Buying a Sewing Machine for Beginners

Learn what features and functionalities to look for when buying a sewing machine. A sewing machine buying guide for beginner sewists.

Lesson #1 – What Features to Look for When Buying a Sewing Machine

This blog post is lesson #1 in the Learn to Sew series from Hooked on Sewing. In this lesson, as the title clearly states, we’re gonna talk all about sewing machines.

There are so many sewing machines on the market today. There are also different types of sewing machines, such as mechanical, computerized and multi-functional.

Some sewing machines have 1,000 stitches or more and many different features. So, how do you know what features you want in a sewing machine if you have never sewn before.

Or maybe it’s just been a long time since you’ve sewn and you’re wanting to pick up that hobby again. And yet some of you may be looking to upgrade your sewing machine. Or maybe you want a sewing machine that will grow with you and last for years to come.

The Best Sewing Machines for Beginners

I put together my recommendation for the four best beginner friendly sewing machines in a previous blog post. So be sure to read that if you just want to know what sewing machines I recommend.

There are also plenty of sewing machines on the market that are perfect for beginners.

You might be wondering, “Just what makes these machines so perfect for beginners?” There are three things that make these sewing machines perfect for beginners:

1. Easy to use.
2. Good reputation.
3. Cost to purchase.

Features & Functionalities to Look for when Buying a Sewing Machine

When selecting a sewing machine, you want to keep how you’re going to use the machine in mind. For example, do you just want to be able to sew some throw pillows, pillowcases and easy projects? Or do you want to learn to sew to make clothing? Or you want to make slipcovers or work with heavyweight fabrics like denim.

Knowing how you’re going to use the machine doesn’t mean you are limited to just those types of sewing projects. But if you know that your goal is to make custom-fitted slipcovers for your furniture, then you’ll want to be sure to purchase a machine that can handle that type of sewing.

The Bare Necessities

If I were looking to buy a sewing machine today for a beginner, I would first of all want a machine that could grow with the sewist.

You also have to keep your budget in mind. Sewing machines can get pretty expensive (as in thousands of dollars).

Basic Stitches

You’ll want to select a machine that can at least do the following two stitches. Just about every machine can perform these two stitches, but there are some machines that only do straight stitches.

• straight stitch
• zig zig stitch

I mention the automatic buttonhole stitch because it is a really nice stitch feature to have if you ever plan to make buttonholes. Yes, you can make your own buttonholes using the zig zag stitch. But an automatic buttonhole stitch saves you time and gives you consistent looking results.

Features

So what features should you look for in a sewing machine. I mean, as a beginner you probably don’t know what features are available, so how can you know what you want?

Here are some of my recommended features. Read the descriptions and see if any of these seem like ‘must-haves” to you.

• Needle Threader: Machines that have a needle threader, typically have either a semi-automatic or automatic needle threader. Either one can come in very handy. Machines with automatic needle threaders are usually more expensive.
• Needle Up/Down: This feature allows you to stop the needle either in the up or down position which simplifies pivoting and turning fabric. Basic sewing machines will simply stop the needle in motion and then you have to turn the wheel to raise or lower the needle where you want it.
• Adjustable Speed Control: Allows you to adjust how fast or slow you sew. Perfect for difficult fabrics.
• Needle Position Adjustment: Allows you to move the needle either left or right. Ideal for zippers or top stitching.
• Lighting: Look at the lighting to make sure you are able to actually see what you’re sewing. The better the lighting, the better. You can add lighting, too.
• Automatic Thread Cutter: If a sewing machine has an automatic thread cutter all you have to do is push a button and it cuts the thread. Some machines are better at this than others. If this is important to you, either read reviews about the machine or test it for yourself.
• Knee Lifter: A knee lifter allows you to lift the presser foot while your hands are holding the fabric in place. Ideal for curves and sharp corners. If you plan on quilting, this is a total game changer!
• Free Arm: A removable piece from the sewing deck which allows you to slip something narrow (like a sleeve) under the needle. Sometimes doubles as a removable accessories storage box on the front of the machine. Great for sewing narrow spaces like cuffs.

So, that covers the basic features and functionality to look for when buying a sewing machine for a beginner. These are actually things to consider when purchasing a sewing machine for any user at any level.

Download the Sewing Machine Buying Guide

There is more you can read about what to look for when buying a sewing machine for a beginner in my Sewing Machine Buying Guide. This comprehensive guide covers what to look for when buying a sewing machine for a beginner and more!

You can download this PDF for free. Simply fill out the below form and your free Sewing Machine Buying Guide will be on its way!

Learn to Sew Series

When you first learn to sew, it’s easy to be eager and want to sew “all the things”. But to be successful at sewing, it really, really, really helps to master the basics first.

So that’s exactly where we’ll start – learning the basics. And I’ll be right here to help guide you, answer your questions and encourage you along the way.

Lesson #1

Congratulations! You just finished Lesson #1 in the Learn to Sew series. Now it’s time to move on to Lesson #2.

Lesson #2

Once you finish lesson #1 (and you just did by reading this post), you’ll be ready to move on to lesson #2. In this lesson we’ll discover the essential tools that you’ll want to have on hand as you begin learning how to sew.

More Learn to Sew Lessons

There are more lessons in the Learn to Sew series for beginners. Be sure to read all the lessons that you’ll find on the Learn to Sew page.

If you like this Learn to Sew series or this What to Look for When Buying A Sewing Machine for Beginners, be sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board!