch selection.
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Needle Threader
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Thread Cutter
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An overlock for finishing seams or decoration.
Zig zag stitch can work just as well
- A blind stitch for hemming
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A satin stitch for darning and more decoration.
- An on/off switch, so you can turn off the power rather than just unplugging the machine.
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Self lubricating machines will not need to be oiled but you
should make the effort to vacuum or brush out the lint near
the bobbin case frequently. You should always take your
machine in for service every two years or 300 hours - some
Bernina actually have
a display screen that warns you of this. Keep your machine
clean and dry by keeping it covered when not in use.
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An
automatic tying
or reverse of the thread so you no longer have to stitch
back and forth to lock your stitches
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A
dropping dog feed
so you can do work in free motion if necessary
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Snap on presser
feet instead of using a screw (this will save you time when
changing feet)
- Automatic presser foot pressure – Automatically adjusts for different fabric thickness.
- Top loading drop-in bobbin(this will make things easier)
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Needle stop position (needle up/needle down) stop in the
down position
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Sewing speed control level
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Does the machine have the ability to lift your presser foot
with a knee lift lever so you don't have to take your hands
off your work? Some machines allow you to choose not to use
the foot pedal at the touch of a button.
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The walking foot or preferable duel feed.
Dual feed makes piecing more accurate by feeding both layers
through evenly.
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Bernina is the only
company that offers a stitch regulator to keep the size of
your stitches even while free motion quilting at varying
speeds. However, several companies, including
Pfaff and
Viking, offer a built
in walking foot, accufeed or other version of a stitch
regulator.
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The ability to adjust your stitch length and width on all
your stitches. On the less expensive machines, if you push a
button for the blind hem stitch you may not be able to
change the size of that stitch, or with the blanket stitch.
A very narrow blind stitch will help you with invisible
machine appliqué.
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Does the machine automatically adjust for heavier fabrics?
You want a machine that
can sew several
levels of denim (like 8 layers of thick fabric).
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Can you see and understand all the buttons and levers on the
machine? Electronic and computerized machines can do
everything for you - but are not convenient to use if you
have to get out the manual every time you want to change
something.
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Embroidery designs. However, the disks and/or software that
contain these designs can be expensive. Could you do with
fewer decorative stitches?
You can save from buying embroidery disk software
some, if you can afford a Stitch Link I or II from Silex,
your machine is linked wirelessly to your computer for great
downloads. No more annoying wires to contend with or having
to locate your machine next to the computer. The wireless
connection will take care of that for you.
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Make sure you get a
good light that shines on the presser foot area.
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If you do a lot of sewing (or think you will), or sew for
kids, choose a heavy duty model. Juki started out as a
heavy duty machine quilting machine and now makes a reliable
home machine.
I
have noticed many professional sewers have a professional
Juki sewing machine or heavy duty machines that just sews
only (no embroidery).
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Sewing machine carrying case
- prefer hard case (if the machine does not come with one,
you can purchase one for less than $25).
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Janome AQS2009 is a stable economical and reliable starter
machines.
Did you know?
Janome
owns its own manufacturing plants and actually manufactures
machines for Bernina (the Bernette and the stand-alone
embroidery unit), Elna, Sears, the Pfaff Grand Quilter, and the
Megaquilter.
Dealers often put their machines on sale in September (National
Sewing Month) thru November and March (National Craft Month)
also while at quilt shows.
I buy what I really like, what gives me the most value
and I stay within my means.
I do not buy anything because it is hot or because it is
designer or to keep up with others (those things never interest
me). I like to
bargain shop and or get the most for my money. I may pay
retail for a little while, but I will not make a habit of paying
full retail price. I really like shopping around.
Did you know?
Brother Sewing machines seem to give you more sewing machine for
the money. I have
never found my Brother sewing machine unpredictable.
Brother International makes s a complete line of Printer,
Fax, MFC, P-touch and
Sewing
supplies and accessories.
Brother and Project Runway are always teaming up to bring
you the very best value and price.
Here are a list of machine
Brother LS-2125i,
Brother
LS-3125
and Brother
LS2600
is under $100 and affordable to everyone or for traveling.
If you can afford more get the
Brother CS-6000i for $167.
Machine less than $500 Janome 200e, Janome DC2010, Brother SE
350 Brother SE 400, Juki HZL E61, Juki HZL E70, Necchi Maxima
4595,
Brother Computerized 294-stitch
Project Runway Sewing Machine PC-420PRW
for $497 is really worth the money which came out after the
Brother LB6770PRW.
I purchased the Brother LB6770PRW Limited Edition Project Runway
Computerized Sewing & Embroidery Machine for $379 at Walmart.com
for my mother who is learning to sew; we both love this machine
(The cost for this machine is now over $100 more).
I prefer embroidery machines that link to the PC.
Euro Pro Computerizes sewing machine, I love it – it is
old but easy to use, solid and stitch thru so many heavy type
fabrics - from very heavy material to lightweight (it loves me
and the feeling is mutual).
Most importantly, I love the solid construction of my
Euro Pro sewing machine.
I am always buying Brothers sewing machine for others,
because it reminds me of the Euro Pro and it sews well. I like
looking at sewing machines.
I do not like the Brother PE700II Embroidery Machine
which I purchased but returned it immediately (I could not get
it to embroider without errors or stoppage) perhaps all it
needed was a software update, but it should have worked right
out for the box.
Did you know:
Both Bernina and Babylock are family owned? Pfaff
was sold and resold and is now owned by the same company that
owns Viking and Singer. Singer machines are no longer as
reliable as they once were.
If you can afford more or want more, I found these to be
interesting Singer Futura 350 (check for updates, due to
embroidery stoppage errors), Janome, Pfaff Creative 2124, Pfaff
Creative 2046, Pfaff Creative 2134.
If you can get a Pfaff before the company change the
quality of the machine, please run and do not stop.
I presently have different sewing machine brands in the
house. I paid the most money for my Janome 9700 Memorycraft; it
has many bells and whistles but is not my favorite. I like
my Euro Pro sewing machine the most. I can not justified
getting another sewing machine right now, if I could I will get
a older Pfaff.
As with cars, there is the economy version, mid range, luxury
range and exotic/high end.
It is also like this with sewing machines.
The exotic or high end sewing machine:
My dream machine is a Brother Quattro 6000D - if only it
would draft my patterns (pricey). I understand the Bernina 830
will give you the same for less money.
The Pfaff Vision is another ultimate sewing/embroidery
machine.
If you are getting a demonstration, ask to use the machine
yourself. A good demonstrator can make any machine look easy to
use, but can you? Remember, you’re going to pay for it and will
have to operate it. Do not let anyone intimidate you in buying
something you do not want or need. Make sure you can lift the
machine comfortably, especially if you don’t have a permanent
place for it. Don't forget to get classes on your new machine -
it may mean the difference from being able to use it or having a
dust collector.
Also, if you get a White, Brother or Singer, please check
Walmart.com before buying – they seem to always beat the others
in prices. How is Wal-Mart able to have the prices so low?!
I price check everything at Wal-Mart before purchasing.
Joann's always seem to cost more. You cannot use Joann's Coupon
on sewing machines.
So do your homework and look around on the internet and go to
different sewing machine dealers.
Check out Walmart.com and HSN.com for sewing machines,
you will be surprise about some of the prices or flexibility to
purchase sewing items.
If you can purchase your sewing machine from a dealer,
you may be able to attend free classes (insist on this) and gain
some new sewing friends at the same time.
I did not say your sewing machine selection will be easy
but it will bring you closer to sewing and bring you so many
rewards. Now you
know what I know, on how to select your new sewing helper.
Sewing is like drawing but using a sewing machine.
Did you know?
During the Civil War raiders targeted sewing machines because
soldiers knew that a damaged machine could no longer supply the
enemy.
Happy Sewing,
Sparkles
http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_c/C-203.pdf
http://www.sewingmachinereviewer.com
http://www.dressaday.com/2008/01/how-to-choose-sewing-machine.html
http://promotions.drgnetwork.com/eduseries/sw/sw-1of8.html#Anchor-Chec-3704
http://www.craftfinder.com/craftblog/how-to-choose-a-sewing-machine-113.html
http://www.abbysguide.com/sewing-machine/guide/functions.html
http://www.american-sewing.com/sewing-machines.html
Teach yourself how to sew series
- I just love Judith Neukam (she really knows her stuff.
