What's a good beginner's sewing machine?

[kate42]

I'm looking for a machine that I can learn on...the last time I used a sewing machine was in 8th grade Home Ec, and I ended up paying a boy named Bob $10 to make my pencil holder for me. :LOL

I don't need anything fancy, I just want to make stuff like curtains, tablecloths, pillow cases, maybe some clothes for DD.

What do I need to look for in a good sewing machine?

Can any of you recommend one?

TIA
kate

[kate42]

Anyone?

[Slackermom]

Check with your local fabric/sewing stores. Sometimes they have notices from people selling good, used machines for a reasonable price.

When I first started sewing seriously a number of years ago, I got a very good basic machine from Sears (Kenmore brand). It didn't have any super-fancy stitches on it, but it had everything a beginner-intermediate sewer would need. Plus, with the price of the machine, I got a number of sewing lessons (I foget how many) that were really helpful.

[Meiri]

Several years ago I got a good basic Singer machine, the kind the lady at the fabric store sold to schools, with metal gears rather than plastic. We've needed to take it in for servicing Once in the 10 years I've had it. It does straight and zig-zag stitches, with a few variations on those.

When you go to the fabric store, ask what they sell to the schools, made to last through hard use would be my suggestion.

My mom still uses the Old Singer she got from Dad's mom. I hope I inherit it, but not for a couple of decades yet.

[cinnamonamon]

I got lucky with mine -- I bought about the cheapest one I could find at a sewing store that is inside JoAnn's here. I did make sure it was a decent brand. It is a White, heavy duty (metal parts!!) and was a little under $100, I believe. The only thing I don't like now is that it doesn't have a 3 step zig-zag, which is a fairly common stitch. Otherwise it is great. My sister has bought 2 different singers from Walmart, & they are plastic & WEAK! They are quieter & have more stitches, but they have no "umpfh," ya know? I would avoid that sort as a novice is more likely to be hard on a machine. I know I sure am! :LOL Also check sewing machine shops for old ones as they can be as cheap as $10 - $20 (I'm told) and because they're all metal they hold up wonderfully.

Have fun! I'm not a sewing addict (although still a novice!) who has yards upon yards of fabric stashed throughout the house... :LOL