How do you buy a good inexpensive sewing machine? What features are important to look for?

Question

What about brand names? Does it matter?

Answer 1

Inexpensive is a relative term, and features to look for depends on what you want to do with it. I bought my first Viking for a couple hundred dollars, worked with it for a while and then traded in for a higher models as I figured out what direction I was going in sewing. Some of the mfgers do the trade in thing. I've stopped trading at the high end Viking Lily, about $2,000 when I got it. I figure when I need more machine than that, it's time for two machines. I know Phaff and Bernina are also good names, they can get expensive too.
There are some machines for sale new out there that are really cheap, like $100 or so, but everyone I know who has tried them says they're junk.
If you like to thrift around, and just want a basic forward/backwark/zig-zag machine, there are great used ones at garage sales, thrift stores and the like. I once had a really solid old Singer from a yard sale that worked like a champ. Look for all metal construction and check for any sort of rust. Also keep in mind that after spending the money for it, you'll also want to have it serviced and cleaned. If you're new to sewing you'll want to have the manual, which may or may not be availble separately for older models. In my area I see lots of used machines for sale. Talk to the seller about when the machine was last used, does it looked like it's been stored in a clean environment, etc.

Answer 2

go to wal-mart. many good inexpensive machines. the main question what do you want the machine to do?