Best brand/model sewing machine for under $200 AUD?

Question

Which sewing machine is best value for under $200 AUD

Just want to make crafty things/simple clothing/etc

Thanks!

Answer 1

If that's your budget, look at pre-loved machines.

Read this:

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

Then make a list of all the things you want to sew, and the types of fabric you want to use.

If you really must stay under $200Au (under £95), pre-loved is your best bet.  Anything new in that price bracket is going to be light weight, cheaply made, and unable to cope with things like denim, thicker shirt fabrics, and layers of crafty stuff.  You will need something with a lot more welly!

Take your wish list along to the sewing machine shop and talk to an engineer rather than a sales droid, and show them pictures of what you want to make.  For clothes and crafty things like quilts, bags, fabric bowls, I like to use an older simple mechanical machine with a decent zigzag and buttonhole stitch when I don't have the fancy electronic wizard (and horribly expensive!) machine available.

This Christmas Stocking was made using an old Singer Treadle (straight stitch only - but it works!): http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/K...

I used my old Viscount 2000 for this baby changing bag: http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/K...

This pic shows the waterproof changing mat: http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/K...

Most of this dress was constructed on an old Singer Featherweight:

http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/K...

The rolled hem was done on a serger, but the rest was sewn like this: http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/K...

On the other hand, the modern Singer I bought a few years back for my mum wouldn't cope with the collar of this shirt, and that was a machine bought new for more than twice your budget: http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/K...

Answer 2

Sears , Kenmore  ;)))