It’s almost Earth Day so let’s talk about those inexpensive sewing machines and just why they are so inexpensive.
PSA for Earth Day. Don’t buy a Cheap Sewing Machine That is Destined for a Landfill Site.
There is a big reason why inexpensive sewing machines are inexpensive and that’s because they are full of plastic parts.
When those plastic parts break, there is often no replacing them as they are not meant to be replaced. So your inexpensive machine is now as good as a doorstop or is going to landfill. Do you want that?
You Don’t Want to Spend an Arm and a Leg on a Machine
I get it. You’re new to quilting and don’t want to spend a lot of money on your first machine, because you’re not sure if you’re going to like it or not. However, spending too little could result in you paying for a second machine in record time.
Please do not buy your first machine on Amazon or from a Big Box Store. They cannot help you if, and when, something goes wrong.
Sewing Machine Techs and Inexpensive Machines
When you have a problem, you can try taking your inexpensive machine to a sewing machine tech, but they will tell you what I said above. The parts inside cannot be replaced and your machine is as good as a doorstop.
How to Buy your First Machine
Before you do anything else, please Google “sewing machine dealers near me.” You will quickly find out if you have any dealers close by. Then go and visit them. Tell them that you are starting out in quilting and they can then guide your choices. Sew on anything they recommend and anything that catches your eye. You will quickly find out which machines work for you and which don’t.
If you live more rural and don’t have a local dealer, please purchase from an online dealer instead. They can help you.
Buying your first or subsequent machine from either Amazon or a Big Box Store means you have no support. They will not teach you how to use your machine and they cannot help you when something goes wrong.
A Few Recommendations
Since I am Canadian, I am going to be using Canadian websites for my recommendations. You can easily Google these machines in your market.
Babylock Zest
The Babylock Zest is a mechanical machine that has 15 stitches and a 6” harp space (space between the right side and the needle). It costs $228.
Babylock Joy
The Babylock Joy is another mechanical sewing machine. It comes with 19 stitches and a 6” harp. It costs $336.
Brother HC3010
The Brother HC3010 is a computerized sewing machine available at $379.99. It has 130 stitches, an automatic needle threader and a 6” harp.
Vintage Machines
You may be thinking that a vintage machine is the way to go. This is an excellent idea and vintage machines can often be found for less than $20. However, the only caution I have is that they are not always fixable due to lack of available parts. Other than that, vintage machines are well built of metal with metal gears inside.
I always take the time to talk about this important subject around Earth Day. We don’t need cheap sewing machines going to landfill, so please don’t buy one.
You can buy a decent sewing machine for around $200-$500. You can also buy machines that cost almost as much as a car. Your needs will dictate what you’re going to have to pay for your machine.
Don’t be surprised if you end up upgrading to a better machine in the future. Your needs change as your skills grow. Make sure you keep your starter machine as a backup for when your new machine is in for its spa day or repair.
If you are like me and keeping stuff out of the landfill is important to you, please do not purchase one of these cheap sewing machines that could end up there.
I hope you have found this helpful. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email me here.
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