SEWING MACHINE BUYING GUIDE

In this section we’ll break down some important features to look for when buying your first sewing machine as well as some suggestions!

Helpful Features:

Below are some helpful features to look for when purchasing a machine. Details of what each feature does is explained in lesson one of the Stitch Your Seams Course.

• One-Step Buttonholes

• Speed Control

• Drop-in Bobbin

• Free Arm

Consider Before Purchasing:

• What is your long-term goal with sewing? Is it to eventually to start selling items, to be a quilter and embroider, to make clothing mainly, or to sew with heavy fabrics like leathers and heavy wools? If you are planning on going “far” with your sewing and branching out beyond basic clothing, it would be recommended to stay away from the cheaper machines as they will not work the best years down the line. However, everyone starts from somewhere, so if your budget only allows for the basic machine, then that’s the best one for you!

• Would you like to buy one machine and have it for years, even decades without having to buy another one? (I still use my first machine ever purchased and it’s been over a decade!) If so, then the higher end machines that are most durable with metal framing, normally computerized would suit you the most if you plan on sewing frequently.

• There’s no perfect machine. Each person has a different budget and goal for their sewing. As well as different tastes in general. Choose a machine you feel you will be comfortable using.

• Singer is not the only brand on the market. There are so many other wonderful brands that sell machines, as you’ll see below, that are fantastic to work with!

• Don’t buy in haste, do your research and read reviews.

Suggested Machines for Beginners:

Here are some popular sewing machines on the market that beginners enjoy using as they grow in their knowledge. Each machine listed below has a link to learn more about the machine on Amazon. Machines are listed from cheapest to higher priced ($130- $450).

Details of the above pictured machines below:

• Janome MOD-50

  • Computerized

  • Drop-in Bobbin

  • One-Step Buttonholes (3 different options)

  • Needle up/down button

  • Start/stop button

  • Reverse Stitch Button
    

• Singer Heavy Duty 4432

  • Great for sewing with thicker fabrics

  • Many learners love this series with Singer ( their Heavy Duty Machines)

  • One-Step Buttonhole

  • Reverse Stitch Lever

  • Comes with needed presser feet to sew various things
    

• Janome 2212

  • Basic Stitches

  • 4 Step Buttonhole

  • Free Arm

  • Drop-in Bobbin

  • Amazon offers Bonus Bundle (not needed)
    

• Brother CS6000i

  • Computerized

  • Speed Control

  • Free Arm

  • Drop-in Bobbin

  • Wide Sewing Arm/Table

  • Reverse Button

  • Needle up/down button

  • Good for quilt making
    

• Singer Quantum Stylist 9960

  • Computerized

  • Large working arm/area; Extension table included

  • Great for fashion sewing, quilting, home décor and crafting

  • Great for customizing projects

  • 5 Alphanumeric Fonts

  • 13 built-in 1-Step Buttonholes

  • Self Adjusting Tension

  • Speed Control

  • Metal Frame

  • Thread Cutter

  • Start/Stop button

  • Reverse Stitch Button

  • Comes with needed presser feet to sew various things and more!

  • Can sew heavy thick fabrics

  • Quiet machine
    

• Brother SE600

  • Computerized with touch screen

  • Has embroidering and lettering features

  • Comes with needed presser feet to sew various things

  • Drop-in Bobbin

  • Variety of one-step buttonholes

  • Needle up/down button

  • Reverse Stitch Button

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