When it comes to choosing a sewing machine, there are some very well known and respected manufacturers, and there will be multiple machines that will work for your needs. Here are some considerations for narrowing down your list and choosing a machine that you will use and enjoy for years to come.

1. If possible, buy your machine from a local quilt shop or sewing machine specialist. The big box store machines often don’t have serviceable parts, and if you intend to be a heavy user of your machine, it will last much longer this way. Often these stores will offer free classes to get to know your machine too and have a sewing machine repair service.

2. Do you enjoy the actual quilting part, or are you more of a piecer? If you are more likely to hire a long armer to finish your quilts, or if you prefer to hand quilt or hand tie, you may not need such a large machine. If you want to free-motion quilt on the same machine you piece on, a larger throat – or harp – space will be invaluable.
   
3. As for useful features, decorative stitches are great for crazy quilts and buttonholes and blind hems are good for garment sewing, but are these important to you? If not, then you may even consider a straight stitch machine. These machines are heavy duty and stitch much faster that the more multi-purpose machines.
   
4. A needle down function is essential for pivoting while you sew or quilt. Believe it or not, not all machines come with this!
   
5. What features are you personally most excited by? Do you want a machine that has an automatic thread cutter, or can hold larger bobbins so you don’t have to change so frequently, or maybe you want a knee lift? These can all be useful and worth checking out!

Looking for more tips and tutorial inspirations? Check out our Inspiration page.