Your First Sewing Machine
The Best Sewing Machine for You

So, how do you make sure that you get just the right mix of features – not too many but also not stripped down?

Here are some things to keep in mind when you are shopping for the best first sewing machine for you:

• Buy a Real Sewing Machine! - There is, of course, the temptation to buy something cheap for learning to sew. You will never learn to love sewing if your sewing machine doesn't work well. It will only cause you needless hours of frustration, and most people will just give up.
  
  

  

  Photo by Chris tsuacctnt, flckr.com
  
  

  Plan to spend about $200 for a new basic sewing machine of high quality (or less for a used one), and you will be much happier. If you choose well, you will have a nice basic machine that works well and that provides you with many hours of fun and enjoyment!

• Don't Buy More Machine than you Need - On the other hand, buying a sewing machine with all the bells and whistles for your beginner sewing machine will also be a big mistake. If your first machine is too complicated, you may never get around to learning how to use it. Or, if you do try, you may end up totally frustrated!

  Ask any experienced sewer, and I'd be willing to bet that there are features on their sewing machine that they have never, ever used. That's OK, except that you DO pay for extra features. Don't pay for more than you need!

• Know Yourself - Decide what kind of projects you would like to do. If you will limit your projects to scrapbooking or crafts, you can probably buy a more basic sewing machine than if you will be making clothing or quilts.

• Do Your Homework - All sewing machines are not alike. When you know what you need, compare the machines in your price range and the ones that offer the features that you need.

  Read reviews and opinions about the machines that you are considering for your first sewing machine so that you know which machines other people like best and which ones they don't like!

Best Features
for Sewing Machines for Beginners

That having been said, there are some common features that you should consider when shopping for your beginner sewing machine, whether it's for you or for one of your children.

Take the time to consider which features you must have and which features would be nice to have. Don't get caught up in upselling (whether on the internet or by a salesman) to get you to buy more features.

Here are the most important features to consider for your first sewing machine:

• Stitches - Decide how many stitches you really need. At the least, you should have straight, zigzag, reverse, blind hem and perhaps a few decorative stitches.

• Buttonholes - Most sewing machines will make buttonholes. The better machines will provide an automatic one step buttonhole. Others have buttonholes that require up to 4 steps, and some require that you manually do things.

  Decide if you will even use buttonholes on your projects. If so, then make sure you get a machine that will do an automatic one step buttonhole. Your life will be so much simpler.

• Drop Feed - If you plan to do quilting, mending or free hand embroidery, consider this feature. If not, it won't be important to you.

• Free Arm Sewing - This is a nice feature if you make anything that is smallish and hard to position when sewing. The machine has a section that can be removed (often a little storage area), leaving a smaller area (kind of like a tube) for sewing, but one that you can slip a sleeve or pants leg onto easily. If you plan on just doing straight seams on larger items, you won't need this.

• Sewing Machine Manual - Make sure your new sewing machine has a manual—and make sure you read it. The best instructions for using your machine are in the manual, and reading it will insure that you understand how your machine works and help you take care of it so that it will last (almost) forever!

That's all there is to it! For your very first sewing machine you don't need all the bells and whistles. You do need the basics, though. Here are some possibilities for you to consider:

• Pfaff Hobby sewing machines

• Kenmore 15358 sewing machine

• Bernina Activa

• Bernina Deco Series

• Bernina 1008

• Janome 8080

• White 2037 sewing machine

• Mini sewing machine options

And, make sure that you have a friend who will help you learn how to use your machine - or take lessons from a local sewing shop or take advantage of sewing lessons that are available online.

Good luck with your search for your first and best sewing machine--whether it's a children's sewing machine or for you! If you choose well, you'll love your first machine--the very best!

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