Are you a budding designer or dressmaker looking for the perfect sewing machine? Are you overwhelmed by the wide selection available, with so many brands and models to choose from? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll give you an rundown of what to look for in a sewing machine for beginners that will serve you for many years of dressmaking, home décor, handmade gifts and more.
The main trait that separates machines for beginners from ‘advanced’ machines is the level of usability. A sewing machine should be as quick and easy to use as possible, extra features won’t be required that you don’t have the skill to use yet. The best machines for beginners have an intuitive threading system, with the thread path clearly labelled, and plenty of help guides online to work through any issues. There should also be an easily-accessible bobbin and presser foot for quick threading changes.
It’s useful to take note of the kinds of fabric you like to sew with and the kinds of projects you want to make; as both of these will influence the features and performance you will need from a sewing machine. If you’re purely making soft furnishings, clothes and other robust pieces, then a regular straight-stitch machine should do the job. For those fancy projects involving difficult fabrics, you should look for an all-purpose machine with multiple digital, enough stitches and multiple feet attachments.
Keeping It Simple
Let’s face it – if you’re investing in a sewing machine as a beginner, your knowledge might be limited and you should strive to find the best machine to fit your abilities. Fortunately, sewing machine providers like Brother, Singer and Janome have begun producing simpler machines, which are an ideal first-time choice. These entry-level machines often feature a limited number of stitches, but they are very simple to use and easier to maintain. They come with plenty of feet attachments, making it easy to alter your sewing pattern as you learn new techniques. And as you become more confident, you can move on to a more complex machine.
When looking for the perfect machine for beginners, you don’t have to go for the most expensive one. If your budget is limited, you can definitely find a decent one for under the £150 mark, and even more for the low £100 price. But always bear in mind that price often reflects quality, and it’s best to invest in a reputable brand. The key is to try and be cost-efficient and smart when investing in the sewing machine that’s right for you.
Understanding Variables
When shopping around for your beginner’s machine, there are a couple of variables you should familiarise yourself with. One is the needle size – needles with small gauge are ideal for fine fabrics, whereas larger needles for heavier fabrics. The second variable is stitch length – a large stitch length will be used for basting and gathering, whereas a small length is used for general seams and top-stitching. Generally speaking, a machine with a stitch length of 3 to 6mm is ideal for beginners, so check the guidelines before settling on a machine.
Lastly, it’s essential to check the accessories or feet attachments that come with your sewing machine. Most sewing machines come with several feet attachments – a zipper foot, a blind hem foot and a buttonhole foot – so you can make the most of them with a versatile machine.
Making the Right Choice
As you become more confident in sewing, you can start to experiment with more complex machines, like the high-end industrial or embroidery machines. With these machines, you can tackle a wide range of projects from zig zag stitches to complex embroidery. However, though these machines can be quite expensive, there are a good range of more affordable ones that still offer a great feel, easy threading and versatile features.
Overall, there are plenty of choices in the market for first-time buyers. However, it is important to take your time and find the machine that’s right for you. Don’t be tempted by all the bells and whistles of an advanced machine, as you’ll be getting a machine that’s difficult to use, rather than a user-friendly one. Instead, look for a simple machine that has the right features to suit your needs.
Learning the Basics
It’s essential that you learn the basics in working with a sewing machine, or any machine for that matter, before buying. Most sewing classes or workshops offer the skills to help you understand and match the right machine to the fabrics — so if you’re feeling uncertain, it might be a clever idea to attend one of those classes. There’s also plenty of online tutorials and resources available, such as YouTube videos, to help you get started.
And, even if you’re an experienced sewer, it’s worth taking a refresher sewing class to brush up on your skills, or to give you the motivation to take on more challenging projects! A sewing class is an excellent way to gain more confidence, and to learn new techniques.
Test, Test, Test
Before you hit the ‘buy’ button online, try to find a sewing shop near you that offers ‘try before you buy’. It’s the best way for you to get the chance to try a machine, and to work out how straightforward it is to use. If you’ve got instruction booklets in hard copy, then that’s an added bonus. It’s also useful to talk to experienced seamstresses and get their opinion on the machine. After all, they are in the best position to give you advice.
Lastly, be sure to read product reviews from both experts and average consumers to know what people really think about it before making a purchase – this will be really helpful in terms of feedback regarding a machine’s performance and reliability.
Staying Updated
Typically, box stores and the big-name department stores don’t tend to keep their sewing and embroidery machines fully up-to-date. Unless they are very popular, they don’t even stock them. When buying online, make sure that you are buying unwanted returns, or upwards of 6 months old machines, as this will ensure that you don’t buy a machine with an outdated sewing software or a faulty part. It’s also important to remember that any feature-rich or complex machines require regular servicing, so make sure that you are aware of the service cost.
Learning from Others
Today, many sewing bloggers share a wealth of advice about the latest sewing machine models and their features; how to make the most of each machine, and how to overcome any problems. It’s worth keeping an eye on the tech blogosphere and following some of the more prominent bloggers for honest advice. Reading blog reviews can also be a sensible way to spot any common issues you might be concerned about.
Evaluating Your Requirements
As a beginner, it’s important to consider the weight and size of the machine, too. This is crucial if you plan to take your machine to classes or shows. Also, never buy a machine just because of its price tag – think long-term and make sure the machine is built to last, is easy to use and includes all the features you need. Balance this with the types of projects you plan to use the machine for, and be aware that some machines are better suited to specific fabric weights.
Everyone has a different sewing experience and end goal; but with a bit of research and knowledge, you can definitely find the best machine for your needs. There are many great machines on the market for beginners, so it’s up to you to decide which one works for you.
