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Sewing Machine Buying Guide
Whether you’re looking for an easier way to hem the occasional pair of pants or want more fine control over your quilting, you can find a sewing machine that’s suited to your project and skill level. Knowing which one is right for you can be difficult, especially when you start looking at high-end, computerized sewing machines that can cost as much as or more as quality HDTVs. Pronto’s Sewing Machine Buying Guide will help you choose the best sewing machine for your skill level, projects and budget.
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the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
Mechanical sewing machines
Best for sewing students, novices or occasional use. These machines offer 4 to 16 stitch styles and basic functions like stitch and needle adjustment and bobbin windings. They are a cost-effective way to learn whether you want or need a more sophisticated machine.
Electric sewing machines
The best choice for all but the most serious home sewers and quilters. Electric sewing machines offer 15to 25 stitch styles and more precision than mechanical machines where all functions are set manually with a dial. Look at one-step buttonhole performance as an overall indicator of quality. If the sewing machine handles it well, it should perform well overall.
Computerized sewing machines
Quilters, sewing enthusiasts and experts will get the most out of these top-of-the-line sewing machines. Run by microprocessors, these machines offer the best in precision and stitch customization, with 50 to 250 stitch styles to choose from and the ability to download specialized stitches from your home computer.
Features
Look for a sewing machine that offers the ability to adjust the stitch length and width, change the needle position, easily wind the bobbin and raise or lower the feed dog. Adjustable presser feet are necessary if you’ll be working with a wide range of fabrics. Look for machines that come with additional presser and walking feet for maximum versatility.
Service and warranty
Try to find a sewing machine that can be serviced locally. If you’re investing in a high-end machine, look for a 20-year warranty on mechanical parts, 1 to 3 years on electrical components and 1 to 2 years on labor. Be sure to ask online sellers about alternative warranties if they have voided the manufacturer’s warranty.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
We like the Singer 7442 Sewing Machine, which weighs in with 30 stitch styles and offers the benefits of high-end mechanical sewing machines without a high-end price tag. You’ll get 80 stitch functions and 28 stitch patterns to add detail and design to all of your projects—even quilts. While it’s technically a mechanical sewing machine, the Singer 7442 controls stitches electronically so they’r...
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experts say
Consumer Guide Products—Brother LS-2125 Mechanical Sewing Machine: “A good starter machine for garment construction and mending, this sewing machine from Brother includes 25 built-in stitches…. there's also an automatic four-step buttonhole function… The machine's design and features are straightforward and user-friendly, with some settings,stitch length and width,automatically set for simplified operation.”Source: Consumer Guide Products
Quilter’s Review—“The Singer Quantum XL-6000 is part sewing machine, part embroidery machine, and part robot. It's the robot parts that I like the best and that distinguish the XL-6000 from other top-of-the-line sewing and embroidery machines.”Source: Quiltersreview.com
Wired Blogs—“…the Bernina Artista 730E is the perfect example of just how far textile tools have come. Sporting a built-in touchscreen computer, programmable embroidery patters, USB slots, and direct-to-PC compatibility, this sewing machine has features to satisfy even the most expert tailor.”Source: Wired Blog Network
hot buzz
What's the latest in the world of sewing machines?
The Weinstein Company’s hit Bravo TV show Project Runway has signed a five-year licensing deal with several manufacturers, including Brother International, whose sewing machines will be used on Season 4 of the series. And it’s not just about integrating Brother’s sewing machines into the episode—Brother will be producing branded Project Runway sewing machines so home users can “make it work” like their favorite contestants.
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all Sewing Machines) |
| $ | Budget sewing machines are mechanically controlled, requiring you to make adjustments. Look for sewing machines with 4 to 20 stitches, self-winding bobbins and adjustable presser foots. |
Compare prices at 9 stores $65 - $130 |
| $$ | The midrange offers the best mechanical sewing machines and entry- to mid-level electric and computerized sewing machines. These machines will offer 15 to 30 stitch types, touch-screen controls and feed mechanisms that can handle different fabric types with ease. | |
| $$$ | At the high end, you’ll find fully loaded electric sewing machines and computerized sewing machines, often with embroidery capabilities. These sewing machines should offer 50 to 250 available stitches and the ability to add more digitally. Look for a walking foot, programmable stitching, knee lifters and swing-out arms that make it easier to stitch sleeves and pant legs. |
Buy now at 
$2,799.00 |
shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
Bobbin
A small spool that holds and feeds thread in a sewing machine. The thread on a bobbin is fed up through the bottom of the needle plate; thread is wound onto the bobbin and locked into a bobbin case to supplement the thread that comes from a spool above.
Feed dog
A set of serrated teeth that holds fabric in place and moves it through a sewing machine for even stitching. The feed dog can typically be lowered for freehand stitching needed in embroidery and monogramming.
Knee lifter
A hands-free lifting mechanism for the presser foot that offers greater control when working with large quantities of fabric.
Needle plate
A flat plate that sits above the feed dogs with a hole that the needle passes through.
Presser foot
An adjustable plate that holds fabric down around the needle, keeping it in contact with the feed dog. Specialized presser foots are needed for some types of fabrics.
Walking foot
A style of presser that uses two plates, one that vibrates and one that lifts. These plates alternate contact with the fabric, appearing to “walk” on the material and providing better control for multilayer fabrics or projects with uneven thicknesses.
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