Choosing a Sewing Machine

Type - If you're a beginner, stick to a regular sewing machine, but be careful what you buy. I'm not promoting any particular brands here, but of the available machines out there, I would say a baseline price range for a good beginner machine is in the $300.00 range. I know that sounds like a lot of money, but trust me, you will save money in the long run. If you have the means to buy one of the more expensive, computerized machines, by all means, keep it in consideration. One piece of advice before you run out and buy a $3000 programmable machine: invest some time in researching the different brands and models that are out there. You might actually save yourself some money and you also might discover that although the computerized machines are convenient, they can be troublesome to program if you're not computer-literate.

When to buy - make sure you call ahead to find out the name of a sales rep and determine when he/she will not be busy so you can have their full attention without worrying about taking up your and their time. When making a buying decision that envolves this much money, it's always a good idea to take your time and make sure you're getting what you want and need.

Testing a machine - sit down with the models you are interested in and put them through their paces. After all, when you get the machine home, you're the one that has to thread it, fill bobbins, and use to for making button holes, double stitches, etc. You want to make sure you not only feel comfortable completing those type of tasks with a machine, but you want to also make sure the machine works as advertised.

Bring your own fabric and thread - when test driving a machine that you're interested in, bring your own fabric and threads. Typically, you will want to bring fabric that you intend to use in your sewing projects. Bring a variety as well. Denim, cotton, etc. Don't worry about that either, the salesperson will be happy to accommodate you because they want to show you how superior their machine is.

Take control of the situation - Don't allow the salesperson to pressure and take you over to the most expensive machine they have on the floor first. If they try to, insist that you be shown some mid-range to lower end machines first and explain that you're a beginner and are not ready to make that kind of investment.

I hope you find these tips useful. For more sewing help, visit my website at threebsinsanity.com to learn more.

Stay at home mother of 3 that loves to sew and create children's items and children's item patterns.