Beginner sewing machine

**kitkat0649** · 08-19-2010, 12:51 AM

I've been wanting to learn how to sew and have been looking at machines but they're so expensive and I have no idea what I need to start out. Hopefully I can find something on eBay or craigslist but any pointers on what I need would be great. TIA.

**frugalfranny** · 08-19-2010, 01:13 AM

You need to think about what you will be doing with it.......just basic stuff? What will you be sewing? What type of fabric?

My CL always has quite a few of them listed....check there. Take someone with you that knows how to sew (and judge tension, etc.) to look at it........AND TRY IT...to make sure it works okay. On Ebay you will be paying postage....which could be quite high due to weight.

This sort of topic has a few threads of discussion in the sewing forum but not sure how far back they are.........here is one...

I need to get an inexpensive sewing machine

You should be able to find something basic for under $100....and I would say even closer to $50.

Here is another thread to read:

Need New Sewing Machine

**kitkat0649** · 08-19-2010, 01:27 AM

I'll look at that thread (no pun intended) unfortunately I know absolutely noone that sews and I have no idea what to look for when buying one. Thanks for the link!

**nuisance26** · 08-19-2010, 07:46 AM

~Whenever I need to buy something and I have no idea where to start, I read reviews at Amazon. That will give you a feel for what brands are preferred and most reliable.
My parents bought a really basic(straight stitch and zig-zag, no computer or fancy stitches)machine for me when I was starting out almost 20 years ago. They bought a good brand, Brother, even though it was also a good deal(about $60). It's held up beautifully and does everything I need it to do.
So narrow down your search by reading reviews to reliable brands, then by what stitch functions you think you must have. Then start looking for bargains on the model/s you're interested in.
Try not to look too far ahead when you decide what stitch functions you want. I think it's much better to get a very basic machine and sell it later if you decide you love sewing and want an upgrade then to get a machine that's too complicated and overwhelming for a beginner to use.~

**Saule** · 08-19-2010, 10:13 AM

Also check out shopgoodwill.com - Welcome - they had a lot of sewing machines - of course, there is shipping and all, but perhaps one of the selling stores is in your area. Plus it's a worthy cause.

If you do get a used machine, check out fabric stores for a sewing machine maintenance event - I know Minnesota Fabrics had them regularly when I was still sewing a lot - for a modest cost they oil and tune up the machine.

**Contrary Housewife** · 08-19-2010, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by kitkat0649

I'll look at that thread (no pun intended) unfortunately I know absolutely noone that sews and I have no idea what to look for when buying one. Thanks for the link!

Sewing machines are like cars, they all do pretty much the same thing it just comes down to the features you want -- but at the basic level there won't be many of these. They all have the same 10 basic stitches or so. And like a car, you want one that runs smoothly, with a motor that hums, doesn't feel too flimsy or cheap (though they're all plastic these days) is comfortable to sit at and comes with the owners manual. And like a car they need service from time to time and it's a good idea to take any new purchase in for a tune-up.

**kitkat0649** · 08-19-2010, 12:54 PM

Thanks ladies!

**Pemberleyan** · 08-19-2010, 01:42 PM

Frugalfranny is right -- it depends on what you want to do with it. Other considerations; how easy are the needles, bobbins and extra feet to find? Do you want it to do automatic buttonholes?

A lot of the new machines are so plastic and just won't sew heavy fabric like denim, etc. and then they're not worth fixing if they break down, whereas some of the older mostly metal machines are fixable at home if they ever need it. There are a lot of good Kenmore and Singer models that you could find used at a great bargain, but it's important which models are the good ones. I highly recommend going to Sewing - Sewing Patterns & Sewing Machines. Butterick & Kwik Sew Patterns. Sewing Machine Reviews & Pattern Reviews. Sewing Classes at PatternReview.com and seeing the valuable information there. There are dozens of sewing machine reviews.

**craftypam** · 08-19-2010, 04:03 PM

I've been sewing for years and just to let you know how frugal it is I just made a dress for my ds wedding for $22. For a beginner I would look for a machine that sews straight stitch and zig zag. I have an idea for you. Go to JoAnn's if you have one near you and tell them you want a machine for a beginner. Then you can ask them all kinds of questions and buy one if you like the price or go elsewhere with the information you have gotten. I am still sewing on my beginner machine. If you buy something with too much on it; it will be too much to learn along with sewing. I don't know if you have a Hancock Fabrics where you live, but kwik sew patterns are great. They cost more, but are well made and give you lots of shortcuts.

Keep in mind if you buy a used machine and it is missing some of the extra parts they might cost as much as a new inexpensive machine.

**Jeanna** · 08-19-2010, 08:12 PM

I would have to disagree about a beginner buying a used machine. I have sewn most of my life and worked in a sewing factory for years so I know all that can go wrong on a sewing machine. Being a beginner and getting a machine that has something wrong in the bobbin cartridge can be so frustrating and just down right disheartening to a new sewer. I would look for a dealer for Janome, Viking, or Bernina. They now have some really good basic models for about $200 dollars and most will give you lessons on how to use the machine for free. I know we all need to watch our money but there are somethings that spending the extra can really give you benefits that are worth it.

**craftypam** · 08-19-2010, 09:42 PM

I do agree with jeanna about the used sewing machine, but I think you can get a cheaper brand for around $100.

**nadine64** · 08-20-2010, 06:43 AM

See if there is a freecycle in your area. I have been able to get some really needed items off of there. You can also post a "wanted" item on the site. Good luck.

**frugalfranny** · 08-21-2010, 12:52 AM

Originally Posted by nuisance26

I think it's much better to get a very basic machine and sell it later if you decide you love sewing and want an upgrade then to get a machine that's too complicated and overwhelming for a beginner to use.~

I agree..........sort of........

sell a machine?????

I still have my first machine that is set up downstairs for those 'quick sew' things..........or 'sew and iron' and 'sew and iron' type things. (my ironing board is downstairs too) My 'serious machine' is upstairs......for when I want to settle down and do some serious sewing!

**mauimagic** · 08-21-2010, 04:56 AM

Cannot wait to see what you decide to buy!! Everyone's advice has been right on - basic, simple stitches. I sewed with a Kenmore for decades, then went Vikings - which I also loved, now I have a Pfaff because I wanted the dual feed feature and am very satisfied. I also have a Viking as a back up machine, but very seldom need it.

Just realized that I have another machine that someone gave me - I really should find it and check it out - that machine needs to find a home - too bad you don't live closer. But see, there are machines out there - someone must have one for you!!