Below are the few features I feel are the most important to me when looking for a sewing machine. If you want to know how to choose the best sewing machine, click here a more detailed account.
Drop-in Bobbin
No more fumbling underneath the machine to insert the bobbin, but you can open a section right on top to drop the bobbin in. You’ll see the thread running low through a clear panel.
Automatic Buttonholer
Also called a one-step buttonholer, and is a feature that most electronic and computerized sewing machines have. Sews your buttonhole in a step without you having to turn the fabric around. Some can adjust the buttonhole size according to the button you put into a slot in the machine.
Needle Threader
Threads your needle by itself. If you have had a hard time squinting and pricking your finger in the needle-threading process, this is a life-saver. But some users didn’t like it because they are much defter than the machine.
Adjustable Presser Foot
Now you can adjust how tight the machine holds your fabric. This is important if you sew many kinds of fabric like me. Thin fabrics do not deserve the same treatment as thick ones.
Sound
Sewing machines make a certain amount of noise while sewing. Do you need to be quiet when you sew? When your baby is asleep, maybe? If that is the case, you shall have to get a sewing machine that is very quiet so that you can sew at any time of the day.
Size and Weight
Traveling around with my sewing machine is a bother, so I don’t do it. But if you need to carry it to sewing class or stow it away each time after use, the size and weight of the machine is definitely something to note. Because I sew a lot, I just cleared out a space at home specially for sewing so that I can just leave my stuff there.
Manual
The sewing machine manual is VERY IMPORTANT. Check reviews to see whether the model you’re buying has an easy understandable manual. Don’t chuck it in the box and leave it. Instead, as soon as you got your purchase, read the manual thoroughly and try it out with a few pieces of fabric.
Warranty
Sewing machines can and should last a very long time. However, always check for a warranty from the manufacturer. Most machines come with a 25-year warranty or limited warranty.
Related Posts:
- Sewing Machine Review – Main
- Brother XL2600I 25-stitch Free-arm Sewing Machine – Best Basic Sewing Machine
- Singer 7442 Electronic Sewing Machine – Best Value Electronic Sewing Machine
- Brother ES2000 77-stich – Best Budget Computerized Sewing Machine
- Brother CS6000I Computerized Free-arm Sewing Machine – Best Quilting Sewing Machine
- Singer 7470 Confidence Electronic Sewing Machine – Best User-Friendly Sewing Machine
Type of Work
What are you buying the sewing machine for? This is the ultimate question that will help you mark the range of sewing machines you’ll be looking at.
1. Embroidery
There are single use embroidery machines that can only do embroidery; and there are dual use embroidery and sewing machines that can do sewing jobs besides embroidery.
To save money, I suggest that you buy a single use machine plus a separate electronic sewing machine if you do a whole lot of sewing jobs besides embroidery. This means your embroidery machine takes less wear and tear from usual sewing.
If you are doing mainly embroidery and only the occasional sewing of buttonholes and hems, get a dual use machine.
When buying an embroidery machine, whether single or dual use, you can look at these details:
- Size of the loop
- Number of built-in designs
- Size of designs and fonts
- Additional design cards or software for downloading designs
- USB port
- Easy selection and controls
2. Quilting
Most mid-end sewing machines can do quilts (you may have to get your own walking foot if it’s not included) but if you are doing a lot of quilts you can look for a good quilting sewing machine that provides plenty of quilting accessories and features.
I just bought a great quilting sewing machine – Brother CS6000I, just to do quilts, because it comes with a quilting table, walking foot, quilt guides and a wide selection of quilting stitches!
3. Basic sewing
Forget about embroidery and quilting machines, you’re just looking for a sewing machine that can make dresses, cushion covers, pillowcases, buttonholes, and fix that hem.
I suggest you get an electronic sewing machine. Personally I don’t think a computerized sewing machine is needed for basic sewing; a computer memory is only for designs.
- Price range – It’s easy to choose if you keep this in mind: there are only two main price ranges for electronic sewing machines – below $250 and above $250.
If you’re doing a lot of heavy fabrics (curtains, denims and multi-layers), definitely get the higher range.It’ll be worth it in the long run because expensive machines have a heavier and more durable make to last you a long time. The heavy fabrics feed better so the stitches will be finer too.
As far as I can see, you can still be pleasantly surprised by the quality of sewing machines below $250, but please don’t expect them to take heavy sewing for years and years.
Go ahead and buy these budget machines if you are only sewing fabrics of normal thickness most of the time. They will give you value for the price if you do plenty of dresses, covers, buttonholes and hems instead of heavy curtains and denims.
Singer 7442 is the best value electronic sewing machine while an even cheaper one for minimal sewing would be the Brother XL2600I.
- Type of fabric – What type of fabric will you be using?
Thick fabrics will need longer stitches. Check the machine for a good selection of stitches including long and short stitches for different thickness of fabrics.
The other feature to check is automatic tension. That will save you a lot of time because the machine adjusts the tension according to the fabric thickness without you having to do it manually.
Delicate fabrics like silk and chiffon are tricky to sew because they snag easily. If you’re using these fabrics check to see whether the presser foot can be adjusted to a lesser pressure. The right needles must be used (click here to see the different types of needles for different fabrics) but you can buy these to add if your machine does not include them.
Stretchy fabrics shall need a stretch stitch. If the machine you’re checking out does not say anything about the kinds of stitches it makes, read the reviews!
Large projects like bed sheets and curtains are easier done with an extension table. If your machine doesn’t come with one, check to see whether this can be added.
Person using it
Are you buying the sewing machine as a gift? There are some features that are convenient to certain people, while being cumbersome to others.
People with poor eyesight or shaky hands would find the auto threader very handy and time-saving. Some machines also have a thread cutter, but there are people who think it gets in the way.
Novices or young seamstresses would find a well-written manual helpful if they are not taking sewing classes. A more user-friendly sewing machine would also include auto tension, drop-in bobbin, and simple controls. I highly recommend the Singer 7470 Confidence for friendliness!
Portability
You might not be using your sewing machine at the same spot every time.
I myself like to place my sewing machine out in the open so that I can sew at every opportunity, and there is a cleared space for me to work and throw down all my stuff. But my girl friends have all kinds of habits like:
- Sewing on the dining table or shared spots and clearing away after use
- Using a different spot in the house every time
- Bringing the sewing machine to sewing classes
- Bringing the sewing machine to a friend’s house to sew
So when you buy a sewing machine, you’ll have to take this into consideration. If you’re not like me, you’ll need a lightweight machine to carry around or store away after use, but it shouldn’t be so light that it will prance on the table like an excited dog when you feed it with fabric.
Machines with some weight are good for heavy fabrics. In short, you’ll have to strike a balance between having a machine sturdy enough for fabrics you’re using, and light enough to carry. All the better if the machine comes with a hard cover carrying case.
Tip: If your machine does slide a bit when in use, place it on a sheet of thin rubber mat.
For more sewing machine reviews and recommendations, go to my Sewing Machine Review main page.
Related Posts:
- Sewing Machine Review – Main
- Brother XL2600I 25-stitch Free-arm Sewing Machine – Best Basic Sewing Machine
- Singer 7442 Electronic Sewing Machine – Best Value Electronic Sewing Machine
- Brother ES2000 77-stich – Best Budget Computerized Sewing Machine
- Brother CS6000I Computerized Free-arm Sewing Machine – Best Quilting Sewing Machine
- Singer 7470 Confidence Electronic Sewing Machine – Best User-Friendly Sewing Machine
The Singer 1507 8-Stitch Sewing Machine is a wonderful machine that’s a great deal for its price. I couldn’t be more pleased. My mother-in-law borrowed it to mend her curtains and just called to say she plans to get this machine for herself.
Singer 1507 8-Stitch Sewing Machine
Pros:
Cons:
Overall: Singer 1507 8-Stitch Sewing Machine is a great sewing machine for beginners and basic sewing. It’s clearly made with convenience in mind, evident from the ‘little touches’ included like threading instructions on the machine, storage compartments for accessories, bobbin winder, and even a small bottle of oil.
Just don’t give up on the horizontal spool and you’ve got a handy machine at your disposal.
Further information:
Related Posts:
- Sewing Machine Review – Main
- Brother XL2600I 25-stitch Free-arm Sewing Machine – Best Basic Sewing Machine
- Singer 7442 Electronic Sewing Machine – Best Electronic Sewing Machine
- Brother ES2000 77-stich – Best Computerized Sewing Machine
- Brother SE350 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine – Best Embroidery Sewing Machine
- Brother CS6000I Computerized Free-arm Sewing Machine – Best Quilting Sewing Machine
I’d recommend this sewing machine to anyone! The Singer 7470 Confidence is the easiest sewing machine to use, even for novices. It’s not computerized, nor is it great for heavy quilting or serious embroidering, but it’s the best sewing machine if you don’t need those.
Singer 7470 Confidence Electronic Sewing Machine
Once you’ve got the Singer Confidence on the run, you’ll know what I mean about it being easy to use.
All the Friendly Features!
The auto tension is the best part about it, I should say. No more fiddling with tension dials trying to find the right tension! The machine adjusts itself according to the stitch and thickness of fabric you’re using.
This Singer machine has the Drop & Sew bobbin system which is really convenient. The bobbin is easy to wind and the threading takes no time at all.
Beginners would be glad that the manual has some good explanations, photos and even definitions for jargon. But for intermediate users you don’t really need much help from the manual, except maybe to read up on the twin needle stitch.
Sturdy and Worth Its Price
The Singer Confidence is a bit heavy to carry to sewing classes, but the fact that it’s heavy is what makes it so good! It takes layers and heavy fabrics well enough, though I wouldn’t say it’s the best for quilting. The machine doesn’t clatter like those light ones and it’s quieter than most others.
Although this wasn’t meant for embroidery, it does have simple embroidery patterns. There are loads of stitches to choose from, needle positions, and temporary memory, all of which can be managed from the simple control panel with LCD screen.
If there is anything at all that could be complained about, it could be the reverse stitch button, which you have to hold down until the reverse stitch is done. It’s not cool but not really a problem for most people.
I strongly recommend the Singer 7470 Confidence to those who don’t need computerized machines for embroidery or quilting. It’s good as an entry level machine too, though you may have to stretch your budget a bit. Totally worth it!
Shopping information:
- There is free shipping for Singer 7470 Confidence Electronic Sewing Machine together with an attractive discount now. Get it soon while it lasts!
Related Posts:
- Sewing Machine Review – Main
- Brother XL2600I 25-stitch Free-arm Sewing Machine – Best Basic Sewing Machine
- Singer 7442 Electronic Sewing Machine – Best Electronic Sewing Machine
- Brother ES2000 77-stich – Best Computerized Sewing Machine
- Brother SE350 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine – Best Embroidery Sewing Machine
- Brother CS6000I Computerized Free-arm Sewing Machine – Best Quilting Sewing Machine
Looking for a good electronic sewing machine but don’t want to overspend? I recommend the Singer 7442. This is one fine machine to have for the price. This quality machine is not exactly at a budget price, but it’s still under $200.
Singer 7442 Electronic Sewing Machine
Plenty of Good Features
Let’s talk about the good stuff first. I personally always liked the threading and bobbin systems on Singer machines. This machine is very easy to thread; there is automatic threading if you don’t want to waste 30 seconds poking at the needle’s eye.
The bobbin goes on the top (also called drop-in bobbin) but there is no Drop & Sew feature on this model. I prefer the drop & sew but I wouldn’t mind the extra step of drawing it up for this price. Just lift the presser foot and pull up the loop of thread.
The best thing I like is the automatic tension. I’d like that on every one of my machines because it saves me so much time trying to adjust tension manually. This Singer 7442 can take some heavy fabrics and layers well even though the machine itself is not heavy.
A Bit Lacking in Some Aspects
This sewing machine is not exactly lightweight but good enough to carry around. It doesn’t come with a case though, so people who want to bring it to sewing classes will have to buy a case separately.
Some reviewers complained that the needle always ends up in the up position, but you can manually crank it half a stitch if you want it down. This is a bit of a grumble especially for people who’re sewing fast.
The LED light by the needle is not much use at all; using another light source which is bright enough to light the whole working area will be more practical.
I’d say these complaints aren’t big enough to stop most people from getting a good electronic sewing machine below $200. Singer 7442 gives value for its price.
Shopping information:
- Click here to read more about Singer 7442 Electronic Sewing Machine. There is free shipping available now.
Related Posts:
- Sewing Machine Review – Main
- Brother XL2600I 25-stitch Free-arm Sewing Machine – Best Basic Sewing Machine
- Brother ES2000 77-stich – Best Budget Computerized Sewing Machine
- Brother SE350 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine – Best Embroidery Sewing Machine
- Brother CS6000I Computerized Free-arm Sewing Machine – Best Quilting Sewing Machine
- Singer 7470 Confidence Electronic Sewing Machine – Best User-Friendly Sewing Machine
Hi welcome to my first post of sewing machine review blog.
Sewing machine is a textile machine use to stitch fabric or other material together. Sewing machine where first invented during the first industrial revolution to help increase production in cloth companies. Since then, it has vastly improved the efficiency and productivity.
Sewing Machine Review
I hope to write some sewing machine review post to help to find the right one for your need.
Most of the sewing machine being review here will be lightweight and portable sewing machine. Portable sewing machine come with 10 built-in stitches will be perfect for basic sewing, mending, crafting, and scrapbooking projects.
With today sewing technology, some of them offers an automatic bobbin winder, an automatic four-step buttonholer, forward and reverse sewing, and quick-change snap-on presser feet that include a buttonhole foot, zipper foot, button-sewing foot and many more!
Well, getting one great sewing machine will be home sewn fashion at your fingertips. Stay tune for more sewing machine review to come.
Related Posts:
- Sewing Machine Review – Main
- Brother XL2600I 25-stitch Free-arm Sewing Machine – Best Basic Sewing Machine
- Singer 7442 Electronic Sewing Machine – Best Value Electronic Sewing Machine
- Brother ES2000 77-stich – Best Budget Computerized Sewing Machine
- Brother CS6000I Computerized Free-arm Sewing Machine – Best Quilting Sewing Machine
- Singer 7470 Confidence Electronic Sewing Machine – Best User-Friendly Sewing Machine
Sewing Machine Review 