How to choose a home sewing machine?

Helena Lachowiczová
2024-03-21T09:40:14+01:00

How to choose a sewing machine?

The most common question I've been getting lately is: "Which sewing machine should I choose if I'm a complete beginner and want to sew t-shirts, sweatshirts, and sweatpants?" So, I decided, even though many articles have already been written, to share my own perspective and recommendations on how to choose a sewing machine, not just for beginners, but also how to approach the selection and make it easier.

I'm not a fan of long articles where a beginner finds a lot of technical information that is practically unnecessary at first. I believe, and experience has confirmed, that an overload of information at once unnecessarily complicates the selection itself and leads to information overload. Of course, a sewing machine is not a cheap matter, so it's good to dedicate some time to it, but for beginners, it's essential to get to practice as soon as possible. And most importantly, to choose.

So, let's get to it.

What will you sew?

Practically the most important question when choosing a sewing machine is what you will sew. What is your desire. Whether you want to sew mainly baby clothes from canvas or you want to go straight to sewing t-shirts, which are predominantly made of knitted fabrics. As a beginner, you practically cannot see the difference.

Before, when every house had one sewing machine and grandmothers and mothers sewed diligently, you could get into it and learn a little. Today, it's more complicated.

Therefore, the question of what you want to sew is appropriate. Because based on that, we then ideally choose the machines. There are several types of sewing machines. According to what they specialize in. It's quite similar to, for example, machines in agriculture. Each machine does something different. One loosens the soil, another sows in it, a third harvests. It's the same with sewing machines. One can sew fabric, another can sew it and finish the edges, and a third can perhaps only hem the fabric with a strip.

Some machines can handle fabric that stretches a lot. Other machines are not very suitable for this. Let's get acquainted with the individual options.

The best sewing machine to start with?

So, which sewing machine is best to start with? An overlock or a classic sewing machine with an overlock stitch? Practically every beginner has read that they will need an overlock. But it's important to say that an overlock is a machine specialized in one specific operation. It can nicely sew and overcast the edge of a seam - for example, on T-shirts. But, for example, you can't hem or stitch a sleeve with it. You can't sew on a tag. You can't shorten a skirt. You can't stitch the neckline of a T-shirt. For these, you need a multifunctional sewing machine, and that should be your first choice to learn to sew with.

A multifunctional sewing machine is the best choice for beginners for these reasons. As a beginner, you need to learn the basics of operating the machine, threading the machine, winding a bobbin, inserting a needle, and then sewing simple projects where you will practice and improve your basic skills.

These include: sewing straight, turning - i.e., sewing in gentle curves, turning in corners, and then, of course, starting and ending your sewing.

It's important to learn how to use different types of stitches in different situations and to find out how to work with fabrics, elasticity, and seams in general.

For this, you need a good, reliable sewing machine, but you practically never have to pay extra for higher quality and premium features.

How much does a good sewing machine cost?

So how do you choose a good, but not too expensive, multifunctional sewing machine? This is a question of your budget. A good machine can be found second-hand in bazaars for a fraction of the price. Or you can buy a new machine, which will then likely be under warranty for another 2 years, and if anything happens to it, you can send it for repair.

Beginner machines typically range in price from 2500 to 7000 CZK. In the middle of this range, you'll practically always find a good deal.

Machines costing 7000 CZK and up are generally better and have more features than the basic ones.

My advice is to learn the basics on a cheaper machine, get good at it, and then upgrade to a better machine after some time.

Mechanical or electronic

So, here we are with specific tips for sewing machines and their parameters. With multifunctional sewing machines, you will practically always encounter two categories: mechanical sewing machines and electronic sewing machines. But what does that mean? What are the differences from a layman's perspective?

Mechanical sewing machines:

With mechanical sewing machines, you will practically always find a pedal to control the sewing machine. Some mechanical controls, rotary dials or levers, allow you to control, for example, what stitch you want to sew, what width and length of stitch. Everything is set mechanically - hence the name. These machines are also cheaper, more accessible, and easier to operate. However, they are also simpler and don't have as many stitches as some electronic machines. Simply because so many options wouldn't fit into mechanical controls.

A representative of these mechanical machines is, for example, the popular and well-serving Brother BN27 machine, which costs around 4499 CZK.

Electronic sewing machines:

The second category is electronic sewing machines, which, as the name suggests, are "smarter" and are mostly controlled on a display, like a washing machine or dishwasher. Electronic machines are not always controlled by a pedal; some don't even have one, and often you just start the program with a START button. Another advantage is that they can hold a lot of stitches, practically always know how to do a little embroidery (e.g., letters and numbers, which are useful if you want to embroider names on clothes for kindergarten, etc.).

The disadvantage is their purchase price. They are more expensive. A representative of this category is, for example, the Brother Innov-is M380D, which costs around 23,000 CZK.

What parameters to look for?

We already know how domestic machines are categorized. We know that they are divided into multifunctional machines and specialized ones - such as overlockers, coverstitch machines, or embroidery machines. We know that as a beginner, you need to start with a multifunctional sewing machine. And we've also shown how sewing machines are categorized and what's great about them.

Now let's look at the parameters of sewing machines that are good to follow.

Durability

Sewing machines that are metal inside last longer. You can best tell what their internal components are made of by their weight. Metal internals are heavier. Plastic ones are lighter.

Machines with more plastic components wear out faster and last less. However, we're not talking about those plastic machines falling apart with regular home sewing. Rather, after some time, they will rattle, opening and closing compartments will become more difficult, controls will loosen, etc...

Free arm or work area extension

Another great feature that you'll definitely love if you're, for example, mending the length of a pant leg or sleeve.

A free arm is essentially a removable part of the machine that creates space under the needles for stretching a sleeve. And the opposite of this free arm is the ability to extend your work area with an auxiliary table. If the model has this or allows for it to be purchased, it's great. A larger work area is always useful for larger pieces of clothing.

Elastic stitches

Today, even all inexpensive sewing machine models have elastic stitches. They may not have as many options, but they practically do have them. Elastic stitches are suitable for elastic fabrics, as the name suggests, but they don't always sew well, quickly, and aren't quite what you need for quality sewing of knits and elastic fabrics in general. For starters, however, they are great and you will learn a lot about fabric elasticity with them.

Hook system

What is it? The hook system is a part of the machine where the bobbin case and the bobbin with thread are hidden. And the bobbin is a small component on which the thread is wound, and thanks to which the stitch is ultimately formed.

We have two types of hook systems: oscillating and rotary. While the oscillating hook is usually hidden in the side of the machine under a cover that is not transparent, the rotary hook is directly under the needle and throat plate, and we can see into it.

This has a big advantage. We can see how much thread is left on the bobbin, because the supply on the bobbin is not unlimited. And it can help us prevent problems when the bobbin thread runs out during sewing.

The rotary hook also has another advantage. It allows for wider stitches, which is great when topstitching fabric (it looks nice) or when sewing pockets, buttonholes, zippers – you'll appreciate this.

Machine power and feeding

Multifunctional sewing machines have feed dogs in the area where we place the fabric under the needle – we call this the throat plate – which extend from the throat plate and help pull the fabric forward.

The force with which they can pull the fabric forward determines how well we will sew heavy and stiffer materials such as softshell (for example, for children's jackets or pants) or denim, fleece, or many layers on top of each other. A powerful machine is what we want!

One-step buttonhole

Another parameter to look for in your champion is the one-step buttonhole.

It's great if the machine can do it. Of course, you'll be able to handle a four-step or manual one too, but you'll certainly be thrilled with the option of having a buttonhole done in one single automatic step.

The Brother BN27 machine, for example, has this feature, and it's very easy to sew on a button and make a nice buttonhole for your projects with it.

What is my personal brand choice?

Come and see which machine I recommend. I have more than five years of sewing experience. I sew alternately on domestic and industrial sewing machines. So, I would say my experience is averagely good. I certainly don't have the knowledge that authorized sewing machine dealers have, so for better information on individual models or brands, I recommend contacting sewing machine dealers. Links to my favorite dealers here, who have well-prepared presentations and offer great models, can be found here:

www.rajsiti.cz

www.sicistroje-shop.cz

Brother BN27

The Brother BN27 sewing machine is a good sewing machine with a rotary hook (the bobbin and bobbin thread are visible directly under the throat plate) and a free arm - the cover can be easily removed. Additionally, an extension table can be purchased for it.

The machine is not the heaviest, but it serves well, and its construction is also sound. Its operation is smooth. It sews thick materials well, although it could be a bit more powerful. For beginners, however, it will suffice for several years.

Check it out here: www.rajsiti.cz

Singer Confidence

A more basic electronic machine is slightly more expensive than a Brother, but in terms of class, it corresponds to a machine for beginners. The advantages are again the free arm, rotary hook, elastic stitches, and stitch length adjustment. In its class, it's one of the better Singers. There are also cheaper ones. Also good for learning, but personally, I would go for this one.

Link here: www.rajsiti.cz

Veritas Rubina

This machine is again in a similar price range as the previous two. It costs 6800 CZK. However, its advantages over the previous models are as follows. It is an electronic machine. It has a wider selection of stitches (100 stitches) and, according to the manufacturer, an extra high presser foot lift, which is very useful.

Free arm and one-step buttonhole, rotary hook. In addition, it is a relatively well-known brand of machines. Do you remember the old treadle sewing machines in tables? Those were also Veritasky.

Link to the machine here: www.rajsiti.cz

What else to consider before buying?

At the end of this article, I will also mention considerations that are good to think about and that beginner sewers rarely consider right away, but only later, once they have sewn something.

Personally, I look at these indicators:

Spare parts - The machine I buy should have easily traceable spare parts. For example, purchasable bobbins (they shouldn't only fit specific ones, but ideally standard plastic bobbins that can be bought anywhere), needles (again, it should have a standardized flat shank system so you can buy various needles). Spare parts like bobbin cases, some internal components. These should be easily purchasable and shouldn't cost a fortune. As an example, I'll mention one unsuccessful purchase. Some time ago, I bought a Veronika overlock machine. It was at a great price of 7000 CZK. However, I didn't think to inquire about spare parts. The machines were discounted because the manufacturer was ending production. And, of course, the spare parts gradually disappeared. The knives suddenly cost 500 CZK each.

Accessories - Just like with spare parts, I look at the expansion and options I have. Over time, you will also need some interesting presser feet for your machine. For example, a zipper foot, a buttonhole foot (these are accessories that allow you to sew in a certain way that you cannot manage without them) and others. A table, guides, various hemming feet or overlock feet. There are so many options you can try. But your machine must either have a selection within its brand or have a quick-release system compatible across machine types.

There are brands like Brother that have a large selection of accessories and you can easily find them.

My name is

Helena Lachowiczová and I am a professional seamstress. Thanks to my experience, I have learned to draw patterns, and now I offer them to you, both home and professional seamstresses,

On my website you will find patterns for children and online sewing courses.

Sincerely,

Helena Lachowiczová

aka Šababi