Sewing machine information??

Question

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?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

I have a White brand sewing machine. Nothing fancy just your basic stitches. I got it for Christmas a few years back but I have seen it all over the place for under $100. Try Target, Wal-mart or JoAnn's.

I work on much more expensive machines at work but still like my White when working at home.

Answer 3

My kids got me a machine for Xmas, about three years ago. Prior to that, I had been doing hand mending and an occasional "sock puppet" for fun. I even did our family's GIANT stockings to hang over the fireplace, essentially by hand.

The machine made a huge difference in what I could do, and how rapid it could get done.

There are two ways to look at the purchase of your first machine. One is, of course, to think about price. You don't NEED to spend $500 or more to get a machine with lots of versitile features. You can find some nice ones for under $100 to get started mending and creating new things, such as curtains, quilts and clothing.

The OTHER thing to consider is that you might want to get one that you can grow into, so to speak. One with features you will not need, at first, but than you will want as your skills develop. You can get a full featured machine for around $200 and it may be a LONG time before you wish you had more expensive features.

What you do NOT want to do is to buy a "child's" sewing machine. Get a REAL machine with a variety of stitch features and adusutments. You want one that can adjust thread tension, stitch length, variable speeds, zig-zag capability. Think of these features as a minimum. Beyond that, get as much machine as you can afford.

I think $900 is WAY to much for a beginner, but if you can afford it, why not?

Do your window shopping at a large fabric store, NOT a sewing machine retail shop. The people at the fabric store now how to use machines and can offer advice, based on what you want to do. The sales staff at sewing machine stores get paid commission, and it is their best interest to sell you the most expensive models. The fabric shops even offer low cost, or even free lessons, where you can get hands on practice on the machine features you might want.

Be ready to become addicted to the craft!

Answer 4

Ask on Freecycle for a second hand one, that way you can learn without spending any money at all. Also the local freeads usually have good machines from about £10. You won't need to soend more than about £25 to get an elderly but fully functional machine. Sewing is great, you'll love it :)

Answer 5

I am just learning how to sew. I bought a Lena made by Viking husqvarna from Joanne's Fabric Store for around $400. Viking has a great reputation and I think it is a good machine. To learn I found a teacher online through You Can Make It also bought their first video. It is hard to find learning info. Good luck!

Answer 6

Singer is about the oldest brand around. It's been around a long time, and is very good. Bernina is another good brand. Price range? I'm not sure anymore.....it's been about 15 years since I got my last new one, a Bernina 1080, and I love it.....it was about $900 then. I use it only occasionally, but it's still going strong. Check the newspaper for the want ads. But if you buy one used, have it checked out by a professional first.

Answer 7

Singer and Brother both have very simple machines that are very easy to operate. You can buy both at Wal Mart and the prices are very economical. Have fun!

Answer 8

I have a Kenmore, model 385.16524000. It's fairly simple and it has all the important stitches, including the button and various stretch stitches. I got it through my school, but I saw it in a store once and I think it was around $180. It's basic and cheap, but it works really great.

Answer 9

Singer is probably the most common brand, there are other brands as dependable. WaMart has them very reasonabily, I've had mine for 10 years with no problems. Just read the instructions and do the up keep and it should do you.