7/31/2019 c-203

1/4

Cooperative Extension Service

College of Agriculture andHome Economics

NEW

MEX

ICOS

TA

E

UN

IVERSIT

Y

T

Buying a SewingMachine

Guide C-203

Revised by Constance Kratzer,

Family Resources Management Specialist

This publication is scheduled to be updated and reissue11/07.

Where will the machine be stored?s In what rooms In a cabinet, and what styles In a closet, if it is portables Does the machine come with a storage case,

and is that an extra cost?

How long do you intend to use the machine?

s A few monthss A few yearss Until something new comes outs All your sewing lifetime

BEFORE YOU BUY

As you consider buying a sewing machine, tryto complete each of the following steps on theway to a final choice. Check each item off whenit is finished.

s Check out the available sewing machines.Go to a library and read magazine articles onhow to buy a sewing machine. Study the ar-ticles that compare machine types andbrands to determine which are recom-mended by consumer research services.

s Comparison shop at reliable local dealers.Dont be afraid to ask questions. Check sev-eral brands before making the final decision.

s Check all the models. Dont be pushed intobuying more machine than you need. Thetop-of-the-line isnt always the best buy forthe money.

s Discuss sewing machines with friends.Which ones have they had good and bad ex-perience with?

When its time to buy a sewing machine, thebuyer can be nearly overwhelmed by all the deci-sions. Some of the choicesstraight stitch or zig-zag stitch, stretch and fancy stitches, portable orcabinet model machine, regular duty or heavyduty, open arm or flat bed, mechanical or elec-tronic, expensive or inexpensive, new or used,and on and on.

Todays sewing machine market might tempt abuyer to consider a serger, but the serger shouldnot be selected in place of a traditional sewingmachine. Although the serger is versatile andeasy to use, it isnt possible to do all sewing tech-niques using a serger. Persons interested in buy-ing a serger should read Selecting an OverlockMachine, Guide 400 C-218.

WHERE TO BEGIN

Use this checklist as a guide when consideringthe factors that should influence the kind of sew-ing machine to buy:

What kind of sewing do you plan to do?s Make clothes for yourselfs Sew for a growing familys Mending onlys Decorative sewings Sew heavy items like draperies, bedspreads

or slip-covers

Where will you use the sewing machine?s In a sewing rooms In the family rooms On a dining table

To find more resources for your business, home, or family, visit the College of Agriculture and Home Economicson the World Wide Web at www.cahe.nmsu.edu

7/31/2019 c-203

2/4

Guide C-203 Page 2

s As you shop, try out each machine that in-terests you. Try it on all the kinds of fabricsyou usually sew. Try all the fancy stitch set-tings; try the stitch length regulator andbackstitch setting. Adjust the tension andpresser foot.

s Be sure you know exactly what you are get-ting for the sale price-accessories, guarantee,cabinet or case.

s Be sure you understand all financial obliga-tions involved in buying the machine beforemaking the final decision.

WHICH STITCH FOR YOU?

Consider the types of sewing machines avail-able while shopping. Check for the type that bestmeets your needs.

Straight stitch. This type is usually the leastexpensive. It sews forward and backward, and issuitable for mending and routine sewing. Itsprobably the most practical machine for someonewho will sew only a little, or does not intend touse decorative stitching.

Semi-automatic zig-zag machine. This typehas all the functions of a straight-stitch machine,plus the ability to do zig-zag and stretch stitch-ing, make buttonholes, finish seam edges, sewstretchy fabrics and, in some cases, blind hem and

stretch stitch. The zig-zag machine adds versatilitythat the capable home sewer may find desirable.Automatic zig-zag machine (mechanical).

This type can do straight, zig-zag and stretchstitching with a wide variety of decorativestitches available. The machine has built-in deco-rative stitches that are usually selected with handcontrols or cams that can be inserted for the de-sired stitch, or a combination of the two. Thecombination model is the most versatile. Thismachine is a good choice for the home sewerwho uses decorative stitches often; however, us-

ing this type machine to its full potential re-quires a thorough knowledge of the machine andsome practice.

Electronic or computerized machine. Thistype has the capabilities of the mechanical zig-zag type, and much more. It is controlled by elec-tronic chips, like those found in computers, ratherthan mechanical parts. The electronic system al-lows stitches to be selected by pushing a button.

Optimum stitch widths, stitch lengths, and den-sity are programmed into the machine by themanufacturer, but can be adjusted by the user.The best use of this machine depends on a thor-ough knowledge of the machine and how it is used.

CONSIDER THE COST

When all the comparisons and testing are done,and its time to buy the sewing machine, care-fully weigh the cost factor. Be sure your planneduse of special stitches and other fancy features ofthe machine warrants the expense involved in theinitial purchase of the machine. Also, be sure youwant to, or have the time to, learn all the skillsneeded to make full use of the machines fea-tures. Then consider how long you will use themachine. The useful life of a good machine canbe 20 years or more. If you intend to use the ma-chine for a long time, you may want to investmore money than if you intend to keep the ma-chine for a short time. Be sure to buy the machinethat best suits your needs, for the amount ofmoney you have to spend.

There are sales and special offers that can savethe buyer quite a bit of money. However, be waryof special service contracts, special discounts,and you-have-won-a-machine offers receivedin the mail or by telephone. These offers often

involve another transaction that is as expensive ormore expensive than buying a similar machinefrom a reliable local dealer.

WHAT ABOUT A USED MACHINE?

Dont eliminate the possibility of buying agood, used sewing machine. In addition to all thethings to consider with a new machine, considerthe following:

s Has the machine been well cared for?s There are few, if any, scratches or dents.s It does not show signs of rough use.s There are no missing parts.s Accessories are included (bobbins

zipper foot).

7/31/2019 c-203

3/4

7/31/2019 c-203

4/4

Guide C-203 Page 4

Revised November 2002 Las Cruces, NM3C

New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Departmentof Agriculture cooperating.