How to choose intermediate sewing machine

One of my sewing regrets is when I bought my second sewing machine - the one after my first beginner machine - it wasn't as big of an upgrade as I hoped it would be, and I ended up replacing it much sooner than I initially thought I would. In this post, I want share a few tips how to select intermediate sewing machine that would be best for you and would feel like an upgrade in every way.

This post is created in partnership with Brother.

In this post, I'll share tips on choosing your next sewing machine through 4 main points: type, size, stitches and other functions. Scroll down to read the tips, or click below to watch the video version:

1. SEWING MACHINE TYPE

   
   

When choosing your second sewing machine, begin by deciding on a type of sewing machine you want. Here you have three main options:

• Computerised sewing machine: filled with lots of stitches (including 1-step buttonholes, stretch stitches for sewing knits, decorative stitches) and automated functions (such as auto-thread cutting or start/stop button), these machines are a popular choice for a second sewing machine. These machines are very versatile and allow to create variety of different projects, whether it's sewing clothes or decor pieces, as well as working with woven and knit fabrics.

  

  Brother Innov-is A65 computerised sewing machine

• Combination sewing machine: this type of machine has everything a computerised machine has, plus it has an embroidery module. allowing to switch from sewing to embroidery mode. This type of machine is a great choice if you want to add embroidery touch to your designs, but don't want to get a separate standalone embroidery machine.

  

  Brother Stellaire 2 sewing and embroidery machine

• Straight-stitch machine: contrary to previous types of machines, this type of machine does only one stitch - straight stitch - and it does it perfectly. Straight stitch machines are powerful, fast and feel very similar to industrial sewing machine, though are more compact and portable. This is a great choice if you sew 90% or more seams using a straight stitch and need speed and power. As this machine has only one stitch, I would recommend keeping beginner machine for buttonhole stitch or getting a serger (overlocker) for sewing knits or neatening raw seam allowance.

  

  Brother PQ1600s straight-stitch sewing machine

  
  

2. SIZE

   
   

   Once you've decided on the type of sewing machine, next step is to think of the size of the machine. Here is my tip from personal experience: if you have a permanent sewing space (aka you don't have to move your sewing machine once you finished sewing): the bigger the machine, the better. Bigger machines are more stable and more comfortable to sew with, plus they have a large sewing area (from needle to the right), which will allow to easily feed large size projects through the machine.

   If you do not have a permanent sewing space, look for more portable options that have an increased workspace compared to beginner machine.

   Here is workspace comparison between beginner machine (Brother CS10s), medium size machine (Brother PQ1600s) and XL size sewing machine (Brother Stellaire 2):

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3. STITCHES

When it comes to sewing machine stitches, the number one priority should go to straight stitch, as it's the stitch you're going to use the most. When choosing sewing machine, check what features it has to fine-tune straight stitch: different threading options for thick threads, presser foot pressure adjustments, straight-stitch plates, etc. The more features for adjusting straight stitch - the easier it will be to achieve best results regardless of what fabric you're going to sew (I share more tips on how to perfect straight stitch on difficult fabrics in this video).

Standard sewing plate vs straight-stitch plate

Aside from straight stitch, other needed stitches will highly depend on projects you sew mostly. For me, most used stitches are: 1-step buttonhole, stretch stitch (overcast and stretch straight stitch), as well as option to sew with twin needle, as I use it for hemming knits.

1. OTHER FUNCTIONS

After you've decided on type, size and needed stitches, look at other functions you may need. I personally find these functions very useful, as they improve my workflow: auto thread cutting (machine trims thread after seam is finished - very convenient function); auto presser foot lift or knee lift (where presser foot is lifted without needing to manually raise the lever - makes sewing much more efficient); I also enjoy having speed adjustment and auto threading (when machine threads the needle automatically). Another very useful function is Start/Stop button - while I don't use it myself often, it's very helpful for those who don't want to or cannot use foot pedal. I talk more about additional advanced sewing machine functions in this video.

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Here are all the tips I wanted to share today on how to select your next sewing machine. If you want to learn more about different machines, here's a video you might find useful:

Thank you for reading and wishing a creative week ahead!

Julija (Julie) Gobere

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