How to Choose a Sewing Machine - 3 Tips what to look for when buying a sewing machine for beginner

How to choose a sewing machine and 3 buying tips for how to pick a sewing machine for a beginner!

I get asked all the time from people wanting to learn to sew, just what sewing machine should they buy. When you just learning to sew it can be overwhelming with the amount of choice!

There are not too many things you really need really!

And you defiantly don’t need all the bells and whistles that you think you do!

So here are my top 3 tips when you’re looking to buy a sewing machine!

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Hi! I'm Evelyn Wood, and I am a vintage fashion designer, dressmaker and sewing instructor.

I have been making clothes all my life!

I specialize in vintage fashion.

I help 'dressmakers in the making' to learn how to sew from the beginner to the much more advanced!

So if you're into sewing and vintage/retro style, this might just be THE place for you!

Stick around and SUBSCRIBE for more videos

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// WHAT TO WATCH NEXT:

How to DESIGN AND PLAN YOUR BEST SEWING SPACE, using the space you have!-Get 'Sew Organized' Phase 1

The best way to SORT AND ORGANIZE YOUR SEWING supplies! Get Sew Organized Phase 2!

How to STORE AND DECORATE YOUR SEWING supplies for your ultimate sewing space! Sew Organized Phase 3

REFASHION WITH ME - Watch me transform this thrifted 90's dress into a cute vintage pinafore!

A THRIFTED DRESS REFASHIONED TO A SKIRT! And, it has pockets now!

WHAT ARE GOOD REFASHION PROJECTS FOR BEGINNER SEWERS? Or a more advanced sewer? a few tips to help!

GOOD SEWING is 70% Preparation, 25% Sewing and 5% Un-sewing! Do you spend your time where it counts?

Is refashioning new??

TOP 10 SEWING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT IN MY SEWING KIT I WOULDN'T WANT SEW WITHOUT!

WILL A SLOPER OR BLOCK SEWING PATTERN SOLVE ALL MY FIT ISSUES???

LET"S BE FRIENDS

[solarwinds-]

My hand-made garments have taken a significant up-swing sense I've been watching Evelyn. Her advice is spot on. My clothes recently made look and fit so much nicer than the old ones.

[Stranger_Than_Fiction]

I used these tips in my research and bought me an electric machine. She is a beautiful beast and I excited to learn how to use her!

[cd]

I've been sewing for over 50 yrs. Evelyns videos are a great refresher course. And a way to catch up on new hints and techniques. Thank you Evelyn.

[kogabear]

I got interested in vintage machines because I first bought a $100 us machine lasted one project. Bought a more expensive machine from a big box store loved it till it quite working about 6 months. Gave up and discovered vintage and have never looked back. Glad I didn't get discouraged and found what worked for me. As people get to sewing they will know other people and have that " what machine do you use conversation.

[reginaromsey]

When shopping for that upgrade machine find out about how often you need to take it in and have it tuned up. I bought a Pfaff in 2003. My workhorse machine bought in 1983 had blown its foot peddle and I was in the middle of a project. The old Pfaff Hobbymatic was oilable and cleanable by me. The new machine was largely sealed. New machine needed yearly tuneups at over $100, and they weren’t kidding! After the first tuneup I gave this expensive machine to a friend and bought a new foot peddle for my old machine. After a year she gave that machine away too.

[olea]

The button hole function is a lifesaver! Great for making wrap dresses too.

[alicenataliamariailarda]

This video ist 4 years old nur you Knie what? It was refreshing to See that Simeone gives you Others guidance in how to select a machine when you buying it.. Evelyn is the first here on YouTube who i heard speak about those things and that says something bc i watched a of these types of videos

BRAVO EVELYN, BRAVO 👏👏👏

[catherinelong]

I think tip 3 about not needing all the fancy stitches. So helpful!

[drewlilscottishprincess]

Oh my goodness!  Please consider doing a makeup and hair tutorial!!  I just got back into sewing and am loving your videos, but I also LOVE your look!!!!

[bluevelvetvtg]

Some really great tips! I agree that vintage machines are usually heftier. I sew on a Singer 1959 Slant-o-matic and it's like a tank! Sews beautifully too. And you can often get vintage machines for less money than the newer ones made with lots of plastic parts.

[mollymac]

two minutes on the video and i hit SUBSCRIBE ...loving the make up, hair and dressing.... watching in 2018..nice to meet you evelyn wood

[robinarman]

When I watched this video to choose my first machine, I took the 1-step buttonhole stitch advice to heart and chose my first machine based on that. But by prioritising 1-step buttonhole, I sacrificed a few features just to keep it within my budget.

If I had the chance to do it all over, I'd forget about 1-step buttonhole stitch and just get a vintage buttonhole maker foot attachment (originally designed for vintage machines, but can work with modern ones). Very cheap and way more reliable than most non-industrial machines. I also love how handsewn buttonhole looks now, so this stitch that I thought must be highly coveted ended up being unused.

Other indispensable features:
- left and right needle to adjust for attaching zipper
- easily adjustable presser foot pressure, ideally with a proper dial instead of simple unmarked screw thing. highly important if you work with a lot denim, upholstery, anything delicate/thin, and stretchy fabrics.
- easy to clean and oil yourself

[thegoodlife]

I just brought a Brothers Project Runway with sewing and quilt computerized stitching, computerized 4 different button holes, stabilized button feature, automatic threader for $89 on sale which the regular price is $150-200. I understand your statement in the sewing machine handling and how it sews, because my bedroom curtains look store brought and I just started two weeks ago. Now, I am going to make a vintage 1930 gown and I am going to make myself vintage clothing after the gown. I had a Singer cost $99 for a week and returned it because it was shaking when I got up to speed and did not have what the Brother Project Runway offered for $10 less; smaller in size and very light, no threader, nor measurements on the sewing plate. great video

[mariafernandez]

I've been sewing since I was 9. I asked my parents for a machine that did zig zag for Christmas that year. I had it for 10 years, sold it and got (as a present) one with more things - a buttonhole maker. About 15 years later, sold that one and bought a more deluxe one. Still have it! It traveled to all the places I lived for the past 30 years. I finally got myself another (no didn't sell the one before). Love it but I think I love that next to the last best. I have enjoyed your videos and yes, I subscribed. Keep up the good work!

[FranDeYoung]

all the tips were great! I loved sewing when I was younger -- and needed to to save money! Now that I'm retired, I'm looking for something to keep me busy and I think sewing is i! :)

[lofi_wav]

I didn't even think about buttonholes. Your videos are great thanks.

[semco]

I was looking for those tips when looking for my machine and even though my area sewing store was closed and the Wal-Mart store didn't have any machines at the time I found one from an online store which I thought fitted my needs and purchased it even though it was not the one I was looking for. I ended up getting a Singer 2277 machine which seem to be great with the stitches I need or may need in the future and so far satisfied with it.

[mariamabbas]

Your tips sre all very helpful. As for me even i do know about. It feels great thst i learnt it by trial and error sll by myself and then comes a pro to assure it for me. I love your channel Evelyn

[jojo]

I’m saving up so I can buy my own sewing machine after graduating college. Can’t wait to make my own clothes <3

[fluffygod]

Very helpful, and I think “weight of machine” helped me the most. I was going to hit a random one online, but seeing that I have to actually see the weight of machine, it made me realize I have to actually see the machine in real life. You just saved me $100 ! Thank You, very helpful and straightforward, AMAZING VIDEO.