Janome's Guide to Buying a Sewing Machine
Wondering where to start when it comes to buying your first (or second, third, fourth...) sewing machine? It can be a minefield with so many features and gizmos available, so here's some handy hints to help you decide what you need from machine pro's, Janome...
Don't miss their Spring Sewing with Style Special Offers, to grab a bargain on your next machine!
Follow them on social media for extra tips and guidance too:
https://www.instagram.com/janomeuk/
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/janomeukltd
Janome's Guide to Buying a Sewing Machine
Choosing a sewing machine can seem a daunting task, especially if you’re buying it for someone else. By asking a few simple questions you’ll be able to make the right choice.
Experience
Is the sewing machine for a beginner or for someone more experienced? Generally beginners will probably need an inexpensive machine with a range of basic stitches, while an experienced sewer may require many more features. Consider if the aim is to progress as it may be best to buy a machine you won’t grow out of within a short time. Janome has an extensive range of models from standard mechanical models to very sophisticated and powerful computerised models packed with lots of easy to use features.
Projects
What type of sewing will the machine be used for? Dressmaking, home furnishings, repairs and alterations, upholstery, crafts, quilting or all of these? Look for the term “free arm” which will make sewing around sleeves and trouser legs easier. Larger arm space/longer arm models will help with those bigger projects such as quilts, bridal wear and free motion artwork projects. For crafts and quilting you’ll need a machine with a wider range of stitches. For upholstery look for a machine capable of heavy duty use. To complement your sewing machine and achieve a high level professional finish you’ll find an overlocker and coverstitch machine invaluable.
Frequency of Use
How often will the machine be used? If a machine is only for occasional use such as mending or light sewing, a more basic model may be suitable. For regular sewing and where stitch variety is needed choose a model with a larger range of stitches, features, feet and accessories.
Weight
Will the machine need to be packed away after each use or transported to a class? A hard cover may be preferable for storage. Machines vary from around 5kg to over 15kg. Choose a machine for your needs e.g. if its too light for sewing at high speeds, it will jump around the table.
Product Quality
It is important that you choose a machine that will give you many years of good service. All Janome machines are built with either a metal body or a metal internal frame. Without either of these, stitch quality is likely to suffer after a period of use.
Warranty
Generally Janome sewing machines come with a 2 years parts and labour warranty. This can be extended up to 5 years on payment of a small additional fee.
Answering the above questions will help you narrow down what sort of machine you should be looking at, and what features you might want it to have. Head to the Janome website for more expert advice and help to pick the right sewing machine for you!
Want to WIN a Janome sewing machine?
Make sure you enter our Birthday Giveaway this May to be in with the chance of winning the beginner-friendly Janome 219S sewing machine, kindly donated by our friends at Janome! There's over £800 worth of prizes up for grabs as well as the machine too... click here to find out more info on how to enter!
