Which sewing machine should I consider?

What type of sewing machine is best for me?

Taking up a creative hobby like dressmaking, quilting, home decor, sewing or crafting can be fun, so purchasing the most suitable sewing machine for you can make a huge difference. Developments in sewing machines and sewing accessories will produce more of a professional finish to whatever sewing project you undertake.

"Buyer's guides are usually full of jargon, however our alternative, no holds barred guide to buying a sewing machine lets you consider your choice from a different perspective"

The variation between any manufacturer's basic sewing machine and their top-end model is a lot more than just the price. Features such as bobbin loading, computerised models, automate these treacherous tasks. Although this sewing machine buyers guide are our own personal thoughts, you can rest assured that our unbiased and huge product knowledge is for your benefit and hopefully will be useful in helping you choose before you purchase.

Do I really need an expensive sewing machine?

We often hear, "I will pay as much as I can and buy the best sewing machine I can afford". No, that's not correct. Often paying the most will not buy you the best sewing machine for your needs, this is not the most cost-effective way!

Nor is... "I want a cheap sewing machine". Our yard is full of broken, cheap sewing machines from unknown manufacturers.! Customers may have been thinking that paying an extra few pounds were just for the brand name! The extra few pounds are for the metal parts instead of plastic, durability instead of "if it's broken, throw-it-away", well-engineered smooth running instead of an unpleasant noisy rattle and comprehensible instruction manual instead of pigeon English.

Some obscure branded machines I've seen even have stitches the wrong way around causing all kinds of problems when hemming or quilting and that's not just the machines for under £100! It is simply not possible to sew a blind hem stitch on a large curtain, where the bulk of the curtain has to go through/under the small space to the right of the needle.

It's laughable at times, one of the cheaper sewing machines from China I was looking at had voice control! Which, when first reading the spec, sounded fab until we started to sew with this semi-computerised model. Using the machine gathered a number of spectators? The reason was the Chinese accent that was coming out of the sewing machine, it was as if the factory had asked one of the girls on the production line to add her local Chinese dialect to English words. There really are some poor sewing machines out there.

We only sell trusted world renowned brands with a reputable reputation, as you browse the 180+ sewing machines we offer, look out for these functions! Which when combined would give the user a sewing machine that's user-friendly, easy to use, and has the newest technology available. This list does not take into account specialist features advanced sewers may be looking for. EG embroidery.

• Advanced needle threading is a time saver for beginners or expert sewers.
• Quick-set bobbin.
• Top-loading bobbin with magnetised bobbin holder and rotary hook.
• Automatic thread trimmer.
• Needle up/down button.
• Maximum speed setting.
• Bobbin winder with integrated thread cutter.
• Horizontal spool pin.
• DC motor. 
• 7-Point feed dog with box feed.
• 1-Step buttonholes.
• Hard cover.
• A computerised model.

Questions you should consider

It’s important to consider several factors to ensure you choose the right sewing machine and brand for your needs. 

What is my skill level?

• Beginner: Look for a machine with basic features, easy-to-follow controls, and clear instructions. Avoid overly complex models.
• Intermediate/Advanced: If you have some experience or plan to tackle more advanced projects, consider a machine with additional features like automatic buttonholes, stitch customization, or embroidery options.

What am I going to be using it for?

• General Sewing: For basic projects like clothing repairs, simple garments, or home decor, a standard mechanical machine will suffice.
• Quilting: If you plan to quilt, look for a machine with a wider throat space (the area between the needle and the machine body) to accommodate bulky fabrics.
• Heavy-Duty Projects: For sewing thick fabrics like denim or leather, choose a machine with a strong motor and metal frame.
• Embroidery: If you want to do embroidery, consider a machine with built-in embroidery designs or compatibility with embroidery software.

Do I need a computerised model?

• There is a large jump, in price and functions between mechanical, or computerised models.
• Mechanical Machines: Simple, durable, and easy to use. Great for beginners. But have a very limited number of stitches.
• Electronic Machines: Offer more stitch options and features like automatic needle threading or speed control. They are often easy to set up and thread. 
• Computerised Machines: Advanced models with programmable stitches, LCD screens, and precise controls. Ideal for experienced sewers or those who want more versatility. 

Do I buy a sewing machine, then later an embroidery machine, or a combined model?

• There are advantages when buying separate machines to do each task, especially if one has space in a sewing room to have both machines ready to use at the same time, just like a mini factory going from one to the other when needed.

• I'm a numbers guy when it comes to making a purchase. Take for example the Bernette 70 series. 3 models; 1 x embroidery machine, 1 x sewing machine, and each is very good and worth looking at. The other is a combo sewing/embroidery model, it has all the features of the sewing model, plus all the features of the embroidery model. 

  Buying the sewing machine, then maybe later thinking about buying an embroidery model, together will set you back a small fortune. However, buying the combination model has an incredible saving of around £700. That way, you get a high-end sewing/embroidery machine with the same features as two separate machines, while also saving money.

Do I need to buy a heavy-duty sewing machine?

• Many sewing machines can sew through 3 or 4 layers of denim with ease. Most can sew thicknesses as well, for example quilts with wadding, quilted cushions, curtains.
• The way the material is moved forwards and backwards can be problematic, on lesser models. Extra presser foot many be needed, choosing 7-point feed dog, gives the best fabric transportation.
• Heavy-duty sewing machine are stronger, have DC motors, metal sewing bed and can sew thicker and faster than most others.

What base features do I require?

• Stitch Options: Basic machines typically offer 10–20 stitches, is this enough! Or would you need to upgrade after owning it a short time! Look for stretch stitches! Basic models don't have adjustable width, or length! Their stitch-count (number of stitches available) may include the same stitch, in 4, or 5 widths.
  
  Advanced computerised models may have hundreds of stitches, but I bet you never need a stitch you haven't got!. As you gain sewing skills, consider which stitches you’ll actually use. It really doesn't matter if you have too many stitches. Lettering when combined with a memory can be advantages. As is the ability to mirror stitches, or combine decorative stitches.
• Adding a few extra pounds to your budget, gets you additional features like 7-point feed dog with box feed. Having exceptional fabric movement control is a high requirement. 
• Inserting the bobbin: Options are front loading with a metal spool case, or loading the bobbin from the top, drop-in style. Some customers prefer one over the other.
• Electronic Foot Speed Control: Allows you to sew at a comfortable pace, yet the needle get full power even at slower speeds.
• DC Motor: Offering more power and speed than a conventual AC motor.
• Buttonhole Function: Look for a one-step auto-sizing buttonhole feature for convenience.
• Accessories included: Check if the machine comes with essential presser feet included (e.g., zipper foot, walking/even feed foot, quilting feet).
• Do you need extra sewing bed space, like an extension table. Some models have one included.
• Free Arm: Useful for sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other small, tubular items.

For more detailed tips and an in-depth look at sewing machine specifications, see below.