There are tons of sewing machine models on the market, from expensive computerized machines that can embroider beautiful and large designs to simple machines that do nothing more than sew back and forth! Which model to buy on a tight budget and what are the basic features for a suitable and not overdone sewing machine?
Steps
Step 1. Let's first consider why you want to buy a sewing machine
Do you want to sew home curtains? Being a seamstress? Sew clothes? Doing repairs or changes to clothes? Embroider or patchwork quilts?
Step 2. Be honest with yourself:
how long will you use the sewing machine?
Step 3. Consider the first two points listed above when comparing different sewing machine models
The simpler patterns are meant only for occasional mending, while the high-end machines are designed to sew multiple layers of upholstery material, and there are even machines on the market that can embroider anything you can imagine. Prices range from around 100 to over 10,000 euros.
Step 4. Take a look online
Search the internet to get an idea of what's available and at what price. If you go to a point of sale in your city, most likely the shopkeeper will lead you to buy a much more expensive model than what you actually need.
Step 5. Get an idea of the price ranges based on the characteristics of the models
- 0-150 euros: "disposable" machines with plastic parts that are difficult to find / replace. Common brands in this price range are Brother, some Singer, Toyota, and many lesser-known Chinese sub-brands.
- 150-300 euros: machines of medium characteristics that may be suitable for occasional tailoring jobs, but which are not suitable for daily and continuous use (equivalent to saying more than once a week). The recommended brands in this price range are Singer, Bernina, Necchi, Brother, etc.
- 300-1500 euros: Sewing machines in this price range tend to last longer, because they are made of better materials and are better designed. They also have better spare parts availability. Most of the well-known brands have models in this price range, as well as in the mid-price range. We therefore find Bernina, Vichings, Husqvarna, Janome, Juki, Pfaff and also some high-end Singer models. The machines in this range are generally not available in large-scale retail stores and can be purchased in shops specializing in sewing items or online.
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Image A long-arm quilting machine from 1500 euros upwards: in this price range we find sewing machines used by tailors, dressmakers, upholsterers who use their machines on a daily basis. Those over $ 1500 tend to be special long-arm quilting machines, upholstery machines, and embroidery machines. Many shops specializing in sewing items rent these machines at a very reasonable cost, thus saving time and also avoiding the expense of buying the machine.
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Image "Cut and sew" sewing machine The cut and sew machine, or overlock, is a particular model. Sews with multiple needles and multiple threads to create stitches suitable for stretch fabrics, such as those used for t-shirts and swimwear. It's probably not the model you need for general use. If, on the other hand, the cut and sew machine is the type of machine that is right for you, know that you can buy it starting from 300 euros upwards.
Step 6. Reduce your preferences to two or three models
Step 7. Visit your nearest sewing shop and ask to be able to try on the various designs
You may need to visit different stores, depending on the brand.
Step 8. Compare your budget with the price of the machine you would like and consider any trade-offs
Would you like to buy a used car? Do you want to save a little more? Why not choose a slightly lower quality machine?
Step 9. Compare online prices again and check eBay bids
Often you can get incredible deals, perhaps finding a very little used car.
Step 10. Evaluate whether the store teaching the machine is worth the difference in price between the store and the online purchase
If you already know how to sew and can obtain a copy of the instruction manual, you may not need any outside help.
Step 11. Buy your car, take the time to learn how to use it and enjoy
Advice
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If you are a beginner or intend to use the machine occasionally, these are the most important factors to consider.
- Sewing Lessons: If you buy from a specialist shop, you can learn the basics and evaluate your sewing preferences before you even buy the machine. It will also allow you to understand what, how much and how you want to sew and possibly improve your sewing skills compared to an entry level machine.
- Number of stitches: straight stitch, basic zigzag plus variations on zigzag, button stitches, double stitching (requires 2 needles, used to reinforce seams, blind stitch hems). Apart from these, all other points are not essential. When there are 30 stitches, there are the most useful stitch types and everything else is purely decorative.
- Shirt Sleeve: Usually you move a section of the sewing machine platform to create a thinner platform that will allow you to sew the rounded parts of the sleeve. Most machines have this feature.
- Types of seams: The stitches above will produce the basic flat seams, including many of the reinforced seams. However, stronger flat seams, such as on the legs of blue jeans, require more steps. For speed, you'll need a higher-end machine or a serger. Other types of seams such as ruffles or ruffles are achieved by pulling the stretch fabrics while sewing. It is also possible to sew pleats with the help of a special foot, but pleating control is a bit of a problem using an entry level machine. Fixing the pleats manually, before sewing, allows you to obtain a more precise seam.
- Fabric Type: If you plan to sew jeans or other very heavy fabrics, such as heavy curtains, you need to go beyond entry level machines. Try sewing the fabric of jeans with cheap machines and you will see how the needles break! If you have a machine that cannot sew denim, you could sew a seam by sewing at the slowest speed, possibly turning the wheel by hand when you reach a seam with more than two layers of fabric. Sewing machines are not built for sewing leather. There are special leathers that are quite light and can be sewn. In this case, consult a leather expert.
- Lighting system: This is not usually found on cheap sewing machines, but remember that good lighting is always necessary.
- The lighter a sewing machine is, the better. See if it has a comfortable handle. If you use it occasionally, you can store it in a closet and take it out when needed. If you use it frequently, however, you will be entitled to a fixed location at home.
- Speed control: For beginners, the slowest speed should be used, while the fastest speed is reserved for more in-depth knowledge. In practice, speed corresponds to skill level.
- Duty cycle: this data is not available on most machines. In cheap sewing machines, this can only be important if there are long sewing sessions. Overheating can be avoided by stopping work.
- Hard Cover: Most entry level machines come with a soft protective cover or even without any kind of protection. The guard is useful for protecting the machine from dust, reducing maintenance, or it can protect the machine if you carry it around.
- Accessories: These can considerably increase the cost of the machine. They can also be hard to find if they aren't standard items (most are standard). There must be accessories such as presser feet for the various types of sewing: straight, zigzag, rolled hem, bias, buttonholes and more if you have a machine with decorative stitches (embroidery). Popular accessories are also an adequate number of thread spools, sewing machine oil, seam ripper, needle holder, fabric chalk, assorted needle pack, screwdriver, scissors and thread.
- Cost: You don't need to invest a lot of money at this point.
- Machine accuracy: Sewing speed, uniformity check, stitch width and length, thread tension check, presser foot precision and accuracy will determine the quality of the final result. The price of sewing machines of this level varies greatly, so it is advisable to compare prices between the various models and brands.
- Electronically controlled machines versus mechanical models: at this level, the best machines, in each category, are competitive.
- Reliability of the machines: compared to higher-end machines, the economic models cannot be compared, but they remain a good investment for occasional use.
- Maintenance: some machines require weekly cleaning and oiling (or possibly maintenance operations at each use).
- Well-known and well-known brands tend to be expensive, but they are always good value for money. Some examples: Bernina, Elna, Husqvarna Viking, Sears-Kenmore, Pfaff, Janome and Singer.
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What to do after the purchase.
- Check how to set up and use the machine. This is also important for experienced people. In fact, it is likely that the new machine will require several setup procedures.
- Perform maintenance only to familiarize yourself with the procedure.
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Purchase or install all accessories required for the following tests.
- Adequate lighting.
- Scissors, hook to remove the seams.
- Needles suitable for the weight of the fabric. A needle threader is optional, but useful.
- Presser feet or other accessories depending on the type of stitch.
- At least two different colors of thread that are not the same color of the fabric. If you are testing different weights of fabric, you will need to match the weight of the thread to the weight of the fabric.
- Fabric Samples: Pieces large enough to try out different types of seams, buttonholes and still test all your stitches. Collect samples in different fabric weights and materials: silk, cotton, wool, microfiber and stretch fabrics.
- Load a bobbin with thread. Use a contrasting color for the top thread.
- Check for stitches on fabrics of different weights.
- Adjust both upper and lower thread tension according to the fabric sample and sew. Are you going to sew silk? Sewing silk is a real challenge. What do you think of denim?
- The buttonhole functionality needs to be tested. If the job is not done well, ask for help or return the machine.
- Experiment with other options, such as embroidery stitches or specialized presser feet (rolled hem, gathers, etc.).
- At this point, the machine has passed the basic test or must be returned.
- To avoid buying a low quality product (unless you have to sew a lot, very little) check out the opinions of consumers you find online.
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Image How many points do you really need? Don't let the number and variety of points lead you to buy a car that you don't need and is more expensive. If you don't use them, they may not even be on the machine! You can do many sewing jobs simply with forward, backward, and perhaps a zigzag stitch.
