No problem, just pull out the sewing kit and you’ll easily be able to repair the damage. Is your skirt a little too long?
No worries, just whip out the sewing kit and you’ll easily be able to hem the skirt shorter.
However, in the modern age, you don’t always need to sew by hand.
Since the invention of the sewing machine, many people have been able to give their hands a rest, and use the sewing machine to do the job.
So, it is understandable that you may be thinking of buying a sewing machine.
If you are on the hunt for a new sewing machine, you may be wondering how much the average sewing machine costs.
In this guide, we’re taking a look at how expensive sewing machines are, and what influences the cost of a sewing machine.
Keep on reading to find out more!
How Expensive Are Sewing Machines?
Let’s start by taking a look at the average cost of a sewing machine. The cost of the sewing machine will differ greatly depending on the specific machine you are purchasing.
However, it is possible to get an average idea before you start shopping.
Generally, a sewing machine will cost you anywhere between $15 and $10,000.
The price will vary greatly depending on whether you want a simple handheld sewing machine that you can use at home or an industrial sewing machine that can be used by those who need a sewing machine for work.
For the sewing machines that you would use at home, you can expect to spend anywhere between $15 and $100.
A handheld sewing machine will be around $15, and the price will likely increase as the size of the sewing machine increases.
There are lots of other things that might influence how much you spend on your sewing machine.
So we’ve put together a breakdown of costs for a sewing machine to help you figure out how much you will need to spend. Read on to find out more.
Breakdown Of Sewing Machine Costs
The cost of your sewing machine will differ greatly depending on the specific sewing machine that you purchase.
Some of the things that will influence the cost include size, functions, brand, new vs used, mechanical vs computerized, and where you purchase your sewing machine.
We’ll take a look at each of these factors in more detail now.
The Size Of The Machine
The first factor that will influence the cost of your sewing machine is the size of the sewing machine. This is actually one of the most influential factors when it comes to the cost of a sewing machine.
If you want a small, handheld sewing machine, then you will generally be able to pick these up at a very low cost.
They really are the most budget-friendly sewing machine, and they are perfect for anyone who needs a sewing machine for basic sewing functions (see also “Best Affordable Sewing Machines“). Generally, you will be able to pick up a handheld sewing machine for around $15-30.
Alternatively, if you want a sewing machine that you will be able to use for lots of different functions, then you should consider a full-size sewing machine.
These will typically cost you around $100, but they can be used for lots of tasks.
If you are searching for the middle ground between these two, then you should consider a mini sewing machine.
These sewing machines are smaller than full-size sewing machines but share a lot of the same functions. Generally, they will cost around $30-50.
The Function Of The Machine
Another important thing that influences the cost of your sewing machine is the function of the sewing machine.
Basic sewing machines will be significantly cheaper than advanced sewing machines. However, if you are a keen sewer, then you might want to invest in a more advanced machine.
Household machines will generally be a lot more basic. However, you can get more advanced ones if that is something that you are interested in.
Generally, advanced home sewing machines will be more expensive than $100. Whereas the basic sewing machines will cost you around $100 when bought new.
In contrast, heavy-duty industrial sewing machines tend to be incredibly expensive.
These sewing machines tend to cost hundreds of dollars, or even thousands of dollars depending on the make and model that you purchase.
Generally, companies will be happy to invest thousands of dollars in a heavy-duty sewing machine to ensure that they get a good return on their investment.
The function of the machine will differ greatly depending on what you are using it for.
So bear in mind that the function of the machine might increase the cost of your sewing machine.
Mechanical Vs Computerized Machines
Traditionally, sewing machines were entirely mechanical. But, nowadays, you can actually get sewing machines that are entirely computerized.
Most of the time, people will stick to traditional mechanical sewing machines for at-home sewing, while companies will tend to use computerized machines for manufacturing purposes.
Mechanical machines tend to be a lot more basic than the computerized machines that are becoming increasingly popular.
However, they also tend to be a lot less costly. They cannot make as complicated stitches as a computerized machine can.
But, they will typically be able to do all the jobs that a home sewer will want to complete.
However, they will be able to do a lot more stitches than a mechanical sewing machine. These will be more expensive than mechanical home sewing machines.
Finally, fully computerized sewing machines are most popular among companies that specialize in embroidery and sewing.
These machines will typically cost thousands of dollars and will be a real investment for any company that purchases one.
The Brand Of The Machine
One of the biggest influences on the cost of your sewing machine will be the brand of the sewing machine that you are thinking of purchasing.
Branded sewing machines can be incredibly costly.
This is partly because they tend to be built to a higher quality, but also because people are willing to spend considerably more for a sewing machine that has a brand’s logo on it.
In the sewing machine world, you will get luxury brands, mid-tier brands, and budget brands too. Just as you will for basically any product that exists.
As you would expect, you will pay high amounts for luxury brands, less for mid-tier brands, and significantly less for budget brands.
Luxury sewing machines could cost you thousands of dollars, even for a home sewing machine. Likewise, you should expect to spend between $200 and $300 for a mid-tier sewing machine.
Budget sewing machines will generally start at around $100 when bought new, but can cost up to $200 depending on what budget brand you purchase.
When it comes to the brand of your sewing machine, it is important to do your research regarding quality. Just because a sewing machine is more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it will be better.
So check the reviews before you purchase an expensive sewing machine simply for the brand.
Additional Features
Generally, the cost of your sewing machine will increase as the number of functions increases.
The cheapest sewing machines will always be the basic sewing machines that are only really able to complete basic stitches. As the number of functions increases, so will the cost.
Some of the additional features that might increase the cost of the sewing machine include the following:
Number and type of stitches (the more complex, the more expensive).
Number of presser feet (the more presser feet, the higher the cost of the sewing machine).
Automatic needle threader (if there is an automatic needle threader then the cost of the sewing machine will likely be higher).
Extension table (if the sewing machine comes with an extension table, then generally the cost of the sewing machine will be higher).
Pedal-free sewing (if the sewing machine allows you to sew entirely using your hands, without any need for a foot pedal, the cost will generally be higher).
If your sewing machine includes any of the features that we have outlined above, then the sewing machine will generally be more expensive than if you were to buy a basic sewing machine.
New Vs Used Machines
One of the best ways to reduce the cost of your sewing machine is to opt for a used sewing machine, rather than a brand-new one.
Typically, sewing machines are built to last, so you will be able to get plenty of years of use out of them.
In this way, sewing machines are somewhat like cars, so buying new or buying used is a real option.
If you purchase a sewing machine that is brand-new, then you will know that you are the only person who has ever used that sewing machine.
However, brand-new sewing machines carry very high retail prices and lose their value quickly once you leave the store.
In contrast, second-hand sewing machines tend to be significantly cheaper. Often, used sewing machines that are sold on will not have been used that often and they will be in amazing condition.
So, purchasing a used sewing machine allows you to get a real bargain on a sewing machine for your home.
Where You Buy The Machine
Finally, where you buy your sewing machine from will have a real impact on how much your sewing machine costs to purchase.
Sewing machines can be bought in a variety of different places, and where you purchase them can increase the cost significantly.
If you purchase your sewing machine online, then you will likely be able to get a better deal.
However, you will not be able to see the sewing machine in person until it arrives, so there is an element of risk to this.
Likewise, if you purchase your sewing machine in-store, some shops may charge more for the sewing machine than others.
So it is critical that you shop around if you want to get the best value for your money.
Is It Worth Buying A Sewing Machine?
Now that we’ve taken a look at all the different factors that might influence the cost of your sewing machine, let’s take a look at whether, or not, it is worth buying a sewing machine.
Ultimately, yes, we would say that it is worth buying a sewing machine.
While they may be a little expensive to purchase (depending on the machine you choose), and they can take a little while to get used to, it is absolutely worth it once you master the sewing machine.
Sewing machines can be a valuable tool to have in the home, and you never know when your sewing machine may come in handy.
So, it is definitely worth buying one and having one at home for when you need it.
Summary
In short, the cost of the sewing machine will vary greatly depending on the specific machine you purchase.
There are plenty of things that will influence the cost of the sewing machine, including the brand of the machine, the size of the machine, the function of the machine, and lots more.
