The first decision you need to make before buying a machine is: what will you use it for?

If the machine is simply going to be used for mending, hemming or sewing a set of curtains, don't be seduced by one with a large number of stitches and features. You'll end up paying for extras you may never use.

If you're a regular sewer and like making your own clothes, you might want to consider an electronic machine (see "Types of machine", below). Electronic models usually include automatic buttonholes, an overlocking stitch and a "blind hemming" stitch which helps you achieve a more professional look.

Experienced sewers need to sort out if they're using their machines for craft (embroidery and quilting), sewing, or a combination of the two. If your machine is for craft, the number and type of stitches are important. Top-of-the-range machines allow you to design your own stitches and access images from your computer that you can embroider on to fabric. You may want a machine with a long arm, as this makes it easier to handle bulkier items.

Types of machine

• Mechanical: The cheapest machine to buy, but requires you to do most of the work. They range in price from about $290 to $800 and can include features such as four- or six-step buttonholes, an automatic needle threader and a range of stitches. They also tend to have the more traditional bobbin cartridges, rather than the "drop in" magnetic bobbins commonly found in electronic machines.
  
  

• Electronic: These have similar features to mechanical machines plus automatic stitch settings and buttonholes, and other electronic bells and whistles. You'll pay from about $500 to $3500. The more expensive models feature craft or embroidery stitches and automatic thread cutters. Some have a knee attachment that allows you to operate the machine with your knee rather than your foot.
  
  
• Computerised: These machines have software that lets you scan your own designs or download designs from your computer. Once the machine is threaded, it will automatically embroider the design and only stops if the needle breaks or the bobbin runs low. These machines can cost up to $13,000.