I’m looking for a sewing machine in the <200ish range. I intend to use the machine mostly for sewing clothing. I have read reviews for Singers, Brothers, and others but I am really overwhelmed by the options. Could anyone please suggest to me what features should I be looking out for, or specific models of machines that would fulfill my needs and price range! Thanks in Advance!
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 often are very balky or need adjustments often, and are rarely repairable)
– very good straight stitch
– good zigzag (4-5mm is wide enough, more is a bonus)
– a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you
– adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps with 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
– a couple of decorative stitches (you won’t use them nearly as much as you think!)
– electronic machine because of the needle position controls and because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at slow sewing speeds, unlike mechanicals that 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).
I’m looking for a sewing machine in the <200ish range. I intend to use the machine mostly for sewing clothing. I have read reviews for Singers, Brothers, and others but I am really overwhelmed by the options. Could anyone please suggest to me what features should I be looking out for, or specific models of machines that would fulfill my needs and price range! Thanks in Advance!
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 often are very balky or need adjustments often, and are rarely repairable)
– very good straight stitch
– good zigzag (4-5mm is wide enough, more is a bonus)
– a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you
– adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps with 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
– a couple of decorative stitches (you won’t use them nearly as much as you think!)
– electronic machine because of the needle position controls and because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at slow sewing speeds, unlike mechanicals that 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).
i got accepted to FIDM, but i dont know what sewingmachine to get! i had a singer, but thats too junky for fashion school, i was looking at babylock and pfaff, but i cant find anywhere where the prices are listed, i need help, please help me! i dont want a cheap machinbe, but i would like a embroidary/sewing machine
You might want to find out what machines FIDM uses for teaching… you may be working on commercial industrial machines and will then find the ordinary home machines *much* too slow for you.
If you are going for a home machine, I’d look for extremely good stitch and buttonhole quality — Bernina, Viking, Pfaff, Elna, Juki come to mind. Consider a separate embroidery machine.
I’d also consider a serger ahead of an embroidery machine.
It’s my first time buying a sewing machine, there are so many brands I hardly know which one to choose! >_<
I’m looking for a machine that can embroider, and it would be great if it can connect to a PC.
I was thinking of going for a Singer Futura but, someone recently told me that they’re not very durable, and good quality..
Is there anyone that had trouble with their Futura?
And, are there other brands similar to Futura in price and functions?
Thanks!
DON"T GET A FUTURA! Anything but a Singer.
I’m a sewing machine technician and I see a lot of Futura’s that need fixing. Usually the people don’t want to pay what it costs. If your looking for a PC Embroidering machine I will list the types you should look for in order…
Bernina
Viking
Janome
Good luck.
How much would a Singer 403 Slant-O-Matic Special be worth. Including the facts of multiple original button eyelets, original table in good shape, original thread and button box, original intact manual, original lubricant, and other original attachments are with it. Also key in that it is in working order. I want to know just for laughs. Thanks! 
$25-50 around here… pnw us
How much would a Singer 403 Slant-O-Matic Special be worth. Including the facts of multiple original button eyelets, original table in good shape, original thread and button box, original intact manual, original lubricant, and other original attachments are with it. Also key in that it is in working order. I want to know just for laughs. Thanks!
$25-50 around here… pnw us
Hi, I want to buy my mother a new sewing machine. She used to do a lot of sewing (20 years ago or so) and she really wants to get back into it. She has an older Kenmore from Sears that somewhat works but she is always saying she wants a new machine.
Is $200-$300 enough to get a decent machine, or is this completely unrealistic? Also, what brands should I look at? In my price range, I have seen quite a few Brother, Singer, and Kenmore machines. Are there any must-have features I should be looking for?
If this helps you answer my question, she would use it for everyday fixes and such, but she also says she wants to try making curtains and clothes.
$200-300 is a little iffy for a new machine — but there may be some really good sales on now and right after the holidays. However, please don’t buy your mom a machine… it’s a really personal choice as to what features she’s going to want and how she expects it to work. For instance, Berninas just feel backwards to me, but I’ve never met a Viking or Pfaff I couldn’t use immediately. Other people feel just the opposite. Wrap up a homemade gift certificate with a copy of Threads or Sew News magazine, or a package of sewing machine needles if you want to have something to unwrap for holidays.
Here’s my standard beginner sewing machine rant… most of the advice is applicable to you:
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).
I want to learn how to sew so Im looking for a simple machine that I can practice on. And I heard Singer was good but I don’t know any other brands. What is the price range for a sewing machine? And where can I buy a simple yet reliable sewing machine?
Lots of companies make good ’starter’ machines. Mine’s a Brother; I haven’t had problems with it. I’ve previously worked with a couple of Brother machines that were rather "temperamental," but I have a hunch they weren’t properly maintained before I got them. (Summers, I work in the costume dept of a theatre company. I also make almost all my own clothes. Yeah, I’d say I sew.) White also makes a good simple machine. Most of the simple ones should run you about $100.- if you’re a good shopper. That’s what mine cost, roughly. (Yes, I’m experienced at sewing and have a very simple machine. I prefer a simpler one and don’t need a lot of gadgets I’ll never use.)
If you’d rather start with a used one, find one from a local dealer or repair shop. Ask about a warranty, of course, when buying a used machine. When you’re in the market for a fancier machine, go to a repair shop or two and ask about what brands they DON’T see very often!
As to Singer machines, I’ve used them and find them quite acceptable; they do what I want them to, in other words. However, they need more maintenance than some other brands. After every 4-5 hours’ use, you’ll need to oil them again. Other brands of machines can give nearly 10 hours of use without needing oiling. Clean for dust inside the machines whenever you oil them, of course, but you should be doing that anyway. (Always clean the dust out more often when you’ve been using dust-leaving fabrics. Check for that when you change the bobbin. Get a small paint brush or a sewing machine cleaning brush and run it around and behind where the bobbin goes.)
Back to the questions you asked: Wal-Mart has a good selection of machines, as does JoAnn Fabrics. If you’re looking for a tougher machine, try a Husqvarna. (On a good sale, the simplest one will run about $200.-) They cost a bit more, but are worth it in the long run.
I want to learn how to sew so Im looking for a simple machine that I can practice on. And I heard Singer was good but I don’t know any other brands. What is the price range for a sewing machine? And where can I buy a simple yet reliable sewing machine?
Lots of companies make good ’starter’ machines. Mine’s a Brother; I haven’t had problems with it. I’ve previously worked with a couple of Brother machines that were rather "temperamental," but I have a hunch they weren’t properly maintained before I got them. (Summers, I work in the costume dept of a theatre company. I also make almost all my own clothes. Yeah, I’d say I sew.) White also makes a good simple machine. Most of the simple ones should run you about $100.- if you’re a good shopper. That’s what mine cost, roughly. (Yes, I’m experienced at sewing and have a very simple machine. I prefer a simpler one and don’t need a lot of gadgets I’ll never use.)
If you’d rather start with a used one, find one from a local dealer or repair shop. Ask about a warranty, of course, when buying a used machine. When you’re in the market for a fancier machine, go to a repair shop or two and ask about what brands they DON’T see very often!
As to Singer machines, I’ve used them and find them quite acceptable; they do what I want them to, in other words. However, they need more maintenance than some other brands. After every 4-5 hours’ use, you’ll need to oil them again. Other brands of machines can give nearly 10 hours of use without needing oiling. Clean for dust inside the machines whenever you oil them, of course, but you should be doing that anyway. (Always clean the dust out more often when you’ve been using dust-leaving fabrics. Check for that when you change the bobbin. Get a small paint brush or a sewing machine cleaning brush and run it around and behind where the bobbin goes.)
Back to the questions you asked: Wal-Mart has a good selection of machines, as does JoAnn Fabrics. If you’re looking for a tougher machine, try a Husqvarna. (On a good sale, the simplest one will run about $200.-) They cost a bit more, but are worth it in the long run.
I looked at some classes & some wont take you if you have a Singer. I dont know why? From what Im understanding, you really dont want a singer anyway? I dont know, any feedback will help?
Brother has some good machines. I have a Brother I bought about 5 years ago. I only paid around $90 for it. And I’m a pretty experienced seamstress (almost 30 years). I would get an inexpensive model to learn on and put the rest of the money into an account to grow for when you need or want a more expensive one.
Oh and stay away from the new Singer machines. If you can get an older one (pre 1980’s) they are awesome machines. Since they went overseas in the 80’s they have dropped in quality.
White (available at most fabric stores) are good machines too. And if you can get an old Bernina from a repair shop (old school machines) you’re getting a machine that is amazing.
I’m looking into getting a new machine and want to get one that can do embroidery and quilting. Brother has one they sell thru Walmart for about $400 (my Christmas present this year). It also does simple sewing. And Brother is still made in the good ole USA.
Good Luck and Happy stitching….