What's a good sewing machine to purchase for your home?

Question

I've never owned a sewing machine before, but I want something easy that I could do very simple items i.e curtains, alterations et cetera.

Answer 1

It will depend very much on what you want to sew, how often you want to sew, and how much you want to spend.  I have different machines for different types of sewing and different purposes.  Some were horrifically expensive (but worth every penny to me!), and some came free!  Some are large, and some are tiddly...  They are all good at what they do, and suited to their purpose.  But if you just one one good all-round general sewing machine, you'll need to shop around to find something you like.

Try reading this FAQ, http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm and making a list of all the things you think the machine MUST be able to do.  Then go down and try a few out at your local store.  Give them a good work-out on the types of fabric you want to use.  And remember that however 'good' a machine might be, if it doesn't suit you, don't buy it.  You'll fight with it and learn only to hate sewing!  Have a budget in mind, but have a little flexibility in that idea too.

Pre-loved machines are usually a very good bet for beginners as you get a better machine for the money, especially if you keep it simple and don't mind an older, heavier machine.  The shop may also be able to offer lessons in the type of sewing you want to do.

Answer 2

Low priced machines that are good include Singer, White, and Brother. Kenmore is a good machine but Sears/KMart will bug you endlessly to buy the extended warrantee which is a waste of money, and who wants to be pestered that much.

Higher end machines that are good include Pfaff, Bernina and Husqvarna.

.

Answer 3

It all depends on the amount of sewing you are going to be doing. I wouldn't spend a lot of money on a machine you will pull out a few times a year to mend miscellaneous items. (Singer, Kenmore, etc.)

If you are going to be using this alot (more than mending), I would invest in a nice mid-priced one with lots of stitches and functionality (Bernina, Vikings, Janomes). These higher priced machines, will last longer than the lower priced ones if used alot.

I have the EuroPro Shark Model 9110, a Viking (about 9 yrs. old) and an old singer from 1992. I use all the machines for different things. My singer works well on heavy duty fabrics, my viking can be used for just about all, but my Shark is my main machine. Again, I use all the different machines for different things. Think about how often you will use your machine and what you would use it for and then you can make a better decision on which machine to choose.

Answer 4

kay has a very good point, most places that specialize in sewing machine sales will offer lessons on how to operate it.  the nice part is that the store will usually back their product.  stay away from the $200 brother, singer, ect. they are made poorly.  try a babylock, janome, or pfaff.  happy sewing!

Answer 5

Casual Hobbyists and Merchants alike are welcome to join and share their crafts.  Those trying to make some money on the side will enjoy the ability to sell their very own home-grown creations on sewforum.org.  Those that are new to the hobby will be able to inquire within and take part in the many discussion so register today!

http://www.sewforum.org

Sew and Say what you want!

Answer 6

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

If at all possible, buy from a reputable local sewing machine dealer.  There's enough of a learning curve that those initial "how to use the machine" lessons can make life so much easier.