When is more than one sewing machine too many? People collect sewing machines like some people collect shoes, and there is nothing wrong with that. We’re talking about types of sewing machines and more today.
How Many Sewing Machines is Too Many
Types of Sewing Machines
I am going to review the types of sewing machines you might want to consider at some point in your sewing career. This is not an exhaustive list and does not include industrial machines. It also does not include your basic sewing machine that does nothing but sew.
Embroidery Machines
For this category, I am talking about all in one embroidery machines whose sole purpose is embroidery. They come in multi needle configurations such as 6 needle and 10 needle. They are stand alone machines that do nothing but embroidery. These are the type of machines that are used to embroider on a shirt or a baseball cap. These machines cost thousands of dollars, and I don’t recommend you buy one unless you want to start a business with one.
Specialty Machines
Babylock makes a wonderful machine, the Sashiko model which creates beautiful Sashiko embroidery patterns. It is a very niche machine that you would want to make sure you have a use for prior to purchasing, especially since MSRP is US$3,242.
Sergers/Overlockers
If you are a garment maker, a serger is a wonderful addition to your sewing machine collection. A serger wraps multiple threads around the edge of the seam so the seam cannot fray. A serger also cuts the edge prior to wrapping the threads around the edge. Other than securing a seam with a french seam, a serger will secure your seams much quicker. In my opinion, a serger is a must have for all garment sewers.
Long Arm Quilting Machines
Long arm quilting machines require a large outlay of cash, but are a great way to quilt your quilt tops. Long arms come on a long frame as well as sunk into a table. As a long arm quilter, I highly recommend mounting your machine on a frame of 10’ or longer. It is much easier to move the machine to quilt your top than it is to push the quilt through a table mounted machine. Pushing and pulling your quilt on a table mounted long arm is the same as pushing it through a domestic machine except you have more room to do so.
There are mini frames of 5’ that long arm machines with smaller throats can be mounted on. Please do not waste money on mini frames. My first quilts were quilted on a 5’ frame and it drove me crazy because just as I got into the groove, I had to stop to reposition the quilt. It also increases your time quilting exponentially.
Vintage Machines
Vintage machines almost need their own article. Vintage machines are well worth buying and you can often get them for less than $100. I own a Bernina 1120 which was manufactured in the 1980s. It is an amazing little machine that still works well today.
The only downside in purchasing a vintage machine is the availability of parts that could be needed to fix your machine in the future.
How Many Sewing Machines is Too Many
This is honestly going to depend on your finances, your real estate to store sewing machines and your need for specialized machines. I am not here to tell you whether to buy that machine or not.
Those of you who take classes or attend retreats, another machine can be very helpful, particularly if your main main is very heavy or sunk into a sewing table. Let’s face it, some of the bigger modern machines weigh a lot. My Bernina 770 weighs 32 lbs and never leaves the house (unless he is going in for service.)
If you really want a machine, buy it. If sewing machines make you happy and you have a use for it, then I say buy it. Until next time.
My Final Thoughts
I hope you found value in How Many Sewing Machines is Too Many? There are lots of different machines to consider and as always, please do your research before pulling the trigger.
Important Update
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