6 Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Sewing Machine

[@dianneunderwood8456]

Really good information - yes one must decide what features are important as most of us have a budget! I'm an older sewer (in my 70's) who has had the same machine since it was purchased over 40 years ago. Recently I decided I wanted to get a new one mainly because I didn't want to cause harm to my old one if sewing heavier fabrics. Have made bags and curtains in the past and it can be quite a chore to get those heavier layers of fabric sewn nicely. So I went with a heavy duty model (by Singer) that also had many built-in stitches (32 plus 1 step buttonhole). The reason I chose Singer is because my existing machine is a Singer and of course the price was within my finances. Now the only feature I compromised on was the slider speed control - it would have added the icing to the cake, but that meant going to a computerized model (and higher cost). I guess you could say I gave this alot of thought before I purchased as I knew I wanted something all-purpose that could take on denims, fleece or canvas as well as regular weight fabrics without worry of causing damage to needles or other parts. Thank you for your suggestions and tips - great for sewers of all ages!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@gwennlee4028]

Thank you for all the info. I have had a sewing machine as long as I can remember and just now trying to actually learn to sew. I'm making messes everywhere and you have been so helpful.

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful!

[@notesfromleisa-land]

Jan, great tips. I recommend that one gets the best quality that they can afford--coupled with one that will serve them well for the intended purpose. Spending some time thinking about "intended purpose" will help guide one's choice. Quilting, bag making, garment sewing each have some different features that will be prioritized for sewing enjoyment. Tons of stitches with small harp space will not make your quilting enjoyable. One way to make your dollars go further is to buy closeouts/demos or consider used machines. Initially, I bought new a Bernina 910 (whopping 7 stitches) and a Bernette 334DS serger (made by Juki) circa 1991. While an investment at the time, 32 years later both are still in fine working condition. The current resale of my 910 is not much below what I paid originally. C There are so many great vintage machines that can be had inexpensively ($100 or less). They offer (1) an affordable entry into sewing; (2) are exceptionally well made and durable; (3) do not require much servicing, but do require frequent oiling; (4) have readily available spare parts (because of their longevity); AND (5) can serve as your backup machine when your fancier model is in the shop!

[@JanHowell]

Thanks for sharing

[@Anitaz0006]

Hi Miss Jan! Thanks so much for sharing the information! I just recently also learned that Brother makes BabyLock! 😮 I do oil my bobbin hook every 5-6 bobbin changes or when starting a new project(also needle changed). And when I do this, oh man! Sewing machine purrs! It’s amazing to keep up with small things with ones sewing machine. Thx again! I always learn something new in your channel ❤❤❤

[@JanHowell]

Thanks. You are so kind. And thanks for sharing those tips.

[@ruthhurley800]

Thanks. I have been sewing 60 years and learned a lot of what you explained by buying some really bad machines. Now I have settled on the BabyLock Celebrate serger and Brilliant sewing machine, which were within my budget and allow me to sew home deco projects, clothes, and occasionally quilts. I learn a lot from all your videos.

[@JanHowell]

Thanks. You are so kind

[@Connect12]

Ruth you must be an expert in sewing designer?

[@englishsuperteachers3879]

Thank you, I enjoyed your video, I'm starting to sew again and your tips are motivating me. Another important thing to consider when buying a sewing machine is if the machine works in another country. My old mechanical Bernina has dual voltage and works in the USA and the UK, but my new very expensive computerized Babylock only works USA voltage and got damaged when I plugged it in to the wall socket in the UK. The worst part is that I couldn't get it fixed in the UK because the electric laws and standards are different to the USA. If one intends to travel or move overseas check the machine has dual voltage.

[@JanHowell]

Thank you so much for sharing! I'm sure that will be helpful for many

[@joycevictoriasmith2236]

Thank you very much, Jan I have a sewing machine that is probably 35+ years old, I love to sew! But it gets frustrating because the thread will skip, or it gets all knotted up! It makes me not want to sew! I want a new one, and didn’t really know how to go about getting what I want, that is not too pricey, I used to make my daughters clothes when she was little, now she has a little one, and I would love to make her some dresses and things

[@JanHowell]

I hope you can get a new machine. A decent machine makes such a BIG difference. You don't have to spend a ton of money to get a good, functional machine. Good luck!

[@pywagner]

Great tips! I wish I could have seen this video 6 months ago! LOL! I went from a very old Bernina to a mid-level Baby Lock. It was quite a transition and I made the mistake of not test driving it before I bought. I'm considering turning it in and getting another model or possibly a different brand. I have to accept the fact that they're not Bernina. Love my old Bernina. Look forward to the oiling video!

[@JanHowell]

Yes. I love the old Bernina machines too.

[@stefaniewagner3185]

Great info Jan. I had no idea what I wanted to make when I upgraded from a inexpensive Brother to the Babylock Verve. I loved all the bells and whistles the Verve has and the price was right for me. Fast forward a year, now I'm bagmaking and I have added a semi-industrial Juki to my sewing room. :-) I also added a serger, I bought a floor model Babylock Vibrant. Can't wait for your oiling video!!

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful!

[@lucilledaub5991]

Thanks for the info.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@reginagilley3935]

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge! I am a newbie, and the information was very helpful. Subscribed and receiving notifications for all videos 😊 I'm excited to begin this journey!

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful! I hope you find some helpful things here.

[@elayned6147]

I have a 40yr old Viking 900 series and a mechanical Professional Singer 👍

[@JanHowell]

❤

[@llyradcynth691]

Pity you didn't mention Singer. I just bought a heavy duty singer. It was on sale and the reviews said it was a work horse... so far so good.... 🤞🏻

[@JanHowell]

Ya. I haven’t had any experience with singer

[@brendabuckley7071]

Can't go wrong with a singer

[@jumpingllamas11]

@@brendabuckley7071the newer singers have tons of issues. My local sewing machine tech doesn’t even work on them if they aren’t from the 70’s or older. They constantly break down since they were bought out. Would much rather recommend a Jerome, bernina, brother, pfaff

[@jessinefowler5457]

​@@jumpingllamas11very helpful thanks

[@usamaaman638]

Bundle of Thanks Mam for such wonderful information. Can you please tell me the Brand of steam Iron which you are using in different videos also sewing machines which u are using?

[@JanHowell]

This is my latest iron geni.us/dZi6 This is the portable steam iron that I have geni.us/CjjbxhW

[@rubyriley6161]

Thanks for your video very helpful

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wendydawson8886]

Project Runway insist in you not adding oil, and I heard you say put one drop in hook of bobbin case anyway, well, I haven't found that hole, so would it be necessary to get it serviced just for that? Thanks in advance ❤️

[@JanHowell]

I have one machine that I do NOT oil because the manual says not to. Check your manual. If you don't have a manual google the model to see. I would not get it serviced unless it's been over 2 years and due for one.

[@dianecrews6130]

Your information was very interesting. It sounded like you weren't very positive about the brother sewing machines ??

[@JanHowell]

I just havn't had a lot of experience with them. Some swear by them.

[@sr.teresakarugaba9883]

Thanks, Jan I am Teresa, and I have been impressed by your video I think you are the right person to advise me. I am opening a training center for tailoring for young people, girls are the first priority in Zanzibar, and I don't know very much about the best and long-lasting machines, can you help me with more knowledge? I really appreciate any help you can provide.

[@JanHowell]

It spends on your needs. It’s also good to test out machines to see what you prefer

[@julianarodrigues3317]

Thank you so much❤

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@wendydawson8886]

Basically, "Bait and Switch".... I've had to learn the hard way. Still learning different things. Thanks ❤️. What brand and model is that beautiful computerized machine that you use?

[@JanHowell]

It's a Pfaff Icon.

[@siamesepleaseme7468]

Maybe someone can tell me why Bernina is not a recommended brand. It’s what I bought 25 years ago and later a really nice Bernina serger. If I were buying today I would probably get a Janome. The thing I don’t like is price of attachments etc. Mine is an embroidery machine also. I also have 2 very old Singers, 1 a portable, 1 in stand and a 3rd Singer that’s a treadle that was my grandmother’s. I enjoyed this video and just thought I’d ask for input. Don’t worry I won’t be offended. I genuinely am just curious.

[@JanHowell]

I love the OLD berninas. However, it seems the new ones are so fancly and I don't like all the software you have to buy with it.

[@patriciabakker8605]

Which Brother sewing machine is ok to buy? You mentioned one that is the same as Baby Lock? 17:33

[@JanHowell]

To be honest, I'm not very familiar with Brother sewing machines but this is the one they say is like the Baby Lock. Brother sewing machine (MODEL NS80PRW)

[@manestage5403]

"It will get dusty... just like everything else in your house." Not me feeling attacked! lol

[@JanHowell]

lol

[@natashagorecki4369]

I’m having such a hard time deciding! I’m a spontaneous crafter, one day I want to make a baby blanket, then it’s my toddlers Halloween costume, then I want to try a tote bag etc. I’m using a really basic machine I got from a friend and I’m pretty sure my frustration is coming from the quality of the machine. Are there any machines you would suggest under $300?

[@JanHowell]

In this post there is a video tutorial that will give you some ideas for that price range of machines. youmakeitsimple.com/2023/06/17/6-important-things-to-know-before-buying-a-sewing-machine/

[@mckeon1960]

Which model baby l9ck and neither did you say were the save please

[@JanHowell]

It's a babylock Verve

[@pammolling5034]

I have a Babylock jubilant bought from. A Babylock dealership

[@JanHowell]

How do you like it?

[@heatherstrom]

That's one of the machines we have, too. It's a nice machine. We also have a Brother at about half the price which is not bad but not on par with the Jubilant. Of course my favorite machine I currently have is my Janome HD9. After sewing on that, the Babylock is less than stellar in comparison. However, that's almost like comparing apples to oranges. I got the Janome because I started making bags and the Babylock really struggled with some of those seams.

[@budoneof15]

I’m on the hunt for a machine for leather. I want a walking foot on it.

[@JanHowell]

I suggest going to a sewing machine shop and have them show you what would be good.

[@florlugasan5195]

I bought a sewing machine, it last only how many months, And I found out that it was disposable.

[@JanHowell]

What kind was it?

[@amymckee5075]

What about Singer?

[@marlenemohnke2097]

I have a acquired some vintage singer, like my mom used to sew on.

[@JanHowell]

Depends on the model. Personally, I havn't had great luck with them, but some really like them.

[@blessedbygod3430]

Vintage Singers dependent on the model are great!

[@frankjanvari8650]

hello very nice lady can you please kindly film a special request video all about how to operate sewing machine electric foot pedals please kindly reply back ok?thank you very much 😊

[@ZulfiqarAhmed-g1r]

#sewingmachinecenter

[@JanHowell]

😉

[@shemnyamrinda]

hehehe funny i followed your instructions i regret listening to you

[@JanHowell]

I'm sorry to hear that

[@evelynmartin9942]

Thank you for the info. 🫶🏽

[@JanHowell]

You bet