How To Choose A Sewing Machine

How To Choose A Sewing Machine
By Mary Wilkins, Fri Dec 9th

You have finally come to the conclusion that you need or want asewing machine. Now, what is on the market and how do you makethe right decision?

There are many brands of machines out there and everyone boastsdifferent features. Some machines appeal to quilters, otherswant you to embroider everything including the toilet seat andthe shower curtain. Searching for the right machine is going totake some time.

Shopping for a new machine can make your head spin. The girls onmy boards discuss which machine is best every time someone needsa new one. We all know the name brands but I am not going tosuggest one, that decision is yours. It's a personal one and animportant one. I will, however give you a few basic questionsyou should ask yourself.

1. What type of sewing do you plan to do? - clothing - crafts -repairs and alterations - home decorating

2. Where will you sew?

- sewing room - kitchen table - integrated into other familyliving area

3. How will your machine be stored? - in its own cabinet - in acloset hiding behind the coats - leave it out to sew every sparemoment

4. Consider your budget and buying habits? How long will youkeep this machine? - 6 months - a few years - forever and a day

When you answer these questions, you are on your way to makingthe right decision. Obviously if you are going to sew from thekitchen table, you don't want a machine with lots of accessoriesor add-ons that will take up too much room. If you are doingrepairs and alterations, you don't want a machine thatduplicates the quilting stitch. If you have small childrenaround, your machine needs to be tucked away safely. Just a fewthings to think about.

Research is the name of the game here. Check out the latestconsumer reports. Visit the forum discussions onsew-whats-new.com and see what the girls are using. They willgladly tell you what works and what doesn't. Another source isthe well known sewing magazines. Sew News and Threads docomparison studies all the time.

If you are lucky enough to have local dealers, pay them all avisit. Test drive all their machines and ask lots and lots ofquestions. Take fabric with you that you use and test out thingslike stitch length, reverse and some of the different presserfeet. Find out about lessons. Lots of dealers will give you afew free lessons to get you acquainted with your machine. Aboveall, take your time. I cannot stress this enough. Don't letanyone rush you thru the process. Leave the kids at home so youhave no distractions. While you are in the shop askingquestions, you can see how the staff relate to customers and ifthey have the answers to all your questions. If they seemimpatient or brusque, imagine how they might be after the sale.If they are not helpful now at the prospect of a sale, theyprobably won't be later if you need help.

On the other hand, a strong sales pitch can also steer you inthe wrong direction. Paying for a top of the line model doesn'tmean you are getting the machine you will be happiest with. Youmust resist the urge for that impulse buy. Go home and talk tosomeone who sews. Find out their experiences and listen to whatthey have to say. Again, take your time with this decision.

If you have visited all the dealers, and test driven theirmachines visit them all again. Visit again when you are restedand can make a clear decision. Go back and take a second look atthose machines. You are looking at them with new eyes now. Maybethere are a few things you never noticed the first time thatstand out

now. What about that foot pedal, is it comfortable? Doyou want the even feed feature? Does the machine run smoothlyand quietly? Are there more programmes than you will ever use?If so, make a mental note and you can scale down your possiblechoices. This second visit will tell you more than you expect.

Ask about the warranty that comes with each machine. Be sure youknow who is responsible for standing behind it, your dealer orthe manufacturer. Are repairs made locally or will you have topack everything up and send it away.

Be very sure you understand what is included with the sewingmachine. Which feet, how many bobbins and what about a manual.The manual is very important. You will refer to the manual timeafter time so it should be a good reference guide to all theaccessories and stitch designs along with any other functions.The manual should be full of pictures and diagrams for the basicsewing as well as clear directions. If your manual isn'thelpful, do you want to go searching out the answers every timeyou have a problem. I wish I had a penny for every time someonehas emailed me with a problem that their manual doesn't answer.

Be sure you get your sales agreement in writing and keep yourcopy in a safe place. Nothing less will do.

The bottom line is you must do some work before you ever sewyour first stitch. If you make the effort and educate yourself,the rewards of a great sewing machine are yours.

About the author:Mary is the mother to three grown children and six perfectgrandchildren. She is also owner/editor ofhttp://sew-whats-new.com Her site has been recognized in manynational sewing magazines.