Beginner Sewing Machine Help?

Question

Would you recommend a Brother CS-80 sewing machine?Hi, I'm a 14 year old beginner and I would like to make simple clothes skirts, dresses, shirts, etc. Even a blanket or two.I've never used one, but this will be my first one and I would like to learn how to sew and mend clothes And I was at the thrift store yesterday and got a brand new Brother CS-80 sewing machine for $30 including tax. Its just missing the manual and bobbin.(where can I find a mnual and bobbin) thanks.

I wanted to know.....

-Is Brother a good brand?

-is this a good sewing machine

-especially for a begginer

-Also is it or will it be a good sewing machine for making clothes

-Which sewing machine do most begginers get

-I you don't mind you can quick search the machine on yahoo and check it out to help me with more feedback. Aslo its computerized.

Thanks, =)

Answer 1

http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm

What I want for beginners in sewing:

- a machine that doesn't scare you

- a machine that isn't balky (cheap new machines are often very

  balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable --

  just too frustrating to learn on!)

- very good straight stitch

- good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy)

- a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you

- adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric

  handling issues)

- accessory presser feet that don't cost an arm and a leg

  (machines that use a "short shank foot" typically handle

  generic presser feet pretty well.  Some brands of machines use

  proprietary or very expensive presser feet)

If the budget stretches far enough:

- blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches

- triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications)

- a couple of decorative stitches (you won't use them nearly as

  much as you think)

- electronic machine because of the needle position control and

  because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at

  slow sewing speeds -- mechanical machines often will stall at

  slow speeds.

Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them

to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used

machines you can afford. You'll get a far better machine buying

used than new, and a good dealer is worth their weight in sewing

machine needles when you get a machine problem -- often they can

talk you through the problem over the phone. While you're trying

things out, try a couple of machines (sewing only, not combo

sewing-embroidery) over your price limit, just so you can see

what the difference in stitch quality and ease of use might be.

You may find you want to go for the used Cadillac. Or you might

want the new basic Chevy. Might as well try both out.

Suggested reading: John Giordano's The Sewing Machine Book

(especially for used machines), Carol Ahles' Fine Machine Sewing

(especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg

Hazen's Owner's Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting

Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public

library.

Used brands I'd particularly look for: Elna, Bernina,

Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota

New "bargain brand" I'd probably pick: Janome (who also does Kenmore).

Answer 2

Hi, I am a sewing machine tech and collector. I would not advise anyone to buy a cheap plastic machine, computerized or not. I would be surprised if your machine does not already have problems.  There are so many older machines soooo much better for little costs. Take a look at your local Craigslist.org or thrift shop, yard sales etc. and find yourself a machine that is pre-1980. Most of these machines have steel gears and parts that are not about to break from everyday use. Many are fine machines. Vikings, Pfaffs, Elnas and Berninas are examples of higher end machines but Kenmores, Singers and others are probably easier to find. Normally a good used machine where nothing is broken can be found for under $50.00 then just figure in another $50 to $75 to have it thoroughly gone through (cleaned, oiled and adjusted) by a sewing machine repair guy. Most sewing machine dealers have one or just check your Yellow Pages. Usually a technician will always know where or have used machines available or advise you on what to look for. A top of the line used machine from many years ago is so much better (and maybe heavier) than new cheap ones.

And no, a nice used basic sewing machine is not hard to use at all. If you find one without a manual its easy to get a manual by just searching here on line for 10 -15 dollars.

Good luck to you. Now start looking and you will see many good machines.