When it comes to sewing, choosing the right machine can truly make a difference in your projects. To help you find the perfect match, we’ve put together our tips and considerations to keep in mind before purchasing a new sewing machine.
First thing first…
Automatic or manual?
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want an automatic or manual sewing machine. Below, we’ve outlined how each type stands out:
Automatic sewing machines often come with smart features such as automatic needle stop positions (lowered/raised), automatic stitch reinforcement, speed control, and the ability to sew without a foot pedal using the machine’s start/stop function are some of the features to mention.
Manual sewing machines, on the other hand, require you to manage these tasks yourself. Here at the Puff and Pencil office, we’re a bit more old-fashioned and have a soft spot for manual machines. We love the hands-on control they offer, which might also be because we grew up using these kinds of machines.
In our experience, there’s no right or wrong choice—it’s simply a matter of personal preference and what you’re accustomed to.
For the young beginners look for…
For those who want to test sewing as a hobby or for young sewists just starting out, we recommend beginning with a simple machine that doesn’t have too many features. Look for a small machine that can sew straight and zigzag seams and buttonholes. For young learners, it’s also handy to find a machine with a finger guard.
We’ve tested the Brother LM14, a machine specifically designed for young beginners. It performs well for its intended audience and offers a user-friendly experience.
However, keep in mind that simpler sewing machines usually don’t have the strongest motors. If you’re planning to tackle projects involving heavy fabrics like leather or denim, you might want to consider a different machine.
New to sewing? We have made a list with sewing patterns for beginners here.
For other sewist here is what you need to consider
Before making an investment in a new sewing machine it might be helpful to ask yourself:
Usage
Consider how committed you are to sewing. If you’re just starting out and want to try sewing as a hobby, a basic machine with essential functions might be all you need. These machines are typically easier on the budget and still provide enough features to help you explore and develop your skills.
However, if you already know your way around a sewing machine and plan to sew regularly, it’s worth investing in a more advanced model. A machine with a stronger motor, more stitch options, and additional features will better support your projects as your experience grows. Choosing a machine that can handle a variety of fabrics and techniques ensures it will serve you well as you take on more complex projects.
Match the machine to your projects!
Consider what types of projects you plan to work on. Are you primarily sewing clothing or doing craft projects? Different machines offer different features tailored to specific purposes. For example; for garments, a machine with a wide variety of stitch options and buttonhole functions might be more suitable. And what kind of material are you planning on using? For example, if you would like to sew in denim and leather it’s important that you find a machine with a strong motor. These sewing machines would often also be more expensive.
The sewing machine that we use
Here at the Puff and Pencil office, we use Brother HF37 sewing machine. We’ve had a great experience with this model and think it’s a fantastic choice for a wide range of sewing needs. Another option worthIt’s a sturdy machine making it ideal for everyday use and can tackle a range of fabrics, including stretch and denim.
Hope that our experiences and thoughts on the topic were helpful.
Friendly disclaimer
Just a heads-up—our sewing machines are sponsored by Brother, but we wrote this article purely because so many of you have asked for advice on this topic. We’re sharing our personal experience with Brother machines to help you out, but all the tips and opinions here are totally our own.