Trying to decide if it’s the right time to buy a sewing machine for your child or teen? Not sure which machine to choose, or how to narrow down the options? Here are a few tips that we hope will help guide you to the best decision for your situation.
Don’t worry about how many presser feet come with the machine or how many stitches it can do
At first, a sewing learner will only use 1 or 2 of presser feet, and it is quite easy and inexpensive to add the presser feet you find yourself needing later. A beginner sewist is not going to need 100+ embroidery stitches. A machine that can do at least a straight stitch, zigzag stitch, a few other stitches and a buttonhole will serve you well for many types of projects.
Get a regular, basic machine
Please, please, please don’t buy a mini or “for beginners” machine. They will mostly be frustrating to use, and will not have ANY resale value. Even if you get a very basic, $150 machine and find that you don’t want it anymore, you will be able to resell or gift it without much trouble. Also, if a young person is going to learn sewing, they should learn on a good, basic machine.
Read reviews and talk to local fabric store personnel
In other words, see what others with more experience have to say. They should be able to steer you toward several models to choose from, or at least which ones to avoid. Although you will find many who feel passionately about mechanical sewing machines vs electronic sewing machines, I personally don’t think it makes a difference for a beginner sewist. Find one in your price range, and go for it. I would not advise a computerized machine for a beginner.
More Resources to Help You Choose a Sewing Machine
- https://www.littlestitchstudionorfolk.com/blog/2020/11/12/duy2dbdx86ymk8vtdp2dekhc2fvp32
- https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/sewing-machines/buying-guide/index.htm
- https://www.shinyhappyworld.com/2010/12/how-to-choose-a-sewing-machine-for-a-beginning-sewer.html
- https://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2014/11/choosing-sewing-machine.html
- http://www.ladulsatina.com/10-useful-tips-choosing-sewing-machine/
