3 Sewing Machines to Rework Your Wardrobe

If you’ve got the time, patience and know-how, the right sewing machine can change your life — and your closet. But before you put your skills to use in the comfort of your own home, there are a few things to consider when shopping for a new machine. 1) Do you want mechanical or computerized? Mechanical can be better for beginners because they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain. 2) Is it ridiculously noisy? One shouldn’t have to wear earplugs while sewing! 3) Is it heavy-duty? A machine with plastic parts means the faster you go, the more vibrating, rattling and shifting there will be. Now, prepare to control your sewing destiny.

This incredibly popular, heavy-duty sewing machine is good enough and strong enough for pretty much any sewing project. This SINGER model is capable of sewing up to 1,100 stitches per minute, and its automatic needle threader means you can get down to the business of sewing much more quickly. The industrial design — which includes a metal interior and a stainless-steel frame — ensures it will last next to forever. It also comes packed with accessories, including a seam ripper, a lint brush, needles, bobbins and an auxiliary spool pin.

At 13 pounds, this incredibly portable sewing machine is far from flimsy. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of SINGER’s workhorse, but it’s still loaded with impressive features, including a needle-position button, a start/stop button and a walking foot. This one is so sturdy that it’s outlived newer models in the same line.

For sewing novices who want the basics in a sturdy package, SINGER’s Start 1304 is a perfect match. Its six built-in stitches come with pre-set stitch width and stitch length, so you can just unpack it and start sewing. Not ready to reinvent your entire wardrobe just yet? The removable extension table slides off to reveal a free arm for smaller sewing tasks. Extras include an automatic bobbin winding system, built-in reverse and an extra-high presser foot lifter.