Sewing machines are heavy, expensive pieces of machinery that can be a hassle to set up and take care of, not to mention use for a beginner. However, if you know what you’re doing, using a sewing machine can really come in handy. This guide is intended for beginners so that they can take their sewing machine out of the box and start using it immediately without any problems.
Purchasing a Sewing Machine
Before you purchase a sewing machine, make sure you consider your needs and price range. There are many different types of sewing machines that are made for specific tasks. To make the process easier, we’ve curated a helpful list of the best sewing machines on the market.
The key to success with sewing is to make sure the right tools are at your disposal. One way to do this is to buy a sewing machine. Here are some things you should be on the lookout for while you’re shopping for a new machine:
- Tank vs. Bobbin
- Heavy Duty vs. Light Duty
The more you handle your sewing machine, the better you’ll be at sewing. It’s always a good idea to get familiar with the feel, weight, and button locations.
For beginners, I recommend starting with a modern day sewing machine. You can even get a front-load machine, which is perfect for beginners. You can also opt for an electronic sewing machine which comes with several automatic features that make sewing a thing of comfort and ease.
It’s important to set your machine up properly.
Safety Considerations for Your Sewing Machine
Always use the safety features on your sewing machine. Keep your fingers away from the needle area. When using regular sewing, I recommend using a metal needle.
Never attempt to open the machine by yourself. Always contact the manufacturer for repairs, or have a technician come out to do the work.
It is important to have some handy sewing accessories so you are ready to sew at any moment. Many sewers will have many more sewing supplies on hand.
Needles
Gather a variety of needles for sewing different fabrics. A universal needle can be used for regular sewing, but for important projects, I recommend buying more specialized needles.
My favorite sewing accessory is a pincushion. It makes it much easier to sew for longer periods of time without looking to constantly stop and place the pins.
You should also invest in a seam ripper (along with a variety of other cutting tools such as scissors, pinking shears, and rotary cutters).
We end this article with a reminder that one of the most important sewing supplies is the sewing machine itself. It is the most essential sewing tool and arguably the most important sewing supply. Any complete sewing cabinet or super sewing kit will have one of these.
Which Sewing Machine Should I Buy For My First Time? If you are just starting out with using sewing machines, here are the questions to consider to help provide an answer for which one you should buy.
What is your sewing experience?
- Do you want to make clothing?
- Do you want to make crafts, like purses, pillows, or pet toys?
- Do you want to make quilts?
What is your budget?
- How much money do you expect to spend?
- Do you want to buy a sewing machine with threads?
- Do you want to buy a sewing machine with a built-in light?
What type of sewing machine?
- Do you want a beginner machine that has basic stitching options?
- Do you want a standard sewing machine with more than basic stitching options?
- Do you want an embroidery machine?
- Do you want a computerized sewing machine?
By answering these questions, you will be able to make your choice and find the right sewing machine that fits your needs.
How Much Do Sewing Machines Cost?
Expect to pay between 75-400 dollars for a new sewing machine. You can buy a new sewing machine for less than 75 dollars, but I would suggest spending the time to research what features your money will get you.
Some other considerations that will go into the cost are:
What type of sewing machine?
Do you want a beginner machine that has basic stitching options?
Do you plan to upgrade your sewing machine in the future?
A Good Option for Beginners
I always recommend the Brother CS6000i which is an embroidery and sewing machine in one and they can be found at Big Bobbin. However, if you’re looking for a really basic and simple sewing machine and don’t want to worry about ever doing any embroidery, you can’t go wrong with the Brother Project Runway OL.
Conclusion
Sewing is an important skill that everyone should know for a range of reasons.
The best way to care for your sewing machine is to learn how to use it properly. With the information in this guide, you will be able to take your sewing machine out of the box and begin sewing in a matter of minutes.