I need to get an inexpensive sewing machine

**leighcat** · 02-25-2010, 11:42 AM

What kind would be good, that won't cost much? I just need something basic.

**2ndGenGranola** · 02-25-2010, 01:01 PM

My parents got me a Singer from Walmart when I went off to grad school (1988). I it was my primary machine up until a month ago when I got my Mom's fancy machine.

**cab54** · 02-25-2010, 01:25 PM

I saw a basic Singer at Target for around $100.

**frugalfranny** · 02-25-2010, 01:38 PM

I just happened to see this.........

Might get more discussion if this was posted in the sewing/hobby forum...............lots of people sew here but don't check all the forums.

**Russ** · 02-25-2010, 01:47 PM

Moved to the sewing forum... Finally. I had it in the tutorial sewing forum.

**Josephhgoins** · 02-25-2010, 02:27 PM

How much are you going to use it and what are you going to use it for.

I personanly have a small brother that I got at walmart several years ago for about $75.00. It has made several sets of cutains and sewn on patches as well as a couple of quilt tops.

It dosen't have the power to do quilting though. For that I use my mom's industrial Singer. She got it for about a Grand a few years ago second hand. It is a very light industrial machine but can sew anything for home use that we need. Actually I should say that I have MOM sew it on her Singer.

I see used table models all the time at thrift shops for less than $50. Just make sure to get a good name brand and try to get one that isn't too old so that you can still get parts for it.

I recommend Singer, but brother is also good as well. I am sure some of the ladies on here cna give you model numbers to look for too.

**Contrary Housewife** · 02-25-2010, 02:33 PM

At the under $199 price range they are all pretty much the same. Singer, Brother, Janome, Bernette, White... They will all have the same basic stitches and functions and run equally well, or poorly. The important thing is to find on that fits you comfortably, where the dials and levers are easy to use and the light is in a good place. Like a car, never buy a machine you have not test driven.

With Mother's Day coming up what I suggest you do is look for a nice machine in the $300-$500 range and wait for it to go on sale. What you get for the higher price is a smoother running machine, perhaps a few more stitches. I think the extra $$ is worth it to have nicer stitching. You might also be able to get a trade-in that has been refurb'd, at a lower price.

If you are new to sewing it will be worth buying it from a sewing machine store or fabric store that offers beginner classes with your purchase.

**leighcat** · 02-25-2010, 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by frugalfranny

I just happened to see this.........

Might get more discussion if this was posted in the sewing/hobby forum...............lots of people sew here but don't check all the forums.

Thank you. Still getting used to all the forums on here.

**leighcat** · 02-25-2010, 03:05 PM

I am going to use it for repairs, maybe making some small things. I may eventually get another serger, not sure yet. I didn't realize that the basic ones aren't good for quilting. That is something I have to think about in case I decided to start quilting as a hobby.

I will keep my eyes open for a good sale. I think our local Joann's offers classes with purchase, I will have to ask. Last time I got a machine from a singer store, the people weren't very friendly.

Thanks

**Contrary Housewife** · 02-26-2010, 12:04 AM

Your average basic machine is just fine for sewing patchwork together. You can usually get the attachments you need (walking foot and hoop) for quilting the layers together, but that is a technique that takes more than a little practice and some degree of coordination and patience to master.

**AmyBoz** · 02-26-2010, 12:09 AM

I have a really old Singer that a friend gave me. It's a Singer So-Fro. No bells, no whistles, but it works great. I've seen them around pretty cheaply.

**Michelle** · 02-26-2010, 07:49 AM

It's been said that you should buy the best machine you can afford.

I agree with the others...look around for a sale at a machine shop. Janome is a good name for quilting machines, and they can be found rather inexpensively. Ask your shop if they have used machines FS. Often times people have traded in their old models for newer and/or fancier ones.

HTH

**Ali Lee** · 02-26-2010, 02:45 PM

I bought my Brother machine @ Walmart, 17 yrs ago for 100$. It has been used a lot & now is sewing rough. I want a new one, but, we'll see. Would any of you take a hundred dollar machine in to be repaired? (I don't know whether it's worth it)

**ladykemma2** · 02-27-2010, 06:14 AM

janome new home. has power.

**wanderinggrandma** · 02-27-2010, 09:51 PM

AL--the shop I take my machines to will give an extimate of cost to repair and if they think the machine has enough value to make repairs.

They also do minor repairs while I wait. (Teenagers were really hard on my Phaff--it's in touch with it's female side and can be moody.

)

I have a 30 yr old Singer and a 20 yr old Phaff. Love them both, but they have their own strengths. I agree with the test ride before purchasing a new machine.

Also let it be known among family and friends that you are looking for a sewing machine. Often times someone has one collecting dust and feeling guilty about not using it, and will give it to you or sell it at a great price.