Sewing Machine Buying Guide

Whether you plan on sewing or just repairing a hem, having the right sewing machines and sewing accessories at home can make clothing maintenance easier. You may be interested in sewing crafts, such as quilting, or you may want to make curtains for your home. For any of these projects, you'll want the best sewing supplies available. This guide is designed to answer your questions about sewing machines and lead you to the sewing supplies you need and want.

Buying a Sewing Machine:

1. Buying sewing machines: Although there are many tools for sewing, the main tool is the sewing machine. Many sewing machines are available, with prices ranging from under $100 for a simple portable sewing machine to several thousand dollars, depending on features. Before choosing your sewing machine, think about which sewing machine parts you are likely to use. Be sure to choose a sewing machine that can do everything you would like but won't overwhelm you with unnecessary buttons and knobs and sewing machine accessories you don't know how to use. All basic machines should have these sewing machine parts:

   Sewing Machine Parts

   • A few different stitches, including a straight stitch, zigzag stitch and button stitch

   • The ability to backstitch to lock stitches in place at the beginning and end

   • A few different feet, including a zipper foot

   • A foot pedal

   • An automatic bobbin winder

   • A built-in light

   • Double needle, automatic needle-threader

Types of Sewing Machines:

1. Electric: Most sewing machines today are electric. These all create regular lockstitches (straight stitches that use two threads and look the same on the top and the bottom). Electric sewing machines are common and very versatile.

2. Computerized: As electric sewing machines have been given more abilities, many have had small computer microprocessors added. Computerized sewing machines often have many fancy stitches programmed in, including embroidery designs. Buy computerized sewing machines once you have mastered the basic functions of a simple machine so you don't become overwhelmed.

3. Mechanical: Old sewing machines were mechanical, but a few are still made today. Most create a lockstitch or a chain stitch, which only uses a top thread and is not as a secure as a lockstitch. Mechanical sewing machines are inexpensive, but they can be difficult to use.

4. Specialized processes: You'll see many sewing machines that are designed just for certain processes, such as a blind hemming machine, a quilting sewing machine or an embroidery sewing machine. These are excellent if you are focusing on those types of projects, but not helpful if you want to do any basic sewing. Specialized machines are perfect as a second sewing machine.

5. Sergers: Sergers create an over-lock stitch, which wraps the edges of the fabric with four or five threads. Serger machines work on the edges only; many sergers even trim the edges off while you sew. Sergers let you give items a strong seam and a finished, store-bought look. You will need a basic sewing machine in addition to a serger to do any topstitching.

6. Mini sewing machines: A handheld sewing machine usually only does a straight stitch or even just a chain stitch. These are excellent for travelers who want a portable sewing machine for minor repairs. Young beginners may start out using a mini sewing machine and then add other sewing machine accessories.

Troubleshooting Your Sewing Machine:

1. Empty bobbin: This makes it impossible to create any stitches. It may seem like a simple thing to overlook, but it happens to many beginning sewers. Don't forget to fill your bobbin and thread it into your machine according to your sewing machine's manual or the diagram on your sewing machine.

2. Wrong needles: You will end up with wavy lines or snagged fabric. There are ballpoint needles for sewing through knits (the rounded tip won't catch on the fabric) and sharp needles for sewing through woven fabrics. Using a universal needle can help avoid this problem but might not produce the best results every time.

3. Bent needles: These often cause skipped stitches. Needles can bend when you sew over a pin or pull fabric through too quickly. Changing a sewing machine needle only takes a minute.

4. Dull needles: This problem also causes wavy lines or snagged fabric. Replace needles every two or three projects, depending on the size of the project.

5. Lint in machine: A dusty machine can cause the thread to knot or make uneven stitches. Lint will always form, but you can reduce it by using higher quality thread and cleaning your sewing machine with canned air or a small sewing machine lint brush. These sewing accessories are easy to find and affordable.

6. Incorrect threading: This causes irregular stitches. Sometimes you can fix uneven stitches by rethreading the bobbin and the upper thread. Just take it all out, make sure the presser foot is all the way up and rethread according to your sewing machine's manual.

7. Worn bobbin: This issue can cause uneven stitches. Metal bobbins aren't likely to have this problem, but the edges of plastic bobbins can wear down, causing them to wobble when spinning. Check the bobbin's edges before every use.