How To Choose The Best Beginner Sewing Machines

When shopping for a sewing machine, you want something reliable. To pick a sewing machine, ask yourself questions to find the best one. The questions should be based on your particular requirements of what you plan to use the sewing machine for, the types of sewing projects you will be doing, and how often you will be using the machine. My personal favorite is the Brother CS6000i. I have a separate post for that soon. 😉

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What is The Best Sewing Machine Brand To Buy?

There are questions to ask yourself to decide on the right sewing machine for you. By asking yourself certain questions based on your needs, it gives you a clearer idea on what type of sewing machine will satisfy your requirements. Below are some of the things you may ask yourself regarding the perfect sewing machine. You may have a few more questions/requirements that will go on your unique list.

1. How Often Do You Plan To Use Your Sewing Machine?


This question should be at the top of your sewing machine buying requirements list. Always get a machine that can handle the amount of work you can put into it. If you are only using a machine occasionally to fix a ripped seam or sew up a new costume for the kids' drama class, then you can choose one that has fewer features. But if you will be creating sewing projects on a regular basis, whether for personal projects or for business use, you will need a reliable machine that can handle the large workload.

2. Do You Need A Portable Machine?


While most sewing machines "claim" they are portable, some are simply too bulky and heavy to be transporting everywhere. If you need to move your sewing machine, such as to and from a custom clothing shop, then you need to make sure the size of the sewing machine is one that can easily be carried around and that the cover has a handle for easy transporting.

3. Can The Sewing Machine Handle Large Craft Projects?


For people who love making large sewing projects such as quilts, you need a sewing machine that allows you to easily maneuver the quilt under the needle and control the stitches. Some machines do come with oversized, detachable tables that gives the extra space needed for large quilt projects.

4. How Much Space Do You Have In The Room To Work The Sewing Machine?


Sometimes room space can become limited. That is why you should always measure the work area where the sewing machine will go and pick the machine that best fits in the space available. Don't forget to give yourself enough elbow room to move about and work on your sewing projects.

5. What Are The Power Requirements?


This isn't a question that most people ask, but it is one that is very important. When the sewing machine is manufactured in certain countries, the manufacturer will more than likely make the electrical power work with local standards in that country. But because stores all over the world will offer the sewing machine to buyers, the power requirements may not be the same. Always check to make sure your electrical outlet matches the power supply needed to operate the machine.

6. Is The Sewing Machine Easy To Use?


With technology advancing every day, this technology is being placed into sewing machines. You can now find machines that work at only a touch of a button, making preset stitches that you program into the LCD screen. When choosing a sewing machine, pick one that you will feel comfortable in using, can easily operate, and has a customer service staff ready to answer the questions you have.

7. Does The Sewing Machine Fit Into My Budget?


Another important question to ask is whether the sewing machine will fit into your budget. You will have to decide on this based on your personal finances and asking several of the above questions, such as how often you will use it. Once you have a budget in mind, shop for the sewing machine that will fit into your set spending amount.

8. What Additional Functions Does The Sewing Machine Offer?


Some sewing machines will come with extra features and additional accessories for your sewing needs. Always look over what is included with the sewing machine, what is not included, and how the additional features can help you with your sewing projects.

9. Will The Sewing Machine Be Perfect For My Experience Level?


Not all sewers have the same experience level, so not all machines are suited for every person. When choosing a machine, find one that works with your level of experience and will also help you to learn to become a better sewer whether you are a beginner sewer, and intermediate sewer, or an experienced one.

I believe that these above questions are important to consider before you go out on a shopping spree for your new machine. Like I've said at the beginning of this post, Brother CS6000i is my favorite model to recommend to novice seamstress. Here's why.

How The Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine May Fit Into Your Needs


The Brother CS6000i has an LCD screen and 60 built-in programmable sewing stitches that you can set into the sewing machine computer. All you have to do is select the stitch, and the sewing machine will do it for you. This makes the machine perfect for beginners and experts.

The sewing machine only weighs 16 pounds. So it is easy to carry with its hard cover case and handle. It comes with an detachable oversized table that is perfect when you are doing large quilts. With an automatic needle threader and a drop-in bobbin that automatically sets, it makes it easy to start your projects quickly. It also comes at an affordable price.

When making your list of questions and requirements, you will find that the Brother CS6000i will answer most of your needs. It comes with a ton of extra features and necessary accessories so that you will be prepared to start sewing the moment you take this machine out of the box. Also, the Brother CS6000i works for all experience levels. So whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or experienced sewer, you will create great projects that you will love.

About the author

Sandra McConnell

My sewing journey started when I was 7 years old, with my grandmother as my first teacher in her sewing room. I went from a career in teaching to professional seamstress and from stressed out and tired to happy and contented.

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