What kind of  sewing machine to buy is one of the most frequently asked questions we get through Ask Purl Bee  and is also something we hear almost everyday at our shop, Purl Patchwork. It's a question I always enjoy answering because I've had a long relationship with sewing machines.  I learned how to sew when I was a child on a small home machine and since then I've had the opportunity to sew on many different kinds and brands, from a non-electric treadle machine, to an industrial Singer 20U, to a beautiful high end Bernina.  I've learned a lot along the way about what makes a good machine!

Here are some helpful points to keep in mind when buying a sewing machine (especially if its your first machine):

• You can sew many things even with a very simple sewing machine. A good basic machine should be able to sew forwards and backwards, do a few zig zag and stretch stitches, and have a removable foot. You will not be able to sew a wedding dress or elaborately quilt a queen size quilt with a basic machine but you can do a lot!  I've always felt that it's a good plan to start with something basic and then to upgrade once you figure out what you like to sew.
  

• A beginner machine doesn't have to be expensive. There are some great machines out there for under $250, however I wouldn't recommend getting a new sewing machine below the $100 range (the $99 dollar Brother sewing machine below is as low as I'd go). Many very inexpensive sewing machines tend to be more like toys than tools with a lot of plastic parts that can break eaasily, not a lot of power and many only sew in one direction.
  

• If you want to start with a machine that will work for making quilts there are a few specific things to look for: When piecing a quilt it's important to be able to make an accurate 1/4-inch seam allowance (for clothing a typical seam-allowance is 5/8-inch) so the back of the quilt-top doesn't get too bulky. For this you will want to be sure to get a 1/4-inch foot for your machine. For the actual quilting you will need a walking foot and a darning foot.  A walking foot pulls the quilt top, batting and backing together from the top and bottom so all the layers stay in place as you quilt in a straight line. A darning foot allows you to quilt in any direction, know as "free-motion" quilting. In order to free-motion quilt you must be able to lower or cover the feed dogs on your machine. The feed dogs are the little grippers that pull the fabric through the machine along the underside. This is an important point because many machines don't have this feature.
  

• If you want to make clothes you will want a machine that has a few different stretch stitches (many machines only have one) so you can explore sewing with knit fabrics. Stretch stitches are important because they can stretch along with the fabric once you are wearing the garment. You'll also want to get a zipper foot for putting in zippers. In addition it's helpful to get a machine with a buttonhole stitch, which makes sewing buttonholes a snap. (For more on buttonholes check out my buttonhole tutorial here.)
  

For the Very Beginner (or a Child)

The Brother XL-2610 is a starter machine for the casual or beginner sewer. It's under $100 and has useful features like 25 built in stitches, including a buttonhole stitch, and it even comes with extra feet. This would also be a great machine for a child because it's small and cute but not so overly cutesy that the child won't be able to grow with it. $99

For the Beginning Quilter

The Janome Jem Gold 660 is the machine we use to teach our classes at Purl Patchwork. I also have one at home and I use it to sew all of my Purl Bee projects. It's a great no frills machine perfect for the beginning quilter (especially if you get the optional quilting accessories). It's a great machine to learn on because it's so basic but also has a buttonhole stitch, a stretch stitch, and you can cover the feed dogs. It's light weight which also makes it a good fit for veteran sewers who need a travel machine. If you're just starting out and want to try making quilts this is the machine for you! $199

For the Well Rounded Sewer

For a Quilter Taking it to the Next Level

When I was growing up my mom had a children's clothing company and I would sometimes use their ultra-fast Juki industrial machine. Sadly, it spoiled me forever because my biggest issue with my current Janome Jem is that it's too slow. And that's why I think the Juki TL98QE  might be my next machine- it's FAST! Plus it's great for quilters because it comes with a 1/4 inch foot and the feed dogs drop easily without having to add an extra darning plate. If you do a lot of your own quilting (as opposed to just piecing) you might also want to check out the slightly more expensive Juki 98Qs here. $599

If you're looking for a machine that's more expensive or specific than any of the ones above I would recommend going to your local sewing machine store and trying some out. If you live in the NYC area Sew Right in Bayside Queens has a helpful staff and they carry a good selection of Janome, Singer, and Bernina machines among other brands.

Good luck finding your perfect machine and happy sewing! --Molly

PS- If you are looking to donate your old machine there are two great charities to consider. The Sewing Machine Project gives used machines to people in the New Orleans area affected by Hurricane Katrina and Pedals for Progress donates them to people in developing countries all over the world. (Thanks to Purl Bee reader Jaquelin Pelzer for giving us the heads up on Pedals for Progress!)