Download Sewing Machine Manuals for many older models of machines below

The different kinds of machines suit different kinds of users and what they aim to achieve. You may be sewing for a living, making intricate gowns and clothes to sell to the public. You could be a sewing enthusiast who does this as a hobby and constantly look for crafts and projects to challenge you. Or you could be a new at this and just want to teach yourself to sew for some reason. Whichever way you go, you need to find a sewing machine to fit your needs.

Buyers Guide for Best Used Sewing Machines

When you purchase something, you would consider a lot of things first. Such things would include considerations like price, features, functionality and aesthetics. The same is true for sewing machines. You have to weigh things first before taking the plunge or in this case, make the purchase.

Here are a few things to consider before you decide what to buy:

  1. Price. You more or less have a price range in mind. Remember the key here is range as you cannot be certain how much your actual sewing machine would really cost. The actual price would also be determined where you purchase your sewing machine.
  2. Brand. Different brands offer different specifications and features suited for different target markets. The user interface is also different for each brand so you have to choose which brand gives you the easiest and best sewing experience. Also, warranty may be offered for some brands while none for others.
  3. Features. There are different target markets for various kinds of machines. In order to fit the needs of these different target markets, different features and packages are offered. These features would also depend on the skill level of the user. The more basic sewing machines would cater to people who do not use it as regularly as some would.
  4. Design. How your machine would look like also is important. It has to be aesthetically good looking to you for you to appreciate fully. Also part of the design is its size and weight. You have to consider where you are going to place your sewing machine. If you have a really big space, then you can opt for the bigger machines. However if you are limited to a small space, then you will have to buy a smaller sized machine. The weight of your sewing machine will also be a factor to consider. You may need to transport it especially if you are taking lessons in sewing. This way, you’ll need a lighter machine that is easy to transport.
  5. Where to Buy. Choosing the right store to buy from is also important. Different retailers will offer different prices, different services and for some even different warranties. You have to determine what is most important to you. If you are after the cheapest price, then compare prices among the different local stores. You could wait for special occasions because they may have sales and promos on that day. You could also choose purchase online as prices are usually cheaper also.

Features to Look for in a Used Sewing Machine

How well you work with your sewing machine is of utmost importance. This is what really determines the right fit for you. The features you will consider would depend on your skill set and also what kind of sewing you have in mind. You may be just new to sewing but if you plan to pursue it more, then buying a basic sewing machine wouldn’t really cut it for you. You will need a more complicated one, one that can potentially be used by a more adept user than what you are now.

There are some key features to look out for in sewing machines. After you have taken into consideration your skill level and your target use for the sewing machine, you can sift through the different features of sewing machines to determine what would be the best fit for you.

  1. Type of machine. There are mechanical types and electronic models available on the market. Mechanical models are more suited for basic functions like repairs, craft projects, hemming and even simple clothing. Electronic models are more suited for frequent users. These models have LED screens, capabilities for doing several stitch types, and even embroidery for some electronic sewing machines. If you are keen on doing more intricate handiwork like quilting that requires embroidery and monogramming, you would want to consider an electronic sewing machine that is capable of doing so.
  2. Controls. You have to consider how responsive the controls are and what would best suit you. It is a matter of preference and what could work for some may not work for you. The simple matter of having a touchscreen control panel as opposed to one with buttons makes a huge difference for most users. Be sure that all the controls are placed where you are most comfortable and familiar with and have good response.
  3. Speed control. This helps you determine the speed of the stitching or how the cloth is fed into the sewing machine. Some machines would offer more speed controls from slow to fast while other more basic models will just have one standard speed.
  4. Weight. Some models are heavier than others depending on the materials used. If you see that you need to transport your sewing machine for some project or two, then getting a heavy machine wouldn’t do. However if you want something that is probably more durable and complex, then you probably will get a heavier machine.
  5. Tension adjustment. This refers to how “tight” you need your thread to be. You need to have this just right to have perfectly even stitches. This also lets you adjust the size of your stitches.
  6. Feed-dog adjustment. Depending on the fabric you are using or the kind of stitches that you need, you will find the need to adjust the feed-dog occasionally. Some machines do not offer this feature so be on a look out for this if you plan to work on different kinds of fabrics and stitches.
  7. Needle threader. Threading needles could take a lot of time and patience and if you don’t have a lot of either one or both, then it is best to get a machine with a needle threader.
  8. Buttonholer. Some machines have this amazing feature where you can slip a button into a slot and it automatically sews the button on. However, if you do not see yourself sewing too many buttons in the future, this function is not useful for you.
  9. Adjustable presser foot. When you are using different kinds of fabrics, this feature will be useful to you as it prevents stretching or puckering depending on the type of cloth used.
  10. Needle down. This feature enables you to change the direction of your sewing without having to do a jump stitch. This is great for users who are going to use the machine for long periods.

Now it’s Your Turn 

As you have already read above, selecting a sewing machine by narrowing it down to one particular machine can be a very complex task. We have done all the heavy lifting for you so that you can precisely look for and compare the top 10 best sewing machines available in the market and select the best fit for you. Also, we have some awesome machines which fit in all budget size and many of them also are shipped to your home for free. Happy sewing and happy shopping!