Where can i buy a cheap good working sewing machine??

Question

I really want to learn how to sew but i don't have alot of money to buy a sewing machine so i want to know if there are any stores with good sewing machines that aren't to expensive.

Answer 1

You can buy it from

http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&...

Hope this helps

Good luck!

Answer 2

Of the cheapies from the big box stores, I'd probably go with Sears Kenmore, as they're Janome in disguise.  I'd certainly argue for a decent used machine that's had a good go over from a local repair shop -- it's amazing some of the nice machines that come in for service and never get picked up.  Many local dealers will also offer you a trade-in option on used machines, at least for a limited period of time, perhaps a year or two.

If you're in the least bit mechanical or you've got someone in the family who loves to tinker, you might also consider a thrift store or yardsale machine.  I've literally pulled machines off curbs the night before garbage collection, given them a basic cleaning and oiling, and perhaps a little electrical repair (why DO people persist in pulling cords out of wallsockets by the cord instead of the plug?) and sent them on to new homes.  Got a note the other day that at least a couple of the machines I rehabbed for a boys and girls club are still sewing 15+ years later.  <g>  If this is interesting, then join the yahoo group "wefixit".

Otherwise, my best 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 3

Wal Mart has them for about $90.00. You can buy a used one for a lot cheaper but then you will have to have it tuned and cleaned before you can run it, so you will not end up saving any money.

Whatever machine you buy, make sure you budget for an annual tuneup and cleaning by a professional. It will stop working properly if you don't.

.

Answer 4

Cheap and good don't really go together with sewing machines...  Not for new ones, anyway!  First read this: http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm

Then go to your local sewing machine store and talk to the engineer (the fella that mends them, not a sales droid!) about pre-loved sewing machines.