Sewing machines

How to choose a sewing machine

Start with what you actually sew: hemming trousers a few times a year, making children's clothes, or working with heavy fabric and denim.

• Type. A mechanical machine is simple and dependable, a computerised one selects stitches at the press of a button and offers more decorative patterns, an overlocker finishes edges so the fabric cannot fray.
• Stitch patterns. Six to fifteen are enough for hemming and repairs. Sixteen to forty cover most home sewing; more than a hundred make sense for decorative work.
• Buttonhole. A one-step buttonhole is sewn in a single pass and always comes out the same length; the four-step version costs less but you have to turn the fabric.
• Needle threader. A small detail that saves your eyes, especially if you change thread often.
• Free arm. Essential for sleeves, trouser legs and children's clothes.
• Weight and frame. A metal frame and more weight mean the machine will not hop on thick fabric — look at the Heavy Duty range.

Related categories

See also irons, garment steamers and washing machines.

Frequently asked questions

Is a mechanical machine right for a beginner? Yes. Ten to twenty-five stitches, an automatic bobbin winder and a free arm are enough to start; the rest comes with practice.

Does an overlocker replace a sewing machine? No. It finishes seams and sews knits, but it makes neither buttonholes nor a straight seam on woven fabric — the two machines work together.

What does Heavy Duty mean? A reinforced metal frame, a stronger motor and a higher presser foot lift, so the machine copes with denim, several layers of fabric and curtain material.

Are accessories included? A Singer set usually holds an all-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, needles, bobbins and a dust cover — the exact list is in each product's specifications.