Buying your first sewing machine can feel a little overwhelming.
With so many different machines, features and price points available, how do you know which one is right for you?
According to Kaye, our sewing machine guru, the best place to start isn’t with the machine itself. It’s with you and what you want to sew.
Before recommending a machine, Kaye likes to find out what experience you have, what you’d like to make and how confident you feel sitting down at a sewing machine.
Here are her tips for choosing your first sewing machine and finding one that feels right for you.
Start With What You Want to Sew
Before choosing a sewing machine, ask yourself a few questions first:- Have you used a sewing machine before?
- What type of sewing would you mainly like to do?
- Are you hoping to mend clothes, make garments, try some crafts or perhaps tackle something you’ve always wanted to learn?
You may also have been recommended a particular machine by a friend or family member.
There are no right or wrong answers. But thinking about what you actually want to sew is a much better starting point than simply looking for the machine with the most features.
Someone wanting to do the occasional repair may need something quite different from someone planning to make their own clothes.
Decide How Much Help You Want From Your Machine
One of the biggest differences between sewing machines is how much assistance they provide while you’re sewing.
Some people love a simple machine with straightforward controls. Others prefer a machine that gives them more information and guidance along the way.
Manual sewing machines
A manual sewing machine can be a great choice if you want something simple and easy to understand.
They are well suited to things like:- Basic mending
- Everyday sewing
- Simple craft projects
- Basic garment construction
If you don’t need lots of decorative stitches or extra features, a straightforward machine may be all you need.
Sometimes, simple really is best.
Electronic and computerised sewing machines
For beginners, Kaye often finds that an electronic sewing machine can make sewing feel a little less daunting.
Depending on the model, the machine may give you helpful information such as:- Which stitch you’ve selected
- What the stitch is designed for
- Which presser foot to use
- Suggested settings for that stitch
That extra guidance can be particularly useful when you’re still learning what all those stitches and presser feet actually do.
Computerised machines can take things further again, offering more stitch options, customisation and, on some models, the ability to save settings or stitch combinations.
The important thing isn’t choosing the machine with the most technology. It’s choosing one with a level of assistance and features that you’ll feel comfortable using.
Don’t Be Afraid to Try Before You Buy
One of Kaye’s favourite pieces of advice for anyone buying their first sewing machine is to see the machine in action.
If you’re considering a machine, ask for a demonstration.
Seeing a machine sew can tell you far more than looking at a picture or reading through a list of features.
You’ll get a feel for:- How easy the controls are to use
- How the machine sounds
- How smoothly it sews
- What the stitches look like
- Whether the machine feels comfortable to use
And, just as importantly, you can ask questions as you go.
A machine might look perfect on paper, but sometimes sitting down and having a go is the best way to know whether it feels right for you.
There Isn’t One Best Sewing Machine for Beginners
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that there isn’t one sewing machine that’s perfect for everyone.
The right machine depends on what you want to sew, your previous experience and how much help you’d like from your machine.
That’s why Kaye takes the time to talk to customers before recommending a particular model.
“I want to direct the customer to the machine they would understand and find easy to use.”
Kaye
For a beginner, the machine with the most features isn’t necessarily the best machine.
The best sewing machine is the one that makes you feel confident enough to sit down, switch it on and start sewing.
Ready to Choose Your First Sewing Machine?
If you’re thinking about buying your first sewing machine, don’t feel like you need to know everything before you walk through the door.
Bring your questions. Tell us what you’d like to make. Let us know how much sewing experience you have, or if you’ve never used a machine before.
From there, we can help point you in the right direction and show you some machines that may suit what you’re looking for.
You can also browse our sewing machines for beginners or explore our full range of sewing machines.
If you’re not sure where to start, ask us for a demonstration in store at Sew It in Hornby, Christchurch.
Sometimes seeing a machine in action is all it takes to find the one that feels right.