Sewing machine for beginners: In this post, I have summarized the best tips and information on buying a sewing machine for newcomers.
The most important things at a glance
- When buying, think about the projects you want to take on in the future.
- Good advice can save you a lot of trouble.
- Compare machines based on their features.
- If you buy your sewing machine online, be sure to read the fine print beforehand.
- You can also rent sewing machines. This is a great way to get to know devices from different manufacturers before deciding to buy.
How do I find the right sewing machine as a beginner?
Finding the right sewing machine is a bit like buying a new car. Okay, it’s not quite as expensive. But: it has to fit. And it has to please you. It must have everything you need. And, as car psychologists know: it has to sound good to your ears.
Unfortunately, I disregarded all of this when buying my first sewing machine and simply bought a machine from a discount store. It was actually intended for shortening curtains or trousers. Which I did. Shorten them, I mean. But I fixed the whole thing with iron-on tape from that big Swedish store. So much for that.
At some point, I took the machine out of the storage room and felt like trying it out a bit. However, it quickly became apparent that the threading process got on my nerves. And that the sewing area was tiny (I happen to have large hands by nature).
Which sewing machine do I need as a novice?
At the beginning, you might only need a few functions of your sewing machine. A straight stitch, a zigzag stitch, and the reverse function are sufficient. Over time, however, you will surely expand your skills.
This means you might then dare to take on more complex and demanding sewing projects. You might then wish for more decorative stitches, buttonhole functions, or the possibility to upgrade your sewing machine as needed.
My tip: Think about which projects and sewing ideas are primarily on your mind. If you like patchwork projects but don't necessarily want to sew baby clothes, I recommend a sewing machine for which the manufacturer offers a wide extension table and a walking foot. Because if you want to quilt, you will surely be well-advised with that.
If, like me, you enjoy sewing clothing, your new sewing machine should have stretch stitches so that you can make pretty seams even without an overlocker.
If you are planning bags, cushions, or other larger projects (some people even sew bed linen!), a wide extension table on which larger pieces of fabric can fit is also suitable. For example, the Janome Horizon 8200, my third sewing machine, has a particularly large additional extension table.
You should also think about whether you would like to use the machine outside the house at some point. If you, for example, go to a sewing café or a community college to take courses there, your new machine should be easy to transport and not too heavy.
And in the best case, it should even be delivered directly with a sturdy transport cover with a handle, which protects your treasure on the go.
Highly underestimated: Get advice
So what did I do? I went to a specialist dealer and got some advice.
The dealer took a lot of time for me. First asked me what I actually wanted to sew. And what I think I might be sewing in a year or two. Then he introduced me to various machines and explained the advantages and disadvantages.
Criteria for my purchase
- I need a sewing machine that "grows with me", i.e., one that I can upgrade according to my sewing progress.
- Basically, I want a machine from a manufacturer that can also provide accessories in the future.
- Initially, the machine should come with all the accessories I need for the start, so that I can calmly test which direction my interest in sewing develops in.
- And I also want to be able to order accessories online.
- I don't want to thread and cut thread manually. The machine should already be able to do that.
- With some machines in the lower price segment, you have to adjust the thread tension manually. That totally overwhelmed me with the discount model, which is why I decided on a machine that has automatic thread tension. That eliminates a potential source of error from the outset.
- I want to buy the machine from a local dealer so that they can provide me with advice and assistance if necessary. That was actually a good decision. As soon as my machine acts up (or does something I don't understand), I pack it up and drive there. And I have been helped every single time. That is invaluable, I think.
- The machine should come with the longest possible warranty. In some cases, offers extend far beyond the statutory warranty period of 24 months if you register the machine online. Anyone who sews a lot plays it safe with that.
- Of course, I also had a price expectation, so I knew the maximum amount of money I wanted to spend on the sewing machine.
The dealer first showed me different sewing machines in my price category and explained their special features and modes of operation. He also pointed out which machines are particularly in demand.
I thought it was great that the dealer could also provide information about the company's development, for example, knowing about quality drops in production.
That was important to me, as I don't want to buy a machine for which I can no longer buy spare parts after just half a year because the manufacturer is no longer producing. There are certainly no guarantees for that. Nevertheless, I found the tip helpful.
Next, I had the opportunity to test the different makes – to "test drive" the sewing machines, so to speak. I was also able to try out threading and cutting the thread.
This is especially important if you are over 40 and don't feel like constantly trying to expedite the thread through the tiny eye of the needle with reading glasses on your nose. After this test phase, only a machine with an automatic threader was an option for me.
What can advanced sewing machines do?
Manufacturers have adapted to the needs of their clientele and, in addition to sewing machines with basic equipment, also offer those with the most varied functions.
In the higher price segment, some models have more decorative stitches, can embroider letters and numbers, and thread and cut the thread automatically. Some also have an additional embroidery function.
Important: having tried out the machine. You have to like the device you ultimately buy. This also includes the sound being pleasant, the buttons being easily accessible, and the structure of the machine being logical and understandable to you. If you have the opportunity, also take a look at the machine's manual.
Some machines from foreign manufacturers have descriptions attached that are hard to understand in the German translation. It is important to also be able to understand the fine print: I need to know exactly where which thread runs so that I get beautiful sewing results.
So it certainly makes sense to take a look at the operating instructions before buying and to consider whether you understand them.
What is the benefit of a sewing machine with an embroidery function?
Especially if you like sewing for children, you might be considering whether you should get a sewing machine with an embroidery function. This has the advantage that you can also implement smaller embroidery projects with a normal sewing machine. In addition, you can slowly approach the topic of embroidery.
Some hobby seamstresses quickly find out that they don't use the embroidery function at all or only very rarely. In this case, several hundred euros are lost, as the machine is more expensive than a normal sewing machine.
However, if you find that you are embroidering much more with the machine than you previously assumed, the embroidery hoop might very soon be too small for you. In this case, it may be that the combo machine also turns out to be a bad investment soon and you want to purchase an embroidery machine that can do more.
I recommend buying a basic sewing machine first and an additional used embroidery machine. Maybe you can even borrow one to test whether machine embroidery is fun for you.
Good for beginners: Buying a used sewing machine
There are several ways to buy a used sewing machine. Some dealers offer used machines in their shop or online store that have been refurbished beforehand. Often a warranty is also included.
This means the machine might cost a bit more, but you have the opportunity to have the machine repaired within the specified period – of course, depending on the terms of the warranty.
This can make sense if you are a sewing beginner and first want to try out whether you have been permanently bitten by the sewing bug or if it is just a flash in the pan.
In both cases, you don't take a big risk with the purchase of a used machine: you can calmly try out whether sewing gives you lasting pleasure – in which case you might buy a machine with more functions after some time.
Or you find out that you only need the machine to hem curtains and shorten trousers. A used gem is enough for that.
There are now many forums on the Internet where used sewing machines of all makes are offered. Here, too, I recommend choosing a machine that ideally still has a manufacturer's warranty and has been refurbished by a specialist dealer or manufacturer. This should be proven with a receipt so that there are no unpleasant surprises.
Tip: Rent and try out
Some fabric stores and craft shops, especially in larger cities, offer this service. You can rent machines by the hour or by the day at a certain fixed rate.
The advantage is: you can tackle smaller sewing projects without having to buy a machine. And you can try out at home in peace which sewing machine you like.
Do I need an overlocker?
Perhaps you are considering whether you should rather buy an overlocker or a coverstitch machine instead of a normal sewing machine. We have summarized the individual functions and differences for you:
Since I like sewing clothing and accordingly often with stretch fabrics, I have an overlocker in addition to the normal free-arm sewing machine (you can find more information about this in my field report about the Juki sewing machine). After the prior experience with the cheap machine, I wanted to do everything right this time and saved up for a high-quality machine.
I then bought the BabyLock Acclaim*, a first-class overlocker with which even I, a sewing nerd, can get along great. No manual threading, no problems. Just beautiful seams, smooth jersey, and zero annoyance. Who would have thought.
Buying a sewing machine online
For me, when choosing my new sewing machine, it was initially important to be able to ask many questions – and also to have them answered directly. Of course, you can also buy your sewing machine online. Big advantage: you can compare the prices of different online shops and choose the cheapest offer.
Many providers advertise extensive service and purchase advice, so your questions will surely be answered here as well. If you order online, pay attention to the fine print:
- How expensive are postage and packaging?
- Who pays the postage costs for a return in the event of a repair or complaint?
- Is there a telephone hotline for questions?
- Is there perhaps a workshop on site where you can alternatively take the machine, or do you have to send it in if something doesn't work?
- Do you perhaps get a replacement device (which can be important if you sew for sale and cannot or do not want to afford downtime)?
- What delivery times can be expected (there can be significant differences)?
Which sewing machine brands are good?
Which brand you like is certainly a very individual decision. Here we are back to the keyword "buying a car".
You probably don't buy a sewing machine only based on practical considerations; feelings also play a role.
Do you like the machine? Do you like the design? The sound? Should it be stylish? Or do you think the industrial charm of an angular, functional machine like my Janome is great? Do you like an uncomplicated, easy-to-understand machine like my Juki*? Would you rather have a German machine? Or have you seen YouTube videos and let them inspire your purchase?
It is important that you like the machine. If you want to play it safe, I recommend the quality tests by Stiftung Warentest. There you will get a good overview of qualities, functions, and included accessories. And: the most expensive machine is not always really the best for your individual sewing requirements!
My machine
When everything was considered, I decided on my Juki DX7*. It has all the standard basic stitches and some very chic decorative stitches. I got used to the machine very quickly. The machine comes with a truly understandable instruction manual, which you should read through carefully before you start sewing. That avoids many beginner mistakes from the start.
Feel free to also read my detailed field report on the Juki DX7. In it, I also compare the Juki with my second sewing machine, the Janome Horizon.
On-board computer
Like every modern car, the Juki* also possesses a small but sophisticated computer. And it offers nice little features like: "needle down," "automatic tie-off" - a great feature! - and automatic thread cutting (honestly, I never want to do without this again).
Also really great is the function that allows you to set the sewing speed. Usually, I control the speed with the foot pedal, but sometimes, when I want it to be very precise, for example when appliquéing, I select a lower speed level and manage well with that.
Sewing without a foot pedal
An alternative to the foot pedal is the footless sewing option (unfortunately, I don't know the technical term for this). If you unplug the foot pedal, you can operate the machine using the start/stop button. Many Brother machines offer this feature, for example, the 1800Q.*
What do I need the machine for?
I started with tissue pouches and bunting flags. Everything very simple. The main thing was that it went in a straight line. Next came the cosmetic bags and then very quickly followed quilts in all variations.
The Janome manages all of that without any problems. For clothing, I prefer to use the Juki because it also sews stretchy fabrics very well.
In addition, I rely on my overlock when sewing clothes: The Babylock Acclaim* is sort of the Mercedes among overlockers. And I will never give it away again.
When I bought my sewing machine, I wasn't even sure if this passion would last. It has lasted. That is the reason why I now also buy higher-quality accessories and machines. It just makes sewing much more fun for me.
By the way, I bought and paid for all my machines myself. I only recommend what I really find good in this post.
Happy sewing machine shopping,
yours, Sabine
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