Sewing Machines Guide & Buying Tips

Machine vs. Hand Sewing

Speed: Machines sew 10-20 times faster than hand sewing

Consistency: Every stitch is perfectly even and strong

Strength: Machine stitches hold up better to washing and wear

Versatility: Dozens of stitches and techniques available

Large Projects: Quilts, curtains, and garments become manageable

Professional Results: Clean, straight seams look polished

Traditional Manual Machines

How They Work: Turn knobs and dials to control settings manually

Advantages:

• Most affordable option ($80-300)
• Simple to understand and use
• Easy to fix if something breaks
• No electronics to fail
• Great for beginners learning basics
• Lightweight and portable

Disadvantages: Fewer stitch options, manual adjustments, basic features only

Best For: Beginners, budget-conscious sewers, simple projects, teaching kids

Push-Button Convenience

How They Work: Push buttons to select stitches, motor controls stitch length and width

Advantages:

• Many stitch options (20-100+)
• Easy push-button stitch selection
• Consistent stitch quality
• Built-in needle threader often included
• LCD screens show settings
• Mid-range price ($200-600)

Disadvantages: More expensive than mechanical, electronics can fail, requires electrical outlet

Best For: Intermediate sewers, garment making, decorative stitching, regular sewing

Advanced Digital Features

How They Work: Computer controls all functions, touchscreen or digital interface

Advantages:

• Hundreds of stitches and patterns
• Memory function saves settings
• Automatic tension adjustment
• Precise stitch control
• Can edit and create custom stitches
• Often includes alphabet letters
• Many advanced features

Disadvantages: Expensive ($400-2000+), more complex, harder to repair, can be intimidating

Best For: Experienced sewers, frequent use, complex projects, quilting, embroidery

Decorative Stitching Specialists

What They Do: Create decorative embroidery designs automatically from uploaded patterns

Features:

• Large embroidery area (4×4″ to 9×14″)
• USB port for design uploads
• Built-in embroidery designs
• Hoops fabric for precise stitching
• Some also do regular sewing

Price Range: $500-5000+ depending on embroidery area and features

Best For: Personalization, monograms, decorative projects, small businesses

Professional Edge Finishing

What They Do: Trim, sew, and finish fabric edges in one step

Uses:

• Finish seam edges to prevent fraying
• Sew stretchy knit fabrics
• Create rolled hems
• Professional-looking seams
• Decorative edge stitching

Important: Sergers don’t replace regular sewing machines—they complement them

Price Range: $200-800 for home models

Best For: Garment sewers, working with knits, professional finish

Power for Thick Fabrics

What Makes Them Special: Stronger motor, metal frame, can sew through multiple thick layers

Best For:

• Denim and canvas fabric
• Upholstery projects
• Leather and vinyl
• Bags and outdoor gear
• Heavy-duty repairs

Price Range: $200-600

Note: Joann carries several heavy-duty options perfect for thick fabric projects

Designed for Quilters

Special Features:

• Extended work space (wider throat)
• Walking foot included
• Precise 1/4″ seam guide
• Needle down position
• Slow speed control for precision
• Many decorative stitches

Price Range: $400-3000+

Worth It When: You quilt regularly and want easier handling of large quilts

Basic Stitches

At Minimum, You Need:

• Straight Stitch: Basic sewing, required for everything
• Zigzag Stitch: Finish edges, sew stretchy fabric, appliqué
• Buttonhole Stitch: Automatic or 4-step for making buttonholes

Nice to Have: Blind hem stitch, stretch stitches, decorative stitches

Adjustable Stitch Length and Width

Why It Matters: Different fabrics and projects need different stitch sizes

Stitch Length: Shorter for thin fabrics (1.5-2mm), longer for thick fabrics (3-4mm)

Stitch Width: Controls how wide zigzag and decorative stitches are

Reverse Stitch

What It Does: Sews backwards to lock stitches at beginning and end of seams

Critical For: Preventing seams from unraveling

How It Works: Usually a button or lever you hold while sewing

Free Arm

What It Is: Removable part of sewing surface creates narrow tube

Uses: Sewing sleeves, pant legs, cuffs—anything tubular

Standard Feature: Almost all modern machines have this

Automatic Needle Threader

What It Does: Threads needle automatically with one motion

Benefit: Saves time and frustration, especially for people with vision challenges

Worth It: Absolutely! Once you have it, you’ll never want to thread manually again

Drop-In Bobbin

What It Is: Clear bobbin case on top of machine instead of front-loading

Advantages: Easier to see thread level, simpler to insert, less jamming

Alternative: Front-loading bobbins work fine but require more practice

Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure

Why It Matters: Different fabrics need different pressure

Light Pressure: For delicate fabrics like silk

Heavy Pressure: For thick fabrics like denim

Note: More common on mid-range and higher machines

Speed Control

What It Does: Limits maximum sewing speed

Perfect For: Beginners, precision work, sewing around curves

Types: Slider control or slow/fast settings

Built-In Needle Position Control

Needle Up/Down: Stops needle in up or down position

Benefit: Down position holds fabric while pivoting corners

Time Saver: Don’t need to manually position needle with hand wheel

Automatic Thread Cutter

What It Does: Cuts top and bottom threads with button push

Convenience: No reaching for scissors between seams

Found On: Higher-end computerized machines

Knee Lift

What It Does: Lifts presser foot with knee lever, keeping hands free

Benefit: Control fabric with both hands while lifting foot

Popular With: Quilters and garment sewers

Extension Table

What It Is: Attachable table that extends work surface

Essential For: Quilting, large projects, supporting fabric weight

Available: Usually sold separately or included with quilting machines

Complete Beginners

Best Choice: Simple mechanical or basic electronic machine

Features Needed:

• Straight and zigzag stitches
• Automatic buttonhole
• Basic controls, not overwhelming
• Clear manual with diagrams
• 15-25 stitch options sufficient

Budget: $100-250

Why: Simple machines let you focus on learning basics without confusion

Intermediate Sewers

Best Choice: Electronic machine with good stitch variety

Features Wanted:

• 30-60 stitches including decorative
• Automatic needle threader
• Drop-in bobbin
• Multiple buttonhole styles
• Adjustable speed control
• Various presser feet included

Budget: $250-500

Why: More features without overwhelming complexity

Advanced Sewers

Best Choice: Computerized machine or specialized machine for your focus

Features Desired:

• 100+ stitches with customization
• Memory function
• Automatic thread tension
• Advanced buttonholes
• Large throat space
• Professional accessories

Budget: $500-2000+

Why: Advanced features support complex projects and save time

Home Décor and Crafts

Machine Needs: Basic features, can handle medium-weight cotton and canvas

Look For: Free arm, decorative stitches, adjustable stitch length

Budget-Friendly: Mechanical or basic electronic works great

Garment Sewing

Machine Needs: Multiple stitch types, buttonholes, works with various fabrics

Look For: Stretch stitches, blind hem, multiple buttonhole styles, good tension control

Best Choice: Electronic machine with 30+ stitches

Quilting

Machine Needs: Large throat space, precise 1/4″ seam, handles layers

Look For: Extension table, walking foot, needle down position, slow speed control

Best Choice: Dedicated quilting machine or mid-weight machine with quilting features

Kids’ Clothes and Knits

Machine Needs: Handles stretchy fabrics, various stitch types

Look For: Stretch stitches, zigzag, overlock stitch, adjustable pressure

Consider Adding: Serger for professional knit garments

Heavy Fabrics

Machine Needs: Strong motor, metal frame, heavy-duty needle

Look For: “Heavy-duty” designation, can sew 10+ layers, high-speed straight stitch

Best Choice: Dedicated heavy-duty machine from Joann

Entry Level ($100-250)

What You Get: Basic mechanical or simple electronic machine

Features: 10-25 stitches, manual adjustments, basic accessories

Good For: Learning, occasional sewing, simple projects

Limitations: Fewer features, may not handle very thick fabrics

Mid-Range ($250-600)

What You Get: Electronic machine with good features

Features: 30-100 stitches, automatic features, better build quality

Good For: Regular sewing, variety of projects, room to grow

Sweet Spot: Best value for most sewers—Joann has excellent options here

High-End ($600-2000+)

What You Get: Computerized machine with advanced features

Features: 100+ stitches, memory, automatic tension, professional accessories

Good For: Serious sewers, daily use, professional results

Investment: Worth it if you sew frequently and want top performance

First Things First

• Read the Manual: Seriously! Each machine is slightly different
• Watch Included DVD: Many machines come with tutorial videos
• Gather Supplies: Thread, fabric scraps, basic sewing supplies
• Find Good Spot: Sturdy table, good lighting, comfortable chair
• Check Accessories: Identify presser feet, bobbins, tools included

Step-by-Step Threading

Top Threading:

1. Raise presser foot (releases tension)
2. Place thread spool on spool pin
3. Follow numbered guides on machine
4. Thread through tension discs
5. Loop around take-up lever
6. Thread down to needle
7. Thread needle front to back (or use auto-threader)

Pro Tip: Raise needle to highest position before threading—take-up lever must be up

Winding and Inserting Bobbin

Winding:

1. Place thread on spool pin
2. Wrap thread around bobbin winder tension
3. Thread through hole in bobbin from inside out
4. Push bobbin onto winder spindle
5. Slide spindle to engage
6. Hold thread tail and press foot pedal gently
7. Trim tail after few wraps, continue winding

Inserting Bobbin: Follow manual for drop-in or front-load style

Before Sewing on Fabric

Paper Practice: Draw lines on paper, practice sewing straight

Fabric Scraps: Practice on scrap fabric before real projects

Skills to Practice:

• Starting and stopping smoothly
• Sewing straight lines
• Following curves
• Pivoting at corners
• Backstitch at beginning and end
• Controlling speed with foot pedal

After Every Project

• Remove bobbin and case
• Use small brush to remove lint from bobbin area
• Brush lint from feed dogs
• Wipe exterior with soft cloth
• Remove and clean presser foot

Time Required: 5 minutes prevents most problems

Monthly Deep Cleaning

• Remove needle plate to access feed dogs
• Vacuum or blow out lint with canned air
• Clean tension discs with thread floss
• Oil machine if manual recommends (check first!)
• Run machine without thread to distribute oil
• Wipe away excess oil

Note: Many modern machines don’t need oiling—check your manual!

When to Get Professional Service

Timing: Once yearly for regular users, every 2 years for occasional sewers

What They Do:

• Complete cleaning and oiling
• Timing adjustments
• Tension calibration
• Replace worn parts
• Check electrical components

Cost: $75-150 depending on machine complexity

Worth It: Extends machine life and maintains performance

Thread Keeps Breaking

Causes:

• Dull or damaged needle
• Wrong needle size for fabric
• Tension too tight
• Old or poor-quality thread
• Machine threaded incorrectly

Solutions: Replace needle, loosen tension, use fresh quality thread, re-thread machine completely

Thread Bunching Under Fabric

Most Common Cause: Machine not threaded correctly—especially missed tension discs

Solutions:

• Raise presser foot before threading (releases tension)
• Re-thread entire machine from beginning
• Check bobbin is inserted correctly
• Check bobbin is wound evenly

Skipped Stitches

Causes:

• Dull or bent needle (most common)
• Wrong needle type for fabric
• Needle not inserted fully or straight
• Sewing too fast on difficult fabric

Solutions: Replace needle, use ballpoint for knits, insert needle properly, slow down

Fabric Not Feeding Through

Causes:

• Presser foot not down
• Presser foot pressure too light
• Feed dogs lowered or dirty
• Stitch length set too small

Solutions: Lower presser foot, increase pressure, raise feed dogs, increase stitch length

Puckered Seams

Causes:

• Tension too tight (top or bobbin)
• Stitch length too short
• Pulling fabric while sewing
• Wrong needle for fabric weight

Solutions: Loosen tension, increase stitch length, let machine feed fabric naturally

Machine Won’t Start

Check These First:

• Is it plugged in? (Sounds obvious but happens!)
• Is power switch on?
• Is foot pedal connected?
• Is presser foot down?
• Did circuit breaker trip?

Needle Breaks

Causes:

• Needle hit pin
• Fabric too thick for needle
• Needle not inserted correctly
• Pulling fabric while sewing
• Sewing too fast over thick seams

Prevention: Remove pins before needle reaches them, use proper needle size, slow down

Loud Noises or Grinding

Possible Causes:

• Thread tangled in bobbin area
• Lint buildup in machine
• Machine needs oiling
• Something loose or broken

Action: Clean thoroughly, check for tangled threads. If continues, seek professional service

Most Useful Presser Feet

Zipper Foot: Sews close to zipper teeth for professional installation

Buttonhole Foot: Creates perfect buttonholes automatically

Walking Foot: Feeds layers evenly, essential for quilting and thick fabrics

Blind Hem Foot: Creates invisible hems on pants and skirts

Button Sewing Foot: Attaches buttons by machine

Rolled Hem Foot: Makes narrow rolled hems on lightweight fabrics

Note: Check compatibility with your specific machine model

Never Run Out

Why You Need Extras: Pre-wind multiple colors, avoid stopping to rewind mid-project

How Many: Start with 10-12 bobbins in various colors

Important: Buy correct type for your machine (Class 15, Class 66, etc.)

Budget: $5-10 for pack of 10

Stock Different Types

Essential Needles:

• Universal 80/12 for most woven fabrics
• Ballpoint 80/12 for knits
• Denim/Jeans 100/16 for thick fabrics
• Microtex 70/10 for delicate fabrics
• Twin needles for decorative hems

Storage: Keep organized by type in labeled container

Protect Your Investment

What It Does: Keeps dust, pet hair, and moisture away from machine

Options: Fitted cover, vinyl cover, decorative fabric cover

DIY Option: Make your own from fabric scraps

Sew Straight Seams

What It Is: Magnetic or adhesive guide that attaches to machine bed

Uses: Maintain consistent seam allowance, especially 1/4″ for quilting

Budget: $5-10

Best Times for Deals

• Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Best sales of the year
• After Christmas: Holiday clearance deals
• Back to School: August/September sales
• Spring: March/April often has promotions
• Use Coupons: Joann coupons can save 15-60% on regular prices
• Watch Ads: Weekly sales rotate through different brands

Buying New

Advantages:

• Warranty protection (usually 1-25 years)
• Latest features
• Support from retailer
• No hidden problems
• Full accessories included

Where to Buy: Joann stores, authorized dealers, online retailers

Buying Used

Advantages: Lower price, vintage quality machines available

Risks: No warranty, may need repairs, parts harder to find

Best Bets: Vintage metal machines (Singer, Kenmore), gently used modern machines

Test First: Always see it running before buying

Where: Estate sales, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores

Try Before You Buy

If Possible at Store:

• Thread the machine yourself
• Wind and insert bobbin
• Sew on scrap fabric
• Test different stitches
• Check stitch quality
• Try adjusting settings
• Feel how heavy it is (if portability matters)
• Assess noise level

Brands Available at Joann

Singer: Most recognized name, wide range from budget to high-end

Brother: Great value, reliable, good for beginners to intermediate

Janome: Quality construction, popular with quilters

Babylock: Premium brand, excellent sergers

Juki: Heavy-duty specialists, professional quality

Joann Brand: Budget-friendly options for beginners

Efficiency Tips

• Pre-wind multiple bobbins in common colors
• Chain piece when possible (sew multiple items without cutting thread)
• Keep frequently-used tools within reach
• Set up workspace with good lighting
• Press as you go—saves time later
• Organize projects in bags with needed supplies

Make Your Machine Last Decades

• Clean after every use
• Service annually if used regularly
• Use machine as intended (don’t force it)
• Store covered in dry place
• Use quality needles and thread
• Don’t drop or bang machine
• Address small problems before they become big ones