Sewing Machines: Which to Choose and How
There are so many sewing machines on the market now that it really is difficult to make an informed decision without doing exhaustive research on each and every one available. That’s what I found when I started looking, trudging through websites, visiting electrical shops, asking friends for their opinions. So far, this is what I’ve learned – The salesman in the electrical shop wants you to buy the most expensive one he sells or the one he’s got a stack of in his warehouse that he can’t get rid of. There are way too many websites to get through them all and as friends go, what’s right for them may not be right for you. I do think that opinions are important though and I’ve read hundreds of reviews online about many different machines. You know by reading reviews you’ll get the good and the bad points so you’ll know what to look out for, as long as you’ve got a few hours to spare. What I’m going to attempt to do is do all that research for you so you can get out and buy that machine and get sewing. So here goes:
The first thing you need to do is answer these simple questions:
1. How much can I afford to spend on my sewing machine?
2. What am I going to use it for?
3. How often am I going to use it?
4. How much space do I have to store it in?
It is important that you keep to your answers when choosing a machine. It is too easy to get carried away when you find out all the amazing features available on machines, some that may seem appealing but you are unlikely to ever use. One thing’s for sure though – there is a machine out there for everyone, regardless of experience and budget.
The absolute basic
If all you need is a basic machine for alterations then you don’t need to spend more than $100. If you go for the Brother LS2125I Easy-To-Use Lightweight Basic 10-Stitch Sewing Machine you can spend less than $80. The design of basic machines hasn’t changed in about 30 years, however this machine does have the modern upgrade function of an automatic 4-step buttonholer. It comes with enough accessories to get you started. The only niggle a few people have is the foot pedal makes the machine go from 0-100 in a second. To be honest, you will find that with most basic machines, the Singer equivalent, the 1507 8-Stitch Sewing Machine is exactly the same. The pedal just needs getting used to, like the clutch pedal on a car (stick – obviously!), you need to find the bite. The accompanying manual is easy to follow, which you really should read regardless of which machine you go for. The rest of its benefits are featured in its title, it’s easy to use, lightweight and has 10 built in stitches. If it’s just a basic machine you need, the Brother is slightly better than the Singer. For an extra $10 you could get the Brother XL2600I Sew Advance Sew Affordable 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine, obviously it has an extra 15 preset stitches and it has one of the best functions to ever be invented for the electric sewing machine, an auto-size one-step buttonholer. This is a must if you are going to be making garments. Buttonholes are the bane of every dressmaker and this function makes the job a breeze.
On a budget but want some features
The Brother C6000i is a great machine for its price, retailing for about $169.99 at Amazon.com (its Recommended Retail Price is actually $449 so a great bargain!) It has an LCD screen for choosing stitches (of which there are 60, ranging from basic utility stitches to decorative and a selection of 1-step buttonholes. This machine is ideal for dressmakers, quilters and for making soft furnishings with useful features to assist with all. There are a few bonus features which make for easy application; the automatic needle threader, a quick-set drop-in bobbin and built in thread cutter. It comes with a wide range of accessories, more than you would expect for the price and it simple to use. This is one of my personal favorites. You really do get value for money with this computerized machine.
The closest Singer machine to compare with the Brother CS6000i is the Singer Brilliance™ Sewing Machine which has 80 stitch patterns, automatic needle threader and computerized push button stitch selection. It has all the features of the Brother CS6000i with the addition of decorative stitch lock, and an extended work table, two valuable utilities for quilters. This retails at $149.99 at Amazon.com which really is great value for money; however, there have been many reports of poor after-sales service with Singer. People who have been unfortunate to experience their machine breaking down found repair services to be quite expensive. Personally I prefer the Brother but the final choice obviously lies with you.
A little bit of luxury
When only the best is good enough or you just feel you need to indulge a little and treat yourself I found that the Brother PC-420 PRW Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine ticks all the boxes. With its 294 preset stitches programmed into its integrated computer with room to create some of your own (!) everything is done at the touch of a button and the LCD screen. It has the usual automatic needle threader you’d expect from a machine of this calibre and twin needle capability with an additional spool holder and twin needle included. Have you ever wanted to monogram your clothes or sign a piece of quilting? Of the 294 stitches there are 3 sets of 55 alphanumeric characters; that’s 3 different fonts, BLOCK, SCRIPT and OUTLINE with numbers and punctuation. The programmable thread trimmer cuts the upper and lower threads at the end of each task. It comes with lots of accessories including a quilting foot and a walking foot. These can be controlled by the built in knee lift that raises the pressure of the foot, keeping both hands free to manoeuvre your fabric. It’s one of those features you didn’t know you needed until you have it. With all these features it is suitable for all types of sewers, from novice to professional, dressmaker to quilter. A definite must if you can afford its reasonable price tag of $449.99. It even includes a hard cover, which saves you at least $25! I have to add that there are a lot of gorgeous Project Runway sewing accessories that are practical and chic. I particularly love Project Runway Designer’s Tool Holder and the Project Runway Aqua Round Sewing Basket.
No matter what your budget or your sewing experience there is a machine to suit your needs. With the amazing features available on sewing machines now you can’t help but be inspired to create spectacular items. Be warned, once to start a project you won’t want to stop and you’ll want to make more and more. You’d better find a good fabric supplier!
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If you still haven’t decided, go to http://www.sewingmachineguides.com for more reviews and information.
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