Which sewing machine should i consider buying?

What type of sewing machine is best for me?

Taking up a creative hobby like dressmaking, quilting, home decor, sewing or crafting can be fun, so purchasing the most suitable sewing machine for you can make a huge difference. Developments in sewing machines and sewing accessories will produce more of a professional finish to whatever sewing project you undertake.

"Buyer's guides are usually full of jargon, however our alternative, no holds barred guide to buying a sewing machine lets you consider your choice from a different perspective"

The variation between any manufacturer's basic sewing machine and their top-end model is a lot more than just the price. Features such as bobbin loading, computerised models, automate these treacherous tasks. Although this sewing machine buyers guide are our own personal thoughts, you can rest assured that our unbiased and huge product knowledge is for your benefit and hopefully will be useful in helping you choose before you purchase.

Do I really need an expensive sewing machine?

We often hear, "I will pay as much as I can and buy the best sewing machine I can afford". No, that's not correct. Often paying the most will not buy you the best sewing machine for your needs, this is not the most cost-effective way!

Nor is... "I want a cheap sewing machine". Our yard is full of broken, cheap sewing machines from unknown manufacturers.! Customers may have been thinking that paying an extra few pounds were just for the brand name! The extra few pounds are for the metal parts instead of plastic, durability instead of "if it's broken, throw-it-away", well-engineered smooth running instead of an unpleasant noisy rattle and comprehensible instruction manual instead of pigeon English.

Some obscure branded machines I've seen even have stitches the wrong way around causing all kinds of problems when hemming or quilting and that's not just the machines for under £100! It is simply not possible to sew a blind hem stitch on a large curtain, where the bulk of the curtain has to go through/under the small space to the right of the needle.

Its laughable at times, one of the cheaper sewing machines from China I was looking at, had voice control! Which, when first reading the spec, sounded fab until we started to sew with this semi-computerised model. Using the machine gathered a number of spectators? The reason was the Chinese accent that was coming out of the sewing machine, it was as if the factory had asked one of the girls on the production line to add her local Chinese dialect to English words. There really are some poor sewing machines out there.

Some questions to consider

It’s important to consider several factors to ensure you choose the right sewing machine for your needs.

What is my skill level?

• Beginner: Look for a machine with basic features, easy-to-follow controls, and clear instructions. Avoid overly complex models.
• Intermediate/Advanced: If you have some experience or plan to tackle more advanced projects, consider a machine with additional features like automatic buttonholes, stitch customization, or embroidery options.

What am I going to be using it for?

• General Sewing: For basic projects like clothing repairs, simple garments, or home decor, a standard mechanical machine will suffice.
• Quilting: If you plan to quilt, look for a machine with a wider throat space (the area between the needle and the machine body) to accommodate bulky fabrics.
• Heavy-Duty Projects: For sewing thick fabrics like denim or leather, choose a machine with a strong motor and metal frame.
• Embroidery: If you want to do embroidery, consider a machine with built-in embroidery designs or compatibility with embroidery software.

Do I need a computerised model?

• Mechanical Machines: Simple, durable, and easy to use. Great for beginners. 
• Electronic Machines: Offer more stitch options and features like automatic needle threading or speed control. They are often easy to set up and thread. 
• Computerised Machines: Advanced models with programmable stitches, LCD screens, and precise controls. Ideal for experienced sewers or those who want more versatility. 

Do I need to buy a heavy-duty sewing machine?

• Many sewing machines can sew through 3 or 4 layers of denim with ease. Most can sew thicknesses as well, for example quilts with wadding, quilted cushions, curtains.
• Heavy-duty sewing machine are stronger, have DC motors, metal sewing bed and can sew thicker and faster than most others.

What key features should I be looking out for?

• Stitch Options: Basic machines typically offer 10–20 stitches, while advanced models may have hundreds. Consider which stitches you’ll actually use. Look for stretch stitches!
• Automatic Needle Threader: A helpful feature for beginners or expert sewers. Are all needle threaders the same?
• Electronic Foot Speed Control: Allows you to sew at a comfortable pace, yet the needle get full power even at slower speeds.
• DC Motor: Offering more power and speed than a conventual AC motor. 
• Buttonhole Function: Look for a one-step auto-sizing buttonhole feature for convenience.
• Presser Feet: Check if the machine comes with essential presser feet (e.g., zipper foot, buttonhole foot, quilting feet).
• Free Arm: Useful for sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other small, tubular items.

Further and more detailed tips, diving into sewing machine specifications, can be found on our buyer guides.