Tips for buying a sewing machine
Sewing machine shopping made easier! 🪡🛍️
Choosing a sewing machine can be a minefield, but what you need depends on what your skill level is and what you plan to sew. You probably don’t need the sewing machine that has 80 different stitches – trust us, you’ll never actually use them!
Step 1 is knowing what you’re going to sew. Quilting, dressmaking and bag making have slightly different needs. If you’re a quilter, you’re going to want to look for a machine that has a large ‘throat’ space.
You don’t need to spend a fortune, a reliable machine with a good straight and zig zag stitch is all you need to start!
What are you going to be sewing?
Quilting, dressmaking and bag making all have slightly different needs
Knowing what you’re going to be sewing will help narrow things down massively
If you’re a beginner, keep it simple
You don’t need every bell and whistle on the market
A reliable machine with good straight and zig zag stitches is all you need to start
If you’re a quilter, look for a large throat space
The throat is the gap between the needle and the body of the machine
A larger throat makes it easier to manoeuvre a big quilt through the machine
For dressmaking, look for adjustable foot pressure
Different fabrics need different pressure to feed evenly
This feature makes a huge difference when working with delicate fabrics like Liberty Tana Lawn
You don’t need to spend a fortune to start
A mid-range sewing machine from a reputable brand will see a beginner through years of happy sewing
Invest in good fabric instead!
Our top tip?
Find a shop where you can get your machine serviced locally
A well maintained machine is a happy machine and a happy machine makes a happy sewist!
