I'm buying my own sewing machine?

Question

I've always worked at my mother's. Which was a huge luxury.

But I think it'S time to take the plunge and buy my own. I wouldn't say that I'm a beginner, but I'm still looking for easy usage.

Idea, or just things to look out for are much appreciated.

at best: something that isn't much more than 100 $

Answer 1

You can buy a used one, or go to your local sewing shop, walmart or etc & get one. :) Also, if you have a big lots in your area, or other discount stores, you might check there, too. :) HSN & QVC have good models available & you can do a flex pay, which means you'll be able to get a higher quality machine & just pay for it in monthly installments, rather than all at once. :)

Answer 2

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).

BTW, about 20 years ago I bought a cheapie new sewing machine to replace a failing better machine.  I was on a tight budget.  Wore the machine to unrepairability inside of two years.  That machine cost more per garment made than the much more expensive midline Viking electronic I replaced it with -- about $10/garment vs about $0.20/garment on the electronic, which is still going strong.

Answer 3

For your first machine purchase (under $100), I suggest you try a well preserved older model Singer, Kenmore, Dressmaker, or White sewing machine. Their gears are mainly metal, not plastic, like the new cheap models out there.  They won't have all the bells and whistles that the new ones have, but until you are ready to take the plunge and go higher, they are viable and reliable options. You can find some at your local machine repair shops.  

I have found two good ones from private owners on the Craiglist.com in my area.  They were clean (No rust, dents, or parts missing), tuned up and worked great.   When I am purchasing one from someone that has advertised on CL, I request for a live demonstration of the machine actually stitching/working from the owner, and then I ask if I can try the machine out for myself. I bring my own fabric to test it. If the stitching is smooth and uniform, the speed and gears are not choppy, and the tension is working and can be adjusted, lets me know that the machine has possibilities.  Also try to get one that still has its manual and carrying case.  Hope this helps....

Answer 4

I really wouldn't suggest buying a used machine unless you are sure of the condition.  You could end up buying someone else's problems & spending a lot to get them fixed.  If you know whoever is selling it & can depend on their word to be true, then buy used.

I bought my daughter her own machine last year at Wal-Mart.  I have actually used it myself to make her a Medieval gown.  It is a great machine for the price.  Either that or I got lucky.  Check out what they have:

http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng....

I spent around $100.  They have both Singer and Brother machines.  Both are good.