Recommend a sewing machine

**Rhayne** · 08-20-2010, 10:22 AM

I'm on the hunt for a sewing machine. I've been hand sewing a lot this summer and I want to start making things a little more sturdy. I'd like to see some opinions, recommendations or do's and don'ts to buying sewing machines. Here are some questions I've got. Also, I don't wanna pay an arm and a leg but I'm willing to pay a little more if it's a good product.

What brands are the best?
Should I buy a new one or see if I can get a used one from thrift stores/craigslist?
I dont want to do anything fancy shmancy on it but I'd like to have enough options to be able to do most things...so what are some options/accessories I should look for when buying one?

Any other advice or comments are totally welcome.

**Contrary Housewife** · 08-20-2010, 11:33 AM

There are 3 classes of sewing machines. There's your basic models which are going to be about $400 or less and are all more or less the same across brands. They will have about 10-15 basic stitches and will do most any ordinary household or fashion sewing tasks. You can find these at Sears, Walmart, and most fabric stores. Do NOT buy one off the back of a truck from some 1-day-only "school sewing machine sale".

From about $400 to $700 you can get a significantly better machine with fancy stitches, maybe some embroidery features, automatic buttonhole makers, attachments for unusual tasks.

For $1000 or more you can get a top of the line computer automated dream sewing and embroidery machine with a million buttons and options. You can find these last two at a sewing machine store.

IMO there really is no "best" brand, all the major makers have fine machines in all 3 categories. A $200 Elna is not going to compare to a $1500 Husqvarna, but both brands are good. You have to take into consideration what you are buying for the price, and what you are getting in quality and features.

It's going to be that middle category where you have to make choices based on features. And those are personal choices based on what you like and what you'll use it for. Are you quilting? Do you want a needle-down feature? Do you want a knee lift? Do you need a long arm for pants and jeans? Dual feed? Multiple sewing fonts?

Do you know how to use a machine? One advantage of buying from a sewing shop is that they usually include a beginner class to teach you about your machine. And if you buy a used model you know it has been cleaned and serviced, unlike something that's been kicking around in somebody's garage. You don't know if it has been dropped and is out of whack or what. With a shop you also get some kind of warranty, even if it is only 30 day plus the MFR warranty, and often they will throw in the first year maintenance check-up for free.

Always test drive the machine yourself and see if it feels comfortable. Are the controls easy to read? Easy to reach and use? Is the light positioned conveniently? Take some fabric that you will be sewing and try out the machine. Do the stitches look good?

I could go on for another hour.... the important thing to remember is that all the brands are good in their categories and you can't compare full featured models to the basic models. You need to make choices based on your needs and wants, and you need to test the machine yourself no matter what or where you buy.

**Rhayne** · 08-20-2010, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by Contrary Housewife

There are 3 classes of sewing machines. There's your basic models which are going to be about $400 or less and are all more or less the same across brands. They will have about 10-15 basic stitches and will do most any ordinary household or fashion sewing tasks. You can find these at Sears, Walmart, and most fabric stores. Do NOT buy one off the back of a truck from some 1-day-only "school sewing machine sale".

From about $400 to $700 you can get a significantly better machine with fancy stitches, maybe some embroidery features, automatic buttonhole makers, attachments for unusual tasks.

For $1000 or more you can get a top of the line computer automated dream sewing and embroidery machine with a million buttons and options. You can find these last two at a sewing machine store.

IMO there really is no "best" brand, all the major makers have fine machines in all 3 categories. A $200 Elna is not going to compare to a $1500 Husqvarna, but both brands are good. You have to take into consideration what you are buying for the price, and what you are getting in quality and features.

It's going to be that middle category where you have to make choices based on features. And those are personal choices based on what you like and what you'll use it for. Are you quilting? Do you want a needle-down feature? Do you want a knee lift? Do you need a long arm for pants and jeans? Dual feed? Multiple sewing fonts?

Do you know how to use a machine? One advantage of buying from a sewing shop is that they usually include a beginner class to teach you about your machine. And if you buy a used model you know it has been cleaned and serviced, unlike something that's been kicking around in somebody's garage. You don't know if it has been dropped and is out of whack or what. With a shop you also get some kind of warranty, even if it is only 30 day plus the MFR warranty, and often they will throw in the first year maintenance check-up for free.

Always test drive the machine yourself and see if it feels comfortable. Are the controls easy to read? Easy to reach and use? Is the light positioned conveniently? Take some fabric that you will be sewing and try out the machine. Do the stitches look good?

I could go on for another hour.... the important thing to remember is that all the brands are good in their categories and you can't compare full featured models to the basic models. You need to make choices based on your needs and wants, and you need to test the machine yourself no matter what or where you buy.

Thanks so much. I've just begun looking so I'm just starting to get an idea of what I want it to do. I have used sewing machines before. My mother has two super old ones that I learned how to sew on and I've used my aunt's newer one.

**canadamom** · 08-21-2010, 08:46 PM

Bernina hands down Bernina. You will pay more in the beginning but you will never replace it. I bought three of them for family so far in 30 years and not a one has had ANY issues. NONE! Just oil and maintain and you are good to go! When I went to buy my first I took my youngsters with since they were learning to sew. The owner said let them go for it. They will never hurt them. Oh so true. Bernina is one for a lifetime.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Bernina-Professional-Zigzag-Flatbed-Machine/dp/B001RB38IC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1282438450&sr=8-1"]Amazon.com: Bernina 950 Professional Zigzag Flatbed Sewing Machine: Home & Garden@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/210RG0LuwLL.@@AMEPARAM@@210RG0LuwLL[/ame]

**DJ1972** · 08-22-2010, 01:31 AM

I am just learning to sew. I start a beginner sewing class in a couple of weeks. I bought a Simple Singer from Walmart for $80. Although I am certain this is a hobby I will use, I didn't want to spend alot of money on a fancy machine when a basic one will suit my needs. I don't plan on doing anything that will require more than the 20 or so stitches mine does. Good luck with your hunt!

**Early Bird** · 08-22-2010, 10:11 AM

Originally Posted by canadamom

Bernina hands down Bernina. You will pay more in the beginning but you will never replace it. I bought three of them for family so far in 30 years and not a one has had ANY issues. NONE! Just oil and maintain and you are good to go! When I went to buy my first I took my youngsters with since they were learning to sew. The owner said let them go for it. They will never hurt them. Oh so true. Bernina is one for a lifetime.

Amazon.com: Bernina 950 Professional Zigzag Flatbed Sewing Machine: Home & Garden

Are Bernina's generally so expensive? I'd have to be awfy sure that I'd keep up sewing if I were going to invest so much money in a machine.

What would you recommend for a beginner?

**craftypam** · 08-22-2010, 11:11 AM

I have a simple singer machine. It does straight stitch & zig zag. I have had it over 30 years and paid under $100 for it. I don't use fancy stitches so it works and has worked fine for me.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Singer-Confidence-Electronic-Sewing-Machine/dp/B00176WYGY/ref=pd_sbs_k_1"]Amazon.com: Singer 7470 Confidence Electronic Sewing Machine: Kitchen & Dining@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41eRegDsvjL.@@AMEPARAM@@41eRegDsvjL[/ame]

**buffy871** · 08-22-2010, 12:35 PM

I got the Walmart Singer for $80 too. I've never had any problems with it, but if you're intending on sewing a lot, you might want to get something better. Make sure to clean it a couple times a year inside.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Singer-7442-Electronic-Sewing-Machine/dp/B0009O1ELG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1282568765&sr=8-2"]Amazon.com: Singer 7442 Electronic Sewing Machine: Home & Garden@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/418AB17Y2RL.@@AMEPARAM@@418AB17Y2RL[/ame]

**Contrary Housewife** · 08-22-2010, 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by Early Bird

Are Bernina's generally so expensive? I'd have to be awfy sure that I'd keep up sewing if I were going to invest so much money in a machine.

What would you recommend for a beginner?

That was a top-end model. You can get a Bernina as low as $199. I believe their "Bernette" range are the entry level models.

**craftypam** · 08-22-2010, 09:36 PM

Originally Posted by craftypam

I have a simple singer machine. It does straight stitch & zig zag. I have had it over 30 years and paid under $100 for it. I don't use fancy stitches so it works and has worked fine for me.

Amazon.com: Singer 7470 Confidence Electronic Sewing Machine: Kitchen & Dining

This is very strange; I did not put that singer machine and to review it in my post. I did look at it at amazon to see how much singer machines were going for.

**KeithBC** · 08-22-2010, 11:29 PM

Years ago, I wanted a simple beginner's sewing machine. I specifically looked for a second-hand one because the older machines were built better and last longer. I got a reconditioned Singer for $80. It has no fancy stitches on it, just a simple straight stitch, and I have never missed the fancy stuff.

I have never regretted that purchase. I have had it more than 25 years and it is still going strong. When my wife and I first amalgamated our household effects, we kept my old Singer and gave away her newer fancy-stitch machine because mine was in better shape.

**Keildra** · 08-23-2010, 08:28 AM

I have a simple beginners machine, it's one of those $80 brothers machines, it was given to me for christmas and it's done everything I need it to do so far. I haven't really been able to do much with it because I have no skill. When I was looking for a sewing machine I had a lady in a shop tell me to avoid the ones with plastic gears she never told me why but I'm assumeing because the metal gears last longer.

One of my friends mother has an antique manual one, it still works and is usable it only needs a belt.

**herbsgirl** · 08-23-2010, 08:34 AM

I have a 930 Bernina, and a Brother serger! The Bernina I like well enough that I would get another one like it off of ebay or used if this one broke. The Brother I ordered Site to Store from Walmart, and I would tell you it really works, I have sewed up many dresses on it.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Brother-31-Stitch-Function-Free-Arm-Stitches/dp/B002C97KK0/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1282568959&sr=1-21"]Amazon.com: Brother XL2230 31-Stitch Function Free-Arm Sewing Machine With 11 Built-In Stitches…@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31a6DBO-S5L.@@AMEPARAM@@31a6DBO-S5L[/ame]

**Gabe** · 08-23-2010, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by craftypam

This is very strange; I did not put that singer machine and to review it in my post. I did look at it at amazon to see how much singer machines were going for.

Pam,

We have automation in the forums to add links to related products from amazon. It adds to the discussion where folks can look at reviews or similar product/equivalent.