Choosing a sewing machine can be an overwhelming experience. There are so many machines on the market at different price points. Where do you start? Let me help you choose your new machine.
How to Choose a Sewing Machine
Buying a sewing machine doesn’t have to be a week’s long research project. However, my first piece of advice is the most important that I will give you. Please Google “sewing machine dealers near me.”
Big box stores and Amazon ARE NOT the places to purchase your new sewing machine. While this may be the most convenient option, they cannot teach you how to use your machine (every machine has a learning curve) and they cannot help when something goes wrong, and something usually goes wrong. If you do not have a local dealer, please consider purchasing from an online dealer instead. They can help you when things go wrong. In Canada, I recommend Nova Sewing in Hamilton, Ontario. In the US, I know that Sewing Machines Plus is a great store.
Visit your Local Dealer
Going back to your Google search, if you found a local dealer(s), please go and visit them. They do not bite. Tell them what you are planning to sew and what your budget is. With this information, they will guide your choices. I always tell folks to sew on everything that fits your criteria. The machine you think you will like, may not be what you thought at all.
In addition, when visiting local dealers, they frequently have machines that were traded in on a new model in stock. These machines have been cleaned and ensured they are in good working order. The best part about purchasing a trade-in is they come at a far lower price than MSRP and usually come with a short warranty too. This is a great way to get more machine for your dollar.
Quilter’s Edition Sewing Machines
Although my main machine is a Quilter’s Edition model, you do not need one to get started quilting. Machines are branded as Quilter’s Edition models because they come with additional features or accessories for quilting. An example of this is a quarter inch presser foot or large plexiglass table. These accessories can be purchased separately, but the price on a Quilter’s Edition package is frequently very attractive.
Quilting Features to Look For in your New Sewing Machine
Quarter Inch Foot
A quarter inch presser foot will make your life easier in sewing a quarter inch seam. The quarter inch seam is the standard seam allowance in quilting and is important. If your machine doesn’t come with a quarter inch foot, make sure you purchase one made for your machine (not an Amazon generic knock off).
Larger Throat (Harp) Space
The throat space on a sewing machine is measured from the needle to the right side of your machine. The bigger the throat space the easier time you will have quilting your quilts. Many sewing machines come with tiny throat spaces such as 5”-6”. While this is usually fine for garment sewing, it makes quilting your quilts much harder.
One thing to keep in mind is the larger the throat on your machine the higher the price tag. As an alternative, you could outsource the quilting of your quilts to a long arm quilter instead.
Other Features to Consider in your New Sewing Machine
Large Plexiglass Table
Using a large plexiglass table can be very helpful when quilting your quilt or in the construction of your quilt top. If one doesn’t come with your machine, you can purchase tables made by your machine manufacturer or even third party manufacturers very easily.
Free Motion/Embroidery Presser Foot
Free motion presser feet are often called embroidery feet. They come in a variety of styles including closed, open and drop shaped. My favourite is an open foot because I like to see where I’m going. Please purchase the free motion foot made for your machine.
Walking Foot
A walking foot is a large foot designed to move multiple layers of fabric at the same time. A walking foot is particularly helpful when quilting your quilt sandwich. It keeps all three layers of your quilt together and moving at the same speed. If you plan to quilt your own quilts, you will find a walking foot very helpful.
IDT (Integrated Dual Feed)
Pfaff invented this technology and it was only available on their machines until around 2007. IDT is a lever you pull down from the back of the machine that functions as a walking foot without being a big clunky walking foot. Since the expiration of the patent, Dual Feed is available on many sewing machine models including Bernina and Janome.
A Little Research Goes a Long Way
Now that you know what to look for in your new sewing machine, do a little research. Google terms like “best sewing machine for beginners” or “first sewing machine.” Having done a little research first will make your trip to your local dealer easier since you will already know something about their models.
Read Machine Reviews
Since you’re doing a little research anyways, make sure you read reviews, particularly the bad ones. This can help save you in the end. When I was looking for a new machine, I thought I knew which machine to buy, but totally ignored a ton of negative reviews. I chose to ignore them because I put them off to the learning curve. However, I quickly found out that my machine had the exact same problem and it was NOT the learning curve.
If you see multiple reviews about the same thing, cross that machine off of your list.
Don’t Cheap Out
I know this will be hard for many people, but please don’t purchase a machine that is $99 or less. Those machines are just plain poorly made and if it needs servicing, you will be told not to bother. The mechanic that will tell you this will not be demeaning or rude, it’s just the way these machines are made. They are made to be replaced, not repaired. Do you want your machine ending up in landfill?
I know you don’t want to invest a lot of money into something you may not even like, but please purchase a higher quality machine that can be fixed if needed. If you find that quilting is not for you, then you can always sell it or donate it.
My Final Thoughts
I hope you found value in How to Choose a Sewing Machine. Buying a sewing machine is a big consideration in getting started quilting. Making the best choice for your budget and your intended machine use will make a big difference in your getting started quilting. Until next time.
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