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From Curtains To Couture, These Are The 4 Best Sewing Machines For Beginners
by Katherine Gaffney
Learning to sew can be intimidating, but the best sewing machines for beginners can help you master this skill in no time. But with tons of options online — not to mention trying to decode new terms like "presser feet" and "bobbins" — it can be hard to sift through the choices. To help you narrow things down, I've deciphered a few sewing machine terms for you, and highlighted some considerations to help make your decision easy.
Helpful Sewing Machine Terms:
- Presser foot: a changeable piece that holds fabric in place and lets you take on various tasks, like sewing on buttons, hidden zippers, or trimming fabric
- Bobbin: the cylinder that holds your thread
- Pre-set stitches: a sewing machine's programmed stitch types (running, blanket, zigzag, etc.) that can be adjusted on a dial or LCD display
- Thread cutter: replaces the need for scissors
Considerations:
- What you're using it for: If you're just looking to make small repairs and sew buttons, you can get by with something simple. If you're looking to sew denim or quilts, however, you'll need a little more power.
- Mobility: Do you have a designated sewing table or do you need to store it easily in a cabinet or closet? Knowing weight and dimensions can help you make the right choice.
- User-friendliness: A few features — like automatic threaders and built-in thread cutters — can help cut down on frustration and speed up your sewing. You'll also need to find the right balance of features: A machine with all the bells and whistles can be overwhelming for a beginner, but you also want a machine that's involved enough to keep up with you as you develop a little expertise.
Now that you've got a lay of the land, here are my picks for the best sewing machines for beginners.
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