Hi, I'm looking into getting a sewing machine. I'm a beginner, never used a sewing machine before. I've done some research but it seems like a lot of machines have various problems. I would prefer something easy to use and gets the job done (I want to mainly tailor and hem clothes). I would also like it to be under $200. What are good models you recommend, and have you used any before? If so, which ones to get or avoid?
Great Sewing Machine? Need Recommendations!
04/25/2012
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Singer is always a good bet (one of the oldest brands out there) and my mom just bought a Brother off of ebay for about half price, I have heard good things about them too.
If you have a sewing machine shop around you might want to go in and test some of them. While you are there ask the clerk about them. You could also go to a Jo Ann fabrics store and ask them. They always have good advice as they listen to the customers all day.
If you have a sewing machine shop around you might want to go in and test some of them. While you are there ask the clerk about them. You could also go to a Jo Ann fabrics store and ask them. They always have good advice as they listen to the customers all day.
04/25/2012
I've got a Brother that I picked up at Wal-mart and, unlike their printers, it's a great little machine.
04/25/2012
Quote:
I actually shot my Brother printer with my shot gun, pissed me right the hell off.
Originally posted by
Sammi
I've got a Brother that I picked up at Wal-mart and, unlike their printers, it's a great little machine.
04/25/2012
Quote:
LOL! Sounds like a good use of a shot gun
Originally posted by
ToyTimeTim
I actually shot my Brother printer with my shot gun, pissed me right the hell off.
04/25/2012
My friend recently got a Singer Inspiration and apparently loves it. I think it is under $200.
04/26/2012
Quote:
Really? I love my Brother printer.
Originally posted by
ToyTimeTim
I actually shot my Brother printer with my shot gun, pissed me right the hell off.
04/26/2012
Singer all the way! My grandmother had an antique singer that was powered by a foot pedal that still works to this day.
If you are really new to sewing I suggest you buy a basic model, none of those programmable with a freakin computer inside them models. Get a nice basic model with good quality. Look for a nice solid model, think of it like buying a car, kick the tires a few times. The large Jo-Ann stores will often have all the sewing machines out on display and hooked up so you can test drive them. I suggest you give them a try, if only to see how they feel.
And ToyTimeTim, I totally think that a shot gun is the appropriate way to deal with a Brother sewing machine. If you ask me that company should stick to making label machines and leave the sewing machine industry alone!
If you are really new to sewing I suggest you buy a basic model, none of those programmable with a freakin computer inside them models. Get a nice basic model with good quality. Look for a nice solid model, think of it like buying a car, kick the tires a few times. The large Jo-Ann stores will often have all the sewing machines out on display and hooked up so you can test drive them. I suggest you give them a try, if only to see how they feel.
And ToyTimeTim, I totally think that a shot gun is the appropriate way to deal with a Brother sewing machine. If you ask me that company should stick to making label machines and leave the sewing machine industry alone!
04/26/2012
I have the Brother LS2125i and it's great for someone who isn't looking to do highly complicated stuff. I'm a beginner and I've been able to do some really awesome stuff on it. (Alterations, making dresses from scratch, etc.)
It runs under $70. There are tons of different attachments you can get for it and most universal ones fit it. It's easy to use but does some really great stuff. I highly recommend it based on what you're looking for. It was my first machine. I learned everything I know on it.
It runs under $70. There are tons of different attachments you can get for it and most universal ones fit it. It's easy to use but does some really great stuff. I highly recommend it based on what you're looking for. It was my first machine. I learned everything I know on it.
04/26/2012
Quote:
I have the Singer Simple and think it is the most fabuluos machine! I was as beginner as it gets.. probably even worse than a beginner! LOL. I'm still very novice with sewing, but the machine has been a God-send! It's so simple and I learn on it quick, it's the other things that come with sewing that I learn slowly. My singer Simple is good because it will work for about any project it has SOOO many options! I love it.
Originally posted by
Stinkytofu10
Hi, I'm looking into getting a sewing machine. I'm a beginner, never used a sewing machine before. I've done some research but it seems like a lot of machines have various problems. I would prefer something easy to use and gets the job
...
more
Hi, I'm looking into getting a sewing machine. I'm a beginner, never used a sewing machine before. I've done some research but it seems like a lot of machines have various problems. I would prefer something easy to use and gets the job done (I want to mainly tailor and hem clothes). I would also like it to be under $200. What are good models you recommend, and have you used any before? If so, which ones to get or avoid?
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04/26/2012
Quote:
An old Singer-treadle-long arm-swivel foot machine is what I first learned to sew on. It looked just like this-
Originally posted by
NurseKitty
Singer all the way! My grandmother had an antique singer that was powered by a foot pedal that still works to this day.
If you are really new to sewing I suggest you buy a basic model, none of those programmable with a freakin computer inside ... more
If you are really new to sewing I suggest you buy a basic model, none of those programmable with a freakin computer inside ... more
Singer all the way! My grandmother had an antique singer that was powered by a foot pedal that still works to this day.
If you are really new to sewing I suggest you buy a basic model, none of those programmable with a freakin computer inside them models. Get a nice basic model with good quality. Look for a nice solid model, think of it like buying a car, kick the tires a few times. The large Jo-Ann stores will often have all the sewing machines out on display and hooked up so you can test drive them. I suggest you give them a try, if only to see how they feel.
And ToyTimeTim, I totally think that a shot gun is the appropriate way to deal with a Brother sewing machine. If you ask me that company should stick to making label machines and leave the sewing machine industry alone!
less
If you are really new to sewing I suggest you buy a basic model, none of those programmable with a freakin computer inside them models. Get a nice basic model with good quality. Look for a nice solid model, think of it like buying a car, kick the tires a few times. The large Jo-Ann stores will often have all the sewing machines out on display and hooked up so you can test drive them. I suggest you give them a try, if only to see how they feel.
And ToyTimeTim, I totally think that a shot gun is the appropriate way to deal with a Brother sewing machine. If you ask me that company should stick to making label machines and leave the sewing machine industry alone!
less
I can't tell you how much I loved that machine, sew leather like it was butter and the absolute best for sewing patches on biker jackets and repairing shoes/boots. I would love to have one today!
04/26/2012
Can anyone recommend a starter machine that can sew through denim and brocade?
Sadly, my local JoAnn's is the least helpful place on earth. The display machines are not powered, and if you can find someone who works there they know nothing about the machines.
Sadly, my local JoAnn's is the least helpful place on earth. The display machines are not powered, and if you can find someone who works there they know nothing about the machines.
04/26/2012
I have a computerized Janome Threadbanger sewing machine that I LOVE TO DEATH. I paid about 400 dollars for it (it was like half price) and I love being able to adjust everything with the push of a few buttons. I don't even have a pedal to worry about. There's a handy dandy start/stop button on the machine.
I don't have experience with non-computerized Janome models, but pretty much every Janome has really, REALLY good reviews on Amazon. This on seems like a good choice.......As does this one!
I don't have experience with non-computerized Janome models, but pretty much every Janome has really, REALLY good reviews on Amazon. This on seems like a good choice.......As does this one!
04/26/2012
Quote:
this site might help. I find that most machines will sew two layers of denim pretty easy, it gets harder when you are doing more than that though, like a hem at the bottom of pant legs. There you are trying to go through four layers (at the seam), sometimes the foot will not lift high enough or the needle will not go through under the machines own power. This is where you can break needles pretty easy, a good sharp needle will go a long ways here, I just crank the machine by hand.
Originally posted by
Petite Valentine
Can anyone recommend a starter machine that can sew through denim and brocade?
Sadly, my local JoAnn's is the least helpful place on earth. The display machines are not powered, and if you can find someone who works there they know nothing ... more
Sadly, my local JoAnn's is the least helpful place on earth. The display machines are not powered, and if you can find someone who works there they know nothing ... more
Can anyone recommend a starter machine that can sew through denim and brocade?
Sadly, my local JoAnn's is the least helpful place on earth. The display machines are not powered, and if you can find someone who works there they know nothing about the machines. less
Sadly, my local JoAnn's is the least helpful place on earth. The display machines are not powered, and if you can find someone who works there they know nothing about the machines. less
Since brocade is similar in thickness to denim, I am guessing it's pretty much the same.
If you want to be assured that you can sew anything you could get one like mine. But it was not cheap, around a grand new. Probably to much for most, I know, but I can sew anything that will fit under the foot, even tooling leather. I was told that I can sew silk with the Teflon foot they gave me, have not tried yet.
Its a Yamata, basically a Chinese Juki (Japan).
04/26/2012
I have a brother cs6000i
works well enough for me..
works well enough for me..
04/26/2012
Quote:
OMG that's totally my grandma's machine. I told her to leave it for me in her will, I don't want one of mu family members to grab it and sell it as a collectors item. I'll actually use it!
Originally posted by
ToyTimeTim
An old Singer-treadle-long arm-swivel foot machine is what I first learned to sew on. It looked just like this-
I can't tell you how much I loved that machine, sew leather like it was butter and the absolute best for sewing patches on ... more
I can't tell you how much I loved that machine, sew leather like it was butter and the absolute best for sewing patches on ... more
An old Singer-treadle-long arm-swivel foot machine is what I first learned to sew on. It looked just like this-
I can't tell you how much I loved that machine, sew leather like it was butter and the absolute best for sewing patches on biker jackets and repairing shoes/boots. I would love to have one today! less
I can't tell you how much I loved that machine, sew leather like it was butter and the absolute best for sewing patches on biker jackets and repairing shoes/boots. I would love to have one today! less
05/04/2012
Quote:
Not only a great usable antique they will sew through just about any material that will fit under the foot. I am always on the look out for one.
Originally posted by
NurseKitty
OMG that's totally my grandma's machine. I told her to leave it for me in her will, I don't want one of mu family members to grab it and sell it as a collectors item. I'll actually use it!
05/04/2012
My mom has a Berina, it's Scandinavian I believe. Extremely reliable and versatile, but I don't know if they have a model in the $200 price range.
I've actually fixed a bunch (5) of sewing machines for friends before (craigslist buys and thrift store finds)... every one that someone has claimed was unfixable, I was able to get running. So I think no matter where you look you'll be able to make it work. These were all 70's-80's-90's mint, apparently they last well!
I've actually fixed a bunch (5) of sewing machines for friends before (craigslist buys and thrift store finds)... every one that someone has claimed was unfixable, I was able to get running. So I think no matter where you look you'll be able to make it work. These were all 70's-80's-90's mint, apparently they last well!
05/04/2012
Quote:
Oh how I hate my Brother Printer!
Originally posted by
Sammi
I've got a Brother that I picked up at Wal-mart and, unlike their printers, it's a great little machine.
05/04/2012
Quote:
Great idea Tim! I just might do the same with mine!!
Originally posted by
ToyTimeTim
I actually shot my Brother printer with my shot gun, pissed me right the hell off.
05/04/2012
Quote:
ha, I always take "unfixable" as a challenge. Unfixable my ass. lol
Originally posted by
Antipova
My mom has a Berina, it's Scandinavian I believe. Extremely reliable and versatile, but I don't know if they have a model in the $200 price range.
I've actually fixed a bunch (5) of sewing machines for friends before (craigslist ... more
I've actually fixed a bunch (5) of sewing machines for friends before (craigslist ... more
My mom has a Berina, it's Scandinavian I believe. Extremely reliable and versatile, but I don't know if they have a model in the $200 price range.
I've actually fixed a bunch (5) of sewing machines for friends before (craigslist buys and thrift store finds)... every one that someone has claimed was unfixable, I was able to get running. So I think no matter where you look you'll be able to make it work. These were all 70's-80's-90's mint, apparently they last well! less
I've actually fixed a bunch (5) of sewing machines for friends before (craigslist buys and thrift store finds)... every one that someone has claimed was unfixable, I was able to get running. So I think no matter where you look you'll be able to make it work. These were all 70's-80's-90's mint, apparently they last well! less
05/04/2012
I have a Kenmore and I love it. It's my first sewing machine. My boyfriend bought it for me as a birthday present
My granny actually has a Kenmore too. It's damn old. It's built right into the table, you know... She has had hers fixed a couple times and she swears by it.
I'd check out Kenmore as another reliable brand.
My granny actually has a Kenmore too. It's damn old. It's built right into the table, you know... She has had hers fixed a couple times and she swears by it.
I'd check out Kenmore as another reliable brand.
05/04/2012
I don't know if it's great or not, but that big online bookstore has a SINGER 7256 Fashion Mate 70-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine on special today, $120. Out of 19 reviews, 15 are 5-star.
05/06/2012
Total posts: 23
Unique posters: 12