Guide to Buying a Sewing Machine 2024
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When you’re buying a sewing machine you want to know what to look for before clicking the “buy now” button.
What you need to be aware of when buying a sewing machine
First of all, when you are planning to buy a sewing machine, you need to think about what your needs are and what features you want. This will be different for everyone.
What Projects do you need your Sewing Machine for
Do you sew a lot or just ocasionally? Think about what features you use now when you sew or if you’re just getting into sewing what projects to do you want to make?
You may just want a sewing machine that does the basics or you want something more heavy duty because you want to turn your sewing into a business.
You may be looking to upgrade to something more fancy so you can do more creative projects.
Think about the things that will be useful to you before buying.
Do your research

After you’ve thought about what type of sewing machine you want, then you can do your research on which sewing machines have the options you need.
Do you have a preferred brand? If so, start there, but don’t limit yourself to a particular brand before testing others.
Check the reviews online for issues or concerns that people may have. Compare and contrast the machines you are looking at to help narrow down your search.
If you have a sewing friend ask them for their opinion as well and what has worked well for them in the past.
Go to your Local Dealer

I recommend going in to your local dealer, if you have one nearby, so that you can test out sewing machines in person. Test different types of fabric and try some features or have the dealer demonstrate.
This is the best way to find out how the machines work.
Think about the price
Of course your budget will ultimately determine what machine you go with, but just because you have a limited budget doesn’t mean that you can’t get a good quality machine.
Try looking on Facebook for a used machine. Many people have sewing machines that were used only a few times and are in perfect condition.
Check with your local dealer, as well. You can sometimes get discounts or sales if you buy directly from the dealer.
Weight and Size of the Machine
Consider how much space you have to store your machine prior to purchase. Do you have a place to leave it up permanently? Or will you need to set it up each time you sew?
Consider how heavy your sewing machine is to lift if you will need to set it up each time.
Warranty

When choosing the right sewing machine you may want to consider the warranty available for the sewing machine.
Although this wouldn’t necessarily determine which machine I buy, it is something to consider when purchasing a sewing machine.
Machine Repair
Do you have a local dealer that can repair your specific machine or will you need to mail it away for repair? This is also something to consider. Eventually, you will need to have your machine serviced and it can be costly to have to mail your machine for repair.
Attachments and Features
When you pick out your sewing machine ask or do your research about what foot attachments are compatible with the machine.
Think about how the machine functions. Is it a mechanical sewing machine or an electronic sewing machine? Compare the pros and cons of both.
Mechanical machines are easier to maintain however electronic machines have a lot of benefits and functions that mechanical sewing machines may not have.
If you are interested in my sewing machine maintenance checklist click here.
Thank you for all the tips, it covers everything needed to make the right choice.
Hi Asmaa,
Thank you for your input! Glad this post was beneficial to you!
Great piece of advice for anyone who wants to get into sewing! I never realized there were so many factors to consider. Your breakdown really simplifies the process and makes it less overwhelming.
Hi Karolina,
Yes, there really is a lot to consider before buying a sewing machine. I’m glad you found this post informative. 🙂