Sewing Machine Buying Guide

Whether you make your own clothes and other items, or just want to carry out simple repairs, a sewing machine is a very useful tool, with a wide range of applications.

Here are some useful hints and tips to help you choose a sewing machine to suit your needs from the comprehensive range available from online retailers.

How to Choose A Sewing Machine

Here are the main types of sewing machine that you can buy:

Sewing machines: These are regular sewing machines for making garments and other items.
Computerised sewing machines: You can programme these to do your own stitches or you can choose from a huge range of presets.
Embroidery machines: Get creative and watch as embroidery designs become quick and easy to achieve.
Quilting sewing machines: Very handy for anyone who likes to make quilted items, these machines allow for thick designs to be created with ease.
Overlockers: This a special machine which gives a professional edge to all your seams, cutting the fabric as it sews.

Sewing machines vary in price depending on the features that they offer.

Features to Look for When You Buy a Sewing Machine

When choosing a sewing machine, it's important to consider which specifications and features you'll need. These will depend on what you intend to use your sewing machine for.

Some key specifications and features to look out for when buying a sewing machine include:

Arms: These extend the bed of the machine, making it easier to sew certain items.
Displays: Some sewing machines have LCD displays.
Embroidery features: You don't need to have a separate machine in order to create lovely embroidery. Some sewing machines offer a very good embroidery function.
Settings: Basic sewing machines start with a few simple stitches, widths and lengths for straight sewing, buttonhole stitch, zig-zag and one or two other styles. Others have hundreds of stitches, presets and customising programs. Think about the kind of sewing you want to do and buy accordingly. Some models also have controls to change the speed and tensions.
Portability: If your sewing machine needs to be moved around quite a bit, you may want to choose a lighter weight model with a carry handle, or a more compact machine for easy storage.
Threader: Some sewing machines have an automatic needle threader. This is a great feature for anyone who doesn't have the steadiest hand or the best eyesight. Bobbins can be wound automatically and, once they are placed in the case, some will catch the thread for you.
Reverse stitch: This is always a handy feature, as it allows seams to be securely finished off.

Choosing Sewing Machine Accessories

Sometimes sewing machines come with a variety of useful accessories.

Accessories to look out for when choosing a sewing machine include:

Bobbins: If the machine provides extra bobbin cases to wind your cottons onto ready for sewing, you won't have to waste cotton by pulling off old colours to reuse the bobbins when changing shades.
Feet: An impressive range of feet will give you more flexibility when sewing.
'How To' instructions: Sometimes your sewing machine will come with a video or DVD to help you get the best results from your purchase.
Needles: Some machines include special needles that help to perform different tasks, such as quilting. If you want a machine that has a few different needle positions, keep this in mind when making your choice.
Pins: Always handy, a set of pins can be used to hold the fabric together whilst sewing.
Storage: Some models come with a special box for any accessories, whilst others may have a built-in storage area.
Unpickers: This is a small tool that splits stitches open when a mistake has been made.

Do I Need to Buy an Extended Sewing Machine Warranty?

New sewing machines are covered by a warranty, but the terms of warranties provided by different manufacturers and retailers may vary significantly, so it's a good idea to check them before buying.

Remember to look out for special offers or discounts when shopping for a new sewing machine. Products are often cheaper online, and by comparing prices between different retailers, you could find a great deal. You could use any money you save to buy accessories, or you may even find that you're able to get a better model for your money.