Experience Level
Beginner
Beginners should opt for a simple machine with the basic range of stitches and a selection of foot attachments to cover the essentials, e.g. a zipper foot and a buttonhole foot.
Intermediate
At a more experienced level, you will benefit from an expanded variety of stitch options and extra needle power, stitch length and automatic buttonholes.
Advanced
Advanced sewers may wish to invest in a computerised machine that can offer precise controls, an LCD display screen, pre-programmed designs and much more.
Machine Types
Mechanical
The most popular machine type, mechanical sewing machines sew a range of stitch types and are controlled by a foot pedal. They usually offer a range of speeds – the harder you put your foot down on the pedal, the faster the stitching.
Computerised
Best suited to experienced sewers, these machines offer a wide range of stitch functions that can be tailored to the individual’s sewing needs. Instead of a dial, select stitches via a touchpad. On certain machines, you can download and import patterns.
Embroidery
Embroidery machines allow you to create detailed embroidered motifs easily, with options for using pre-programmed designs, downloading designs from an app or USB stick and importing your own designs.
Overlocker
This machine type offers a neat, professional finish when making your own clothes. It can sew a seam, finish the edge and trim excess fabric all in one go. Overlockers are great for sewing knitted fabrics like jersey.
Uses
It’s worth making a list of the things you want from your new sewing machine before you start reviewing the options. Someone who is looking to make curtains and clothes is going to want a completely different machine to someone who does machine embroidery.
Basic Repairs
Household repairs and alterations are likely to be easy to achieve with any simple, beginner-friendly machine.
Dressmaking
Look for a machine that offers buttonholes, more stitch options and free arm capability, essential when sewing sleeves and pockets.
Embroidery
Computerised sewing machines are well suited to machine embroidery, with many of them offering pre-programmed stitch patterns.
Upholstery
To sew your own home furnishings, consider a machine with greater needle power and longer stitch length that can handle thick fabrics.
Fabric Types
When choosing your sewing machine, it’s important to consider the fabrics you will be working with. The machine weight, ability to adjust foot pressure and stitch length can all affect the suitability of your machine when it comes to delicate, thick and stretchy fabrics.
Thick Fabrics
When working with thicker fabrics, you’ll need a sturdy machine that offers longer stitch length, adjustable foot pressure and a high presser foot lift. You will benefit from a heavier machine as, if the machine is too light, it will move against the table.
Stretchy Fabrics
If you are likely to be sewing stretchy fabrics, look for a sewing machine with stretch stitches such as a zigzag stitch, a straight stretch stitch or a twin-needle stitch for best results. Most sewing machines will offer this.
Delicate Fabrics
When working with light fabrics, an adjustable presser foot pressure is important. The feed dogs can mark the fabric if foot pressure is too high. A plastic foot can work better than a standard foot on delicate fabrics and you will need a fine needle.
Curtains
If sewing curtains, you will require a large sewing bed or an extension tabl