Looking to buy a sewing machine....here are some things to consider!
We do not have 1 specific machine that we would recommend for all students, and there are a lot of options out there.
The machines at the studio are the Brand Babylock, and the model is Brilliant. They were purchased from a local shop called Thornton's which has a location in the N. Hills and also Murrysville.
Another great local option is Gloria Horn, which is located in Mt. Lebanon and also in Murrysville. There are of course other stores, these are just 2 options closer to the studio.
Link to Thornton's HERE
Link to Gloria Horn HERE
Before purchasing a machine, we recommend taking a class (or 2 or 3) to make sure you enjoy sewing and to understand how machines work as well as what you might want to do on a machine...are you looking to make clothes, do quilting, do heavy duty sewing etc? You will also learn some of the features that are available on a machine and know what you like and what's important to you.
If you are not quite ready to purchase a machine but would like one to have at home here are a few great options:
1. Check with friends, family and neighbors. So many people have a machine at home they don't use and would probably be happy to even loan it out for a few months while you see how much you use it and that may help you determine your budget!
2. Many local libraries have machines you can borrow just like a book! If you search for sewing machine on the Carnegie Library Website where you search for books, you should see what is available.
Another great option is to look for a used machine. Sometimes, if your budget doesn't permit a quality new machine, you might find a really good older machine. Sewing machine stores typically sell refurbished machines that will come with a warranty! This is a great eco-friendly option too! And a $100 older refurbished machine is most likely going to be a better quality machine than a $100 new machine.
If you want to buy a machine on marketplace or some other used machine, I don't typically recommend unless you have enough experience to test out the machine and feel comfortable that it has all it's parts and is working properly. Or if you know the seller and feel comfortable with who is selling it to you. Getting a used machine is a great way to go, especially to get started, but you don't want to get stuck with a machine that doesn't really work or is missing parts. And consider you may need to have the machine immediately serviced (COA = clean, oil and adjust)
If you would like to purchase a new machine, there are lots of options and the best machine for you depends on your budget and what you want to do. The machines at the studio are quite pricey (but they are heavily used so they need to be durable) so I do not typically recommend purchasing for kids since if your child is new to sewing they may not stick with this and it can be a big investment. If the machine is being shared with an adult who also wants to use the machine, then it would be more worth it. If you know that you or your child will be sewing a lot in the future, then by all means make a purchase for a good machine that will last you a long time and that you can grow with. The machines at the studio are a bit more heavy duty with more internally metal parts which aids in durability. They are also computerized which increases the cost.
There are lots of good models out there. Babylock (what I have are great) and there are less expensive models available. Mine have a large workspace which is part of the added cost, but most sewists get smaller sized machines if they don't sew professionally or sew a lot.
Some other good makes: Janome and Brother (both have a range of prices available and can be found on Amazon as well), Bernina (can be pricey) and Pfaff and would be found at a dealer. Babylock is also only found from a dealer. Those are probably my favorites, but you will also find Singer, Huskavarna and others especially when you get into older machines.
One final note - if you are purchasing a machine for a child and decide to go with a computerized machine so they are similar to my machines, Brother machines are very similar and there are many options available online for the $2-300 range. Look for a machine with speed control if you can as that is super helpful for the young sewist learning to control speed with the pedal.
If you find a few machines in your budget and need help narrowing or choosing feel free to reach out and let me know what you're looking at and I can help with that. Just send an email.
