Buying Your First Sewing Machine
by sewing how-to

The first item you need to start sewing is… wait for it… a sewing machine! Here are a few tips on finding the perfect starter machine for you:
Begin simple – You do not need all the bells and whistles on your first machine. You won’t want to have to sit down and read a 500 page manual just to learn how to thread the machine before you can even sew a stitch! I personally care for the Brother brand of machines. They make a great starter model – the LS 2125i, for example. I have had better luck with Brother than with the comparable Singer model. The Singer model seemed to jam a lot and produced uneven stitches. Maybe I just had a lemon but when I purchased another Brother machine I was very happy with the quality for the price (only $89!!)
Where should I get my first sewing machine? My suggestion is to go to Wal-Mart or Target. You can find a great machine under $99. You are welcome to go to a fabric store but you will probably pay much more. Wal-Mart usually has a great craft section that also carries fundamental sewing supplies.
What functions should it have? Find one that has some plain stitches and button hole capabilities. basic stitches include straight stitch, zig zag stitch, hem stitch. etc. All machines have tension control and stitch length dials which you can find out more about in your sewing machine’s instruction manual. Remember, the simpler the machine, the simpler the guidebook, and the faster you will be off and sewing!! Some machines will have a lot of fancy stitches which look fun but can be overwhelming to a beginner. These machines are great for more advanced seamstresses, but I would stick to a plain machine to begin with. All the projects on my blog (sewing machine guide) are made with my $89 machine from Wal-Mart! I do have my eye on a fancy new Brother with electronic stitch functions…I think I’m ready!
Read the handbook – If you took my advice and bought a plain machine, leafing through the guidebook should take 15 minutes. It will give you instructions on how to thread the needle, wind the bobbin, and perform all other functions of the machine. For instance, if you want to try a zig zag stitch, go to the page that says “zig zag stitch” and it will tell you the recommended thread tension and stitch length settings for best results. So go get a great starter machine and get sewing! You will be surprised at how easy sewing can be! For more articles and how-to videos about sewing, visit me at simple sewing projects.