What should I look for when buying a sewing machine?

When setting out to buy a sewing machine, the first question to ask is: Who will be sewing on the machine and what type of sewing will it be used for? 

For a beginner, basic stitches, ease of threading, and durable construction are the main concerns. A person with more sewing experience may be looking for features such as a one-step buttonhole, dropping feed dogs, adjustable stitches, blind hem, or decorative stitches. Advanced seamstresses might need special quilting machines or embroidery options. There are even sewing machines equipped with tiny cameras which allow extreme accuracy for the user.

Whatever the level of sewing experience, before heading out to the store it is a good idea to do some research online. Viewing websites and writing down brands, prices, and features ahead of time will help educate and give an idea of what is available. Plus, it allows the buyer to have a price range in mind, and gives the opportunity for the buyer to ask pertinent and intelligent questions when in the store.

Although trying out sewing machines at a local dealer, such as Viking or Bernina, might feel intimidating, it is beneficial to take the opportunity to sit in front of various models and try out different features. Getting a feel for different machines can give a better idea of what is comfortable for the individual. The sales representative should be glad to help with instructions and questions while allowing the buyer to try out stitches, peek inside the bobbin case, and even try a hand at threading the machine.

Purchasing a used sewing machine can be a good way to get a more expensive machine for a fraction of the cost. However, be sure that the manufacturer of the machine is still in business so that repair parts or attachments will still be available. Again, online research can be helpful in understanding what to expect from different models. Purchasing a sewing machine online, sight unseen, is extremely risky and should be avoided.

Another feature to look for when in a sewing machine is weight. If the buyer plans to transport the machine to classes or quilting groups, it must be easily carried and will need a case of some sort. While a machine that is extremely lightweight might seem easy for travel, it should not be so light that it bounces or jumps when the machine sews on its fastest setting.

All in all, the considerations for purchasing a sewing machine are a different as the individual buyer. The most important factor, however, is that the machine feels comfortable and the person sewing on it knows how to use it. Many times, sewing machines are purchased, only to sit in the closet collecting dust for lack of understanding of how to use them. Many dealers offer free or low-cost tutorials on using their machines. And when purchasing from a dealer, there is always someone at the store who can answer questions as they come up in the future; and that relationship can become a vital part of the successful experience of buying a sewing machine.