Buying A New Sewing Machine
Congratulations on deciding to buy a new sewing machine, it is a decision that should give you many hours of sewing pleasure and should be a decision you are comfortable and happy that you have made. Unfortunately quite often the shopping experience is not one that people have enjoyed, they sometimes feel that they have been pressured by sales people in to making decisions before they are ready to do so, they feel they have been persuaded into spending more than they planned to, they end up with a sewing machine that is not suitable for their requirements. If any of this sounds familiar then please read on as we aim to help you with some easy to follow tips that will put you back in charge of the buying process.
Knowing what you want, if you do not need a sewing machine that has 50 different features then do not buy one with all the bells and whistles. Quite often when you go in to a shop the sales person will be keen to sell you a particular machine, this might be the most expensive one they have or just the one with the best commission for the store, if you do not want that model or brand tell them. Before you go to the store I would create a list of the features I need my sewing machine to have, armed with this list I am able to tell the sales person what I want and I can check what he is showing me with my list of requirements and if they do not match then tell him he is not showing you what you want to buy.
Knowing what you do not want, this might sound a little strange, but if you are not happy with something on your current sewing machine, if the same thing keeps going wrong for example or if one part breaks more often than you feel it should, then tell the sales person this, you obviously do not want to have the same problems with your new machine that you had with your old one.
Test drive the sewing machine, when you have found a sewing machine that you are interested in ask the sales rep for a demonstration, please ask questions if you do not understand something they do or say as often the sales reps have a set demo and patter to go with it and this can seem a lot sleeker than it really is. You must also ask to test the sewing machine for yourself, take a swatch of your own fabric with you as an old trick amongst sales reps is to use stiff material that is much easier for some aspects of sewing and will therefore give you a false sense of confidence. Using your own swatches also means that you can carry it from machine to machine as well as shop to shop and get a true comparison between the different sewing machines on offer.
Questions To Ask Yourself When Buying A New Sewing Machine
Buying a sewing machine can be a daunting experience, as well as an exciting one, a little like buying a new car, remember you might be committing to spending a few hundred dollars and a sewing machine is something you are going to use a lot, you need to make sure that the one you spend your money on is really the right one for you.
So how do you make the decision on the sewing machine that is right for you? Well the first thing to do is decide what you need the sewing machine for, is it just some light repair work or something more complicated? Are you going to use it on just one type of material or many different fabrics? Is the brand you have at the moment the one you wish to purchase this time?
Are there certain functions on the sewing machine that you must have, list the features the machine needs in three categories, these should be features I must have on my sewing machine, features I would like to have and other features that would just be a bonus and might make you try something new with your sewing machine because they are there. When you do make a buying decision ensure that all the functions from your first list are available, as these are the ones you need and use, also ensure that most of your I would like to see features are also available as these are also the ones you would use most and do not get sold on features that are not on the first two lists as you will probably not use them.
Is there something about your current sewing machine you love, does it have that one killer function or is it easy to use for one reason that you would like to see in your new sewing machine. The oboist is also something you should be asking yourself about, is there something I hate about my old machine that I want to avoid with my new one?
Once you have thought through these questions and have answered them as fully as you can, you can start to look at and test the sewing machines in your stockists, please make sure that it is you who tests the sewing machines you are interested in, do not let the sales person demonstrate it for you, they will not be coming home with you when you make the purchase and it is you that needs to feel comfortable and confident in your new sewing machine, if you regularly use one type of material then take a piece with you to test the sewing machine on, the same is true if you use one function more than the others, please test it in the store before you consider making that purchase.
The final thing I would like to talk about is price, as I said earlier you might be paying hundreds of dollars for the sewing machine of your dreams, when you have found the make and model you are interested in make a note of the details, model numbers are great to use to search for on the internet and compare prices on line with those on the high street, you know you like the machine now you just have to find it at the best possible price.
How to choose an embroidery machines
The latest technology today is sewing machines that double as embroidery machines. By using the computer integrated into the machine, you can quickly and easily add cards or downloads to embroider any pattern imaginable. Instead of spending hours on an embroidery pattern by doing the needlework by hand, create beautiful and durable machine embroidered pieces in mere seconds. If you are interested in purchasing an embroidery machine, doing the initial research will ensure you find the correct machine for your needs.
The first step to choosing an embroidery machine is to set your budget. Just like any electronic item, the price of embroidery machines can soar to the thousands of dollars. Remember, the most expensive machine is not always the best machine for your needs. Establish a maximum amount you are willing to pay for a machine and then begin your search.
Next, identify your needs. Many sewing machines have embroidery attachments, but they also serve other purposes. Do you intend to sew heavy fabrics like leather or canvas? Do you intend to piece quilts or complete the actual quilting process on the machine? Do you need a machine that can make specialty edges like rolled hems? It is quite tempting to purchase a complex machine that can perform every command under the sun, but usually this versatility comes with a hefty price tag.
Another thing to keep in mind is your technical prowess. Beginners are strongly suggested to invest in a less complicated machine that will serve as an introduction to the technology. Quite often, individuals purchase a machine that is too difficult to understand or use, so the machine sits in disuse while the payments are still being made. Remember, you can always trade up to a more advanced model once you decide your needs and wants have advanced.
If you are purchasing a machine solely for its embroidery then focus on this option and steer clear of the all in one machines that can do a bit of everything. Many individuals look to start their own business making customized or personalized items. If you are contemplating this option, ensure the machine you purchase can do sizable embroidery pieces, take several different colored threads at once, and have a large library of either purchasable cards or downloadable designs. Also, if you plan to do an extensive amount of embroidery on your machine, ensure the machine you purchase is well built to withstand the wear and tear that use usually brings.
Most embroidery machines come with many additions and options that can be purchased later on when the need arises. This is an excellent option, since you can purchase any additions for a great deal less that you can buy a brand new machine that meets your extended needs. Also, if you plan on trading up to a new model of embroidery machine, search for a company or store that has a policy that will allow you to do so. Many stores that specialize in sewing machines will buy back your used machine for a percentage of the original price if the machine is in working condition.
Whatever brand of embroidery machine you choose to buy, be sure you visit a store to view the machine firsthand. Most sewing shops or stores that specialize in sewing machines offer demonstrations of the different brands and machines for sale, so that you can see exactly what the machine can do. Also, many shops offer introductory classes so that new users can learn to use their new embroidery machine to its fullest.
Doing initial research before you buy is key to ensuring you do not experience buyers remorse at the end of the day.
