Question:
What kind of sewing machine should I buy?
Beginning Sewers
Buy an inexpensive basic machine or a used machine to start out with. After you have gained some experience, you will know what features are important to you and will be able to make better choices when investing in a more expensive machine. You can often trade-in your old machine or keep it for a back-up when the other is being serviced.
Sew Before You Buy
Take fabric samples with you to use when trying out machines. Dealers will usually demonstrate using fabrics that are easy to handle, giving the best results. In addition to watching a demonstration, you should test sew using the types of fabrics and techniques that you plan to use.
Think Before You Shop
Think about what kind of sewing you are planning to do before you start shopping for a machine. Make a list of features that you need and/or would like to have. Rank them in order of importance. This will help you when comparing machines. Remember, the most expensive machine isn't always the best for every purpose.
Research
Research before you go out shopping. Almost every sewing machine company has a web site where you can look at the current models and features. You will also be able to look at what accessories are available. This gives you a broader view before you go to look at the limited selection that is available in your area.
Used Machines
Many sewing machine dealers take trade-ins and have a selection of used machines. Used machines can be a good option if you are on a limited budget. When purchasing a used machine, make sure it has been serviced and tested by a qualified technician. Also, be sure that your used machine comes with an instruction manual.
Sewing Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up a good sewing room?
How do I select the right pattern?
What kind of cutting equipment should I use?
What kind of sewing machine should I buy?
How do I choose the right fabric?
What makes a good cutting table?
What measuring tools should I have?
How do I choose the right size pattern?
What is the best lighting for my sewing room?
How can I get custom fitting patterns?
How do I hold the fabric in place?
Where can I store things in my sewing room?
What can I use to store sewing gadgets?
What is the best way for me to store sewing supplies?
Do I need to preshrink interfacing?
What are some useful tools to have for sewing?
What kind of light should I use for sewing?
What kind of seam ripper should I get?
What kind of tape measure do I need?
How do I remove gum stuck to my clothes?
How often do I need to clean up my sewing room?
How do I deal with difficult customers?
How should I store my scissors?
How do I get rid of scorch marks?
Is it safe to use magnets around my sewing machine?
What kind of seating should I use when sewing?
How do I press seams without getting imprints?
What kind of thimble should I use?
How do I preshrink interfacing?
What kind of interfacing should I use?
How can I protect my back when sewing?
How do I hem thick fabrics like denim?
How do I cut open buttonholes?
What kind of needles should I use for hand sewing?
How do I hold the pattern in place?
How do I build a business reputation?
What pressing tools should I have?
What color thread should I use?
How high should my sewing table be?
What is full spectrum lighting?
How do I stabilize knit fabric?
How do I get curves seams to lay flat?
How do I sew over thick seams?
What kind of patches should I use?
How do I do a gathering stitch?
How do I make an invisible hem?
How do I learn new techniques?
How much time will it take me to do a project?
How do I layout the pattern pieces?
How can I focus my advertising?
How do I work with fabric cut on the bias?
How do I learn about my sewing machine?
What kind of pin cushion should I get?
How do I preshrink my material?
What kind of floors should I have in my sewing room?
How do I remove lint from my machine?
How do I make a top-stitched hem?
What kind of documentation should I keep for work taken in?
Do I need to follow the steps on the pattern in order?
can I use a magnetic seam guide?
What kind of sewing business should I start?
How can I keep my button organized?
How do I remove creases in fabric?
What kind of ironing board should I use?
Where can I get support for my business development?
When should I cut on a single layer of fabric?
How do I keep my thread from getting tangled up?
How do I sew an invisible hem?
How determine the proper care for my fabric?
Do I need to keep my sewing machine covered?
How do I get a smooth finished seam?
Can I use generic parts and accessories for my sewing machine?
What kind of pins should I use?
How often do I need to oil my sewing machine?
How do I clean out the tension discs in my machine?
How do I change the light bulb in my sewing machine?
Do I need to preshrink my zippers?
How do I keep the seam straight?
How do I prepare my pattern before using it?
Should I use a surge protector with my machine?
What color should my walls be in my sewing room?
How can I save time cutting fabric?
How often do I need to change my machine needle?
How often should I have my sewing machine serviced?
What kind of thread should I use in my sewing machine?
How can I store sewing machine needles?
What kind of thread should I use?
How do I straighten my fabric?
What is done during routine servicing of my sewing machine?
Where should I buy my sewing machine?
How much should I spend for a sewing machine?
How can I sharpen my machine's needle?
