Sewing Machines- I'm so confused

[TrishWSU]

O.K. I have no idea how to sew, but I really want to learn so I can make cute clothes for dd, and maybe even some diapers. But I am completely confused about what the heck to look for in a sewing machine.

I've seen some pretty basic ones for around $40, all the way up to like $5000 (ok, that was a computerized one and I definetly wouldn't be getting one of those.) So I'm wondering if I should go with a basic $40 one to learn how to sew and then upgrade once I figure it out, or get one that has more features and keep it for the long run.

And on that note, what sort of features should I look for in a sewing machine? Like I originally said, I'd really like to make some baby/kids clothes, and diapers. Do a need a machine that is a serger, too?

Thanks so much for any suggestions you all can offer. I know I can always count on some good advice from the mamas at MDC. That's why I love it so much!

[mattjule]

First of all, a serger and a sewing machine are different, you can't get one that is both though you can get an attachment for your sewing machine that is supposedly similar to serging but I have found them to be total rip-offs. That said, you can sew perfectly well without a serger and I suggest forgoing the expense until you are sure you will use it often enough to make it worth the price. I personally LOVE my serger but it is a hefty investment on top of a sewing machine.

IMO, it is much easier to learn on a machine that is not a cheap piece of junk. You spend so much time fighting the machine that sewing is a hassle and difficult instead of being fun. I would invest in a quality simple machine. Elna makes a good basic machine as well as Pfaff. There are a lot of ladies at MDC that love Bernina. The list goes on. I would suggest going to a sewing machine shop and testing the machines to find one you like. Don't be intimidated by not knowing how to sew, my local shop was fantastic when I bought my serger (having NO idea how to use it). Have them walk you through threading it, threading a bobbin, doing basic straight stitches and bring some fabric you would use for dipe making (such as 6 layers of hemp) and make sure the machine can sew it easily. There is nothing worse than buying a machine only to discover it breaks needles when you try to sew multiple layers. You don't really need decorative stitches to do what you would like to do, but if you like messing around with them like I do , you may want to get a machine that has a few. Don't bother with the ones that have 20 decorative stitches, odds are you will never use them and they really raise the price.

Interestingly enough, I bought my machine at Big Lots (scary, I know). It was from a company that supposedly sells machines wholesale to schools and sells the overstock to the public at a lower price. It is a Necchi and has a slew of decorative stitches, etc. I bought it for around $400 and it has been wonderful. So there are deals out there. But until you really know what constitutes a good machine, I really advocate going to a shop and trusting the people that work there (unless you get the upselling vibe, then flee! :LOL)

[LuvMy2Kidz]

I agree with Julie, get as much machine as you can afford. Learning to sew on a cheap machine willmake you quite frustrated and you'll want to give up. I started on a 200.00 White and it was THE most frustrating piece of junk. I gaveup sewing after making a small dress. 2 years later I invested in a Pfaff, best 750.00 I EVER spent. I love sewing on it and all the problems I was having that I "thought" were my fault, were actually b/c of the crappy machine I was trying to sew on. A good machine will make you WANT to sew

[Hey Mama!]

I just started sewing my own diapers. At first I got a Singer, it was a piece of crap! I had to fight with it every few stitches and the darn thing broke after only using it a couple of times. I took it back and got a cheapy Brother and I love it! I think it is prudent to buy and cheaper machine to learn on, and to make sure you actually enjoy sewing before buying the more expensive models. I love it so far and envision getting a better model or a serger down the road.

[LinzluvsGJ]

I have a Singer model 5050 and love it! My mom has been using a similar model singer since I was in early Grade school and it still chugging along great for her, though in need of a tune up lately due to tension issues and needs oiled. She used to do all her own maintenance on it though when she worked in a sewing factory. The model I have was $150 at Walmart and has more features than I need on it (50 stitch functions and some decorative embroidery stitches). It has worked very well for sewing clothing and diapers so far. Half of the battle was reading my manual in depth and learning for myself when to switch to a different type of needle and change my tension so that I wouldn't break the needle while sewing with the heavier materials. Once I got past those few days of figuring out when to change things around a bit, it has worked great!

[heidismom]

Hi! I agree with everyone about avoiding a cheap machine... you'll get so frustrated you won't want to sew. I recently got my first new machine (always had cheap used ones) and REALLY wish I'd spent the $300 years ago. I got a Janome 423 and I love it! It works great on knits (so you can get by without a serger) and has done well on both diaper and clothing projects as well as heavy slipcovers. Most dealers will give a free 1 hour lesson with purchase so you really learn how to use it.

Let us know when you get a machine and start sewing. Good Luck!

Laura