5 tips for buying your first sewing machine

Many of you are starting to sew thanks to my books , I am delighted! When you start this creative hobby, you have to buy a little equipment and the sewing machine is a big purchase. Here is my advice and the right questions to ask yourself to help you find your way and choose your first sewing machine.

test before you buy

If you have never sewn, it would be wise to check that you like sewing before buying a machine. This may also allow you to refine your budget. One solution is to take sewing classes. I advise you to try several workshops in your city, this will allow you to test several types and brands of machine. Another solution is to ask around and find a relative who has a machine and who would be willing to teach you for a few hours, or even better to lend you a machine (that's how I started sewing thanks to a Swedish grandmother!).

what brand?

I have sewn on Brother and Janome machines and these are brands that I like a lot. But beyond a particular brand, I advise you to choose a sewing machine from a well-known brand (you also have Pfaff or Singer) rather than a machine from Lidl or Ikea. Why? For the after-sales service of these brands and the possibility of repairing your machine with spare parts, which will extend its lifespan. But also for accessories such as presser feet which will be easy to find on these brands and more difficult on other machines.

mechanical or electronic?

Having always been a fan of electronics, I'm going to have a hard time being objective :) Here's why I like electronic machines.
- The speed is adjustable. Although I sew with the pedal even on an electronic machine (otherwise you can use the Start/Stop button and leave the pedal in the closet), I like the speed slider that allows you to set the maximum speed of the machine. It's super practical when you're starting out to gain confidence, but also to do difficult seams without the machine racing.
- The buttonholes are automatic. You will no longer run away from shirt patterns because they have buttonholes if you choose a machine that has an automatic buttonhole program.
- The pretty decorative stitches. This is far from being the main argument because I ultimately use a very small amount of stitches on my machine but these stitches can be useful for creating pretty finishes.

weight and format

If you have a sewing workshop at home where the machine sits quietly, or if you have to tidy up your stuff after each sewing session, you might not choose the same machine. Check the weight and size carefully, especially for its stability, transport and size, but also for the possibility of using a free arm, very practical for hems of trousers.

your budget

The thorny question of the budget! Yes, there really are all prices for sewing machines. Advising you to choose the most expensive one would not really be wise, because it is not only the sewing machine that makes a good seamstress :) You will have to find your "happy medium", between your sewing aspirations and your real budget. Know that if you are passionate and sewing is a real trigger for you, you will progress very quickly and your entry-level machine will quickly bore you, it might be better to put a little more money at the start and keep your machine longer. Also know that a machine with poor performance could put you off sewing, that would be a real shame. In short, be on the lookout for promotions!

•

Shopping selection