How To Choose A Sewing Machine: A Detailed Guide

If you intend to learn how to sew, therefore you’re searching for a sewing machine for beginners but walking into a sewing machine store to get your dream machine might be quite intimidating due to the variety of sewing machines. What must you learn before buying a sewing machine? A thorough guide on how to choose a sewing machine is provided below.

It doesn’t take forever to comprehend that using a machine is far faster and produces much smaller, more accurate stitches than hand sewing. Compared to even the best hand-sewer, they generate stitches that are more consistent, more varied, and stronger.

These devices can cost a lot of money and require a lot of room, and they do have some restrictions. It might be wiser to invest in a sewing kit and learn how to sew if you’re thinking of buying one simply to mend a few pairs of socks or a pair of jeans.

Nonetheless, mastering hand sewing is a fantastic talent to have and will improve your machine sewing, as practically every job requires some hand stitching to be completed.

Sewing machine classifications based on function

It’s crucial to first understand the many available machine types before buying a sewing machine.

Household sewing machine

This is a typical sewing machine used in homes. Most sewing machines can be used for quilting, mending, alteration, and stitching.

It enables you to perform even finer activities like creating ornamental stitches, buttonholing, and satin stitching for appliques.

Heavy-duty sewing machine

While a conventional sewing machine can stitch through thick materials to some extent, a heavy-duty sewing machine is made to handle significantly thicker materials while still operating admirably on thin textiles.

Materials including leather, denim, and upholstery, are considerably easier and more successfully sewn thanks to their stronger motor and other excellent properties.

Although the functionality of these sewing machines is usually not as fancy as those on a regular sewing machine, they do let you sew a broader variety of fabrics.

This sewing machine is more appropriate if your primary stitching needs are for thick textiles.

Embroidery machines

Computerized machines called embroidery machines are primarily made for sewing digitally printed patterns onto textiles.

Everything can be embroidered or monogrammed, including towels, hats, and clothing.

Serger

A serger, also known as an overlock sewing machine, completes the fabric edge, sews a seam, and cuts off the extra fabric all at once. This completes the process quicker than a traditional sewing machine and gives your craft a professional finish.

The overlock stitch is modified by sergers using numerous rolls of thread, and the fabric is often cut with an automatic cutter as you work. They can sew a seam or link pieces of fabric edge to edge, and they can create stitches that will flex with the fabric.

When undertaking more challenging projects or sewing much more regularly, the majority of individuals enhance their machine using a serger. They can cost anywhere from just a few hundred dollars for a home-use model to several thousand dollars for an industrial-grade one. They are extensively employed in the production of commercial textiles.

Paying attention to the seams on your clothing, you’ll notice that they were most likely created with a serger.

Sewing machine classifications based on how they operate

It is worth considering the most important aspects.

Manual sewing machine

Sewing machines that are controlled by spinning a handwheel or pressing your foot are known as manual sewing machines since they have no electrical components whatsoever.

Even though manual sewing machines are not common among novice users, they are beneficial in places or circumstances without power.

Mechanical sewing machines

An electric or mechanical machine contains little circuitry and a built-in motor that drives the needle upwards and downwards through the fabric. A foot pedal powers the motor; the quicker it is used, the quicker the machine will operate. Electronic devices frequently include a lot of decorative stitches.

Mechanical machines are the most straightforward and affordable kind of equipment. To select a stitch or modify the stitch length on a mechanical machine, you must turn dials and levers, whereas, on a computerized machine, you can do it by pressing a button.

Computerized sewing machines

The most advanced type of sewing machine is a computerized sewing machine with an LCD screen. They provide additional stitches and functionality as a result.

There are preprogrammed defaults for stitch length and breadth, and error notifications make debugging simpler. The majority of the time, mechanical sewing machines are less expensive, however, computerized sewing machines have more features.

Sophisticated features like built-in scissors or the option to choose the kind of fabric you are dealing with are frequently included.

Even though they might seem complicated, computerized sewing machines are by far the most common kind of sewing machine and are relatively simple to use.

You might even be able to attach an embroidered foot to higher-end computerized equipment to turn them into an embroidery machine and use them to add intricate motifs to your project.

Generally speaking, these machines are the most adaptable and let you use your designs or ideas that you acquire online for your embroidery.

Computerized sewing machines are often more expensive but are an excellent option for a more seasoned user or a novice who sews frequently.

Factors to take into account while contemplating how to choose a sewing machine

To assist you in creating your list of essential sewing machine features, we’ll now go over a few more factors to think about and discuss your possibilities on how to choose a sewing machine. If you are purchasing your first sewing machine or upgrading your current sewing machine, the answers to these questions will vary significantly.

Sewing machine size

If you intend to sew regularly, a full-size sewing machine is advised because little machines have relatively limited capabilities.

If you go for full-size, be sure to verify its weight and size and determine whether you have a space big enough to keep it. Moreover, ensure your sewing machine is not too bulky or difficult to carry if you intend to move it around or travel with it.

Included presser feet

Your cloth is held in place while you sew with presser feet or sewing feet. Various presser feet carry out various jobs.

Do you anticipate using a certain number of presser feet? The majority of sewing machines will at the very least come with a zipper foot and an all-purpose presser foot. A walking foot, invisible zipper foot, blind hem foot, button sewing foot, and overcasting foot are a few other useful feet.

If you decide you need more later, you should often be able to buy more presser feet that match your sewing machine.

Automatic needle threader

An automatic needle threader is a feature found on the majority of mid-range and higher-end sewing machines that employs a little hook to pull the thread via the needle’s eye.

Durability

Whilst it’s important to look into, durability is not the same as how well your computer will hold up if it falls. Instead, it refers to the extent to which your machine will withstand different fabrics, like denim or leather.

Before buying a sewing machine, consider the projects you wish to work on and the fabric you will primarily use in your work.

A sewing machine that can tackle thicker textiles or includes foot options to make that feasible is required to upholster fabric, produce something out of leather, create your pair of denim pants, or sew a thick quilt.

Adjustable stitch width and length

The few stitches that are available on entry-level sewing machines have predetermined dimensions.

These settings eliminate the need to guess at standard dimensions for stitches like straight or zigzag stitches.

If you want to go beyond basic mending or stitching using a straight thread, it is preferable to get a machine that allows you to modify the stitch dimensions.

For adjusting length and width, mechanical machines have dials, while digital ones have buttons.

• The straight stitch. This stitch type needs to be flexible between 0 and 5 mm. You can secure stitches with the 0 settings and baste and gather with the 5 mm stitch length. Although you will usually use the 2.5 mm frequently, having the option to change it will give you more stitching options.
• Zig zag stitch. Back-and-forth stitches are used in situations where a straight stitch is insufficient, such as when strengthening buttonholes. Both the length and width of the zigzag stitch should be adjustable.
• Blind hem stitch. In pants and skirts, this stitch type creates hems that are almost undetectable.
• Triple stretch stitch. It can in helpful if you intend to sew knit stretch textiles.

Feed dogs

When stitching on a button or free-motion quilting, for example, you must drop them if you don’t want the cloth to move while you sew.

On some sewing machines, you need to carefully use a darning plate to wrap them. Although, more costly sewing machines feature a button to lower them, or they do so voluntarily when you choose, for example, the button sewing stitch.

Lighting

If you have weak vision, search for a sewing machine with a powerful light source. It is even better if the light shines through the needle from all sides, avoiding unpleasant shadows.

Marker for bobbin thread

Some machines include a clear glass cover over the bobbin to allow you to see how much thread is still in the bobbin.

Some sewing machines will feature a light to indicate when the thread is running short, and some will display a digital message when it’s time to swap it out.

Front-load bobbins may be concealed within the free arm of some low-cost sewing machines. The problem with this is that if you don’t inspect your bobbin thread before you start sewing, you could run out in the middle of a row of stitches without realizing it.

Backstitch

Back stitching is necessary at the end of a sewing project to keep the seam from unraveling. A cheaper sewing machine tends to be basic and rarely features a backstitch. To secure your stitches, you will need to sew over them twice.

Moveable needle position

Only one needle position is included with basic sewing machines. A modern sewing machine has needle locations for the left, right, and center.

Choosing any point between the extreme right and extreme left using the electronic screen is possible on the most advanced devices. Having numerous needle positions is not necessary for any stretch, but it can be useful for edge stitching, zippers, and demanding regions.

Changing the default needle stop position is another feature of some computerized sewing machines. You can decide whether the needle should always be in the up or down position when your machine stops.

The needle halting in the downward direction will speed up the process of turning your cloth around a turn if you frequently quilt or stitch corners and squares.

A guide to the characteristics and accessories of a sewing machine

A sewing machine can have a huge variety of functions, but having more features and attachments doesn’t always imply that they’re better. Several sewing feet attachments are included with sewing machines.

Below is a list of characteristics you could encounter when trying to choose a sewing machine:

Thread cutter

To make it simple to cut the cloth after stitching, most sewing machines have a little blade on their edge. An automatic thread cutter, in which the machine snips the thread near the fabric, is a characteristic of a more expensive sewing machine.

Extension table

For greater assistance and stability while sewing larger projects like quilts, an extension table on your machine is very important. If they’re not already included, you can buy them separately.

Speed control

The amount of pressure you put on the foot pedal while sewing determines the stitching speed. Some sewing machines have a speed control feature that lets you set a maximum sewing speed. This is excellent for beginners to avoid moving too quickly and losing control.

Knee lifter

Using a knee lifter, you may manage various sewing operations, including foot raising, by adjusting a bar using your knee. This is especially helpful while working on free-motion embroidery because you want to sustain contact with the textile to the greatest extent possible.

This was previously only available on pricey, high-end machines, but is now available on machines with lower prices. By keeping the material in place with your hands, it enables you to raise the presser foot.

Sewing machine feet 

To make sewing simpler, there are a variety of sewing machine feet available. Check the type of sewing machine feet it utilizes before purchasing.

Walking foot

Each layer of cloth can feed evenly and without shifting or sliding while using a walking foot. Also, it works amazingly well for sewing leather, coordinating plaids and stripes, as well as thick cloth. The walking foot may already be attached to some machines, while some purchase it as an extra addition.

Besides the sewing machine, the place where you sit should not be ignored. The table and chair or stool should also be chosen wisely and be comfortable.

FAQ

Conclusion

It might be difficult to purchase your first sewing machine, especially if they are really expensive. Being true to yourself and selecting a machine that is suitable for you and your needs rather than just one that is in demand is the key to making a successful purchase.

Before making purchases of a new sewing machine, fall in love with it. Visiting a fabric or sewing machine dealer will result in significantly better service than shopping at a big-box retailer. This is because a sewing machine dealer will be of better assistance to find a new machine that matches your budget.

I sincerely hope this information on how to choose a sewing machine was useful.

But if you don’t have enough money to buy a sewing machine, there are other options such as renting. If you are interested where and how, read the following article: Can You Rent A Sewing Machine? See How Easy It Is

Read also: Serger vs Sewing Machine – The Comparison