From budget basics to modern marvels, the search for the most indispensable sewing tools.

Sewing is so different than it used to be, and so are the machines on the market today. With so many different sewing machines, shopping for one can be daunting.

The following list of machines is worth trying, dividing them by sewing skill level, the type of sewing they are suitable for, and the pros and cons of each category. Use it as a starting point in your search, then head over to your local dealer to try them out in person. The only way to know which machine is right for you.

STARTER SEWING MACHINES; They are simple machines, only for sewing. Most will include automatic buttonhole features and a basic selection of useful stitches. Some are electronic rather than computerized, with dials or buttons for machine settings instead of touch screens. These machines are basically for beginning seamstresses, kids, and anyone who plans to do just basic garment construction, mending, or home decorating and craft projects.

PROS; easy to use, affordable and capable of producing quality clothing and decorating projects.

CONS; decorative stitching is limited or non-existent. The voltage may not be established automatically. Buttonholes may require manual manipulation.

SUGGESTED MACHINES ARE; Singer Featherweight 11; Brother NX-200; Elna’s debut 2110 or 2130; Euro-Pro Intelli-Sew; Bernetta’s Bernetta; Husqvarna Viking Scandinavia 100

MEDIUM AND HIGH RANGE SEWING MACHINES; These machines are performance oriented machines suited to sewing garments and home décor. They handle a wide variety of projects and fabrics with ease. Some are electronic, but some are computerized. They feature a wide variety of utility stitches, automatic tension adjustments, automatic threading, and multiple automatic buttonhole settings. Some have built-in decorative stitches for embellishment. These machines are for serious seamstresses focused on dressmaking, tailoring, and home decorating projects.

PROS; Touch screens or electrical adjustments take care of the tension setting and indicate the correct stitch length and presser foot. Multiple automatic buttonhole settings and styles, precision sewing speed control, improved fabric handling, and hundreds of built-in utility and decorative stitches. Instruction manuals are stored in the machine’s memory and can be accessed from the LCD screen.

CONS; prince than the basic models. The wide variety of features and options can be intimidating for those who are not comfortable with computerized functions. These can be corrected with practice and lessons from the dealer.

RECOMMENDED MODELS; Quantum Singers 9940; Brother Janome’s Memory craft 6500 NX-600; Elna Quilters Dream Ultra 6003 QT

COMBINED SEWING/EMBROIDERY MACHINES; these high-tech machines offer the best of both worlds. You can sew garments, home decor, and personalize to your heart’s content. They have a switch foot and a pressure embroidery attachment to embellish your designs with professional embroidery. The designs are embedded in the machines memory, supplied on flash cards or similar devices. On some models, you can download designs directly from the Internet to the machine via a USB port.

PROS;Offers almost unlimited creative beautification potential.

CONS; These machines are expensive, but as technology advances, manufacturers are introducing lower-priced models that offer many of the same features as higher-end machines.

RECOMMENDED MODELS; Future Quantum Singer; Brother’s Innov-is 4000D; Janome Memory Craft 10001; Bernina Artist 200E; Artist 185 Quilters Embroidery Edition

MACHINES ONLY FOR EMBROIDERY; These machines are dedicated to machine embroidery. These machines are primarily for someone starting a custom embroidery business, crafters interested in embellishing handmade items.

PROS; Since embroidery is their only function, these machines produce designs more efficiently. Higher speeds than combi-stitch embroidery machines.

CONS; You cannot sew on these machines.

RECOMMENDED MODELS; brother PR-600; Babylock embroidery professional; Bernina Deco330.

You are now ready to head over to your local dealer and try out some of the machines before you buy.