What Sewing Machine is right for you?
When you were dating….did you ever say he or she is just not my type? We all have type….especially when it comes to sewing machines. I love a good sewing machine…ok, so I love just about any sewing machine. Even though I love all sewing machines, I do have a type. I am partial to a mechanical sewing machine (Juki TL2010Q), but I also own a computerized sewing machine (Juki Dx7) which has some cool features. Sewing machines have been around for centuries and through the years everyone picks favorite features that make them “their type.”
Here is an easy way to figure out your type....
Do you like a black cup of coffee….little or no cream and maybe a package of sugar in the raw? You probably want a mechanical machine.
Do you grande part skim no foam caramel macchiato with extra whip cream? You probably want a computerized machine.
Just like a caramel macchiato with all sorts of options, a computerized machine has options, flexibilities, buttons, touch screens, and abilities out the wahzoo. A mechanical sewing machine is durable, dependable, and reliable with no muss or fuss.
Mechanical sewing machines are typically cheaper than their computerized counterparts, and while more durable they offer fewer features. At the same time, more expensive computerized sewing machines come with a variety of features that allow users to customize stitches, embroidery designs, and other settings. Both types of machines can help you craft garments, accessories, or even quilts; however, depending on the type of project you plan to undertake, one machine may suit your needs better than the other. This post will explore the pros and cons of each type so you can make an informed decision when purchasing a new machine.
Top 3 things to think about when you are considering a machine:
What is your budget?
Even though every machine can bring the priceless benefits of stress relief, gift creation, and clothes making. Some sewing machines are $100 ,and some sewing machines are $20,000. The right machine is probably someplace in between. A good beginner budget is somewhere between $250-$650.
Before you start shopping or you will think, just a little bit more….just a little bit more….and before you know it you are buying a $10,000 sewing machine.
What are you going to make with your machine?
If you want to piece a quilt, just about any machine will work. Seriously, a straight stitch is the most basic stitch and the fabric is generally cotton so any basic machine will work. However, as you start to sew craft projects, you may want to start looking into durability and fun stitches. You may want to add a button or a zipper or other types of hardware. Someday you may want to sew with a material other than cotton….yes, that was hard for me to type.
A good rule of thumb is that a mechanical machine will be more durable with bulky things. While they don’t offer the variety of stitches as a computerized machine, they are generally workhorses.
How much time do you want to spend learning about your machine?
That may sound like a weird question, but some people like to sit and sew. A computerized machine has a number of features, functions, and abilities. They are incredible. My Juki DX7 had nearly 300 stitches, and I could program the foot pedal with different capabilities like sniping the thread and back stitching. I will be honest, I only ever used 2 stitches….the straight and the zig-zag….but I could have done more.
Here are my top picks – check them out at Sewingpartsonline.com
Beginner Mechanical: BabyLock Zeal BL35B
Beginner Computerized: BabyLock Jubilant
Intermediate/ Advanced Mechanical: Juki TL2010Q
Intermediate Computerized: BabyLock Presto II
Intermediate/ Advanced Computerized: Juke DX7
No matter what you choose a sewing machine is an outstanding investment. It is a family heirloom and something you can pass on to your kids or grandkids.
What are some of the reasons you picked your machine?