Choosing a sewing machine - value and quality?
Sewing machine evolution
Although sewing machine features are continuously evolving, the fundamentals of the sewing mechanism has changed little since 1846 when Elias Howe patented a basic lockstitch sewing machine. Many innovations improving on the basic mechanism have allowed high quality modern sewing machines to provide a faster and less stressful sewing experience. Features such as automatic thread cutting on the Husqvarna Designer I, jet threading (Baby Lock Imagine sergers) and computerized embroidery systems (Husqvarna Designer series, Baby Lock Ellegante).
Sewing machine quality
Given that all sewing machine carry the same basic mechanism, what's to choose between them? Reliability is one of the key aspects to consider. The more expensive machines tend to be manufactured to higher tolerances (parts are less likely to stick or catch and the whole machine will run much quieter), more parts are made of metal rather than plastic (much less likely to wear out or break). The more expensive machines tend to have better support and warranties. For example, Viking guarantee parts availability for their machines for an incredible 30 years.
How do I find a quality sewing machine which will be a joy to use?
So what does this all matter? We're all on a budget so how do I choose the best sewing machine to ffit my budget? You probably have an idea of what you are going to use your sewing machine for to start with - quilting, sewing clothes or bags or household mending chores. Whichever task you are planning, there are always multiple options available and there isn't necessarily an easy way to say "yes, that's the right one for me" since features and capabilities tend to be similar. However we have found the cheaper machines to be more frustrating in terms of jamming, sewing slack or tight, breaking down and other problems. The machines we choose now are those which have already depreciated but were quality machines in the first place and hence are still reliable many years after they were manufactured. It's possible to a gem of a machine which will keep you sewing for years with little trouble. And we pay a fraction of the original price for these wonderful machines. Of course, there are more popular machines and these tend to command higher prices but we have found far higher quality and more enjoyable machines for our budget buying vintage or used.
(c) 2007 Jonathan & Scarlet. www.vintage-sewing-machines.com
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