Sewing machines: How to buy a sewing machine What to look for in a sewing machine

Weight

You'll want a machine light enough to carry if you're going to take sewing classes

Consider whether you will be setting your sewing machine up in a dedicated sewing space or if it will be used in a multi-function area. If the latter is the case, you'll need a machine that is light enough to be packed away easily.

You'll also want a machine that is light enough to carry if you intend to take it to sewing classes. But don't go for something too lightweight if you are planning to do lots of upholstery or soft furnishing making, as you want a machine that sturdy enough to cope with heavier fabrics.

An established brand

Although you can pick up some great basic machines for as little as £40, you might find that unless you only want to do the occasional repair or small item, you are left wishing your machine could do more.

One problem of no-brand supermarket buys is that you can’t usually get hold of the accessories you'll need to do more advanced sewing tasks.

It’s also worth noting that the instructions on some really cheap machines leave a lot to be desired, so if you are going to learn to sew using one, you’ll need a good book about sewing, too.

There are a number of well-established brands available in the UK, and one of the advantages of choosing their machine is the range of accessories they usually offer, good warranties and sewing tuition to go with some of their models.

Janome

Japanese manufacturer Janome is the world’s biggest sewing machine manufacturer. Janome UK was established in 1969 as the New Home Sewing Machine Co Ltd and changed its name to Janome in the mid 1990s. It operates through nearly 200 retail outlets throughout the UK including John Lewis for whom it also makes the own-brand sewing machines. It offers an extensive range of sewing machines, overlockers and software for all sewing, quilting and embroidery projects.

Its stated aim is to provide customers with an unrivalled level of service and their Janome Training Centre in Stockport, offers a wide range of sewing courses. It's also involved in the Stitchclub [www.stitchclub.co.uk/] network of sewing classes for children.

Brother

Japanese brand Brother is a major manufacturer of competitively-priced sewing and embroidery machines. These range from sewing machines starting at around £70 that are suitable for beginners, through to high-specification semi-professional embroidery machines for small and start up businesses.

A notable feature of the Brother brand is the number of features that it includes on even lower-priced machines. You will often find its machines in home shopping catalogues and stores as well as supermarkets and independents.

Elna

Swiss manufacturer Elna launched the Elna # 1 in 1940; the first compact, portable, electric sewing machine with a free arm (when unfolded, its metal carrying case formed a sewing table).

Elna prides itself on quality, innovation and service and are active in more than 60 countries, throughout the world. Widely available through independents and John Lewis, the starting price for Elna machines is around £200-£250, although you can get cheaper machines online.

Bernina

Swiss company Bernina celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2007. Bernina focuses on the premium segment of the market and claims that Swiss precision is at the core of every Bernina sewing machine. It offers foundation courses in sewing at its London Sewing Centre which are free with purchases of the majority of its overlockers and sewing machines.

Singer

The American brand Singer has been synonymous with sewing since 1851 and has introduced the world's first zig-zag machine and the first electronic machines. It provides a wide range of domestic and commercial sewing machines.

Singer machines are widely available, especially through independents and catalogue stores. Prices start at around £100 for an Argos exclusive model. Its recent efforts have concentrated on creating models that encourage people who are new to sewing, including Tradition and Confidence models.

Husqvarna Viking

Swedish company Husqvarna Viking has been making sewing machines since 1872.

Its brand images is one of innovative, high quality and user-friendly products. You can buy its products at more than 100 independent outlets around the country. Prices start at around £250.

Toyota

Japanese brand Toyota started manufacturing sewing machines 13 years before cars. It's another major worldwide manufacturer of competitively-priced sewing and embroidery machines. These range from sewing machines starting at around £60 that are suitable for beginners, through to high-specification semi-professional embroidery machines and quilting machines.

Like the other Japanese brands, Toyota well-known for offering machines with a wide range of features for very competitive prices. They're widely available, including in catalogue stores and supermarkets, and you can buy the machines online directly from Toyota.

Suitability for your chosen fabric 

If you're interested in making curtains, look for a machine with a large sewing bed or extension table

Most machines will have no problem handling cottons and mid-weight fabrics, but if you are likely to want to move beyond these or will be tackling a wide variety of fabrics and soft furnishings it's worth taking account of features that you'll need your machine could be effective.
If you can, visit a shop where you will be able to try sewing thicker fabrics on the machine you're interested in.

Thick fabrics 

Thicker fabrics such as fleece and denim require a longer stitch length than thinner fabrics – check that the machine you're interested in offers a genuine choice of long and short stitches.

Stretch fabrics

Sewing stretchy fabrics is a challenge; look for a sewing machine with a stretch stitch which will help you get the best results.

Delicate fabrics 

Delicate fabrics need light handling. If you are you using them the majority of the time pick a machine that lets you reduce the pressure of the presser foot so you’ll decrease the risk of snagging your fabric on the feed dogs.

Check if the machine comes with a teflon coated plastic foot, which sometimes works better than a standard metal foot on delicate fabrics.

Make sure that you can buy a fine needle to go with your brand of machine.

Curtains

Look for a machine with a large sewing bed or extension table which will make it easier to handle large panels of fabric. You'll also want one that can handle sewing multiple thicknesses of fabric of different weights.

Extra features and benefits

Carry case 

Check if your chosen machine comes with a carry case or whether the cost of that is extra. It makes it much easier to store and move around if it has a case rather than a soft cover.

Auto-thread function 

Make sure your sewing machine has everything you'll need

Consider buying a machine with an auto-thread function. It’s a great timesaver and removes the need for passing the thread through the needle manually – something which can be frustrating, especially if you're new to sewing or have poor eyesight.

Accessories 

Unless you chose a machine from a manufacturer that sells a wide range of accessories, make sure it has everything you want to use, or think you might need in the future.

You can’t add basic features like extra stitches, more stitch options or different needle positions to a non-computerised machine.