ARE YOU SURE YOU'RE GETTING THE BEST DEAL?
10 FEATURES YOUR NEW SEWING MACHINE MUST HAVE
The first thing to consider is what you'd like in a machine. Have a look at your old sewing machine. What is wrong with it? Is it difficult to use? Is it noisy? Does it lack important features or is it just plain outdated?
You also need to ask yourself what you will be using the machine for? What kind of sewing do you plan to do? Would you do more sewing if your machine was faster, easier or had more options?
The following is a list of features experts say you should look for in a sewing machine:
1. Solid construction
A good machine is wonderful and can make sewing more pleasurable. You can hear and see the results between a good machine and a not so good machine. The machine should not vibrate off the table, rattle or have pieces that can easily be snapped off.
2. One-step buttonhole
Experts greatly prefer a one-step buttonhole. Look for a machine which includes a special foot that creates correctly sized, uniform buttonholes.
3. Modern basics
So many great features of sewing machines are now considered standards. Check for such basics as a needle threader, needle up/down function, drop feed, speed control, drop in bobbin and a range of standard stitches.
4. Convenience
Gone are the days of noisy clunkers. You can expect your new machine to operate quietly and also be lightweight and portable so that you can take it to classes and holidays. Check for convenient placement of buttons and most importantly, ask about maintenance.
5. Ease of use
By far the easiest machines on the market are computerised sewing machines. Typically selections are made with buttons and an LCD panel with the ability to repeat patterns and store them in memory. This allows you to repeat a detailed pattern or words with ease. Look for a brightly lit LCD screen with a straightforward layout.
6. Support
The overall consensus on buying from department stores is plain and simply, don't do it. It is a cost/benefit trade off and generally the amount you may save is far less than the ongoing headaches are worth. Buying from a reputable sewing dealer ensures you future support, easy access to additional products and the ability to test-drive the machine. Be very wary of buying machines with no warranty. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for!
7. Features
Be sure to get a machine with enough stitches, both standard and decorative. Ideally, you want a machine with an alphabet stitch, a number of utility stitches and at least a few decorative stitches. The more the better!
8. Value for money
Sewing machines range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Choose your budget carefully and steer clear of extreme price points. Find out what is included in the price. Your machine should come with extras like sewing feet, tools and a cover (a hard cover is wonderful for carrying and storing your machine).
9. Room to grow
You may only be interested in sewing clothing right now, but try not to limit yourself. When you purchase a new machine you will probably find it so easy to use that you decide to branch out. Invest in a machine with basic craft and quilting capabilities like a free arm and quilting stitch. Check for a range of additional accessories so that you can expand your capabilities over time.
10. Reputation
Experts recommend sticking with known brands. Find out the history of a company; how long have they been in business? Do they have happy customers? What support and warranty do they offer? Are there hidden costs? Take advantage of craft shows and promotions where you can talk directly to the company and get answers to any questions you may have. This is also an excellent opportunity to compare products and get a great deal.
Baby Lock sewing machines are great for experienced and inexperienced sewers alike, with ease of use built into every feature and so many decorative capabilities too
