[tricia80]

Hello i am new to this portion of mothering... im lookin more into simplicity living and have decided i want to learn how to sew.. what would be a good starter machine for someone who has no clue about sewing....

i need one relatively cheap since im a starving-single-student momma... :LOL but i also want it dependable.... are there any brands to stay away from??

thanks in advance

 

[pageta]

Stay away from Walmart. I've heard nothing but bad things about those machines. To find a good machine, go to your local sew and vac shop. They should have used ones for reasonable prices and they know which ones break down a lot and which ones don't. They also will show you how to use the machine, which is very helpful to a beginner.

 

[tricia80]

bump

 

[fourgrtkidos]

I got a used Kenmore at a garage sale for 5 $. It has worked well. Figured when I get better I will buy a nicer one.

 

[puddingpop]

Hi Tricia, if you wanted to buy a new machine, I'd purchase a Janome Jem Gold or a 419S -- both are good basic machines for learning on but should last you a long time.

And a reputable dealer can be your best friend when you're making a decision (look for free lessons and an upgrade policy if you think you may want to upgrade within the next year or so). And as Tana said, he/she should be able to point out used machines worth purchasing.

 

[laurabfig]

I got a used Bernina on ebay for what I would have paid for a lesser-quality machine new. It is a great machine. I've also heard good things about Viking, White, Janome, and Elna to name a few. I have heard bad things about Singers (ironically that is the name most people think is quality!) Joann stores carry viking and white and they give free service and teach you how to use it for free if you purchase a machine from them. HTH!

 

[sarahbay]

you can find good used sewing machines around. Ive gotten a great Viking for $20 from the thrifty store. An old singer from a garage sale,

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and my mom just picked up a Pfaff from the thrift store for $25!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you want a spankin brand new machine, get one that will last. You'll have to shell out about $300-$400 bucks though, but it's worth it.

You do not need one with fancy stitches, the same power and grade is in a simple one for half the price.

I got my first NEW machine by Elna! Love it, it's my baby. I've had her for about 6 yrs now and it runs great!

 

[sandsprite]

Here are a few simple things to look for. you really don't need one that does every fancy stitch out there. straight stitch, zig zag and the button holer is the only thing you really primairily use. Everything else is just fancy stuff you might use 0.01% of the time. but get a reliable machine. I have a Pfaff, but you can just phone a sewing machine repair shop and see which one they recomend, cuz they really do know which ones don't break down for a long time and which ones to steer clear of. And if you get used, which you can. My mothers machine, can't remember the brand is older than I am and still works great, especially after she gets it tuned up. (i.e. basic cleaning, tension settings & timing checked and set) And I have a friend who sews better than me on a sewing machine she inherited from her grandmother. (not electric, pedal style)

 

[LuvMy2Kidz]

Stay far far far away from White Machines....they suck

 

[3bees~1flower]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pageta Stay away from Walmart. I've heard nothing but bad things about those machines. To find a good machine, go to your local sew and vac shop. They should have used ones for reasonable prices and they know which ones break down a lot and which ones don't. They also will show you how to use the machine, which is very helpful to a beginner.

i got my Singer at Wal-mart for $200 and it has worked great! what's wrong with getting one at Wal-mart?

 

[tricia80]

Are their certain brands that are better than others??? im looking on ebay... and stuff but dont know which brands to stay away from... im also gonna start looking in thrift stores...

where can i learn all the sewing terminology... some of the posts on here get me soo confused... :LOL

 

[tricia80]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvMy2Kidz Stay far far far away from White Machines....they suck

Is that brand name???

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[Carolinamidwife]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvMy2Kidz Stay far far far away from White Machines....they suck

Not all of them. I have this one: http://www.whitesewing.com/1730.asp and it's pretty cool! I think if you are just out to sew for yourself and not professionally they are decent. I went to a Viking store and had a long session with the woman there and she said they are good starter machines.

Do, however, stay far away from Singers built in the last 20 years.