Tips for Buying Simple Sewing Machines
You’ve decided you are ready to learn to sew; Read these tips for buying a simple sewing machine for beginners.
What is a Simple Sewing Machine? In my opinion, SIMPLE means when you look at the sewing machine , you don’t get overwhelmed by what you see. Simplicity also comes from ease of use. Most likely you will have your own opinion of what SIMPLE means to you.
Simple Sewing Machines For Beginners
There are several types of sewing machines. You’ll see traditional machines for home sewing, machines specifically for embroidery/quilting, and industrial machines. For the purpose of finding a simple sewing machine for beginners, we will focus on the TRADITIONAL sewing machine. Thankfully many of the traditional machines have extra features that allow for simple embroidery and quilting.
Mechanical Sewing Machine (Knobs for turning to different stitches/functions)
Baby Lock Zeal Sewing Machine– This machine has many great features- 25 stitches, variable stitch length and width, easy drop in bobbin, free-arm sewing, needle threader…click the blue link to get ALL the info! (There are many different sewing machines with knobs- this is just one example)
Computerized Sewing Machine (Push buttons for moving to different stitches/functions)
Popular Sewing Machine Brands
The more popular brands of home sewing machines are: Baby Lock, Singer, Brother, Husqvarna Viking, Janome, Pfaff, Juki
All these brands have machines that are for the very sewing beginner up to expert seamstress.
Get Opinions Before You Buy
Do you have friends or family that sew? Ask them what brand of machine they use and what they like or don’t like about thier machines. What features do they feel are important to have on a machine, or what they wish their machine had. You can also ask these questions in any sewing groups you belong to or online sewing groups or forums.
Places to Consider Buying Your Sewing Machine
LOCAL RETAIL– These are smaller sewing shops and may only be authorized to carry certain brands.
BIG BOX RETAIL STORES– JoAnn Fabric Stores is a Big Retail Chain. I’m in Colorado and this is the only bigger store I know of. Sometimes Costco and possibly Sam’s Club may carry a sewing machine; I have seen Costco carry a Brother Sewing Machine.
ONLINE FABRIC STORES (JoAnn Fabrics is one…) and ONLINE SHOPPING SITES (Sites like Amazon and Sewing Machines Plus)
PERSONAL ACQUAINTANCE– Friend or Referral
EBAY/QVC
The above list are just a few examples of places to purchase a sewing machine; you may have other ideas.
This post has affiliate links, and with your qualifying purchase I earn a commission at NO extra cost to you.
Buying from Local Retail
Different stores offer different machines and options. Independent shops may not have the lowest prices but may have ‘perks’ not found at Big Box Stores or Online.
Check to see if stores have any coupons for sewing machine purchases; ask if the machine you want will be going on sale in the near future.
These PERKS may include free lessons with purchase, additional personalized service, sewing machine repair person onsite.
Ask about the warranty information on the sewing machine and if the store offers an additional warranty. You can also negotiate with dealers and don’t be afraid to ask for free lessons with purchase.
Ask about trade-in allowances. Some local shops will let you trade-in an older machine towards the purchase of a new machine OR will give you trade-up options within a certain time frame of purchasing a new machine.
Benefits of purchasing thru Local Retail: Ease of Returns/ Exchanges, or ability to do a future ‘trade-in’.
Buying Online
One benefit to buying online is that you could save money. Be wise and take time to compare several sites in regards to their prices and shipping costs.
Know who you are purchasing from and what the return policy is and what you can do if you receive a damaged machine and/or have parts missing.
If you need a repair done on your machine, MAKE SURE you choose a FACTORY AUTHORIZED technician to do repairs, especially if your machine is under warranty.
Good Luck on buying your Simple Beginner Sewing Machine!
Now that you have tips for buying a simple sewing machine for beginners, make sure you check out other helpful sewing tools to get your sewing adventures off to a great start!
One more thing-BEFORE starting on any sewing projects, take some time to sit down and practice with your sewing machine– getting familiar with all the buttons and knobs will make your sewing adventures more enjoyable!
Thanks for reading and Happy Simple Sewing to You!
For any questions about this post you can contact amy@amyssewingstudio.com