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Most sewing machines have basic functions which suit almost everyone. However, for the more advanced sewists, you will probably be looking at something that offers more stitch patterns or functionality. This one question can help determine budget, make, size, stitch options, and so much more.
Machines for light to medium weight work and fabric will cost between $200 – $300. This is a very rough guide. You also need to consider how many additional features you might want.
Machines for medium to heavy weight work and fabric can cost between $301 – $5,000. Again, this depends on extra features.
A good domestic sewing machine should be able to give you years of reliable, good service. It is vital that you choose the best sewing machine in your budget, to avoid any disappointment.
Remember, even if you have a very limited budget, it might not be the best idea to opt for a cheap, plastic machine. It won’t last, and it might put you off sewing altogether. Have a look around and see what quality second hand machines are available. Rule of thumb; always buy the best you can afford.
Consider what projects you will want to take on with your sewing machine.
A sewing machine must be fit for purpose. There is no point buying a cheap, lightweight sewing machine, to sew your new heavy duty curtains. It simply won’t happen, and you will end up getting frustrated and annoyed.
Beginner or pro, it is vital to buy a sewing machine with the features you need. Always consider how thick the thickest piece of fabric you will ever use with the machine. If you are keen to get started on projects using fabrics such as denim, heavy cotton twill, or anything else with a fair weight; then the sturdier the machine, the better. Consider your sewing expectations, and it will always help when determining what to look for when buying a sewing machine.
Beginners will generally require a machine with a basic range of stitches. Think about what you want to sew. Even if it is just basic projects, you still require a good machine. It needs to be strong enough to cope with various weights of fabric. The machine will also need to have all the functions and features for your numerous projects.
Choosing the right attachments for your sewing machine is crucial.
This is an important consideration. If you are just getting into sewing, you might only use your machine frequently. However, as you get more experienced (and addicted!), you could use your machine increasingly. Therefore, it is important to think about how often you will use the machine for now, and for the future.
Be very honest with yourself. If you are someone who might only get the machine out occasionally; to mend clothes, do some hemming, or a touch of embroidery, then there is no point investing in a vastly expensive machine.
If you have become addicted to sewing – trust us, it happens very easily – then you know you will use it often. Choosing a machine that is sturdy, with a metal frame inside will be ideal for you, and well worth the investment. Buying the best you can afford is the best approach.
Sewing machines normally come with a range of additional attachments and features. These can range from very few and basic, to hundreds! It is important to research which attachments come as standard on your machine, and which you can buy separately, if needed.
Buttonhole foot, blind hem foot, zipper foot – these are all important features for making clothing
Different width feet – these are invaluable for basic sewing, allowing you to switch between allowance widths and the zigzag stitch
Walking foot, ¼” foot, freehand embroidery foot – these features are necessary if you want make quilts
If your machine doesn’t come with all the bolts and whistles that you want, ensure that you can buy these separately.
How many stitches will you need in your sewing machine?
OK, this might sound like a petty consideration, but it is extremely important. A lot of people don’t think about this attribute when buying a sewing machine. But, if you end up with a very noisy machine, it might affect how often you use it.
Most hobby sewists only have time to sew in the evenings and in their spare time. You therefore wouldn’t want to settle down for a spot of relaxing sewing, only to be met with the sound of a jackhammer in your home!
When choosing your machine, make sure you really test out the functions before you buy it, so you can truly judge how noisy or quiet it is.
There are machines available with as few as 10 stitch options, and as many as 300 stitch options! To be a good – or even a great – seamstress, you really only need a zigzag stitch and a straight stitch. These come in various designs, styles, widths, and lengths.
When a machine comes with hundreds of stitch options, including various shapes, designs, styles, widths, and lengths, they might look great, but ask yourself; are you really going to use them? Even expert sewists rarely drift away from the trusted straight or zigzag stitch.
Remember to have a good stock of thread, spare needles, pins and tape.
We have all heard of the big, famous sewing machine brands, which are renowned for their quality and craftsmanship. Juki, Singer, Brother, and Janome are among the leaders in the industry. But which is the best sewing machine brand?
Additional features
Build quality
Quality of layout and design
Ability to sew every type of fabric or textile
Life expectancy of the machine
Computerised sewing machines – easy to use for both beginners and experienced sewists. Very versatile, it works by using several motors to control different actions of the device. This includes speed control, needle function, and auto-lock. Extremely precise, and can memorise past projects, and download patterns from online when connected to a PC.
Overlockers – a finishing machine, used for hems and seams. They also have decorative stitching options. A great plus – they can sew a seam, finish the edge and cut off excess fabric.
If you are into sewing bags which require fabric materials like canvas and up to PVC or PU Leather, Janome HD5000 is your best bet. It is perfect for a beginner and for a wide range of sewing. It has a heavy-duty aluminium body and 18 stitches (mostly utility useful stitches only for this HD model), including a one-step buttonhole, give you the tools you need to handle any kind of sewing project.
Moving on to the professional sewists will be the Janome Skyline S5. It has a wide sewing space of 211mm to the right of the needle, more automated settings for customisation with a 9mm stitch width, automated locking stitch and thread-cutter. The rigid die-cast aluminium frame ensures stable sewing even at high speeds, up to 1,000 stitches per minute and the larger arm space ensures the machine is equally suited to both larger projects.
And of course, let’s not forget about kids-friendly sewing machines. The Janome 4120Q is best recommended for children as it comes with a thread-cutter and alphabet font sewing. It has 120 stitches and 269 Alphabet Stitches, twin-needle functionality, superior editing, and mirror stitching are just a few of the cutting-edge features of this special machine. The Janome 4120QDC has the power, precision and convenience you need to realise your child’s creative potential.
* Click on the highlighted sewing machine models to view more features of sewing machines.