What type of sewing machine should you get as a beginner? You need to ask yourself the following questions in order to decide;
What are you going to be sewing? garments, leather, upholstery, quilts etc.
Are you sewing for personal and commercial purposes?
What is your budget?
There are Four main types you can get, depending on your budget and your needs.
Vintage style Mechanical/Treadle Machine with/without external motor
This is the classic sewing machine with no frills and thrills. Cost - from N34000 to N50000
Features
One solid metal outer body
All mechanical parts inside
Bobbin winder
Stitch length regulator
Reverse sewing
Straight stitch only
Has a side loading bobbin
Table with pedal
Long and high throat space
Pros
Does not need electricity
Versatile, can use foot pedal/motor/handcrank
Can sew for long hours
Large working surface
Changeable presser feet
Accessories are easy to find
Low cost
Durable
Easy to maintain and repair
Very quiet
Cons
NO automatic features
Tension must be set manually
Heavy, not very portable
Lamp and motor must be bought separately * (Sometimes)
Electrical/Mechanical/Table top Machine with internal motor
This is a light weight portable electrical machine with mechanical parts, Cost - from N34000 to N44000
Features
Plastic outer body with metal interior frame
Mechanical and electrical parts inside
Internal motor
Bobbin winder
Stitch length /width regulator
Straight /zigzag stitches only
May have a side loading bobbin or a top loading bobbin
Free arm
Small working surface
Pros
Light and portable
Tension settings change at the turn of a dial
Changeable presser feet
Accessories are easy to find
Easy to maintain and service
Low power consumption
Cons
May struggle with thick fabrics
Limited speed
Can not sew for long hours
Electronic / Computerised Sewing Machine
This is the modern digital version the sewing machine. Cost from N120000 - N350000
Features
Plastic outer body with metal interior frame
Mechanical and electrical parts inside
Has a CPU inside
LCD /display screen
Internal motor
Bobbin winder
Stitch length /width regulator
Straight /zigzag /decorative stitches
Plastic top loading bobbin
Free arm
Other automatic features like, thread cutter, needle threader, speed control, etc.
Pros
Stitch length and Stitch width settings at the touch of a button
Several stitch choices
Excellent tension settings (all automatic)
Changeable presser feet
Accessories are easy to find
Easy to maintain
Low power consumption
Usually Portable
Cons
Expensive to service
*May struggle with thick fabrics (Models may differ)
*Limited speed (Models may differ)
Can not be used for long hours
Industrial Single needle lockstitch Sewing machine
This is the standard industrial sewing machine for garment sewing. Although there are computerised version available, I'll limit this article to the mechanical version Cost from N75000 to N150000
Features
One solid metal outer body
All mechanical parts inside
Table with foot pedal and large Bobbin winder usually provided
Stitch length regulator
Straight stitch /zigzag stitch
Metallic bobbin /side loading
External clutch or servo motor or direct drive
Long and high throat space
Pros
Large working surface
Changeable presser feet
Accessories are easy to find
Durable
Can sew for long hours
Can be used for commercial and home
Easy to maintain and service
High sewing speed
*Can sew through most things (Models may differ)
Cons
High power consumption
NO automatic features (usually)
Can be very noisy with a clutch motor
Tension must be set manually
Heavy, not portable
Light and motor must be bought separately * (Sometimes)
Honourable mention
The hybrid as I like to call it. It is a Mechanical sewing machine with a Plastic/Metal Exterior that fits on a treadle table and can be used with an external motor.
They usually do both straight and zigzag stitch
If it is for personal, non-commercial use and you are not sure if you will be sewing frequently, then I suggest you get a Simple Manual/Electric Model, or a Vintage style treadle model. These are readily available and the most inexpensive. You could always get a more advanced computerised version if you want some extra fun features, but I will not advise you to spend more than N120,000 ($400) either way. All you need is a machine that does only a straight stitch, or both straight and zigzag stitches. Decorative stitches are purely optional. Below are just examples, feel free to make your own investigations.
If it is for Commercial use, I suggest you get either the treadle sewing machine, or an Industrial sewing machine as these can work for long hours and are easy to maintain. These usually come in straight stitch only but you can find models that do zigzag stitches too. If a brand new one is too expensive, try buying used or secondhand. Have the merchant setup and test the machine for you. I advise you aim for Japanese or European specs for good quality.
Always do your research before purchasing a sewing machine. If you are planning to order it online, read as much reviews on the product and buy from a reputable source. If you are buying it in person, test it before purchase.
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