A basic sewing machine may suffice for a beginner, but intermediate and advanced-level sewers may opt for more complex machines that can perform more tasks.
Beginner Sewing Machine
A simple mechanical sewing machine can perform all basic tasks for beginner projects.
One to try: Singer's Simple Sewing Machine
Features for this machine include:
- A bobbin winder to stop the bobbin winding once it's full.
- A horizontal spool pin that feeds the thread horizontally.
- An automatic reverse lever, which allows you to sew in reverse and reinforce stitches.
- An automatic needle threader that easily threads the eye of the needle.
- A removable accessory tray.
- Snap-on presser feet.
- A pattern selector dial, which allows for a selection of different stitch patterns.
- Adjustable stitch length and width with a turn of a dial.
Intermediate-Level Sewing Machine
If you're at the intermediate level, consider a slightly more complex electronic machine.
One to try: Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 875 Quilt Sewing Machine
Features for this machine include:
- Touch buttons with the ability to raise and lower the sensor foot. The Sensor Foot Pivot senses the thickness of the fabric and adjusts for even feeding.
- An easy-touch selection panel highlighting stitch sections.
- Snap-on presser feet to hold the fabric in place. (Different presser feet give you different stitch results.)
- The ability to lower and raise feed teeth using a lever.
- A ruler for reference while sewing.
- Dual lights that illuminate the sewing area under the needle and on the sewing bed.
- An Exclusive Sewing Advisor, which automatically sets the best stitch, stitch length, stitch width and sewing speed. The graphic display recommends thread tension, presser foot, and needle size and type.
- A built-in needle threader that easily threads the eye of the needle.
- A bobbin cover that allows easy access to the bobbin. The bobbin thread is brought up automatically with the first stitch.
Advanced-Level Sewing Machine
If you're an experienced sewer, there's a good chance you incorporate more complicated techniques such as embroidery into your projects. Consider investing in a high-end embroidery machine that allows for greater precision.
One to try: Pfaff Creative 4.0 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Features for this machine include:
- A large working space extension for embroidery and large sewing tasks.
- A high-resolution color touch screen with realistic 3-D representation of your embroidery designs. Customization and editing can be done right on screen.
- Bright lighting that illuminates the entire work area with no shadow. You can adjust the intensity and color of the light based on room light and fabric color.
- A USB connection that allows you to transfer embroidery designs between your machine and a computer.
- An automatic presser foot lift.
- Large, built-in accessory trays with removable compartments.
- Extra-high presser foot lift that allows for thick fabrics to be placed easily under the presser foot.
- Thread snips that automatically cut top and bobbin thread and pulls thread end to the wrong side of fabric. It can be programmed to cut in sequences if needed.
- Over 500 different stitches displayed under the lid, along with guided paths for easy threading and bobbin winding.