Personality Profile
If you're in the market for a new machine, perhaps the most important issues to consider are what kind of sewer you are and what type of sewing you do. Beginners may appreciate features such as an automatic bobbin winder or horizontal bobbin, says June Mellinger, director of education for the Home Appliance Division of Brother International Corp.

Angeline Santana, marketing manager for Janome America, Inc., adds that there are a wide range of sewing machines available today, with features to accommodate beginners as well as advanced features for the more serious sewist. “Speaking to a dealer and understanding the range of available features will help greatly in your search for the perfect machine. Most buyers are impressed at the innovation that has come into the sewing industry in recent years.

You should also keep fabric preferences in mind when shopping. Some inexpensive machines may not handle heavy upholstery or outdoor fabrics.

If you’re a quilter or would like to expand your sewing to include more quilting, then look for machines with features that suit that technique. Programmed settings, specialty presser feet, and attachments that expand the sewing area are just a few of the elements found on sewing machines designed for quilters.

Garment sewers may have a separate checklist of preferences. Embroidery and embellishment stitches, automatic tension and stitch lengths, and other details are “must-have” features for many garment sewers. Sergers are also popular with sewers who are looking for a professional finish to their projects. For more on sergers, see Should I Buy a Serger.

Once you have your checklist of sewing preferences in hand, the next step, says Nancy Jewell of MSV Sewing Inc., home to Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff sewing machines, is to find a reputable dealer. “Buy the dealer as well as the brand. A reputable dealer will provide you with great after-sale customer service, creative inspiration, and helpful instruction through classes, and will be there for you years down the road."