Choosing the Right Sewing Machine

1. Introduction

Choosing the right sewing machine can seem daunting at first.  To make your decision a bit easier, you’ll want to consider how you will use the machine, the amount of space available to house your machine, what features are most important to you, and whether you will need to travel with your machine.  You’ll also want to set a budget.  Dealers are going to sell you as much machine as they can.  The whole process will be easier if you’ve already decided on a budget and put thought into what you really need.

2. Key Features to Look For

For the purposes of this article, we are going to focus on the features you will want for quilting. 

Throat Space/Workspace:

The amount of throat space that you will need on your machine will be determined by how you intend to complete your quilting project.  If you plan on using your machine to complete a quilt from start to finish (piecing, quilting, and binding), you will want a wider throat space (10-12”) to accommodate the free motion quilting process.  If you will be doing the piecing and sending your quilt out to be long-armed, then a smaller throat space will do. 

I am fairly small in stature and prefer to do my piecing on a smaller machine ( 7” throat space).  My husband, on the other hand, is larger in stature.  He pieces on a machine with a 10” throat space to accommodate his height and his larger hands.    I would suggest trying out several different machines with different throat spaces to see what works best for you. 

Stitch Options:

In addition to the straight stitch, used for piecing, today’s machines can come with a variety of specialty and decorative stitches.  Buying a machine with a large choice of stitches can be fun, but not necessarily what you need.  Consider carefully if you will use these stitches.  Do you have an interest in doing home décor projects?  Will you be doing embroidery?  Are you a seamstress at heart?  If your answer to these questions is yes, you will want to consider a machine with more stitches.  However, if like me, your answer is no, you’ll be okay selecting a machine with a basic selection of stitches (straight stitch, zig zag, triple zig zag, overlock/overedge, blind hem).

Speed Control:

Speed control allows you to set the maximum speed for your machine.  This feature allows you to slow the machine when you need more control and speed it up when you are working on long stretches of straight stitching. 

Needle Positioning & Automatic Features:

Needle positioning comes in very handy.  This function allows you to move your needle to the left or right of center in small increments.  One click to the left or right can make all the difference in one’s ability to stitch the perfect scant ¼” seam.

In addition to needle positioning, today’s machines have a plethora of automatic features.  Some that are nice to have for quilting include automatic needle threading, needle up/needle down, thread cutting, bobbin alarm, and built in walking foot.  I would suggest you spend some time trying out these features on a store demo model to determine which features you would routinely use.

Free Motion Quilting Capability:

If you plan on using your machine to complete the entire quilt (piecing, quilting, and binding) you will want a machine that can accommodate the free motion quilting process.  Free motion quilting requires the ability to lower/drop the feed dogs of the machine and attach a quilting foot.  The combination of dropping the feed dogs and using the specialized foot allow you the ability to move the “quilt sandwich” at will without fighting against the backward motion of the feed dogs and presser foot. 

Extension Table & Accessories:

When looking at the various options for extension tables and accessories, you will want to consider the amount of space available to house your machine.  Will you be working at the dining room table?  Attending quilt classes with your machine?    Travelling by air with your machine?  Housing your machine in a sewing station?  The answers to these questions will influence the extension table and/or accessories you purchase. 

If you plan on travelling with your machine, you’ll want to make sure you can lift your machine easily and aren’t overwhelmed by the number of accessories you need to pack up and take along.  A portable extension table might come in handy working at a dining table.  Sewing stations are designed for specific size machines.  You’ll want to make sure your sewing station will accommodate your machine and it’s accessories.   

3. Types of Sewing Machines for Quilting

There are many options when it comes to sewing machines, but they all fall into one of two categories: mechanical or computerized. 

Mechanical:

Mechanical sewing machines operate without any computerized components or digital controls.  An electric motor drives the needle up and down, but the user manually adjusts the setting for stitch length, stitch width, tension and presser foot pressure by turning knobs and dials. 

Mechanical machines can be easier to use and maintain.  Users don’t need to learn how to maneuver digital menus or worry about failure of computerized parts.  They are typically more budget friendly and known for their durability and long lifespans. 

Computerized:

Computerized machines have digital menus and use buttons for controls.  They are often equipped with advanced features (automatic needle threader, thread cutting, tie offs, bobbin empty alarms, embroidery attachments, etc.) and large numbers of stitches.  The computer has a default setting for each stitch, but the user can adjust various settings for precise sewing. 

Computerized machines typically require annual service and can be quite pricey to repair.  Their numerous features and digital menus can be overwhelming for non-tech-savvy people.  That said, they are highly versatile and can be used for a variety of different types of sewing (embroidery, garment making, home décor, and quilting, for example). 

4.      Budget Considerations

What can you expect to pay for a new sewing machine?  You will find there is a sewing machine for every budget.  Machines today range anywhere from $100 to upwards of $20K. Yes, you read that right!

For most people, a budget of $750-$1500 will allow for the purchase of a good, quality machine capable of handling the quilting process.  That said, I’ve seen ladies who have sewn their whole lives on an entry level Singer sewing machine and would never want to “upgrade”.   Don’t fall into the trap of thinking more expensive is better. 

If you don’t have $750-$1500 don’t worry.  Focus on the features that you require.  You can always upgrade later.  To get the most bang for your buck, consider buying your machine when there is a quilt show running inyour area.  Local quilt stores will often offer “show pricing” during the week leading up to and following a big show.

5.      Brand Considerations

There are many good brands of sewing machines to choose from.  The major sewing machine brands are:

·         Baby Lock

·         Bernina

·         Brother

·         Janome

·         Juki

·         Necchi

·         Pfaff*

·         Singer*

·         Husqvarna/Viking*

*Note: Pfaff, Singer, and Husqvarna/Viking are all owned by the same parent company but marketed as three separate brands.

I would suggest looking into what brands are available at stores local to your area.  Make a trip in and try out the various store display models.  Find a brand and model that not only has the features/functions you require but also feels comfortable to you.   Look into the warranty that comes with it.  Will your local dealer be able to service the machine if something goes wrong?  Are parts readily available?  Does your dealer offer free classes?  The answers to all these questions will help you make the right decision for you!

6.      Conclusion

While sewing machine type, features, brand, and budget should all play a part in choosing a sewing machine, in the end, the brand and model that gives me the best results might not give you the results you are looking for.   In fact, each of the brands listed above has a following that sings its praises.  On the flip side, each of those same brands has a group of quilters who despise it.  To be honest, if any brand truly was THE BEST, all quilters would want to own one and that just isn’t the case.