Electric Sewing Machine: 4 Crucial Things to Ask Yourself Before You Buy One

Choosing the best and most appropriate sewing machine for your needs is a complex task, because there is so much choice available. One of the first decisions to make is to choose between a mechanical machine, an electric sewing machine or a computerized machine. However, there are several other questions to ask yourself before you dive into the shops and spend your hard-earned cash on something that gets stuck under the stairs, unused and unloved for the next 100 years!

1. How will you use it?

Think about what you will be using your sewing machine for. Will you use it to create complex garments such as curtains, fancy quilting or complex embroidery? Alternatively, will you be using it just occasionally for taking up hems and simple everyday repairs?

2. Are you a beginner or an experienced user?

Are you a beginner, or an occasional user? If you are a beginner, you may well find that a basic electric sewing machine is sufficient for your needs, (or perhaps a mechanical machine). On the other hand, you may want a machine that allows you to ‘grow’ into more diverse sewing projects. If this is the case you may out-grow the basic sewing machine quite quickly.

For the more experienced user, it could be that investing in a computerised machine that has more functions is more appropriate.

3. Will it be static or carried around?

If you are going to take sewing classes, it will make sense to choose a machine light enough to carry. This of course will need to be balanced against what you plan to use the machine for.

If you plan to make lots of curtains and soft furnishings, you will need a machine that is sturdy enough to cope with heavier fabrics. Will your machine be used in a dedicated sewing area, or will you have to pack it up when you need to eat? If it’s the latter, then a machine that is light will be easier and less of a chore to pack away each time.

4. Which fabric types will you mainly use?

Most machines will have no problem handling cottons and mid-weight fabrics, but if you will be tackling a wider variety of fabrics and soft furnishings, it’s well worth taking this into account when making your selection.

Thick Fabrics – these usually need a longer stitch length than thinner fabrics.

Stretch Fabrics – these can be challenging, so look for a machine that has a stretch stitch as these will give the best results.

Delicate Fabrics – these need light handling and if you will be using them most of the time, pick a machine that lets you reduce the pressure of the presser foot so you’ll decrease the risk of snagging your fabric. Sometimes a teflon coated plastic foot can work better than the standard metal foot.