How much does a good sewing machine cost? and where can i buy a good one?

Question

How much does a good sewing machine cost? and where can i buy a good one?

Answer 1

I can't add much to Kay's answer.  Here are some of the better brands:

http://www.bernina.com/

(LOVE my Bernina 1005 sewing machine and Bernina 1150MDA serger)

http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/uk/index....

(Dearly love my Lily550 sewing machine, even after 10 years hard wear, and loved my Huskylock 910 serger before it died)

http://www.pfaffmachines.co.uk/index.htm...

(Great machines, but they don't fit my fingers)

http://www.janome.co.uk/

(Lots of folk love them, but I'm unimpressed so far: not met one I'd take home unless they gave it to me!)

Look at the main ranges of them all: the budget ranges are bought in rather than built by the main company, and are not as good.  Bernettes aren't worth looking at.  Dunno much about the Pfaff ones...  Janome seem to do some excellent budget machines, but I'm not impressed with their main range...

You need to do your research and try a lot of machines.  If these are beyond the budget, look at things like Elna, Frister & Rossman, Toyota...

Answer 2

Define good. <g>

Here's my standard answer for beginners wanting a sewing machine:

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 3

It all depends on what you want to do.  My bernina cost $900 in 1990 and it is still in working order, though since getting my Pfaff that cost $1700 not as much because the pfaff does a lot more in the way of stitches.

If you are going into the field of fashion I would definatly reccommend one of these 2 brands for the durability.

if you are just planning on sewing for fun go to your local fabric store and find the machine for the best price that will do what you want.  A lot of these will also offer free lessons if you buy the machine with them.

Answer 4

Sears Kenmore  for around $200.00  ;)))

Answer 5

I bought mine off www.amazon.com for about $20 and works great