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A Guide to Buying Sewing Machines for Beginners

Stephen Rampur
Beginners are bound to have doubts while buying their first sewing machine. Here are some tips on how to choose the right one that suits your needs.
For those who are not acquainted with sewing machines, it can be awkward and inconvenient to sit down and start pressing the foot pedal. With the motor buzzing and your fingers just next to a big needle, it is clear that there is surely a lot to learn about using these machines.
The first step of learning to sew is to know terms like bobbin, pressure foot, and walking foot.
In the early days, sewing technology was not too evolved. With advancements in technology, newer and slicker machines have been developed. Nowadays, there are many types that have different advanced features and functions.

Guidelines for Buying Sewing Machines

Purpose of Usage

As with regards to any other equipment, before purchasing a sewing machine, you are required to determine the reason what are you getting it. Noting down the primary reasons as to why you actually want it might enable you to choose one according to your requirements and needs.

Questions to Ask

  • What is the budget?
  • Do you really need a simple one or an advanced computerized one?
  • Would you utilize it for running up home decor assignments or fashionable clothing?
  • Will you be using it for embroidery?
  • Do you need a lighter and portable one?
  • Do you have any space or storage restrictions in your home?

Functions and Features

After answering these questions, you may consider the functions of the sewing machine.
Whichever one you choose, ensure that it has the features such as an effective straight stitch, a good zigzag, easy functionality for making buttonholes, adjustable pressure foot pressure, and most significantly stitch lengths from zero to six.

Pricing and Budget

If you are a beginner, you need not keep a very high budget. There are many machines which provide excellent features at a very affordable prices. If you are looking for a good sewing machine, you need to be ready to spend approximately USD 60 for a basic model. For a beginner, it is recommended to stick to a basic model instead of the complex ones.

Which Sewing Machines

There are several brands that manufacture sewing machines for beginners. A few reputed ones include Singer, Husqvarna Viking, SewPro, Bernina, and many others.
You are suggested to choose simple ones such as the Singer 4200 series, Brother 25-Stitch, or Singer 30-Stitch Function. The Singer Zigzag or the Singer Chain Stitch sewing machines are good buys for teenagers.