Buying a new sewing machine can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you are a new sewer, but if you do some research ahead of time, most of your questions will be answered. I have put together my own list from years of sewing/quilting experience and also demoing machines at The Ultimate Sewing Centre.

If you've never really sewn before and you have a friend, neighbour, or family member who does, I recommend asking them if they will sit with you and go over some of the features of their machine so you can try it out and get a feel for it. Maybe they'll even let you borrow it after your lesson so you can try it out at home.

If that's not possible, either check out one of the local sewing machine dealers in your area or attend a sewing festival (The Creativ Festival is held twice a year in Toronto) where there are many sewing machine companies selling their wares. This way you can sit down at the actual machines and try before you buy.

There's a lot to think about so let's get started!

Research:

There are many sewing machine brands and so many different price points that your search may seem a little daunting. Often times you can get quite a lot of information, and reviews, online. Janome, Husqvarna/Viking, Bernina, Pfaff, Babylock, Brother and Singer are some of the most well-known brands of sewing machines in North America and each have their own websites. Maybe one or more of these dealers is in your area. And never underestimate the power of word of mouth from friends and acquaintances. Many people are brand loyal because they've had wonderful experiences with that particular brand of sewing machine.

Budget:

How much were you planning on spending? If you have a set budget then this answer is simple. If you have a young family, a mortgage and you work full-time your budget will be remarkably different from a retiree with no mortgage, possibly a pension and a lot of time on their hands. One thing I would recommend is to buy the best you can afford and don't go too cheap or too super simple...I've seen some ladies get into quilting in a big way very quickly...you don't want to outgrow your machine in 6 months to a year and then have to start the process all over again.

Buy From a Dealer:

Especially if you are purchasing a higher end machine, please buy it from a reputable dealer. Ask around and find a store that has good customer service and stands by their machines. They often offer up free lessons for the machine you've purchased and discounts at their store. Internet searches will allow you to check reviews of both dealers and brands of sewing machines. Even with the less expensive, basic machines I recommend it. Here's a story to back it up: While my daughter was in grade 11 one of her friends got a sewing machine from her parents as a gift for Christmas. She was so excited. Unfortunately, they bought it for about $100 at a big box store. Within two weeks she was at my place asking me to fix it for her and then again a week later. After that she got so frustrated that she gave up. I see it in my classes all the time...someone getting completely frustrated with a cheap machine, thinking that they're doing something wrong, when in actual fact many times it's the machine. Of course, sometimes it is user error, but often it's cheap parts on a cheap machine. And we’ve all heard the saying “you get what you pay for”!

Test Drive the Machine:

When you go to the store or sewing festival bring samples of the type of fabrics you plan on sewing with. This way you can see how each individual machine handles different types of material. You will also hear how loud or quiet a machine is, how it feels while you're actually using it, and be sure to take a list of the features you are looking for so the salesperson can be more helpful and steer you in the right direction.

Necessary Features:

Depending on the type of sewing you do you will require different features. Since I now exclusively do quilting (my garment making days are well behind me) I had a very specific list of features I wanted on my machine: large throat area, top load bobbin, needle up/down, auto thread cutter, adjustable speed control, programmable personal stitches, presser foot pressure adjustment, large extension table and a knee lift. I got that and more in my Janome Memory Craft 6700 Professional. Love, love, love it.

Quilters need 3 specific feet...a 1/4” foot, a walking foot (even feed attachment) and a free-motion foot (darning foot). If you are a garment sewer your list may be very different. You'll probably want a one step buttonhole, blind hem stitch, free arm for sewing hems and armholes, and really good seam finishing stitches.

If you're unsure which direction you will head in (garments or quilting), buy something that has enough features and feet that you can be happy doing either one. All I can tell you for certain is how much fun you're going to have with your new best friend!