Is this the year that you finally learn to quilt and get your first quilt made? Fantastic. Keep reading for what you need to know when searching for your first sewing machine.
What You Need to Know When Searching for Your First Sewing Machine
My first piece of advice may likely save you time, money and aggravation. Let’s start you off on the right foot. Please do not purchase your first sewing machine from Amazon or a Big Box Store. Please!
I know how easy it is to purchase anything online, however, what you may not realize is no one from Amazon or Target is going to teach you how to use your sewing machine, and they most definitely will not be there when it breaks. You notice I said when it breaks? That’s because the majority of sewing machines sold on Amazon and Big Box Stores are the bottom of the line and made very cheaply, therefore the price tag.
Did you know that the vast majority of those $99 and below machines end up in landfill? They do, because they were not made to be repaired. None of us want to be a bigger burden on the planet, so please don’t go there.
But What If I Don’t Like It?
I realize that this is a common thought of many new quilters, and you may end up hating quilting. However, I would rather see you invest in a decent inexpensive sewing machine and sell it or gift it if you find that quilting isn’t for you.
How to Buy Your First Sewing Machine
I have already said to avoid Amazon and Big Box Stores, but where should you buy your first and subsequent sewing machines (if you get bit by the quilting bug). The answer to this question is from a Sewing Machine Dealer. Before you start, I know that not everyone will have a local sewing machine dealer. However, how you define “local” may increase your chances of purchasing from a dealer. Take me, my dealer is about two hours away by highway. There are a couple of closer dealers, but they don’t sell my brand, and frankly I wouldn’t give them my business if they did.
For those of you who live far too rural or more than a two hour drive to a dealer, please buy online from an online dealer instead.
Top Features to Look For When Buying Your First Sewing Machine
In order to help you out, I wrote a small Ebook called, The Top Features to Look For When Purchasing a Sewing Machine for Quilting. In it, I cover all of the must haves, as well as a few nice to have features. I also recommend a few machines that are great for the beginner quilter.
Grab your free copy here and make sure you start off with a good beginner sewing machine that will serve you until you decide to upgrade. And, when you do upgrade, make sure you keep your first machine around for those times when your new machine is in the shop.
Sewing machines do need to be serviced from time to time. However, if a dealer is demanding that you bring your machine in every year, please find another dealer. My main machine has been serviced once in seven years. As long as you’re cleaning out the bobbin area and oiling as needed (if your machine takes oil), you will be fine. Some dealers make a lot of money forcing their customers to bring their machines in every year. I have even heard people being told they will break the warranty on their machine if they don’t bring their machine in every year. NOT!
Final Thoughts
I hope you have found this helpful. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email me here.
For more helpful quilting tips and tricks, make sure you follow me on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Until Next Time,