Sewing Machine?

[Itlbokay]

Can anyone give me a recommendation on what to look for in a sewing machine, or recommend one? I am a novice, but want something that will have features I may want when I get more knowledgable.

TIA

[sabrinat]

Price range, what do you want to do with it?

[Itlbokay]

Price range - nothing over $300

I would like to be able to do clothes alterations, sew costumes for the kids, maybe get into quilting down the road.

[royaloakmi]

Honestly, I love my Sears (Kenmore) machine. I got it in grad school as a christmas present and it has been a real workhorse. I think it was about a $125 on sale (about 10 years ago)

It's your basic stitches, back and forwards and nothing computerized. Even when it's gotten all jammed up, I've been able to take things a part a bit and get it working again (and I am NOT mechanically inclined). The instruction manual has been great too.

I've done everything you're talking about, quilting, costumes, home decor stuff. It's really basic and that's what I like about it

[Princessessjay]

I have a brother that is basic also, like the pp's. I work that thing all the time! I've had it for almost 4 years and for the last couple years I've used it an hour a day on average.

[afishwithabike]

Just make sure it has a good button holer. I can't stand a machine that doesn't have a good button holer. Sorry it's a peeve of mine.

[sabrinat]

I was just a B&N looking at the latest sewing news and it had a ad for huskystar starting at $149. I know the 224 Huskystar is selling for around $199 and offers tons of features. This machine is made by Janome. Also there is a clearance on the Janome 8080 at Sears and I have heard it going for as little as $129. Also The Brother cs6000 sell at a well known but despised big box store for under $200 and gets great reviews on patternreview. Go test driving. Keep in mind that many dealers will try to sell you more machine than you need. You can always trade up if you need to. I ended up getting way more machine than I needed. I love my machine, but If I had it to do it over I would have spent half as much

[doelkers]

This is the one I have and I love it. Sewing Machine

[Itlbokay]

Love the tips!

How about a light? A walking foot? I saw both of these features in a sewing magazine I bought.

Do those with more experience find features like these important?

[luvdisny]

Remember when buying a machine at the big box places, while it may have a reputable name to it, many of the machines are made with plastic parts in order to have that low cost.

I recommend going to your local sewing machine sales and repair center. Many times they have models that were traded in that are still in very good condition. Most places will even offer some kind of 30/60/90 day warrenty on the refurbished ones. Also, shop when the new models are coming out. My store usually offers a deal on machines that they are no longer going to carry.

I also recommend using a sewing machine store because many offer classes on how to use your machine and also sewing classes in general.

Good luck on your search for the machine that is perfect for you.

P.S. I have a Pfaff Hobby 1122. here I love it. I use it for piecing quilt tops. I hand quilt all my quilts.