Choose a sewing machine
6ewing is a fantastic way to create custom clothing and other items. But with a dizzying array of sewing machines and accessories available, purchasing one can be a daunting task. Sewing magazines and websites offer customer reviews, and internet forums and blogs also offer evaluations of major brands. “Don’t rely completely on what you read on the internet, though, because the comments are not always from qualified sewing-machine experts,” said Billie Jo Crocker, who handles sewing-machine sales and training at Johnston’s Home Center in Benton. “Visit a reputable dealer, tell them what you will be using the machine for, and get advice from their experts.” Consider what you want in a sewing machine, including must-have and preferred features; make a list of these before shopping. Set a budget, and be aware that accessories and attachments will add to the overall cost of the machine. With this in mind, buy the best sewing machine you can afford. Customers at Johnston’s Home Center will find quality products by Juki, Brother and Baby Lock in a range of prices to fit almost any budget, Crocker said. If staying within your budget means purchasing a very basic machine from a trusted manufacturer, don’t worry. Many manufacturers offer attachments and accessories separately that you can buy as needed. Never buy a sewing machine unseen. Visit a few reputable dealers, and bring swatches of cloth and a spool of thread so you can try out various machines; this is the best way to evaluate a product’s performance. Make sure the machine is easy to thread and easy to use. Dealers understand the advantages and disadvantages of each model and can offer an honest assessment of features and benefits. It’s also important to make sure you have easy access to certified technicians in your area to make any necessary repairs to your sewing machine. “We offer more than 39 years of experience in sewing-machine sales and service, and we have on-site technicians who are certified in the brands we sell,” Crocker said. Even if you buy the most expensive, top-ofthe-line sewing machine, if you don’t know how to use it, you won’t be happy with the results. “The most important thing when buying a machine is to find a reputable dealer that offers in-depth training,” Crocker said. Johnston’s Home Center is located at 1421 Military Road in Benton, and it offers free, unlimited classroom training with the purchase of a sewing machine. Johnston’s Home Center also has a wide selection of fabrics. Those interested in classes can call the store or email bjcrockerjhc@gmail.com for a class schedule and more information. Available classes include basic sewing, embroidery, quilting, using embroidery software, serging and more. “In my experience, the only unhappy customer is an untrained customer,” Crocker said.