| These days, when you decide you want to buy a | | | | sure the dealer is reputable. Check the reviews left for |
| sewing machine, there is a large range of styles, | | | | the dealer and make sure to verify their address and |
| models, and prices from which to choose and can be | | | | phone number. Given the weight of a sewing machine, |
| rather confusing. However, if you know what to look | | | | inquire about the shipping costs prior to placing an |
| for while you're buying, it's a bit easier. | | | | order, and ask about their return policy. |
| Of all the tools you'll buy for your sewing room, the | | | | Some companies will ask you to pay return shipping |
| sewing machine is the largest investment by far, so | | | | costs and possibly a fee. Even if you decide to |
| you'll want to make sure it is the right one for you. | | | | purchase a machine online, be sure to first visit a local |
| 1) First, decide on how you'll be utilizing your sewing | | | | dealer to try the machines in which you are interested. |
| machine. Will you be sewing clothing, piecing and | | | | 8) Make a list of the items you either already enjoy |
| creating quilts, working with leather or denim, or | | | | making, or items you wish to make and take it with |
| creating embroidered items? The reason this is so | | | | you when you visit a local dealer. Take along samples |
| important is because each sewing machine features | | | | of fabrics you use most. |
| different capabilities and you'll want to choose the one | | | | 9) Test the basic stitches on the machine, as well as |
| that will meet your specific needs. | | | | any other features of the machine you might use. All |
| 2) Do you want an electric, mechanical, computerized, | | | | stitching should appear balanced, not loose. |
| compact or serger sewing machine? The answer to | | | | 10) Ask the dealer about the availability of replacement |
| this question will narrow your field quite a bit. | | | | parts if they should be needed, the cost of servicing |
| 3) Do some research on sewing machine brand | | | | the machine, optional upgrades, and warranties. A |
| names, features, and price ranges. Check customer | | | | reputable dealer will be glad to answer any questions |
| reviews as well to get an idea how well people either | | | | you have and allow you to try out any machine in their |
| like or dislike a certain model of machine. | | | | store. Be sure to ask also if they offer classes as a |
| 4) Before you even leave the house, decide on how | | | | bonus with your sewing machine purchase. |
| much you can spend for your machine. The range of | | | | Although it is probably very simple to buy a sewing |
| prices for sewing machines can range from under | | | | machine from an online dealer, there are several |
| $100 for a basic model, to over $8,000 for a machine | | | | advantages to purchasing your machine from a local |
| that does practically everything for you except cut | | | | dealer. He is only a phone call away, he has direct |
| your fabric. Be careful not to buy a sewing machine | | | | support from the manufacturers of the machines he |
| based on everything you want to learn "someday", but | | | | sells, and he probably already has a repair department |
| rather for the purposes for which you'll actually use it | | | | on site, which means you won't have to wait as long |
| once you bring it home. | | | | for your machine to be fixed. |
| 5) It is a good idea to attend some classes in your | | | | Let's say you decide in a few years that you want to |
| local area and talk to other people about their sewing | | | | upgrade your machine. Some local dealers will gladly |
| machine. Be sure to ask a lot of questions! Some | | | | accept the machine they sold to you as a trade-in on |
| stores have several machines set up and will allow | | | | an upgraded model, which could save you some |
| customers to give them a trial run. | | | | money. |
| 6) Where will you spend your time sewing? If you | | | | Buying a sewing machine can be an enjoyable and |
| have a larger space available, the size of your | | | | educational experience, as long as you are prepared |
| machine may not matter. However, if you are using a | | | | ahead of time. You'll have the tools to make an |
| smaller area, you may want to consider a compact | | | | informed decision and be very happy with the machine |
| version to save on space. | | | | you do purchase. Once you've purchased your sewing |
| 7) Will you buy a sewing machine online or from a | | | | machine, all that's left to do is take it home and start |
| locally owned store? If you are purchasing online, make | | | | getting creative! |