I’m thinking about taking up clothes-making as a hobby. I’ve never done anything like this before and so would be starting out really basic, but would eventually like to progress onto things like darts, puffed sleeves etc. I have no idea which sort of sewing machine is best for a beginner like me, but I really like the old-fashioned vintage black Singer sewing machines. Are these any good? Also, any suggestions of types of machines?
Visit as many sewing machine dealers as you can.
Tell them what you want to do and how much you can afford.
They will show you machines within your budget, and let you try out the machine. They may also offer lessons.
Take notes and then you select the machine and dealer you like best.
All the brands make excellent machines and will have a model that fits your need.
Making darts and puffed sleeves does not take any special machine as these techniques can also be done by hand sewing as well.
February 4th, 2010 at 9:23 am
u can’t go wrong with a singer or brother as a starter model
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February 4th, 2010 at 9:58 am
The old vintage sewing machines are better quality than anything made today. All you need for sewing is straight stitch, reverse, and zigzag. Any Singer up to the early 400 models have all metal innards — something that only "industrial strength" machines have now. If you take care of a vintage Singer or Singer clone, it will outlive you.
The best were made in Italy, in the mid-1900’s. The second best machines were made in Japan, after World War II (circa 1950 and later.) If you look in your newspaper or on your local CraigsList, you should be able to pick up a good used machine for around $25. If you ask on FreeCycle, many people have old machines they would like to see go to a good home, where they will be used and appreciated. Another place to look is your local vac & sew store. Many people "trade up" their sewing machines, and good basic models are plentiful and inexpensive.
I would look for something like a Singer FashionMate model 237, a Necchi BU, or a Kenmore zigzag model 158 series. I’ve used all of those, and any of them will do everything you need for clothing construction. They are all high quality machines, with better construction than anything you can buy new today.
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30 years of Personal experience in sewing, alterations and quilting, Yahoo discussion group vintagesingers@yahoogroups.com
February 4th, 2010 at 10:22 am
The only Singer I would get would be a vintage one. The ones made today for home sewing are not the quality they once were. I was a Singer sewer for over 35 years. When it came time to buy a new machine, I went with the Kenmore 18221. I got it at Sears for about $150.00 on sale. It has everything I want and will sew everything I throw at it. I make all my clothes, bedroom outfit(Curtains, bedspread, shams, dust ruffle). Also pumped out 17 Fleece Snuggles for Christmas. It doesn’t miss a beat. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good machine. As great as some Vintage machines can be, they are better if you have some knowledge of sewing. I would opted for an inexpensive(dependable)new machine at this point. You will get warranties and an instruction book. I’ve always felt that 50% of sewing is knowing your machine.
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36 years of sewing.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:27 am
A mechanical (not computerized) machine won’t let you down. You can always upgrade as your skills increase. Do NOT buy an odd brand nobody has ever heard of, like dressmaker or anything you can buy at Walmart. Find a sewing machine dealer and see if they have any trade in models you can try out. Also, look for one with a "free arm" which is a lifesaver when it comes to sleeves and cuffs. Really old machines don’t generally have one.
Welcome to sewing. I absolutely LOVE the creativity I can express with it.
BTW, I have a Bernina 165 which I absolutely adore. But it was VERY expensive and I traded up probably three times before I got it.
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February 4th, 2010 at 10:46 am
Visit as many sewing machine dealers as you can.
Tell them what you want to do and how much you can afford.
They will show you machines within your budget, and let you try out the machine. They may also offer lessons.
Take notes and then you select the machine and dealer you like best.
All the brands make excellent machines and will have a model that fits your need.
Making darts and puffed sleeves does not take any special machine as these techniques can also be done by hand sewing as well.
References :