SEWING MACHINES ~ A BUYING GUIDE
Have you been wondering what is the best sewing machine to buy? I know that I have! I am excited to introduce Ruthanne, who is sharing her sewing machine buying guide and tips on how to buy the best sewing machine for your needs and budget.
This time about twelve years ago, I walked into my nearest SEARS department store, randomly picked out one of the most expensive sewing machine they carried, brought it home and promptly felt overwhelmed. To this day, out of the 18 different stitches my sewing machine can do, I’ve only ever used three of them. Only three.
As much as I love my machine, and I do love my machine, it’s much more than I ever should have purchased.
How to Find The Best Sewing Machine for You
My desire is to share with you some simple tips on buying a sewing machine that will save you both money and frustration. I’m not to going to focus on brands of sewing machines, rather on general principles. I think if you get a good machine and take care of it, it will take care of you ~ regardless of its brand. Of course, I may be alone in that. {wink}
Let’s get started.
1. What’s your budget?
I realize budgets are never fun to talk about. Or is that just me?
Fun or not, having a set amount and/or limit in mind before venturing into the market for a new sewing machine will save you time and . . . . wait for it . . . money! Knowing your limit will narrow down the playing field. You won’t waste time looking at machines that far exceed your budget. You also won’t be disappointed once you get your heart set on one only to learn you can’t afford it.
2. What is your skill level?
Are you just starting out? Do you sew off and on, but nothing serious? Are you an avid seamstress {If you are, then you should probably be writing this and not me! ::wink::}? Be sure to factor in your skill level when shopping for a sewing machine.
Don’t do what I did. I bought a beast. A beast I can still barely handle over a decade later.
It’s okay to start out basic and work your way up. Upgrading your machine after you’ve mastered all it can do is wise.
3. Plan For The Future
This might sound contradictory to my previous statement, but there are times when it’s appropriate to buy a machine that will grow with you. Are you a fast learner? Do you have big plans? Maybe one day you would like to open up your own handmade business. That’s fantastic! Investing in a more substantial machine, both financially and with more features, is an investment in your future. It will payoff.
I wouldn’t recommend doing this if your main objective is to sew things mainly for your home and family. A basic machine with fewer bells and whistles will get the job done. You’ll be able to buy more fabric to create more projects with all the money you saved by not investing in the bells and whistles. Trust me when I tell you, fabric shopping is half the fun of sewing.
4. Check Out Other Venues
If you’re open to purchasing a slightly used machine, you can look beyond your local SEARS or JoAnn Fabrics. Check on Craigslist, ebay or in your local paper for used machines. I’ve found all kinds of goodies through these outlets. You’ll want to use caution and get as much information as possible before making the purchase. Make sure the owner still has the original owner’s manual. You will definitely need it!
If using Craigslist, make sure you bring another person with you when meeting up for the exchange.
5. Learn From A Loaner
Does your grandmother have a machine she no longer uses? How about your mom? Before taking the leap into the market, consider borrowing a sewing machine for a season while you are learning the ropes. It’s an excellent way to figure out what you’re comfortable with. It will also tell you what features you would like to have and the ones you can live without.
What about you? What tips have worked for you when buying a sewing machine?
If you have any questions about how to pick the best sewing machine for you, free to leave your question in the comments or on the Tip Junkie Facebook page.
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