How to Buy a Sewing Machine

Buying a sewing machine can be fun and easy, if you have a system.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• fabric
• a sewing machine store
• a checklist

1. Decide what features you want on your machine. For example, do you need a heavy duty machine, or just a regular machine? Would you like a large platform to sew on, or just a regular size? Knee lift, or lift your needle by hand? What kind of stitches would you like? What kind of feet do you need - 1/4 inch or walking foot for quilting, or standard feet for sewing clothes or furnishings.

2. Decide how you will use your machine. Will you be sewing clothes, quilts, crafts, repairs or alterations, home decorating, buttons, zippers, or appliqué.

3. Where will you sew with your machine? Will you sew at home and keep your machine in a cabinet or its case? Will you take it to class? Will you travel with it?

4. Where will you store your machine? In its case in the closet, or will it have its own cabinet? Or, will it stay out on a table - ready to use?

5. What kind of case do you need, if any? Hard carrying case, in case it gets bumped. Soft case? One with wheels? Small or large so it can contain all of your sewing supplies?

6. How long do you plan to use your machine? Is this a machine you will have for a few years, or do you plan to keep it for a lifetime? Will you replace it if something new and wonderful comes out, or will you be happy with it forever?

7. Who else will use your machine? Spouse, kids, mom, dad? Or just you!

8. Establish a budget for the machine. How much can you afford to pay; how much are you willing to pay?

9. Go to a store where you can spend some time testing the machine. Take fabrics that you regularly sew on, and experiment with the machine as you will use it. If you zigzag, then zigzag. If you will use the hemming stitch, try hemming with the machine.

10. Notice the little things about the machine. Do you like the way it threads? Does it feel like a "good" machine? Is it smooth and quiet? Is it easy to use? How does the tension get adjusted? What about changing the bobbin? How about lowering the feed dogs (if that is something you will do).

11. Find out what comes with the machine - which feet; bobbins; case; instruction manual; classes? Check out the directions to see if they are complete, or if there are additional resources online or in the store.

12. Ask the Dealer: who is responsible for maintenance; how broken parts are replaced and whether you will have to wait forever to get it fixed; what is the service record for that brand of machine; are there customers who can tell you about their experience with that machine; under what conditions can it be returned?

13. Ask about the Warranty: who is responsible - the dealer or the manufacturer; what is the time period covered by the warranty; can extra time be purchased; what is the likelihood it might need to be shipped for service, and who would pay for the shipping?

Tips & Warnings

• Taking a list of things to test will help you remember what to try out.
• Keep your mind open when you go in. You may be surprised by a brand you never thought about
• Try to find a dealer you can trust who has an expert to repair the machine on site, so you won't be without your machine for a long period of time for repairs

Resources

• Finding a Great Sewing Machine

[Susanh]

on 6/30/2008 As you mentioned, the dealer is very important when purchasing a sewing machine. If a sewing machine is purchased at a store like Wal-Mart or Target, or the like, you'll have to deal with the manufacturer if anything goes wrong with your machine. This will be frustrating and possibly costly. Great article!!