Choosing a sewing machine that's right for your needs is essential for successfully completing your sewing projects and staying motivated. Today's market offers a wide variety of models, and it's not always easy to navigate. Here are the essential criteria to consider to help you make the right choice.
Define your needs before purchasing
When choosing a sewing machine, there are several criteria to consider: your level of experience, the types of projects you want to complete, how often you'll use it, and of course, your budget.
1. Experience level
If you're a beginner, you can find excellent entry-level machines from leading brands like Singer, Janome, or Brother, starting at around €200. Entry-level machines often offer fewer stitches than more advanced machines, but the truth is that you'll most likely only be using straight stitches and zigzag stitches, which are basic stitches found on all sewing machines.
More experienced sewers, however, will appreciate a machine offering more advanced features that allow them to sew many high-end finishes (decorative stitches, embroidery, etc.). They may also prefer to work on an electronic machine, or even an industrial machine – which would be of no use to a sewing beginner.
2. Types of projects
More than just your sewing level, we recommend thinking about the types of projects you'd like to sew in the near future... and the not-so-near future! Indeed, in sewing, we progress much faster than we think, and even if you feel like you're struggling a bit today, you'll see that very soon you won't be a beginner anymore!
The main difference between entry-level sewing machines and more expensive models, in our opinion, is their ability to work through thicker fabrics (at least, this is the criterion that we consider most important). An entry-level machine, for example, will not allow you to sew jeans (you will need a dual-feed presser foot at the very least, and a robust motor). Higher-end machines also often have special stitches for working with specific fabrics such as lace, or for sewing swimsuits, sportswear, etc.
3. Frequency of use
Frequency of use also plays an important role: a basic machine will be more than enough for occasional use, while sewing enthusiasts will prefer a more robust machine, whose motor will be able to keep up over the long term.
Whether you're going with an entry-level machine or a more expensive one, keep in mind that regular maintenance is essential to maximize its lifespan:
- You will need to oil your machine regularly (with a special oil suitable for sewing machines, not olive oil 🙃)
- We recommend that you have your machine serviced at least every two years, up to twice a year if you use it frequently (every week).
- Remove the pedal and cover your machine with its protective cover after each use so that it does not collect dust (responsible for a lot of inconvenience when sewing)
4. Budget
On the budget side, you'll find entry-level models starting at €100, but for more powerful and durable machines, you'll often have to pay between €300 and €500. If your finances allow it and you're not afraid to break the bank, some sewing machines can go up to over €1,000 or even €2,000! If you're passionate about sewing and sew a lot like us, we're not going to lie to you, you can really feel the difference in terms of performance and comfort.
Mechanical or electronic sewing machine?
Mechanical sewing machines are often less expensive, both to buy and to repair. Unlike electronic machines, they do not have a "control panel" and all adjustments must be made manually (whereas electronic machines offer you assistance and can even warn you if you make mistakes - wrong choice of stitch depending on the presser foot chosen, etc.).
Mechanical sewing machines can do the job perfectly, but electronic sewing machines are easier to learn and more enjoyable to use, especially for sewing beginners. They have many advanced features: they generally offer a wider range of stitches, automatic adjustments, and programmable functions that facilitate more complex projects, such as sewing delicate fabrics or creating elaborate designs. The feature that generally appeals most to sewing beginners on electronic machines is the ability to adjust the speed. You can "limit" your machine: this will allow you to work stitch by stitch very easily even if you haven't yet mastered the amount of pressure on the foot pedal.
Technical criteria to consider
1. Number of points
Check the available stitches: A good model should offer the basic stitches (straight, zigzag), as well as decorative stitches and overlock stitches for added versatility, especially if you don't have a serger.
2. Power and robustness
If you're working with thick fabrics like denim or leather, a powerful and robust machine will be essential. As mentioned earlier in this article, this is the most important point in our opinion when choosing your machine.
3. Accessories included
Some models include specialized presser feet (including the special invisible zipper presser foot, a must-have!), extra bobbins, and other accessories that can simplify your life and, above all, multiply your creative possibilities.
4. Ease of Use and Comfort
Higher-end machines will have features such as automatic needle threader, one-step buttonhole, speed adjustment... Some machines even automatically adjust the tension of your thread depending on the fabric you place under the presser foot! Among these "comfort" features, if you have to choose only one, we recommend choosing a machine that allows you to shift your needle slightly to the right or left: this feature will be useful to you regularly and will allow you to succeed in your pintucks with great precision, without effort.
Buy new or used?
Buying a new machine guarantees you the latest features, a manufacturer's warranty, and after-sales service, which can provide additional peace of mind. Recent models often include advanced technologies and improvements in performance and durability.
On the other hand, buying a used machine can be a good budget option, especially if you find a well-maintained machine. You'll find plenty of them on peer-to-peer resale sites (like leboncoin ). This option can allow you to get a quality model at a reduced price, but it comes with risks. If you opt for a used machine, try as much as possible to ensure it's working properly, ask for a service history, and even test the machine before finalizing the purchase.
Our top tips for buying a sewing machine
1. Invest in a good machine from the start
We often read on the internet that it's best for a beginner to start with a small, entry-level machine. At < disclothed > paris, we don't really agree with that. As we told you, in sewing, we progress much faster than we think, and you might quickly feel frustrated if you don't have a machine that allows you to sew anything other than poplin. An entry-level machine will make sewing complicated and your finishes will be less clean.
It's a good idea to leave that first machine in the closet and buy a better one a few months later... Worse still, a machine that doesn't meet your needs could lead you to give up sewing and think that "sewing isn't for you". A quality machine will allow you to achieve beautiful finishes more easily, effortlessly and will make you want to continue improving!
If you're not yet sure you enjoy sewing, we recommend giving it a few tries first (during sewing workshops, trying it out in fablabs, renting a sewing machine, etc.). Once you've confirmed your interest, investing in a sturdy and versatile machine will be a wise choice to ensure a pleasant and frustration-free sewing experience in the long run. We therefore recommend investing, if possible, in a machine that costs around €300-400 from the start.
2. Choose recognized brands
We're not sponsored by anyone to tell you this here, but we personally recommend you choose an established brand whose core business is sewing, such as Singer, Brother, Janome, or Bernina. This applies even to your first sewing machine purchase.
Indeed, cheap machines from less specialized brands can develop faults more quickly: their components, often made of plastic, are less resistant and their repair can be difficult or even impossible, whereas the strong distribution network of recognized brands will allow you to easily replace defective parts if necessary.
By investing in a trusted brand, you not only ensure a better quality machine that will last longer, but also after-sales service that can assist you if needed.
3. Go to a specialist store
Ideally, if possible, we recommend visiting a specialist shop to benefit from the expert advice of authorized salespeople. They will also be able to demonstrate the machine and help you get started. We believe it's important to try out the machine before buying it: it's a bit like a car; you want to be comfortable! It's really a question of feeling beyond the machine's technical specifications, and all of this is still very personal.
4. Subscribe to newsletters!
We recommend subscribing to the newsletters of these leading brands, as they often offer their subscribers exclusive offers, with big discounts sometimes ranging from €100 to €200 on a machine! This can be an excellent opportunity to get a good model at a great price. You can also subscribe to the Veepee newsletter, which regularly highlights some of these brands in its private sales.
Conclusion
We hope these tips will help you choose THE sewing machine that will perfectly meet your needs, and that will last you a long time! If you still feel a little lost, click here to discover our selection of the 5 best sewing machines on the market in 2025, according to us.
