Which sewing machine should I buy?

For beginner sewers, this is my most frequently asked question.

It is quite a dilemma!  There are machines out there that sell for $100 and others that sell for thousands of dollars.  Which brand, what features, new or second hand?  Are they all the same?

I have pretty clear views on sewing machines - what you need and don't need.

So...

The short answer to the big question is "get a Bernina machine".

The long answer to the big question is "get a Bernina machine, and here is why you should…."

Now let me explain why I say "Bernina" (and some other machines that would be fine too.) ;-)

I should also add here that I am not affiliated with Bernina in any way - I just love their machines.

1.  A beginner sewer needs a machine that will be reliable and predictable.  

The last thing a beginner (or any of us!) needs is to have to battle with a cheaply made machine that has a poor quality stitch and is frequently jamming with tangled threads.  You cannot be friends with a machine that fights you every step of the way!

A quality built machine like a Bernina, doesn't have such issues, so you can be more productive and enjoy your sewing time.

2. You do not need a lot of bells and whistles on your machine.  

A lot of cheap brands try to entice you with various gadgets, but they usually comes at the expense of the build quality and more important features.  The more important features, in my mind are: a range of needle positions (not just 2!), a variable width zigzag, a solid pedal and a good range of quality feet.

The vast majority of garment or home dec sewing will be done using a straight stitch, a zigzag and an overlock stitch, so you really don't need hundreds of decorative stitches.  There are lots of ways to create decorative embellishments without having many stitch patterns.

A basic Bernina machine has the same build quality as the top of the line model.  They just add more stitches and features as you go up the line.   This is not so for many other brands.  The Bernina feet are well designed, stable and do their job very well.

Watch this little video to see what I mean.  Make sure you watch right to the end!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60bMxnM0rmU

3. You need a machine you can afford.  

Bernina machine are not cheap! Brand new machines start at $800 (AUD) so, what can you do if that is outside your budget?  

 - get creative!  Think outside the box!  Got a birthday coming up?  Ask for a combined birthday/Christmas/Mother's day gift from your family.

 - put your tax return money towards the purchase

 - buy a second hand Bernina (do be careful here - "buyer beware" and do your homework!)

 - take advantage of sales - Mothers Day and Christmas

Okay, so you still can't manage that sort of money?  Whatever you do, please do not buy a $100- $200 machine!  They are rubbish and will only let you down.

 Does your mum or grandma have a machine they aren't using anymore?  Vintage machines are usually much better quality than cheap modern machines.  

This is a gorgeous vintage machine was owned by Megan's Grandma and it stitches beautifully!

Janome does make a decent budget machine which is priced around $400 - the My Excel 18W.  Some of my students have this machine and it is quite good.  

The bottom line is this: buy the best quality machine you can afford.  

If you have any questions about choosing a machine, please post a reply and I will help in any way I can.

Here are a couple of my Berninas:

My main machine - 440QE

Ol' Faithful - an 830 - 40 years old and still sews like a dream!

A final note:

If you already have a machine, you aren't happy with it but cannot afford to upgrade there are some thing you can do to improve its performance.  Stay tuned and I will post a blog on that subject soon!