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Selecting a Sewing Machine
Some frequently asked questions about choosing a sewing machine.
I am a beginning sewer, what machine should I be looking for?
Beginner or advanced, when looking for a sewing machine, you need to know what your sewing intentions are? As a beginner, the most important thing is for you to be comfortable with the machine. Don't Overbuy!! If you do, the machine can be very intimidating and prevent you from sewing. If you underbuy, you will not have any room for advancement.
What stitches would I need?
Look for a machine with several basic stitches and ease of use.
What are the basic stitches?
- Straight Stitch - used for seams and repair work like patches and darning.
- Zig Zag - used for darning, overcasting edges, free hand monogramming, manual buttonholes, applique, and joining material.
- Multi Zig Zag - this stitch creates four stitches with easch swing of the needle bar. This gives much more strength when darning.
- Blind hem stitch - this stitch provides the ability to hem skirts and pant legs with a stitch that is virtually invisible from the right side.
A good quality basic stitch machine will probably cost about $195 to $295. An example of a good machine with these basic stitches is the Singer 5825 Sewing Machine-School Model.
What should I look for if i want to increase my sewing abilities?
Other features:
- Flexi stitch - This stitch incorporates forward and reverse feed to create elasticity without using elastic thread. (Example: waistbands, bra straps, and crotch seams) Singer 5830 Sewing Machine- School Model
- Drop feed - The feed dogs drop down out of the way so you can do free hand monogramming and free hand quilting. Necchi 3101 Free-Arm Sewing Machine
- Decorative Stitches - Embellish your garments with fancy stitch patterns.
- One step buttonhole - makes professional looking buttonholes easy. Automates the measurement process to amke buttonhole placement and size easy. Brother PS1250 15 Stitch Sewing Machine
- Free arm sewing - This feature allows the bed or sewing surface to be made into a tube shape for pant legs and cuffs and hard-to-get-to areas for repairs. Singer 6510 Scholastic Edition Sewing Machine
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