Buy a good sewing machine for cosplay
4 criteria to consider + 4 things to do before buying
A few years back, I used to teach sewing classes. And one question kept coming up over and over: "What sewing machine should I buy?"
Even today, it's still one of the questions I get asked most often.
Personally, I've had the same machine for over 20 years (and I still love it just as much after all this time). Your sewing machine is a tool that can stay with you for a very long time... so you might as well make a good choice from the start. And that's exactly where I want to help you.
Because yes, there are a lot of sewing machines on the market, and it's easy to get lost. Especially if it's your first purchase, or if you're getting back into sewing after a long break.
So, here are a few tips to help you see things more clearly.
4 criteria for choosing your sewing machine
1. Think about your budget
There's a sewing machine for every taste… and every budget. It starts around $70-80 (really, really entry-level... I wouldn't recommend it) and goes all the way up to $3,000-4,000 and beyond (I wouldn't recommend that either... not for a first machine).
The sweet spot to get started? Between $200 and $700. In that range, you've got a huge variety of really good models that'll stick with you for a long time.
Take the time to think about how much you're willing to invest before you even start looking at models. It'll make narrowing down your options a lot easier.
2. Think about your experience
Your sewing experience level is directly tied to your budget, and that's totally fine.
If you're just starting to make costumes, you've never really machine-sewn before, and you're wondering whether you'll even enjoy it: start simple. Master the basic tools. Don't sink your savings into a high-end machine before you know whether sewing is really for you.
On the other hand, if you've been sewing for a while and feel like your machine is holding you back... then it's worth investing in something more serious.
Important: don't get swayed by promises of "ease" that come with a fancier machine. The hard truth is, your machine won't make you better. Once you're experienced enough to know why your machine is holding you back, that's when you'll be ready to upgrade. Not before.
3. Think about the materials you want to work with
If you only sew small cotton pieces, you don't need the same level of durability as if you're working with leather, thick wool, or faux fur. Denser, stiffer materials need a machine with more power and torque.
And if you're making costumes (whether cosplay or LARP), odds are you'll be working with a huge range of materials. From lightweight silk for a princess dress, to thicker fabrics for a LARP cape, to faux leather for your costume details. Keep that in mind while shopping.
| Want to learn more about fabrics? I've got an article for you! |
4. Consider the type of projects you make
Beyond the straight stitch and zigzag stitch (the absolute basics), sewing machines come with all kinds of options depending on the model. It's worth thinking about this before you buy.
Do you want to be able to do fancy decorative stitches? Decorative embroidery? Nice, clean buttonholes? Or are you mostly after strong, quick seams?
If you're into princess cosplays with tons of details, you're not going to want the same features as if your main goal is assembling straps for your armor or building sturdy seams that'll survive a weekend at LARP.
Think about what you're actually making (not just what you dream of making someday, maybe).
4 things to do while shopping for a sewing machine
1. Make yourself a list of the features that matter to you
It's not always obvious if you've never really machine-sewn before. But if you've got a bit of experience, you probably already know what you like and don't like.
If you're a total beginner, here's what to check:
📌 Speed adjustment
Entry-level machines often have pedals that aren't very sensitive, which makes them hard to control. Check whether you can manually adjust the maximum speed. A machine where you can slow things down will be easier to get the hang of at first.
📌 The free arm
Your machine should have a section that comes off so you can slide a cylindrical piece underneath (a sleeve, a pant leg, a costume cuff). It's a basic feature, but make sure it's there.
📌 The variety of stitches
The straight stitch and zigzag stitch are the basics. With just those, you can do an enormous amount. The rest depends on your project style (you know, that 4th criterion above). Don't get seduced by machines that offer 300 fancy stitches just because it's cute (unless it's something you genuinely think you'll use). That said, the automatic buttonhole option is really worth having.
📌 Needle position
By default, for a straight seam, your needle should be centered. But having the option to move it all the way left or right is super handy. Being able to shift your needle to vary your topstitching width and work more precisely close to edges is really useful. It's one of my favorite features on my machine.
📌 The shape of the presser foot
Look at the standard presser foot that comes with the machine. A foot with a squared-off center (rather than a diagonal one) gives you better visual guides and helps you sew straighter seams, especially when working close to an edge. Small detail, big difference.
📌 The variety of included feet
More and more, even basic machines come with several specialized feet. Most of them, you'll rarely use. But make sure you have the two essentials: the zipper foot and the buttonhole foot. That's the bare minimum.
📌 Presser foot pressure adjustment
Not available on every machine, but when it is, you'll appreciate it. If you plan on working with a wide range of materials (and in costuming, that's often the case), being able to adjust the foot pressure to match the fabric thickness is really handy.
📌 Automatic needle threader
This one's a small gadget… Not a must, but handy if the idea of threading your machine needle gives you ulcers. Don't base your purchase on it, but if it's there, it's a nice bonus.
📌 The extension table
Some machines come with a removable extension table that attaches next to the machine's arm to give you more surface to work with. Personally, I don't have one and I do just fine without it, but I know some people use it a lot (especially for big projects).
2. Read reviews (the real ones)
Don't just check the manufacturer's website. Type the model name into Google and look for reviews on forums, specialty shops, sewing groups. Look for long negative comments. Why? Because those are usually the ones that tell you the most about the machine.
And it's not always as catastrophic as it looks. Someone giving one star because the machine didn't come with a carrying case mostly tells you the machine's probably fine (and that the person's a bit of a complainer).
Also read the long positive comments. That's where people talk about what they actually use and what they appreciate after a few months.
3. Weigh the machine
You don't need to bring a scale to the store... but pick the machine up. A good sewing machine is heavy. A light machine is a machine with a lot of plastic parts. And plastic parts shift, go out of alignment, and eventually break.
You want something sturdy. Weight is often a good indicator of that.
4. Test the machine if you get the chance
Don't shop online only. Specialty sewing shops usually let you try models in person. Take advantage of that!
Two things you absolutely need to test:
First, test the foot pedal. Entry-level machines are often less responsive. Check if you can control the speed relatively easily.
Then, test it on different fabrics. Bring scraps if you can. The machine will sew small pieces of cotton just fine (that's rarely a problem fabric). It's on your faux leather, thick wool, or super-stretchy lycra that the differences will show.
A few trusted brands
Of course, there's no single "best" sewing machine brand. It really depends on a bunch of factors... So here's a quick overview of the most popular brands.
For beginners:
- Brother: Great value for money, with user-friendly machines that work really well for beginners. They offer several models that also do embroidery at very reasonable prices.
- Singer: Yes, it's an iconic sewing brand... but quality can vary quite a bit from one model to the next (don't just trust the name, check the reviews!). It's still a good option for occasional use, or for beginners.
For reliability:
- Janome: A brand known for its reliability and sturdiness. Sometimes these are machines with fewer features, but they're really built for the long run.
- Husqvarna Viking: If you like having tons of features and fancy gadgets, Husqvarna is for you. They're always on the cutting edge of technology, with really cool assist features.
- Pfaff: A go-to for quilting and tricky fabrics. If you want to sew all kinds of fabrics stress-free, Pfaff is an excellent choice.
For serious luxury:
- Bernina: Now we're in high-end territory. Pick Bernina for a precise, quiet, well-built machine that'll stay with you for a long time. It's an investment, but if you're really serious (and have the budget), it's worth checking out their options.
Frequently asked questions
Is a regular sewing machine enough for making costumes?
Yes, for a lot of things. Most parts of a costume (garments, fabric accessories, linings) sew just fine on a standard sewing machine. That's why you can easily get started with an entry-level machine.
That said, if you want to work with very thick materials, or have very specific needs, you might eventually run into the limits of a simpler machine.
Do I need a serger too?
Not at the start. A serger is really useful for finishing seams cleanly and working with knits, but it's a complementary tool (not a replacement for your sewing machine). Start by mastering your machine, and you'll see, eventually, whether a serger would be a nice addition to your workshop.
Psst! You can totally finish your seams with a good old zigzag stitch in the meantime.
Sewing machine vs. embroidery machine... is it the same thing?
No. A sewing machine sews. An embroidery machine embroiders (it stitches out designs automatically based on a digital file). Some machines do both, but they're generally more expensive.
If sewing AND machine embroidery are both priorities for you from the start, I'd recommend looking at Brother machines.
| Here's our full collection of embroidery files |
What's the difference between a digital machine and a mechanical machine?
A mechanical machine has physical buttons and dials for adjusting everything. A digital machine has a screen and menus. Both can work really well (it's mostly a matter of personal preference and budget). Digital machines generally have more stitches and automated features, but they cost a bit more and can be a bit more complex to get used to at first.
Take the time to shop around, read reviews, and if possible, test the machine before buying. A sewing machine is a tool you'll use for years... might as well make sure it's the right one.
If you want to keep learning about sewing for costumes, check out my Little Sewing Glossary (a great starting point to demystify the vocabulary). And if you're ready to dive into your first project, my sewing patterns for cosplay and LARP are made to be beginner-friendly.
And if you want to stay in the loop on new products, promos, and new articles to help you with your creative projects, join The Harbour!
In the meantime,
Happy sewing! Happy crafting! 🤓✂🐙