Sewing Machines

[Marishae]

I'm looking to get into sewing my own clothes... and pouches and stuff like that... I'm looking to get a sewing machine this weekend or next... and I'm wondering if anyone has opinions on a good starting machine that performs decently, is user friendly, and isn't too expensive... I'm not looking to spend more than $200.00 unless of course it's absolutely necessary... Not looking to do anything too difficult yet, as I'm not that experienced. I remember taking sewing in home-ec... but god, that was eons ago... lol But, I've had these "designs" for clothes and stuff in my mind, and really need and want a creative outlet for them... =) So, if anyone can be of any assistance in helping me choose the appropriate sewing machine, I would appreciate it! (Oh, and I'm taking sewing lessons next weekend and then an advanced class 2 weekends after that! They just popped up - it is meant to be! =) )

[Pandoras]

I don't sew but my mother does. She suggests that when buying a machine, you put into it the most you can afford. While a good sewing machine will last you many years, an inexpensive one could not only break sooner, but it will not meet your demands as your knowledge and experience grows. It won't be long before you'll want another, better sewing machine. Think of it as an investment.

Before purchasing, consider the options you want on a sewing machine. Make a list of the kind of sewing you do (or plan to do). What kind of accessories you use (or plan to). Not all machines can embroider, for instance. Research the different brands; most of them have websites. At a store, be prepared to test the machine. Check the tension, take fabric samples and spools with any special threads to play with, check the features. Find out about servicing the machine, can it be fixed locally or would you have to ship it for repairs.

If price is really an issue, consider buying a used or reconditioned sewing machine. Some of these machines have been very lightly used, and might even come with a warranty from the dealer. This is a good option if you're buying your first sewing machine and aren't sure how or how often you'll really use it.

Hope this helps.

[Rhaevyn]

When I got my sewing machine (it was a birthday gift) the most experience I had was on my mom's old Singer. My Dad said they had paid about $1000 for that thing back in the 1970's, but since its most recent check-up (the tensions went all screwy from lack of use), it runs like new again. When we eventually get a house, I'll be inheriting that machine, and I can't wait!

My machine is a Viking Husqvarna. When we bought it, it was selling for about $800 but we were able to purchase the display model for about $650. We asked the owners of the store (it's a specialty shop, not a chain store or a Wal-Mart type store) for their recommendations. They said that computerized models (like the one I got) generally have less problems with the tension changing and the shifting of the programmed stitches than the machines that use dials to change the stitch type. That was important to me because I was still in college at the time and my machine would be moving with me. I get it checked and oiled regularly, and I have yet to have any problems. It has only basic stitches, and in a way I wish it could do more now, but to be honest I rarely use more than the basics. There are a lot of things that I like about my machine that my mom's machine doesn't do. They're mostly convenience things (like the "Fix" button) due to the fact that it's computerized, but they do make it a little easier on me.

I agree with all of Pandoras' advice, too, and want to reiterate a few of her points: Try to go to a place where you can test out the machines and talk to the specialists. They'll be the ones who can give you the ins and outs of each machine they sell, which will help you decide if certain "special features" are really necessary for you and the projects you plan to do. Definitely get the best machine you can afford and that covers your needs, even if it's a used machine. And "best machine you can afford" doesn't mean that an off-brand with more frills is necessarily better. It's more important to have a great machine with only the basics than to have a machine with more fancy stitches you will never use and that will probably break after a month. I'm biased towards Viking Husqvarna and Singer, as they're the brands I've mostly used--mine and a friend's were both Vikings, my mom's and the one belonging to the mom of another friend were Singers...I also helped a friend on a project where she used a Brother, but we swear that machine was created in the depths of hell, but I'm sure every brand has its share of good machines and its share of lemons.

I hope you enjoy sewing as much as I have. With every project I've made, I've done something new and even more personalized and exciting. It sounds like you have several projects in mind...you'll have to start up a thread to show off your projects as you let those creative juices flow!

[Marishae]

Yeah, Singer is probably what I'm looking at. I'm planning on going to JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts to look at what machines they have. I'll let you all know how things go! =)

[Keroberos]

I have a couple of machines, they're both in good condition, problem is I don't use them often and I don't have space for them. I'd be willing to part with one for like 100$. If you're interested PM me. I still have the manuals and everything.

[BrigidMoon]

I'd look into a used one if you don't have tons of money to spend. The paper may have some or there is a shop around here that sells used ones :)

[Marishae]

OMG! What a pathetic joke!!! I went into JoAnn Fabrics & Crafts... tons of awesome fabric - gave me some ideas... but... the only machines they sell are a brand named "White" and they are all in a box - none out for testing... OMG! What the heck happened to this store?!?! I remember when I was young, there were tons of machines displayed and available for testing... and all different brands... I told the clerk that their store was pathetic and a joke! She didn't seem phased... I am so upset now! I looked and there were a couple at Wal-Mart that I might have to go with - that are Singer brand... but, I'm going to hold off until next weekend when I can talk to the instructor of the sewing class I'm taking and see if she knows anywhere else around our area that I can look into machines, and also what type I will need for what I want to do.

[VelvetBlade]

I bought a new machine a month or so ago. I asked the clerk whether she recommended Brother or Singer and why. She said "Let me put it this way...they both do the same things, but we have far MORE returns for mechanical problems with Singer than with Brother". So me and my new Brother promptly went to the check out counter..lol


~AW

[MorningDove030202]

I'm so lucky I live by a Handcock's Fabrics..........

I'm looking to make a robe of some kind, but I'm not sure what. I have decided I'm going to "bead" it with some amethyst chip beads I got for my birthday. I'm looking for something with out dangerous fire atracting sleaves....LOL

Happy Sewing everyone!

Dove

[Rhaevyn]

Erk...I go to JoAnn's because it's the nearest store to me, but I've always had lousy luck with them for virtually everything. Hancock's is a half hour away from me, too...I had luck with them when I was in college, but now I can't justify going the distance when I have bolts of fabric for other projects to complete first. *blush* Smaller stores tend to be more expensive, but the help you get is generally worth it.

I bought a new machine a month or so ago. I asked the clerk whether she recommended Brother or Singer and why. She said "Let me put it this way...they both do the same things, but we have far MORE returns for mechanical problems with Singer than with Brother". So me and my new Brother promptly went to the check out counter..lol
Hrmmm...you know, the Singers I've used were both from the 1970's or 1980's which means the quality controls in producing the machines have probably changed. Then again, if the store's selling more Singer machines, then it would be logical for more of those to come back. But who knows...any machine that's been properly taken care of will probably have fewer problems. *hugs her machine*

Anyway, Marishae--Good idea about waiting until you can talk to your sewing instructor. Speaking from the retail point of view, if she stands nothing to gain from it, she won't be trying to "sell you" on any machine over another. Her advice will be probably be exactly what you need, from an economic and utilitarian point of view, plus it will be good to find out where the best stores are around you.

Best of luck to you!

[Marishae]

Thanks, Rhaevyn! =) And from what I hear, the teacher is excellent. One of the girls that is taking the registrations from the class said she knew nothing of sewing, and just in the one class was able to learn where all the buttons were, what all the functions do, yadda yadda yadda and is now a fairly decent sewer. She said the teacher is really good and knows her stuff. So, I figure, something has been telling me to hold off, so I better listen to it. Bad things happen when I don't listen to that inner voice! lol =) Plus, at least after I take the class I'll better know a sewing machine in general and what features to look for for the projects I want to do. =)