Sewing 102 - What type of Sewing Machine should I get?

What type of sewing machine should you get as beginner? You need to ask yourself the following questions in order to decide

1. What are you going to be sewing? garments, leather, upholstery, quilts etc.

2. Are you sewing for personal and commercial purposes?

3. What is your budget?

There are Four main types you can get, depending on your budget and your needs.

Source: mysewingmall.com

Vintage style Mechanical/Treadle Machine with/without external motor

This is the classic sewing machine with no frills and thrills. Cost - from N34000 to N50000

Features

• One solid metal outer body

• All mechanical parts inside

• Bobbin winder

• Stitch length regulator

• Reverse sewing

• Straight stitch only

• Has a side loading bobbin

• Table with pedal

• Long and high throat space

Pros

• Does not need electricity

• Versatile, can use foot pedal/motor/handcrank

• Can sew for long hours

• Large working surface

• Changeable presser feet

• Accessories are easy to find

• Low cost

• Durable

• Easy to maintain and repair

• Very quiet

Cons

• NO automatic features

• Tension must be set manually

• Heavy, not very portable

• Lamp and motor must be bought separately * (Sometimes)