5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Buying a Sewing Machine
Great stuff! Thinking about getting a (new) machine and you started your research before click on the buy now button? Amazing!
You will not be disappointed for a second however before you do so ask yourself the below 5 essential checklist questions and the answers will give you an idea in your shopping spree searching for the right sewing machine to your lifestyle.
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1. How often will you actually use your sewing machine?
Are you planning to use it moderately around your house ? Or are you planning to dive in this hobby deeper so it will be at least a few times a week ? Make a whole list of the things you hope to use your your sewing machine for. If this is going to be for fixing around the house or making small alterations and changes a beginner sewing machine would be working just fine, however if you planning to DIY your own clothes, refashion the old ones, reconstruct them and upcycle your fabrics, experiment in creating unusual handbags and other handmade fashion accessories you probably be better of with a mid-range hobby machine witha long establish brand and durable set up. I have been using a Singer sewing machine for long times now, and I used to have Brother, Toyota and Janome. There are many other brands that equally great option.
2. Decide the price you are willing to spend on your sewing machine
Sewing machines that are under the below ranges are most often used only a few times a year and they are really not built for frequent use since most of its parts made out of plastic therefore if you are planning to use it weekly then you should stick to the mid ranges which is perfect and designed for people with great interest in tailoring, dress making and use it often and want a trustworthy machine. Once you decide to promote yourself to an industry sewist and dressmaker and perhaps make a profession out of it only then it is worth spending on a highly priced machine.
3. What type of sewing do I plan to do?
There are certain types of stitches and fabrics out there, ask yourself if you really need a multifunctional machine or a simple one. If you want to fix cushions and make smaller adjustments and fixes here and there you would probably need the most basic stitch styles, zig zag and straight, buttonhole. You can opt for a cheaper and computerised one where buttonholes can be done automatically for you with an ease.
Computerised sewing machines can be amazing as they come with a wide variety of stitches available. You can buy the ones which are suitable for a weekly use but also one which is perfect for embroidery, creating slogans, patches and many creative pattern to a garment. These can come at a higher cost but by getting one you would get a whole range of features which could serve for years to come.
Explore all options what type of creations you want to make ? Are you planning to deal with many kind of textiles and materials? This will define what kind of attachments and features should be taken into consideration when you make a decision. Sergers (interlock machines) are perfect for stretchy, jersey fabrics, however if you want to quilt you may need a freehand quilting foot attachment. Or perhaps a blind hem foot to make elevated stitches on your fashion garments.
On the picture Is my Singer machine which i love a lot, it is a great option for anyone who is a beginner as you will be able to pick up all skills with this and once you are get to a certain level, you can always invest in a better one.
4. Where are you going to sew?
As we all know from practise no matter what DIY or craft we dedicate ourselves it is always the best if we have a dedicated places created for that craft, however many of us just simpy doesn’t have the option to slice a chunk out of their precious living space nor have an extra studio for it.
Lightweight and compatibility here comes as an important factor. Are you going to pack and unpack it before and after using it? Or are you going to take it with you to a special place, such as a sewing craft class?
Make sure you pick a machine with covers all around so it protects your machine as well as the furniture you are placing it on.
5. When will I use my machine?
However Sewing machines are not the noisiest machines out there but they can still be a bit noisy. If your living conditions can affect the time of your sewing regime then you may would like to want to try a test sew to see the sound it makes in the shop before you buy one.
YAY! You made your choice, one you have your machine take care of it and fire it up as often as possible and make many beautiful things! Why don’t you start making this beginner Lip, Heart and HEY shaped mini belt bag ?
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Hello! I’m Dori,
Spice it up with Dori is a blog about bright DIY fashion, crafts & lots of fun, colourful creative endeavours. My aim is to create an upbeat positive vibe so you can as well cultivate a life full of creativity & spice things up with your personal touch.
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