Cheap sewing machine for a beginner??

[kamilla626]

I can't spend $200 for a sewing machine, but I want to try some simple sewing: make beanbags for dd out of her old clothes, pillows and curtains for her room, etc. I've seen some $12-15 portable machines, but would those be good enough?

I remember my mother's BabyLock which just seemed so monstrous. It's tempting to by something little and cheap, but it's hard to imagine that a little mini machine will do what I need.

Any opinions?

[poisonedapple]

If I remember correctly a bunch of mamas here have tried small machines (handhelds) and said they were all crap.

I bought a Brother from Walmart, and love mine, dont have any problems and it was only 130. I was also a beginner sewer when I bought it, and it was easy to learn with.

[carrieanne]

If you can spend $100, I would recommend going to JoAnn's and getting a White 1409. it does your basic straight and zig-zag stitches and is very easy to learn on and it takes a beating and just keeps going (ask me how I know, lol!). I just make sure to clean and oil mine regularly (I sew A LOT!)

[tuffykenwell]

If money is an issue you may want to check around locally for sewing machine re-sellers. You are much better off with a used quality machine (I love my Kenmore) than a new piece of *carp* LOL!

Check the classifieds and the yellow pages under sewing and see what the local market has. Make sure whatever machine you are getting comes with the book and all of the attachments (ask me how I know this...grrr).

Steph