Beginner costumer: Sewing machine?

Question

I've been into crochet and needlepoint for years, recently got into knitting. Now I'd like to pick up sewing for quilting, clothes- and costume-making. My question is: What should I look for in a sewing machine?

I will be working with wide array of fabrics (from thin silk or lace to leather and decorator fabrics). What features should I look for so I know the machine can handle this?

How important is the number of pre-programmed stitches?

What price range should I look at? I've seen machines from $70 up to $400+ ...

Answer 1

I wouldn't spend much if I were you. Just starting out you don't need much. I am a sewing machine tech and collector. I would not advise anyone to buy a cheap plastic machine from any MegaMart type store. 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. Tell the tech you are a quilter and he will pay special attention to adjusting the machine for nice even straight stitches. 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.

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.

Answer 2

For your First machine you need basice stitches and a Automatic Buttonhole maker . Between $200.00 & $300.00 is about right .Also look for All Metal Gears on the inside , it will run smoother and last longer. Good Luck ;))))

Answer 3

I suggest that you start out with a very basic machine.Not too

light in weight and a few decorative stitches. You will find that

you straight stitch more than anything. A Buttonhole stitch or

attachment would be helpful. I find that among the machines

I have, I use the most simple one the most.

As far as the different fabrics are concerned, all you need there is the proper needles. You may also learn about the

different feet for different types of sewing or embellishing.

Make sewing fun by starting out with simple things to make.

You learn a lot as you sew more and more.

And as you become more experienced, you can even combine sewing with knitting, crocheting and needlepoint.

I wish you fun and success.

Ingrid

Answer 4

You really need to do some footwork on this.  :)  First read this: http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm

Then make a list of all the features you need.  I do a lot of the type of sewing you want to do, and my list of essentials reads:

Easy to control: MUST sew really slowly!

Impeccable straight stitch

excellent buttonholes

excellent blind hem (with adjustable blind hem foot)

drop feeddogs for freemotion quilting

excellent three-step zigzag

multiple needle positions

eyelet plate for laced bodices/corsets

Stitches through multiple layers of Denim/curtain fabric with ease

The machine also needs to be heavy enough not to be dragged off the table by a heavy skirt (I've had this happen: NOT a pretty end for a machine!)

Take you list and some sample fabrics down to the sewing machine shop and test all the machines the engineer (NOT a sales droid - the person who fixes up the broken machines!) recommends.  Remember that you can often get a really good deal in a used machine...

For MOST of my custom work I use a Husqvarna Lily 550.  This has the essential eyelet plate as an accessory, and does 10 different button holes.  I've sewn through the solid head of a safety pin without harming it.  It's now well out of date, but still tough as any new electronic machine you can find.  A few turn up here and there in the pre-loved machine market.  It was a Top Of The Line non-embroidery machine in its day, with a list price close to £1100 when I bought it 10 years ago.  There really is no need to go to all that expense: I rarely use many of the  240 stitches!  I DO use the buttonholes, and to get that many, you need to look at a fairly pricey electronic machine.  However, a Bernina 1008 will do 90% of what you want for about £475.  It's a lovely mechanical machine, easy to use, and I use a 1005 (slightly older model with fewer stitches) for teaching both adults and kids.

A cheap, light weight machine will not cope with the type of fabrics, the bulk, and the weight of things like costumes and quilts.

The number of pre-programmed is not at all important.  What is more important is the quality of the stitching.

Answer 5

I have a Kenmore for the early 70's.  All metal and strong as a tank.  I would suggest getting an older machine and having it tuned up.  So many of the newer "starter" machines are plastic junk and will not hold up to heavy use.  Ive heard also they can jump around a bit.  I sew tons of denim and my machine can do it.  Helpeful hint, use good quality needles and change them out from time to time, they dont stay sharp forever.  I use schmitz (sp) needles-they last a long time and are very smooth sewing.  Check out your local thrift store or craigslist.  Usually when you find a machine in a thrift store, its fine and just needs a tune up.

Answer 6

Look for one that has power to it, with metal gears, especially when sewing heavier fabrics.  If I were you, see if someone has one to sell, like an all metal sewing machine either from a private party or from a sewing machine shop.

Have a New Home, 1980's, and it a good workhorse, sews through 6 layers of heavy upholstery fabric; I love my machine.  It was given to me cause it didn't work and I fixed it; free is a good deal!

Have Sear's kenmore (its Janome brand) paid, 200, two years ago, its electronic and has a few more types of stitches, its quiet, smooth, easy to use; has what I need and want in a sewing machine.  Made sure it had metal gears and I researched to see what others thought of it before purchasing.

Answer 7

I also have a Bernina from the 70's and it sews through anything and like Nancy said , they are expensive. My friend had a moderate priced Kenmore and it sewed very well. I would make sure it comes with a one-step buttonholer because you will eventually want to do buttonholes. The one I have is a built in four- step and I can never get two the same.

You should go to a dealer and try a few out to see how they run.  Pfaff, Janome and Husqavarna are also good names.

Below is a link to Consumer Reports to help you decide.

Answer 8

I've sewn for years.  My sewing machine has a few pre programmed stitches but I use the straight stitch and zigzag almost exclusively.  Unless you have the time and energy to use extras, I would recommend spending less on a machine that has the zig zag only.  I have a Bernia and have had it for over 35 years.  However, they are expensive.  You can pick up any machine, Singer, Brother, White and be just as happy, especially since you are just starting out.  You can always spend more later.

Answer 9

Look for good buttonholes.  Beyond that, you'll need straight and zigzag of good quality, and maybe a few decorative stitches.  It would also behoove you to learn to blindhem on a machine, so add stretch and regular blindhem stitches to that.

Most of the rest can be lived without, quite easily.

And you'll probably need a serger.

Have you looked at costumes.org?  Some good stuff for costumers there.