Are you in the process of buying a sewing machine? Most beginners have a challenge in determining the best sewing machine. This is not one of those easy questions that you will answer with an A or B. The sewing machine market has a long list of products that are available for you to use. You need to have a lot of information before heading to the market to buy a machine. This article presents 7 tips for buying a sewing machine. Each of these points will help you in making an informed decision.
1. Used or New :
It is always wise to buy a new sewing machine. This is good because you will have somewhere to return the machine for repair in case something goes wrong with it. Therefore, you need to understand the return policy of the company before making a purchase. However, you may be facing a budget constraint and hence unable to buy the desired new sewing machine. It is better to buy a used machine that has all the features that you are looking for instead of going for a new machine that will limit your operations. However, make sure that the machine that you are buying is still in a good condition.
2. Only Buy from Reputable Dealers :
Make sure you trust and like the dealer who is selling you the sewing machine because it could mark the beginning of a long-term relationship. Look at the customer reviews to be sure that you are dealing with a reputable seller. You want to be sure that the business that is selling the machine to you only deals with genuine products. Check on their return policy and whether they offer instructional classes for the machine you wish to purchase. Also, confirm whether the brand has experts who can service the machine or they will refer you somewhere else. Some retailers offer trade-ups and trade-ins while others give financing to their clients. Avoid mass-market stores as they may not give you the support and help that you will need so much. A good brand will always value excellent customer care and service.
3. But the Best that Your Budget Can Hold :
Isn’t this an easy statement to put across? Evaluate your budget and see how much you are willing to spend on the sewing machine. Thorough market research will tell you that there are several brands and models that fall within your price range. Make sure you get value for your money by buying the best sewing machine that your budget can accommodate. This should also be done in line with your specific needs.
4. Research Various Manufacturers :
You need to undertake thorough market research before buying a sewing machine. Visit the various company websites to understand their history, philosophy, and products. Go through the reviews of various websites to identify the ones that will meet your needs well. There are some brands that are well-known for the manufacture of high-quality machines. Get to understand how they manufacture their machines, the history of their customer service, their repair reputation, and the number of years the brand has been in operation.
5. Look at the Important Features :
Different machines have different features and the best sewing machines depend on how you will be using it. Some of the features to look at include needle up or down setting, adjustable stitch width and length, straight stitching adjustable position, good harp space, and also feed dog down/up. Other important features include the walking foot, machine weight, motor strength, free arm, stitch quality, front-loading bobbin vs. top-loading ones. Make sure you are comfortable with the features that are in the machine you wish to buy.
6. Some Nice Features that May Not be Necessary :
When buying a sewing machine, there are some features that are nice but not mandatory. Modern-day sewing machines are becoming more efficient and smart. Some of the features that may play the role of icing on the cake include automatic or knee lift foot lift, automatic thread cutter, automatic tension control, dual feed, adjustable spool pin, extension table, adjustable presser foot pressure, speed control dial, and an inbuild buttonhole stitch just to name a few.
7. Test Drive Various Models and Makes :
Buying a sewing machine is just like getting yourself a new car. Apart from reading the reviews, make sure you test the exact sewing machine model before you make a purchase decision. You need to compare the functionality, features, models, and brands from various manufacturers. You can bring a quiet machine depending on your personality. The straight stitch should have even and smooth stitches. Make sure you do not have the experience of each machine that you test.
Conclusion :
With the above tips, you can be sure of buying a sewing machine that will not let you down. The most important thing is to get the best sewing machine that the market has to offer. However, this fully depends on your unique needs because what is good for me may not be applicable in your case.
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