What Sewing machine should I buy?

For patchwork all you need is a machine that can make a straight line.

As a beginner the question is 'what sewing machine should I have', it's a hobby after all, so use the sewing machine you have, so be it a middle aisle machine from a Aldi, Lidl or Argos, start with what you have or even better borrow a machine or buy a second hand machine. Make sure you service your machine before you get started. Sewing machines are investments so make sure you are going to use it before you commit.

4 sewing machine features to consider:

1. Throat space: this is the space that you can fit your quilt between the needle and the side of the machineThe larger the throat space, the easier it will be to manoeuvre your quilt through the machine.

2. Stitch length and width: Make sure the machine you choose has the ability to adjust both stitch length and width. This will allow you to customise your stitches for different types of quilting.

3. Needle position: Being able to adjust the needle position can be helpful when sewing patchwork pieces together, especially when using a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance.

4. Quilting-specific features: Many machines designed specifically for quilting will have additional features such as an extension table, walking foot, and quilting stitches Feed dogs: Some machines have the ability to drop or cover the feed dogs, which can be useful for free-motion quilting.