So you might be wondering what’s the best sewing machines for beginners to buy. That is if you don’t already own one. In fact, you most probably inherited your mother’s old sewing machine (like I did when my mom decided to upgrade).
No matter what machine you get or already have – whether it’s fancy or not – the basic functions remain the same. It’s made to sew two (or more) pieces of fabric together and ultimately, that is what it will do.
I inherited my mom’s old machine around the time I was pregnant with my first child.
We had just moved to a new and unfamiliar town and I filled my days sewing cot linen and curtain for the baby room. Before actually having the machine, I used to only sew when I visited my parents.
My machine from my mom was a 1980’s mechanical Bernina. A good, solid machine with a few basic stitches. Nothing electronic about it at all. And it was perfectly capable of sewing just about anything.
At the end of the day, the best sewing machine is the one that works best for you. It is a very subjective choice, but it certainly helps if you are armed with some information.
So, on to the best sewing machines for beginners. Below will give you some information on what to look out for, have an idea on functionality and customization. Remember, you don’t need a super fancy machine to get started.
Some things to keep in mind…
Buy The Best That You Can Afford
And by best I don’t mean as many fancy, schmancy things that the machine can do, but rather the best quality. Go for well-known brand names, machines with quality parts and pieces. You don’t want something that is going to pack up in a few months and cost a fortune to repair.
Buy From A Dealership
Dealership staff are trained and equipped to deal with the machines they sell and know how the machines work. They generally also offer some start-up lessons and machine maintenance services.
The benefit of choosing Creative Notions, is that we are a multi-dealership, meaning that we are dealers for more than one brand. This way, we can give objective advice without being prejudice over one particular brand.
We take your budget in consideration, and help can you discover the pros and cons of each brand and type of sewing machine. For more information about our services, click here.
Try Out The Machine
This is also only possible when you buy from a dealership. Usually they have the latest models out on display and you should be able to try the machines out. With us at Creative Notions, you can test a couple of brands, without driving from dealership to another.
Feel each brand and type… how do they sew? Do they clatter and make a noise or do they purr quietly?
Stitch Options
What options do you have with regard to stitching? How does the stitch quality look? At the very least there should be a straight stitch, a zigzag stitch and a buttonhole stitch. Most entry-level machines have more though.
Special Features
Find out what they are. Things like an automatic needle threader. I love mine as it takes the guesswork out of threading. Or perhaps an automatic thread cutter – my machine doesn’t have that but my mom’s new machine does. I love it.
Does the needle have an up/down feature? Can the machine’s sewing speed be adjusted? How is the light on the machine? Often, sewing can go on into the wee hours and there’s nothing worse than not being able to see properly.
Feet & Attachments
Look at the attachments and feet that come with the machine. Again, most entry level machines come with basic attachments such as zipper foot, a buttonhole foot and a button foot. At the same time, check the cost of additional attachments and feet for when you are ready to upgrade your skills (but not your machine yet).
Mechanical or Computerised
You can also choose between mechanical or computerised machines. These days almost all except the very basic machines are computerised to some degree. Keep also the cleaning and maintenance required for the machine in mind. If you look after your machine and maintain it properly, it will last for a very long time.
In closing, you need to remember that you will be the one using the machine and therefore, it has to be right for your needs and requirements.
Creative Notions is a multi-dealership for all brands and types sewing machines for beginners to advanced, embroidery machines and even combination sewing/embroidery machines. We also sell used machines.
Feel free to pop in to Creative Notions and chat to us about your requirements. If you don’t live in or around Pretoria, give us a call and we’ll will gladly assist you in selecting from a variety of sewing machines for beginners! Click here to complete a request for a quote.
And if a new sewing machine is a little pricey, remember that we also sell used sewing machines. Also, we have alternative, low interested financing available. Happy sewing machine hunting!