HELP! Which sewing machine should I buy for making stretchy and summer clothes?

Question

Its been ten years since I've done any sewing, and machines have come a long way since then... I have looked at reviews and many sites. I've also spoken with my mom who is a longtime seamstress. But she has not sewn much spandex and lightweight fabric. She says it tends to bunch up and is hard to work, even with zig zag. She has a surger, so I can borrow hers till I get my own.

There are computerized, electrical, and mechanical sewing machines. I thought a computerized one would be the easiest since it already has stitches and I guess adjusts itself to a point. However there are so many mixed reviews, I don't know.

I wanted to stick with Singer or Brother. Or a company that is easy to deal with for repairs, parts, accessories, etc.

I will be sewing scrunchies, summer clothes/ lightweight and stretchy fabrics, and other lightweight projects.

However, it would be nice to have the option to sew heavier fabrics as well. budget of 4 or 500. Thanks!!!!

Answer 1

Your mom is right, a serger is easier for these sorts of fabrics.  However, you can do a good job with a zigzag machine and the proper needle -- ballpoint or stretch (universals don't handle these fabrics nearly as well).  You may also need some stabilizer.

I personally do not care for Brother or modern Singer machines.  I prefer Elna, Bernina, Viking, Pfaff, Toyota and Juki, but YMMV.   I also have a strong preference for electronic machines because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at slow sewing speeds, which the standard mechanicals can't provide.  They also tend to provide good needle position control.  However, your budget would tend to suggest new mechanical or used electronic.

Suggested reading:

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

John Giordano: The Sewing Machine Book

Carol Ahles: Fine Machine Sewing (the last chapters especially, on machine selection)

Kwik Sew's Swim and Action Wear (especially the chapters on construction)

Go grab some samples of the fabrics you'd like to work with and try some machines.  Then check the reviews at sites like Patternreview.com when you get things narrowed down.