May
Choosing The Best Sewing Machine For A Beginner
by Jennifer Dawson
If you want to start sewing, you may be feeling a little worried about buying a sewing machine. After all, there are three different sewing machine options for you to choose from (mechanical, computerized and manual), and each machine comes with completely different pros and cons. The prices of the machines can also vary wildly, ranging from less than $100 to over $10,000 – so how do you know which machine is the right one for you?
Much like choosing a car, it is important to work out what you want to do with your machine and how much you want to spend. This will make it much easier for you to choose the best sewing machine for your needs. Here, we will go through all three sewing machine options, including pros and cons, so you can choose the best option for you.
Mechanical Sewing Machine
Most modern sewing machines are mechanical, and they are suited to beginners for a few different reasons; they are easy to use, they are fairly cheap compared to other options and they are very durable. The only problem with mechanical machines is that they don’t come with many sophisticated settings. This can be problematic if you want to try complex designs such as puffy sleeves straight away, but it is fine if you are happy to learn as you go.
Computerized Sewing Machine
Computerized sewing machines are the most high-tech option on this list. They normally come with a lot of different functions, which can be either exciting or overwhelming depending on what you want to make! They are the ideal sewing machine for beginners who want to try complex designs, but you should definitely read the manual before you get started so you don’t get confused. The machines are also fairly expensive, so if you have a tight budget a mechanical sewing machine could be a better option.
Manual Sewing Machine
Manual sewing machines are the vintage machines that most people image when they think of sewing. They aren’t plugged in as they use a foot pedal instead, and they are very beautiful to look out. However they do come with fewer stitches and they are harder to use, so they are not a great option for a beginner.
A sewing machine makes it easier for you to complete complex designs in a short amount of time, but it is important to find a sewing machine that you like using. Everyone has different needs and requirements, so weigh up a few options before making a final decision.
Check out Kristin Omdahl’s sewing patterns here: https://www.kristinomdahl.com/whats-new?category=Free%20Sewing%20Pattern
Best Sewing Machines For Beginners, Stitch And Sew
https://www.stitchandsew.net/best-sewing-machine-beginners/
Alayna Crochet Shawl from Motif Magic by Kristin Omdahl, Kristin Omdahl
Dusting Off The Sewing Machine, The New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/05/fashion/dusting-off-the-sewing-machine.html
Average annual expenditure on sewing machines per consumer unit in the United States from 2007 to 2016 (in U.S. dollars), Statista
https://www.statista.com/statistics/306907/us-expenditure-on-sewing-machines/
How To Get Users To Read The Manual, User Voice
https://community.uservoice.com/blog/how-to-get-users-to-read-the-manual/
Best Sewing Machines, Consumer Report
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/sewing-machines/buying-guide/index.htm
Jennifer Dawson spent over a decade building and running a haberdashery including all kinds of make and do craft classes during the day and in the evenings, including sewing lessons for beginners and those who were more experienced in their hobby. She works as a freelance content manager and writer. This includes working with a sewing equipment review site which also provides guides to various sewing related themes.
Other articles written by Jennifer Dawson:
Knitting Vs. Crochet: Understanding the Differences
The Many Health Benefits of Knitting and Crochet
This is the sewing machine that Kristin Omdahl uses for her sewing projects:
Shop Kristin Omdahl Yarns HERE
Shop Kristin Omdahl Crochet Patterns HERE
Shop Kristin Omdahl Knitting Patterns HERE
View Kristin Omdahl free sewing patterns HERE
I would love to see your creations. Just as much fun as making these myself is the satisfaction I get from seeing my designs come to life and other crochet fans wearing them too. There are now 2 ways you can share what you have done!
- Share yours by joining Create. Share. Inspire on Facebook where you can interact with me as well as many other members who have a love of knitting and crochet just like you! It is a wonderful and safe place to share your photos of finished projects in my knitting or crochet patterns or yarns, and to see what others are making, too.
- I have recently added a wonderful new interactive section to the website which I invite you to take part in, it has been a smashing success and such fun so far. It is the new “Share Your Project” section. You, my creators, can upload images and descriptions of your creations to share with the ever growing community! To upload simply click here.
Additionally, I host a livestreaming podcast weekday on my YouTube Channel called Create Share Inspire Podcast. You can join the audience and even ask me questions LIVE! I often do a show and tell, or quick demo and I always interact with the live audience. It is a lot of fun!
You can browse through over 800 previously recorded episodes HERE: Create Share Inspire Podcast Playlist . Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel to get reminders when the next episode airs LIVE.
I look forward to seeing what you create!
xoxo,
Kristin
Thanks for this post. I’m still using my 52 year old Singer 338. I love it. I’ve made wedding & bridesmaid dresses, lots of my clothes, my children & grandchildren’s clothes, curtains as well as countless alterations & repairs. I had considered buying a new light weight one to carry to quilting classes but decided to stick with the Singer. Although it’s a bit heavy being aluminium & not plastic, it’s got a decent space between the needle bar & the main body, does zig zag & lots of embroidery stitches as well as being solid and reliable. Oh yes it’s a gorgeous shade of turquoise to boot.