Tips for Buying a Sewing Machine

Posted by Christine Haynes

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It is easy to get confused when shopping for a sewing machine; so many brands, features, price ranges, and more. It can be hard to know where to start! So let's break down some key elements to consider when looking for the best machine for you.

Brand:

There are a few main brands that you are going to see when you go browsing for a new machine: Singer, Brother, Janome, Kenmore, White, Pfaff, Husqvarna Viking, Bernina, Babylock, and Juki. When considering brand, you want to think about how the machine is constructed and where the machine is made. Many brands no longer use parts made from metal, instead relying upon plastic, causing the machines to not last quite as long. In terms of where the machine is manufactured, consider whether having a product created in America important to you. If it is, then seek out a US manufacturer with "Made in America" on the box. My personal favorite brand for a mid-range price point is the Janome family of machines. I've taught on them for many years and they are consistent, well built, and easy to use for all sewing levels. I personally sew on older Husqvarna Viking and Bernina machines, but these are much higher in price and are only best when you are sure you are ready to jump into a serious machine.

Features:

I always tell my students that sewing machines are a lot like cars. They all do the same thing, but they are not all the same. Think ahead to the kinds of projects you might be interested in doing and match a machine with your needs. Some have the option for stretch stitches, some have a one-step buttonhole, others come with specialty feet, and some have special quilting features. What you want to avoid doing is getting a machine so basic that you out grow it quickly. And on the other hand, do not get talked into more machine that you know you would want, like special digital features or programmable digital embroidery stitches. Think about what you want to use it for down the road and go in with a plan. If possible, take a friend with you that knows a thing or two about machines to help steer you straight when the sales people try to impress you with shiny features. And just like with a car, give every machine you are considering a test drive!

Price:

The reality is, quality sewing machines are not cheap. Again, think about it like a car. I cannot afford the most expensive car on the lot, but I also do not want to buy the cheapest thing out there and be bummed that I shot too low right out of the gate. You want to get the best machine for your money. Mid-range Janome machines will cost from $300-$600. You can find Singer, Brother, and White machines at big box shops for very little money. Heck, even Ikea has a sewing machine in their shops now! If you buy a $100 machine, just have realistic expectations on how well it will perform versus a more expensive machine. Machines made of plastic will be less precise in the sewing because it's hard to have precision movement with plastic. The more you spend, typically the better the end result.

Location:

I highly recommend buying a machine from your local sewing machine shop. Not only is it nice to support your community, but a local shop wants you to be happy and will be there for you when you need face-to-face support. If you purchase your machine on-line or at a big box store, there is no one to call or to go to when you have questions or need help. Also, your local shop will sell all the matching accessories and specialty feet for your brand, so you can do a quick drop-in when you need more bobbins instead of having to order them on-line and wait for them in the mail. Many small sewing centers also offer classes to get to know the features of your new machine, so check for that as well. Not sure which shop is better than another? Go to the website of the brand you are considering, click on the "find a dealer new you" link, and go to a certified dealer. They will have more options and will be more knowledgeable than just a random shop.

Just remember that the key is to get yourself a sewing machine, first and foremost. Determine your budget and get the best machine you can for the price, because having a basic machine is better than having no machine at all!

Check out what Craftsy quilting instructor Beth Ferrier has to say about choosing sewing machines.

Size Charts

Before selecting your pattern size from the Standard Body Measurement Chart (left), please read the following on how to correctly measure yourself.

How to Choose Your Correct Size:

1. Measure Your Body

Only basic body measurements are needed to determine your pattern type and size. Remember to wear proper undergarments and shoes when measuring. Also, make sure the tape measure is held snugly and firmly (not tightly) against your body and is always parallel to the floor for circumference measurements.

For Misses’ and Misses’ Petite:
BUST- Measure around the fullest part of bust and straight across back (1)
CHEST- around body above fullest part of bust (2)
Waist- around body at natural waistline (3)
HIP- around body at fullest part—usually 7-9" (18-23cm) below waist (4)
BACK WAIST LENGTH - from the most prominent bone at base of neck to the natural waistline (5)
HEIGHT- measure (without shoes) standing against a wall

For Junior, Women, Toddlers, Children and Girls:
Take the same measurements as above, except eliminate Chest measurement.

For Men and Boys:
NECKBAND - around base of neck or buy shirt pattern by ready-made size (1)
CHEST-around fullest part of chest (2)
WAIST- at natural waist over shirt (3)
HIP- at seat or fullest part of hip (4)
SHIRT SLEEVE - from back base of neck across shoulder around bend of elbow to wrist (5)
HEIGHT- measure (without shoes) standing against a wall

2. Select Your Size Category

Compare your height and body measurements to the measurement charts to select your size category.

3. Select Your Pattern Size

Pattern size is determined by your circumference (width) measurements. Again, refer to the Measurement Charts to select the size corresponding to the Bust, Waist and Hip measurements closest to your measurements. Here are some tips to help make your size selection easier:

• For Dresses, Blouses, Tops, Vests, Jackets, and Coats, select size to correspond with your Bust/Chest measurement. Adjust the Waist and/or Hip, if necessary. If there is more than 2"(5cm) difference between your Bust and Chest measurement, select pattern size by your chest measurement, because you will achieve a better fit through your shoulders, chest and upper back; adjust the Bust if necessary.
• For Skirts, Pants, Shorts, and Culottes, select size to correspond with your Waist measurement. Adjust the Hip, if necessary. If your Hips are much larger than your Waist, select the size closest to your Hip measurement and adjust the Waist.
• When purchasing a pattern that includes a Blouse, Jacket, Skirt and/or Pants, select size by your Bust/Chest measurement and adjust the Waist and/or Hips if necessary.
• If your measurements fall between two sizes, consider your bone structure. If you are thin and small-boned, choose the smaller of the two sizes. If you are larger boned, choose the larger size. Personal preference may also influence your size selection depending on whether you prefer a looser or a closer fit.
• For Maternity patterns, select according to your measurements before pregnancy.