So, you want to get into more serious cosplaying. Perhaps after having a few costumes commissioned for you, you’re finally ready to dive, head-first, into the wonderful world of making your own outfits.
Hold up.
This is an investment we are talking about here! You can’t just jump in and hope to land on your feet!
If you plan on making your own costumes, you’ll need to purchase a costumer’s best friend; a sewing machine! Hand sewing larger projects, like entire costumes, can take forever, not to mention seriously make your hands and fingers sore. So, honestly, why bother when there is a faster, easier way to get your projects done?
Now, since you and your new sewing machine will most likely be seeing quite a bit of one another in the future, it’s important to purchase a machine that will fit your needs. Here are some of the top brands for you to take a peek at:
Singer Inspiration 4205
This is one of the easiest to use basic beginner machines. When I started to sew, this was the first machine I purchased, and it’s still going strong after all the abuse I’ve given it. On a personal level, this is a great machine if you’re just starting out, and is easy to use, not to mention that it’s easy on the wallet. It doesn’t come with too many stitches, but when you’re just testing the waters this ends up being a good thing.
Pros
-Bobbin only goes in one way, so you can’t accidentally mess up what you’re doing
-Cheap, and easy to use
Cons
-Manual tension adjustment
Where to find it: amazon.com, starting at about $119.99 / singerco.com, find a local retailer near you.
Kenmore 15358
It’s a reliable machine, I’ll give it that. A friend of mine recently purchased one of these models, and was fairly satisfied with its performance. This particular model, however, slightly lacks as far as stitch settings and buttonhole varieties are concerned. If, however, you’re just looking for a decent, basic machine, this is most likely one you should think about purchasing. If you’re a beginner, or have a bit of a tight budget, this machine would be great for you. It is a mechanical machine, however, which means that everything is controlled by the user; foot and stitch settings, and even the thread tension.
Pros
-Easy to use, and good for those just starting out
-Fairly inexpensive
Cons
-Doesn’t so well with thicker fabric hems- keep it thin!
Where to find it: kenmore.com, starting at $119.99
Brother CS6000i
This is a step up from a beginner sewing machine, intended for those who know a little bit more about what they are doing. This model is electric, which means that everything is controlled by a computerized module inside. Use the LCD screen to pick your stitch and settings, and get right to work. Be weary, however, as the screen is somewhat small and can end up being harder to work with because of its size. Unlike other models, however, the Brother CS6000i doesn’t come with an embroidering feature, something that might prove to be a pain if you’re a stickler for the details of your costumes. It does, however, have 60 different stitching styles to choose from, which is a plus.
Pros
-Lots of stitches and buttonhole styles to choose from
Cons
-Lacking embroidery features
-Small screen can prove frustrating at times
Where to find it: amazon.com, starting at $159.99
Bernina Activa 220
Bernina seem to be the go-to guys when it comes to higher-end, quality sewing machines. This model does well with heavy fabrics, even with denim, and has over 100 stitching styles. It even features an automatic needle threader, which, considering, is pretty awesome. It is an expensive machine, in comparison to some of the other machines out there, but can handle just about anything you can throw at it. This particular model is computerized and has tons of good reviews from all over.
Pros
-Lots of stitches!
-Little add-ons that make it easier to work with, like the automatic threader
Cons
-Expensive, both in price and, at times, repair costs
Where to find it: berninausa.com, find a local retailer near you.
No matter what your level of sewing expertise, always be sure to read the user manual before you start your first project. Make a few small things before you try something larger, just in case you have it rough in the beginning and need a little time to adjust to using your machine.
July 20th, 2009 at 5:45 am
Great article. Honestly, most cosplay projects don’t need anything fancier than a basic stitch. I have a Singer Prelude and *love* it. It cost under $100 (on sale), comes with a handy manual on how to use all the features and stitches in addition to basic sewing techniques, and is extremely easy to use. Most cosplayers I know use machines just like it and have worked them into the ground for years, and they keep working faithfully on.
Be sure also that no matter how expensive or cheap the machine, careful maintenance will ensure they continue to work properly. Regular cleaning and proper storage is essential. Any sewing machine owner should also have a maintenance kit.
Avoid Brothers and be careful with Berninas — Berninas tend to require specific accessories and parts you can only get direct from the company.
July 21st, 2009 at 4:33 pm
I have a cheap little Brother machine and I absolutely love it. Little guy is a tank. Even handles pleather pretty well, which is important for me since I deal with pleather often.
I used to sew everything by hand for costumes and getting a machine has completely changed my cosplay life. I can make so many more costumes so much more quickly now! (Though I would argue that my hand-stitched ones sometimes came out stronger and better.)
August 10th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I don’t like the colour.
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