Tips for Choosing a Sewing Machine
Before choosing a sewing machine, determine what type of sewing you will mainly be doing; i.e. quilting, embroidery, garments, or heavy duty sewing. Determine which features are important to you and search for a sewing machine that meets or exceeds your needs. Realize that the life of a sewing machine can be 10 to 20 years on higher end models. So choose a sewing machine that will meet your current and future needs, as you might own it for a long time.
Take a look at the following features and questions to help you determine which features are important to you:
How easy is the sewing machine to use? What is your experience level?
If you are inexperienced, then you will probably want to search for a machine that has plenty of 'ease of use' features. Sewing machines that have more 'ease of use' features make for a more pleasant sewing experience. Features like easy threading, automatic thread cutters for the top and bobbin threads, the ability to lower the feed dogs, and automatic tie off of the threads at the beginning and end of the seams can make the difference between liking and loving your sewing machine.
Can you choose to have the needle in an up or down position when the sewing machine stops?
Can you set the sewing machine to a constant speed?
What type of fabric do you anticipate sewing?
If you will be altering a lot of denim jeans, or working with heavy canvas, then you need to look for a more sturdy sewing machine.
What are your stitching requirements?
Something with a good straight stitch is a must. But maybe you need a good zigzag, smocking stitch, or button hole functions. Are embroidery stitches important to you?
Do you need Interchangeable Feet?
Interchangeable feed are available on most modern sewing machines. They facilitate common tasks such as blind hemming, rolled edges, adding cording, and special feet for sewing on zippers.
More functions or less functions?
Multi-function sewing machines are very versatile. So why would you purchase a single function machine over a multifunction machine? Single function sewing machines are often very good at the task they were designed for, and they are typically much faster at this task than a multifunction machine. If versatility isn't a necessity, you can gain better performance off of a single function machine.
Buy old or buy new?
Older sewing machines typically aren't loaded with a bunch of fancy functions. In older sewing machines, the parts will most likely be all metal, as opposed to the modern machines that have many plastic parts. The older machines will have heavier duty motors that most new machines on the market today. You can still find good quality in modern machines, especially on the higher end. You've heard the phrase "they don't make then like they used to". That statement applies here as well. A well-maintained older used sewing machine might be worth a look.
Getting your sewing machine serviced.
It is a good idea to have your machine serviced and 'tuned up' every couple of years. This is in addition to the regular cleanings that you should perform. You probably have a local sewing machine service shop in your area. Modern sewing machines that contain a lot of electronics can be expensive to service should they break or fail. Take this into consideration. Sometimes the 'Keep It Simple Stupid' (K.I.S.S.) mentality will make more sense.