January 2008
Buying advice Sewing machines
Sewing is easier than ever. Mechanical machines under $200 have many features. Spend more for an electronic model, and you get more convenience and hundreds of stitches
New electronic sewing machines are almost like robots. They can recommend the proper presser foot, divine the right thread tension and stitch length, size and sew a buttonhole, and automatically cut the thread. Combination embroidery/sewing machines, introduced about nine years ago, combine those features with superior sewing and the ability to produce professional-quality embroidery.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Singer, Brother, and Kenmore sell about 70 percent of all units. Brands such as Bernina and Husqvarna Viking are gaining as the market shifts to more expensive, feature-laden machines.
Mechanical models. These require you to manipulate most controls by hand, generally cost less than electronic or sewing/embroidery models, and handle the basics--repairs, hems, simple clothing, and crafts projects. They're what most people who buy sewing machines choose. Price range: less than $500.
Electronic machines. These shift many tedious sewing jobs from your hands to computer chips. The typical unit offers touchpad controls, a light-emitting diode (LED) screen, a wealth of presser feet for challenges such as pleats and topstitching, and numerous decorative stitches. Price range: $300 to $1,200.
Sewing/embroidery units. These combine the talents of a stand-alone embroidery machine with a sewing machine. The machine holds a hoop under its needle and moves the hoop in four directions as the needle sews. You push a start button, watch, and periodically change thread colors. Embroidery machines require a link to a home computer to access all their capabilities. Price range: $1,000 to more than $6,000.
IMPORTANT FEATURES
Among the most convenient features is an automatic buttonholer that sews in one step instead of making you continually manipulate selector dials or the fabric itself.
Setting up the machine is made easier by several innovations. A needle threader, for instance, reduces eyestrain and frustration. A top-load bobbin, available on both mechanical and electronic models, lets you drop the bobbin directly into the machine without fiddling; most top-load bobbins have a see-through window. A bobbin thread lift function on some electronic models brings the bobbin thread to the sewing surface so you don't have to insert your fingers under the presser foot. Some electronic machines have an "adviser" program on their LED screens; it can recommend the stitch and presser foot to use, and it gives other handy advice.
A number of features help you avoid mistakes. A feed-dog adjustment lets you drop the toothy mechanism (which moves the fabric along) below the sewing surface so you can do freehand work or keep from damaging sheer fabrics. On some electronic models, automatic tension adjustment for the upper thread helps avoid loopy stitches and annoying "birds' nests" that can jam the machine or bend the needle. An adjustable presser foot allows you to regulate how tightly the machine holds fabric while sewing; it prevents puckering in fine fabrics and ensures that knits don't stretch out of shape.
Among the especially helpful features are speed control, which lets you determine sewing speed with a button instead of with the foot pedal. It can be useful when teaching a child to sew. A stop/start switch, auxiliary to the power switch, lets you bypass the foot pedal to control sewing and can be a boon to people.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Performance differences. Most electronic machines sew very well and offer a great variety of features, stitches, and presser feet. In Consumer Reports tests, most excelled in ease of use. Sewing/embroidery machines had the best sewing ability. Their plethora of convenience features make them, as a group, extremely easy to use. It's possible to find very good performance from some mechanical models. Most of them are easy to use, but they offer fewer convenience features and stitches than do the other types of machine.
Recommendations. Before buying a sewing machine, assess your skills and needs. Consider, too, how you might use the machine later, when your skills improve. Typically, people keep a sewing machine at least 10 years.
If you know you'll never embroider, buy an electronic or mechanical model with as many features as you can afford. A mechanical model will do for basic hemming, clothing repairs, and one or two yearly projects. If your current projects or your ambitions include more numerous and complicated projects, you'll probably be more satisfied in the long run with an electronic model.
If there's a chance you might want to try embroidery, such a machine may be a wise investment. You'll also benefit from superior sewing capabilities.
You'd do well to wait for sales. Sears and Wal-Mart have larger selections of lower-priced models than other retailers. Specialty and fabric stores tend to sell more expensive brands but may offer training classes and an in-house repair shop--both a plus. Some independent dealers will accept a trade-in of your old model. Internet-based dealers offer good prices, but the warranties may be invalid if the dealer isn't manufacturer-authorized, and service may be very difficult to arrange.
When shopping, try out the machine with an experienced salesperson; ideally, take lessons after you buy. If you buy a used or reconditioned machine, ask the retailer for a warranty; manufacturers' warranties are usually not transferable.
Sewing is easier than ever. Mechanical machines under $200 have many features. Spend more for an electronic model, and you get more convenience and hundreds of stitches
New electronic sewing machines are almost like robots. They can recommend the proper presser foot, divine the right thread tension and stitch length, size and sew a buttonhole, and automatically cut the thread. Combination embroidery/sewing machines, introduced about nine years ago, combine those features with superior sewing and the ability to produce professional-quality embroidery.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Singer, Brother, and Kenmore sell about 70 percent of all units. Brands such as Bernina and Husqvarna Viking are gaining as the market shifts to more expensive, feature-laden machines.
Mechanical models. These require you to manipulate most controls by hand, generally cost less than electronic or sewing/embroidery models, and handle the basics--repairs, hems, simple clothing, and crafts projects. They're what most people who buy sewing machines choose. Price range: less than $500.
Electronic machines. These shift many tedious sewing jobs from your hands to computer chips. The typical unit offers touchpad controls, a light-emitting diode (LED) screen, a wealth of presser feet for challenges such as pleats and topstitching, and numerous decorative stitches. Price range: $300 to $1,200.
Sewing/embroidery units. These combine the talents of a stand-alone embroidery machine with a sewing machine. The machine holds a hoop under its needle and moves the hoop in four directions as the needle sews. You push a start button, watch, and periodically change thread colors. Embroidery machines require a link to a home computer to access all their capabilities. Price range: $1,000 to more than $6,000.
IMPORTANT FEATURES
Among the most convenient features is an automatic buttonholer that sews in one step instead of making you continually manipulate selector dials or the fabric itself.
Setting up the machine is made easier by several innovations. A needle threader, for instance, reduces eyestrain and frustration. A top-load bobbin, available on both mechanical and electronic models, lets you drop the bobbin directly into the machine without fiddling; most top-load bobbins have a see-through window. A bobbin thread lift function on some electronic models brings the bobbin thread to the sewing surface so you don't have to insert your fingers under the presser foot. Some electronic machines have an "adviser" program on their LED screens; it can recommend the stitch and presser foot to use, and it gives other handy advice.
A number of features help you avoid mistakes. A feed-dog adjustment lets you drop the toothy mechanism (which moves the fabric along) below the sewing surface so you can do freehand work or keep from damaging sheer fabrics. On some electronic models, automatic tension adjustment for the upper thread helps avoid loopy stitches and annoying "birds' nests" that can jam the machine or bend the needle. An adjustable presser foot allows you to regulate how tightly the machine holds fabric while sewing; it prevents puckering in fine fabrics and ensures that knits don't stretch out of shape.
Among the especially helpful features are speed control, which lets you determine sewing speed with a button instead of with the foot pedal. It can be useful when teaching a child to sew. A stop/start switch, auxiliary to the power switch, lets you bypass the foot pedal to control sewing and can be a boon to people.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Performance differences. Most electronic machines sew very well and offer a great variety of features, stitches, and presser feet. In Consumer Reports tests, most excelled in ease of use. Sewing/embroidery machines had the best sewing ability. Their plethora of convenience features make them, as a group, extremely easy to use. It's possible to find very good performance from some mechanical models. Most of them are easy to use, but they offer fewer convenience features and stitches than do the other types of machine.
Recommendations. Before buying a sewing machine, assess your skills and needs. Consider, too, how you might use the machine later, when your skills improve. Typically, people keep a sewing machine at least 10 years.
If you know you'll never embroider, buy an electronic or mechanical model with as many features as you can afford. A mechanical model will do for basic hemming, clothing repairs, and one or two yearly projects. If your current projects or your ambitions include more numerous and complicated projects, you'll probably be more satisfied in the long run with an electronic model.
If there's a chance you might want to try embroidery, such a machine may be a wise investment. You'll also benefit from superior sewing capabilities.
You'd do well to wait for sales. Sears and Wal-Mart have larger selections of lower-priced models than other retailers. Specialty and fabric stores tend to sell more expensive brands but may offer training classes and an in-house repair shop--both a plus. Some independent dealers will accept a trade-in of your old model. Internet-based dealers offer good prices, but the warranties may be invalid if the dealer isn't manufacturer-authorized, and service may be very difficult to arrange.
When shopping, try out the machine with an experienced salesperson; ideally, take lessons after you buy. If you buy a used or reconditioned machine, ask the retailer for a warranty; manufacturers' warranties are usually not transferable.
