If you’re just choosing your first sewing machine or your next machine, there is a lot to consider. However, the number of stitches on your new machine should be your last consideration. Let me show you why.

Why the Number of Sewing Machine Stitches Should Be your Last Consideration on your New Machine

If you are in the market for your first or next sewing machine, there are much bigger things to consider before you get to the number of stitches.

Sewing machines come with as little as one stitch or as many as hundreds to choose from. A straight stitch machine is a great place to start for a new quilter, but if you plan to sew garments or do satin stitch applique, a straight stitch machine won’t do. Most machines you will consider have at least 10-20 different stitch options.

Choosing a Sewing Machine for Quilting

Mom, dad and daughter looking at a wall of sewing machines.

A straight stitch only machine, like the Brother PQ-1600S, is a great choice. A straight stitch is used primarily in piecing and stitch-in-the-ditch quilting. As stated above, if you don’t plan to use your machine for anything else, a straight stitch machine is a good option for you.

But I Want More Options Please

A stitch out of all stitches available on a sewing machine. All stitches have been sewn with red thread on a white cloth.

This is an example of a stitch out of sewing machine stitches available on a machine.

If you want to make applique quilts or would like to use fancy stitches for your quilting lines, then you need more than a straight stitch machine and this is where it can get overwhelming.

If you plan to use the same machine for making garments, then you are going to need at least one buttonhole stitch. Not all machines come with this option.

The Most Important Things to Consider When Buying a Sewing Machine

Buy from a reputable dealer who will teach you how to use your machine and can fix it when your machine needs it
Does it come with the accessories you need to quilt or can you purchase them from a dealer (e.g. quarter inch presser foot)
Does it come with a warranty

My Final Thoughts

As you can see, the number of stitches on your new sewing machine are not that important.

Although I adore my Bernina 770QE, it came with 992 stitches. Seven years into sewing on this machine, I have only used the straight stitch, zigzag, one alphabet and a couple specialty stitches. I chose the 770QE mostly because of the throat or harp space, not for the number of stitches it had.

Like me, you may find that you end up with a lot of stitches you will never use. However, that’s ok if the machine meets your other needs.

Get My Freebie Below

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Before I end for today, I wanted to let you know that I have written a Free Guide, The Top 5 Tools Every Beginner Quilter Needs. In my Guide I cover the only things you need to get started quilting. I don’t want you to waste money on things you may use once or maybe even never.

Click here to get my Free Guide and let’s get quilting.

I hope you have found this helpful. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email me here.

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