I am learning to sew from a dvd...so I mean REAL BEGINNER...
2006-11-16 04:37:10 · 11 answers · asked by crystal 5 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
I like Janome (as someone else mentioned) but I think the new Singer featherweight has too many plastic parts for a mechanical machine - that's just my opinion. Brother actually has gotten some really good reviews for their inexpensive machines.
If you can, I'd stop into a shop that sells machines and ask if you can test out some. Bring a couple of pieces of your own fabric to try. Ask what features people often look for. Some might include: automatic threader, needle up/down, drop-in bobbin, snap on/off presser feet, a wider "bed," variable stitch lengths. Many of these features are not expensive, but also not standard on every machine so it pays to ask.
Take a look at these reviews to help as well. You can print this and take it into the shop to help you know what to ask, even though it's a little outdated. Don't be shy to go ahead and ask questions - folks at these shops are super nice and willing to help even if you don't end up buying something from them.
2006-11-16 05:56:45 · answer #1 · answered by lilyapplecheeks 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i would go for a singer - but not just any singer... go for a featherweight singer. it's a good machine for a beginner, and once you are more adept it's still a good little machine to have around. it's great for if you need to take it somewhere. my mother and aunt are both quilters and after having quilted for over 10 years each they decided to get featherweights. they take them to their sewing classes and when they work in sewing circles. i learned on a featherweight when i was 9 years old. best little machine ever!
i have a janome harmony now, also a great machine. remember that brother and singer are not the only inexpensive brands out there - you can get a janome for about the same price and they are far superior (at least most quilters i know think so) to either machine... besides the featherweight.
EDIT: goodness, i am deffinately not talking about the new featherweight - those weren't even out when my mother bought hers that i learned on over 14 years ago. deffinately go for an old one and you can find those on ebay usually in the price range of $150-300 depending on the seller and condition of the machine.
2006-11-16 05:25:55 · answer #2 · answered by Jenessa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They both are good sewing machines. For a period of time (beginning in the seventies) Singer fell out of grace with the home sew-er. I have expensive machines, but have bought and used the inexpensive Brother and Singer machines to prove a point - read the manual and apply the instructions, step-by-step - and you will not have any issues. Be sure to keep your sales receipt and fill out the warranty information no matter how inexpensive or expensive a sewing machine may be. Keep this information in a safe place and your manual handy as you may need to refer to it from time to time.
2016-03-28 22:34:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love my White which is over 50 years old and going strong. What you really need is to get a plain sewing machine that has forward and reverse. A center needle is ideal because you can shift the needle to the left, right or keep it in the middle. I have never used the buttonhole attatchment nor have I ever used the zig zag or any of the fancy stitches. Of course it depends on what you are planning to sew? I have a sewing/ craft business and all I ever used in 40 years was the straight stitch.
2006-11-16 15:10:53 · answer #4 · answered by pinkrosegreeneyes bluerose 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are both very good brands. Do you have a sewing machine company in your area? If so, ask if they have received a good trade-in. They refurbish the trade in's and they are great for the beginner -- much less money -- save it for when you get a little more experienced and then invest in a really good machine. To answer your question, I prefer Brother for the beginner as it is a heavier duty machine (usually) and tend to be more forgiving.
2006-11-16 04:48:36 · answer #5 · answered by GP 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might want to try a good used machine. Both Brother and Singers are good. Try your local sewing machine retailer and ask if they have any turn ins. Sewers often turn in machines to get upgrades. And ask retailer for the information on a basic machine.
2006-11-16 04:42:35 · answer #6 · answered by eileenmay 19 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Singer has been around forever & makes great machines.
2006-11-16 04:45:55 · answer #7 · answered by Magick Kitty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it was the Singer who had the first one.
2006-11-16 04:39:34 · answer #8 · answered by beaner 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're both good - try a second-hand one or ask your friends what they've got and if you can try theirs
2006-11-16 05:06:02 · answer #9 · answered by Kate J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love my Brother.
I have used it for several projects, and it works wonderfully.
2006-11-16 04:45:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋