10 TIPS FOR BUYING A SEWING MACHINE YOU’LL LOVE

1. Determine your budget.

   
   Sewing machines can range in price from nothing to thousands of dollars. Before you start shopping, you should determine how much money you want to spend and how much you can afford to spend. When you go to a sewing machine dealer, knowing your maximum budget is quite beneficial since the salesperson will be able to lead you to machines in your price range. Most sewing machine brands offer various pricing levels to accommodate a variety of budgets.

There's nothing wrong with purchasing a low-cost equipment. For the majority of my sewing career, I used low-end Brother sewing machines, and my clothes held up just as well as those created on my top-of-the-line Janome. A more expensive machine may have superior stitch quality, but you won't notice until you examine very closely.

2. Consider borrowing a machine.

   
   Many folks have a sewing machine in their closet that they never use. So, whether you're on a tight budget or just starting out, see if your friends, relatives, coworkers, or neighbors have anything you can borrow. Local libraries may also have machines accessible for borrowing or use. You may also hunt for reduced or free machines in your local purchase nothing group, Craigslist (does that still exist? lol), Facebook Marketplace, or Nextdoor.

3. Decide which features are must-haves for you.

   
   I want a machine with a walking foot and the capacity to sew a variety of fabrics. I also prefer a buttonhole stitch that is automatic. I had a Bernina that didn't have an automatic buttonhole stitch for a while, which showed me that that feature was essential for me. Other features could include automatic thread cutting or custom embroidered stitches. Your must-have features could be the same or completely different.

4. If possible, buy from a local sewing machine dealer.

   
   The dealer will be able to assist you in locating a machine within your price range and with the features you desire. You can try out the machine in the store, and they frequently include lessons with the purchase of the machine.

5. Consider a used or refurbished machine.

   
   Purchasing a used machine is an excellent method to save money. They are available both online and at your local dealer. The machine I purchased was a dealer floor model, and they gave me a discount because it had been lightly used. The main disadvantage of purchasing online is that you will not be able to sew on the machine before purchasing. If you want to upgrade, some dealers will take your old computer, so it's a good idea to establish a relationship with a dealer for a brand you enjoy.

2. Try multiple brands.

   
   Most sewing machine dealers only sell a few brands, so visit several dealers if possible. You'll be able to try out different brands and see which ones you prefer. Remember that visiting a dealer does not obligate you to make a purchase there. It's quite acceptable to say, "I'm not certain. I'm going to think about it for a while." "This machine just doesn't feel appropriate for xyz," for example.

Some machines, in my experience, have a more natural setup than others. For example, when I tested out Baby Lock machines, I was astonished to find that the computer screen's tilt inclined down, making it hard to look at from my height. I know many people adore Baby Lock, but the setup just didn't work for me.

7. Do some research.

   
   If you're considering a specific brand or model, check around to see if anyone else has used it. You can also check for reviews on specific makes and models online. Finding reviews from people who have used a machine for a longer period of time is extremely beneficial.

8. Ask questions.

   
   The dealer's salesperson should be able to tell the difference between various models and how to use them. Ask them to demonstrate how to thread the machine or wind the bobbin. You want to make sure it's a process you're comfortable with.

9. Take notes.

   
   There will be numerous machines with varying functions, making it difficult to keep track of them all. Make a mental note of the model, features, and pricing. Remember that you are not need to purchase a machine on the same day that you go shopping. You can go home and compare your notes, conduct additional research, and consider your options before committing. You'll be using this machine for years to come, so it's worth the time you put into it.

10. Test drive the machines.

    
    This is very normal, and they will allow you to spend time with the machine. You can bring fabric scraps to examine how the machine functions with different stitches and fabrics. Do everything you normally do when sewing. And if you're not sure how to accomplish anything, like a buttonhole, get help. Before you buy, make sure you understand what you're receiving.

The fundamental purpose of all of these suggestions is to help you choose the machine that is the best fit for you. Ideally, you'll wind up with a machine that matches your budget, performs all of the features you require, and is easy to use. It's very similar to buying a car, which is why I advocate doing as many "test drives" as possible. I hope you found these tips useful, and if you'd want to support this free content, please visit the shop listed