How to Choose the Best Sewing Machine for Your Skill Level

Sewing is an enjoyable pastime that can transform clothing garments and other cloth products. Learning to sew with a modernized sewing machine cuts your project time down significantly and gives you more freedom and flexibility with your stitches.

If you’re brand-new to stitching and sewing, don’t worry. There are machines for every stitch type, pattern, and skill level.

From complex, advanced machines with intricate computerized features to more basic, starter-level sewing machines, you have options. Here’s how to choose the best sewing machine for your current abilities and preferences.

The Purpose of Using a Sewing Machine

You’ve probably seen people stitch pieces by hand. Why do you need a sewing machine to create beautiful projects?

Faster Project Turnaround Times

Sewing machines are all about efficiency. It takes a long time to stitch by hand, and you have to learn different stitch types manually. This can turn a few-day project into a month-long or even longer endeavor.

Durability and Lifespan

Stitches are also more durable and long-lasting when created by a sewing machine. Machine stitching allows your project to last longer and hold up better against normal wear and tear.

Higher-Volume Production

Without sewing machines, the major textile and clothing industries wouldn’t be able to produce nearly as much product in a short amount of time. The same is true for you at home — you can create many more stitches and seams with the help of a machine.

Varied Stitches and Seams

There’s only so much you can do by hand in a certain timeframe. The best sewing machines can vary the stitch patterns and seam types to create versatile projects. They attach fabric together using patterns like zigzags and straight stitches.

Mechanical vs. Computerized Sewing Machines: Everything You Need to Know

Both types of machines are beneficial for certain projects and skill levels. Consider the level of automation you’re looking for, as well as the complexity you can handle just starting out.

Mechanical Sewing Machines

Mechanical sewing machines are generally considered easier to use if you’re a beginner. Modern machines are powered by electricity and operate mechanically, as the name suggests.

Most mechanical sewing machines don’t have automated features. You’ll have to thread the needle yourself and manually select your stitch type, length, and width using dials.

The majority of mechanical machines also don’t come with a thread cutter, meaning you’ll have to do this step yourself.

Mechanical sewing machines are ideal for beginners because they allow you to get a feel for how sewing generally works. You can play around with stitch lengths, tension adjustment, and needle positioning to familiarize yourself with the sewing process.

Computerized Sewing Machines

Computerized sewing machines are much more modern and automatic than mechanical machines. They often feature touch screens that allow you to customize your project and take advantage of automated processes like thread cutting.

The downside of computerized sewing machines for beginners is that they come with a steeper learning curve. You may have to spend several hours experimenting with the machine and reading the owner’s manual before starting a project.

However, computerized (also known as “automatic” or “digital”) machines open the door for much more customization and efficiency. Once you’re proficient in sewing machine operation, a computerized machine is a great tool to elevate your work.

Best Sewing Machines by Project and Need

Use this as your how-to guide when choosing the best sewing machine for your at-home project needs.

Fabric Decoration and Designs: Embroidery Machine

If you’re looking to stitch specific designs on clothing, blankets, or other cloth products, an embroidery machine is best for you. These machines can often download digital patterns and execute the decoration with precision.

Unlike standard sewing machines, embroidery machines use round presser feet and special holders to keep the fabric in place. The holders are known as “embroidery hoops.”

One unique advantage of an embroidery machine is that it can create complex, intricate textured patterns if you so choose.

Quilt-Making: Quilting Sewing Machines

A quilting sewing machine typically comes with a longer arm and can accommodate thicker, larger fabric pieces. This is ideal for making quilts and doing patchwork.

The motor on a quilting sewing machine is often more powerful than a standard sewing machine because it has to stitch through multiple fabric layers to achieve a durable and aesthetic finish.

On-the-Go Projects: Portable Sewing Machines

Portable sewing machines, also known as miniature sewing machines, are easy to travel with and store. They’re relatively easy to set up and start working with. If you travel often or want to try sewing some sample items before diving into it as a hobby, a portable sewing machine is best for you.

Quick Sewing Machine Guide by Skill Level

Are you unsure where to start? Here’s a quick guide to choosing the best sewing machine for your specific skill level.

Beginner

All beginners should start with a mechanical sewing machine. They’re more user-friendly than more complex computerized models.

Additionally, mechanical sewing machines introduce you to the basic mechanics behind sewing, which is valuable information for your future projects.

Intermediate

If you’ve gotten the hang of basic stitches, you can go for either mechanical sewing machine accessories or a fully computerized model.

Think about what will broaden your skill set while automating more tedious tasks. Automatic thread cutting is a nice feature to have so that you can focus on stitch patterns and designs.

Use accessories and sewing machines that give you access to new stitching options. This will increase your skill level gradually, allowing you to experiment at your own pace.

Advanced

Advanced sewers should explore more complex, electronic sewing machines with computerized functions. You’ll have a bit of a learning curve with the new features, but this will pay off in more advanced and intricate designs and projects.

Most high-end computerized sewing machines have digital memory to store stitching patterns. Use this to build your repertoire of beautiful designs!

GoldStar Tool: Find the Best Sewing Machines for Your Needs

At GoldStar Tool, we’re here to help you advance in your crafts and hobbies. Our wide selection of high-quality sewing machines is versatile and dynamic.

Whether you’re just starting out or want more complex sewing machine features, we can help. Browse our best sewing machines today!