Choosing a sewing machine made easy

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Sewing Machine

Choosing the right sewing machine can feel overwhelming with so many options available. To help you make the best decision, here are some friendly questions to consider:

 

1. How Much Are You Willing to Spend?

Knowing how much you want to spend will help you narrow down your choices and find a machine that fits within your budget.

 

2. What Will You Be Sewing?

Are you sewing just for yourself and your family, or do you have plans for heavy-duty quilting? Will you be doing some fun hobby sewing or more serious projects?

Identifying your primary use will help you find a machine that meets your specific needs, whether it's casual sewing, quilting, or something else.

3. How Much Space Do You Have?

Do you have enough room for a larger machine? Are you interested in decorative stitching or embroidery?

Knowing the space you have available and the types of projects you plan to work on will help you choose the right size and features for your sewing machine.

 

Which Manufacturer?

Picking a manufacturer often depends on how close you are to a service center. Regular servicing (about once a year, depending on how much you use it) is essential to keep your machine running smoothly.

• Proximity to Service Centres:  It's a good idea to choose a brand with a service centre nearby for maintenance and repairs. This will save you a lot of time and hassle.
• Brand Preferences: In South Africa, Elna machines are the same as Janome in the USA. The country where the machine is made can be more important than the brand name. Swiss-made machines are often highly recommended.
• Budget and Features: Husqvarna machines can be pricey, while Brother machines tend to be more affordable. Pick the one that fits your budget and has the features you need.

Throat Space

Throat space is the area between the needle and the body of the machine. This space is important for manoeuvring larger projects like quilts.

Go Big if You Can: If you plan on making large quilts, choose the machine with the largest throat space you can afford. Even if you start with smaller projects, having extra space is always a plus as you take on bigger challenges.

Stitches

Different machines offer a variety of stitch options. Here are some key stitches to look for:

Blanket Stitch: This is great for appliqué work. Make sure it's a genuine blanket stitch, not an imitation. Straight Stitch: Ensure you can adjust the stitch length. Additional Stitches: Machines can have as much as 144 different stitches, but not all are necessary for everyone. Think about the types of projects you'll be doing and choose accordingly.

Feet

The right feet can make a big difference in your sewing projects. Here are two must-haves for patchwork and quilting:

Darning Foot: Essential for free-motion quilting. Entry-level machines might include a plate to cover the feed dogs, which helps prevent friction on your quilt backing.	Walking Foot: Great for stitch-in-the-ditch quilting. It ensures even feeding of fabric layers, preventing bubbling.

 

A quarter-inch foot is also useful, though you can mark your machine to get the right size if needed.

Choosing the right sewing machine is all about considering your budget, space, intended use, and the availability of service centers. Evaluate the throat space, stitch options, and essential feet to ensure the machine you pick meets your needs. By asking these friendly questions, you'll be well on your way to finding a sewing machine that you'll love and use for years to come.