Buyers Guide to Sewing Machines

We are always getting requests for advice on what sewing machine to purchase. In response, we have compiled a short guide to make it easier to buy the perfect home sewing machine.

Where and How to Buy

When looking for a place to buy your machine, I would avoid buying from fabric stores like Hancock, JoAnns or from big stores like Wallmart or Target unless you are familiar with the model of sewing machine you are going to buy. Instead, choose a local sewing machine dealer that has a good reputation and stocks the brand you are interested in. Local dealers have better support systems: classes, warranties, technical support, etc.

If you can't find a reputable dealer of the brand you are after, then go into the unreputable dealer. They are the ones that take you to the most expensive machine when you walk in the door and then give you the "I'm very disappointed in you" look when you say it's out of your price range or needs. Try out some of their models to get the lowdown on them and get a good feeling for how they handle and then leave. You are not obligated to buy from them. Head back out and do some price shopping online or locate a dealer you think deserves your loyalty.

If you are buying used, avoid machines with excessive wear marks on the table or foot controller as this is a sign of heavy use. Make sure that you get the manual and all of the attachments that went with the machine. If they aren't all bundled together, someone probably didn't care too much for the machine. If you are buying new, a factory refurbished machine is a fine choice. They usually have the same warranty as new but they come at quite a discount.

What to Buy

Priorities:
1. Stitch length AND width modulator!!!!! (one knob to change the stitch length and one knob to change the stitch width)
2. Feed Dog Adjuster (not throat plate cover)
3. Variable needle positions (infinite needle positions is best)
4. Stretch stitches / special stitches (SS)
5. Nice and heavy. Light-weight machines don't stay in place well, and really, how often do you tote it around?
6. Quiet. Shhhhhh.
7. Smooth speed control - accellerates smoothly and stops on a dime
8. Fall in LOVE with the machine you intend to buy. You will be much more likely to use a machine regularly if you love it than if you saved a ton of money when you bought it. And if you divide out the cost of the machine over the number of items sewed, well, you get the picture. I'm not saying that you need to get suckered in to a high end embroidery or quilting machine, but do get something that excites you.

Preferential:
1. appearance
2. bobbin location - top loading or front loading. (I like front loading because the bobbin tension is easier to adjust but top loaders are easier to use.)
3. vertical or horizontal spool holder (I like horizontal, but all of my machines are vertical)
4. computerized or not (computerized machines tend to run smoother and have more features, but mechanicals have less "bugs" and will probably last longer)

Good to have:
1. A good warranty.
2. A carrying case and dust cover.

Here are a list of sewing machines that have impressed me:
• Anything by Pfaff or Elna.
• Berninas from the beginning of time up to the time you could buy them from JoAnn's (about 3 years ago?) The new, cheaper Bernette lines are problematic, loud and not enough for what you pay for them.
• Kenmores in the $200 - $400 range
• Computerized Brothers
• Husquervana Vikings that you get from the dealer, not from fabric stores. Again, they comprimised on the brand quality in the mass marketed machines, but still sell the machines at a higher price, relying on the past reputation of the machines. You could get alot more from another brand for the same price.

Here is a list of the machines that I have been unimpressed with:
• Most of the modern Singers. Their consistent quality seriously laggs. Plus, they have a line of "home industrial sewing machines" that are a total rip off. You get a tad more power and some suction cups on the bottom of the machine to hold it in place, but you are basically getting a low end, low options machine for a high end price. Their marketing tactics are unethical. I've even had Singer reps tell me this. Shame on you Singer for preying on the people who trust in your name.
• "Mini" anything.
• Sewing machines that have all the functions except tension on one dial. Yah, they look easy but you will grow out of them inside a project.

If you would like to sell your sewing machine, we offer a sewing machine consignment service.
Sewing Machine Consignment.