There are a few reasons why you might want to consider upgrading your sewing machine. The first is you have outgrown your beginner machine. The second is you want to expand your skills and you need a better machine to achieve that. Congratulations! Let me help you choose the right machine for you.
Things to Consider When Deciding to Upgrade your Sewing Machine
Buy From a Dealer
I know that I sound like a broken record, but purchasing from an in-person sewing machine dealer or an online dealer is your best bet. Please do not think that a 30 minute car ride is too far to visit a dealer. My dealer is now 1 ½ hours away by highway, but I won’t let anybody else near my machines.
Hold on To your First Machine
You might be ready to let your first machine go. You could sell it to someone to start their quilting journey with, but I’m going to caution against this.
The reason to hold on to your first machine is when your new machine needs service or a spa day, you can keep sewing with your first machine. These days, it seems that machines are having to be left for longer periods of time, up to 6 weeks to get serviced. Wouldn’t it be better to keep sewing for 6 weeks rather than take a 6 week vacation from sewing? Keep your first machine for this reason.
A Higher Price Point Means More Features
A higher price point equals more features. Sometimes this is too much for a quilter and then overwhelm sets in. For others, it is a challenge to figure out how to use all the new features.
I have one of those machines that came with hundreds of stitches and more. I have barely used any of them, but for me the best feature of my machine was the 10” harp or throat space.
Do Your Research
Do some research before you go visit a dealer. This can help narrow down your machine choices. If you liked your first machine, check out other machines made by that manufacturer that might fit your needs. If you weren’t so happy with your first machine, then keep your mind open to other manufacturers.
The biggest thing I can say about doing research is please read machine reviews. Find reviews not located on the manufacturer’s website, because they choose the best reviews to post. If you should find complaints about the same thing over and over, please cross that machine off of your list.
Before I joined the Bernina ranks, I purchased a Janome machine which had many very bad reviews. I read over and over about how the machine wouldn’t sew through quilting intersections which is a big problem if you’re a quilter. I put these reviews off to the machine learning curve. Unfortunately, I experienced the exact same thing.
I put up with this for 15 months before I gave in and joined the Bernina purchaser’s club. I will never sew on anything but a Bernina, but Bernina isn’t for everyone.
More Control
A higher end machine will give you more control of things like stitch width and length. For normal piecing this isn’t a big deal, but if you want to get into satin stitch applique for example, the ability to change your stitch width is required.
Try Not to Get Sucked in By FOMO
If you don’t know what FOMO means, it’s the Fear of Missing Out. When new models are released there is often a lot of marketing behind the machine. Take the current hoopla over the Bernina B990. I had been hearing about this machine for months before it was unveiled in the Summer. They are now available in Canada, but I’m not buying one any time soon (even though deep down I really want one).
Marketing is wonderful, but creating FOMO is the end goal. Unless you find a soon to be released machine that really meets all your needs, try not to get sucked in by FOMO.
A Bigger Throat Space/Harp Space
The need for a larger throat space comes with a bigger cost, no matter the manufacturer. Be prepared for a bigger price tag for a bigger throat space, but you will enjoy machine quilting your quilts within that bigger space.
What it Comes Down To
There are three things that your ultimate decision will come down to:
- Your Comfort Zone
- Your Skill Set
- Your Budget
If a machine meets all of those criteria, you have had a chance to test drive it and you love it, you have found your machine.
I wish you luck in the search for your new machine.
Check out my video on when to upgrade your sewing machine here.
My Final Thoughts
I hope this will help you if and when you decide to upgrade. There is lots to think about, but if you find a dealer and do your research, you will end up with the machine that works best for you.
Free Workshop – Rotary Cutting Fundamentals
On a different subject, do you want to learn more about rotary cutting? I am running a free 3 day workshop called Rotary Cutting Fundamentals on November 19-21. Each day you will receive a short recorded video with my top tips on all things rotary cutting. Rotary cutting is a skill that requires a fair amount of practice and patience to conquer.
Click here to join my workshop today.
I hope you have found this helpful. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email me here.
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