What should I look for in a sewing machine?

Question

I have decided to try out making some basic clothes/bags but have absolutely no idea what to look for in a sewing machine - anybody know what features/functions to out for, for basic dressmaking?

Answer 1

You NEED: adjustable stitch length, stitching backwards and forwards, zig zag stitching, easily made button holes, some kind of stretch stitch for sewing knits. Stuff that's also really good: needle down feature (when you stop sewing the needle always ends up in the needle down position). Attachments and extra presser feet are really cool, I have a really old machine but I have several specialty feet that do lots of stuff...1 that is for edge stitching (zig zag stitch that ends up right on the edge of fabric, good for ravelly fabrics); 1 that is for joining two separate pieces of fabric (also good for putting trim on, or joining two pieces of fabric so they're twice as wide), a zipper foot is essential (there's two of those i think...one "regular" foot and one for invisible zippers). A quarter inch foot is essential if you intend to do any quilting. Please feel free to contact me directly, if you have any other questions.
OH...and lessons are good...make sure they're going to teach you how to use the features on the machine that you aren't familiar with.

Answer 2

Basically, you should look for what you'll use. I know, that's not very helpful. I have had several machines (left them when I moved again and got another one) and used many more. I quickly discovered that most of the features are things I just plain don't use. I've had machines with tons of fancy stitches. I played with them at first, of course, but then just used straight and zigzag.

My current machine is about 4 years old and is the bottom of the line from WalMart. It's a Brother brand. I paid about $100.- for it brand new. It goes forward and backward and does straight and zigzag. I sew a fair bit. I work in the costume department of a summer theatre (have done that for years) and have been making most of my own clothes for many years, as well. I make bags and other such items for friends. Those friends couldn't imagine me without a sewing machine, and yet I have the simplest model available. It suits me just fine.

I'd say start with a simple one. New, it should run you about $100- to $200.- depending on the brand and the store. If there are features you find you are missing, once you get into using your machine regularly, save up and get a fancier one. Start simple and move up. You may find, like I did, that the simple machine does all you need.

If you aren't already a member, go to the JoAnn Fabrics website (use Google to find the exact spelling for it) and sign up for their online sales flyers. That'll give you notification of any good upcoming sales. The less expensive brands that are still good include White, Simplicity, and Brother. Those start at around $100.- but you could do better on a good sale. If you want a heavy duty simple machine, go with Husqvarna or Husky. The simplest machines there are usually about $200.- IF you find them on a really good sale.

Answer 3

If theres a Jessops dept store near you, have a look round there; the assistants are really helpful and can tell you everything you need to know. Plus they won't try to sell you a more expensive machine than you need.
Look for a well known brand; Singer, Brother, Toyota or jessops own brand. Parts are easier to get for the Brother but I don't like the machine.
Don't bother buying the special light bulbs, the ones you use for the fridge are the same and cheap from budget DIY places!
If you want to sew denim you need a heavier weight machine.

Look for one that does straight stitch and fully adjustable zig zag; not one that has maybe 3 zig zag widths, but one where you can adjust the width as you stitch.
Close zig zag makes satin stitch.
Button hole stitch never works brilliantly, it takes practice and you may find it easier to do them by hand.
Look for one with a good range of accessories such as a free embroidery foot, quilting foot etc as you never know when you want to start something new.
But most importantly for dressmaking you want one that has a flat table but where the box comes away to make a narrow table, suitable for sewing sleeves.
They'll show you in the shop! Expect to pay from £120 for a budget model.

Answer 4

A machine which can sew straight and zig-zag with extra stitches. Look for one which can insert buttonholes, and has some extra accessories like different feet with it.

My advice is to also look at cheap unknown types. I have one which is almost a no-name brand, nothing like a Elna, Bernina or anything. It was the cheapest 20 years ago when my uncle bought it for his business, he gave it to us and it was in the closet for over 10years when I decided to start sewing. I couldn't use my mother's so I had to use the cheapie. And it sews great! The only problem is I don't know where to get extra feet for it. But it sews just as good as my mother's fancy machine, even if it is 20years old, really!

Answer 5

I recommend going to a sewing machine store. They may cost a little more, but they will often work with you to find a machine for your needs and within your price range. Most also offer a free class with your purchase to help you learn your machine. Wal-Mart has great prices, but they are not there to help you as you learn and if your machine needs repairs down the line.

Answer 6

If you go to Joann's or a Sewing store or one that offers to sell machines someone there can help you, I know at Joann's they will actually let you learn in the store, it would be worth your while, because everyone has different levels of sewing and you want to become very familiar with your machine so that you can take it to the next level when you are ready. I know that machines have almost like a horse power so it depends on what type of fabrics you plan to use etc. Good luck and please go to the store so you can actually sit in front of one and see what you think, you don't have to buy one for them to show you =) Have fun........

Answer 7

If you are starting just look for a simple machine don't go crazy.

Don't take those electronic machine with screen and all that stuff. It breaks easily.

I would say simpler is better.

Answer 8

You need a machine that is easy to thread and one with an overlock stitch or various zigzag stitches. Don't be tempted by lots of fancy stitches because you will probably never use them.

Answer 9

Look for one that does zig-zags, does backwards sticthing, does button hole sticth and does that thing where the thing pulls the thread like automatic or sommit.

Yeah?

Answer 10

Also look for one that you can remove part of the base so you can hem jeans and stuff comes in very usefull