It’s great that you want to learn to sew. You can be creative and have a lot of fun, so let’s find a new sewing machine. Below are seven things to consider and do when shopping for a sewing machine.

1. Stores. Look in your local area for stores that sell sewing machines. Look for sewing machine shops that can help you with all of your sewing requirements. Do you sell sewing accessories like thread, needles, zippers and buttons? And consider this: would you buy a refrigerator from a bookstore?
2. Attendees. Are you comfortable entering the store? Do the attendees seem friendly and smile at you? Would you be happy if you sat down and tried a new sewing machine or are they being watched and apparently saying No Touch! You should be able to test the sewing machine before you buy it.
3. Enthusiastic and prosperous.Is the store full of interesting sewing gadgets? Is there a good selection of sewing machines to choose from and lots of stitched items that decorate the walls? This is usually a good indication of a thriving and enthusiastic business, with knowledgeable and capable sewing assistants capable of helping you with your sewing machine questions, now and in the future.
4. Budget. Have you developed a budget for your new sewing machine? Buying a sewing machine can be a great investment for some of us, often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so we have to choose the best sewing machine to suit our needs, given the money we have available.

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5. Suitability. What do you plan to sew and what do you want your new sewing machine to do? You should consider a sewing machine with some fancy stitches (these can be fun), some stretch stitches (for when you’re sewing knits), and an automatic or one-step buttonhole (to save hours of frustration). Check if there is an automatic needle threader to save your eyes. Does the sewing machine have a well-placed light to illuminate where needed and a large flat bed for sewing? Is the foot pedal comfortable to use and is the sewing machine light and easy to lift? Is there a hard case or soft cover for protection and to keep the sewing machine dust-free?
6. Quality. Is the sewing machine a well-known and quality brand? Is it easy to operate, runs quietly, without strange vibrations and noises, and is the coil easy to insert and remove? Is there a good replacement coil kit, screwdrivers and a brush to remove dust from the coil area? Request a demo, then be brave and ask to try it yourself.
7. Manual, warranty and technical service. Don’t buy a sewing machine without a manual. It is very important to have an information guide. Lastly, ask about the warranty and service on your new sewing machine. Some cheaper department store sewing machines have very little warranty and no service or parts are available. Don’t buy one of these sewing machines just because of its temptingly low price. You may regret it later. Remember the old rule of thumb … you only get what you pay for! I hope this will help. I have always followed these ‘rules’ when purchasing my sewing machines over the years and have found that they work. My machines have worked successfully and lasted for years.

Who else do you know who could benefit from this information? Do you have a friend or family member who is thinking of buying a new sewing machine? If so, tell them about this page today.

Have you tried the easy sewing quiz and tested your knowledge or refreshed your memory on my website?