Sewing machine for a beginner??

Question

I would love to (try to) make some clothes.. and wanted to know of a sewing machine that is very simple and basic to use.. and is affordable..any ideas?

THANKS!

Answer 1

Jersey, fwiw, is not an easy knit for a beginner.  It rolls on the cross grain, and is stretchy and unstable.  If you can start with a more stable knit like an interlock, you'll be happier.  If at all possible, I prefer to serge jerseys rather than sew on a conventional sewing machine.  As to stitches, most modern machines have a stretch stitch or three, but good old basic zigzag works well as a stretch stitch.  You can also sew stretch knits with a straight stitch with a little practice -- you must stretch the seam during construction.

As far as beginner sewing machines, here's my standard advice:

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 2

The local auction barn, or a garage sale.  

Answer 3

I bought an old Singer sewing machine at Goodwill and it works great. Later, I found out that it has metal gears when lots of new ones have plastic gears. Because of that, it is the only home machine that will sew through leather and several layers of denim. Whoo-hoo!! I really lucked out. I've had it for years and love it. Electric, variable width zigzag stitch etc. and only cost $10. Everything I wanted--so check out the thrift stores.

Answer 4

Try a local sewing machine repair/sales shop. They get in a lot of older machines for trade and sell them off cheap to clear room.  Stick with a good one suck as Elna, Pfaff or a pre-70's Singer.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I do not think a garage sale is a good idea.  You get those old machines with all the complicated attachments.  You can get a very good basic singer for a descent price.  I've had a basic Singer for a long time and I sew wedding dresses, and other formals.  If the machine has a zig zag stitch where you can make button holes and other zig zags of various sizes as well as doing a variety of straight stitches, that's all you  need....especially if you're a beginner.  Don't go with a cheaper brand like a Brother though.  I recomment Singer.  They're a great machine for a good price.

Answer 6

Kenmore 16231 - Sold only at Sears, good basic mechanical sewing machine with a drop in bobbin.  

Singer 7442 - Basic electronic machine, plenty of stitches and an automatic one-step buttonhole.

Both are about $200