What is the best sewing machine to by my 56 year old mom for christmas?

Answer 1

The best brand, I believe, is Janome, I have one and so does my mother. It depends on if she is just doing simple sewing or more. I would go with that brand though, it is trusted.

Answer 2

As others have said, it depends on what she's going to use it for. It ALSO depends on her experience level. If she's an experienced sewer who will use the machine a lot, look for a higher end machine. If she's just keeping it around to do mending, you can get something less complicated.

Her AGE should have nothing to do with it. My 90 year old grandparents each have their own computer - 56 is nothing. She's more than capable of learning anything she chooses.

You can break sewing machines into four basic groups: industrial, mechanical, computerized, and embroidery. If she wanted an embroidery machine you'd know it. They have cards with embroidery patterns (Disney characters, flowers, etc.) - these machines are very expensive - over $1000. Mechanical machines are at the other end of the spectrum. They are good machines - not a lot of bells and whistles, but sturdy and sufficient for most sewing. They have a few additional stitches - maybe 20 in all - and the stitches are set using a dial. They run anywhere up to about $200. The industrial machines are used for professional sewing and are very simple, but VERY sturdy (and very expensive!). I prefer the computerized machines, which have more stitches (several hundred) and are easier to adjust things like stitch length, needle position, and needle up/down functions. These usually run in the $300 - $800 range, depending on the brand and the functions.

I do not like Singer anymore. They had a great product thirty and more years ago, but they've really fallen out of favor with sewers today. Today, the top brands include Janome, Pfaff, Brother (I have all three), Bernina, Husqvarna Viking, Elna, and Juki. These all have great reputations. About 2 years ago, my mom got a Brother NX400 that she absolutely loves. Her favorite features are the drop in bobbin (it's so much easier than the old front or side loading bobbins), the automatic thread cutter, the needle threader (make sure it will work for "experienced" eyes - my mom has trouble threading some machines because she can't see the needle), the needle up/down (you can set the machine so the needle always stops up, or always stops down - in the fabric - this is especially nice for quilters), and the speed control and start/stop buttons on the front of the machine. She doesn't even use the foot pedal anymore.

I recommend you find a dealer in your area (or your mom's area, if she doesn't live near you). Buying from a dealer means that you have someone available to ask questions, and you know they'll be able to service the machine when necessary. They will usually spend quite a bit of time with you to select the right machine, and they often have mini classes for new buyers. Check out the machines, give them a test drive. Find out what's comfortable for your mom. If you're going to spend any kind of money on this, your mom should be involved in the decision.

Answer 3

It really depends on what she is intending to sew. Does she want one that embroiders? Does she sew a lot of denim or canvas? Does she want one that she can download programs from the internet?
If all she needs is an average little machine, that she can sew up some curtains, or make the grand kids some outfits, the most economical one (the most bang for the buck) is going to be Singer. Choose one in a mid-price range.
If she wants one that can handle canvas and leather, your best bet is going to be a reconditioned Singer Touch and Sew--you can sew anything with those--but you will only be able to find those at sewing repair shops. They haven't been made in years.
If you want a super top of the line, Cadillac of Sewing Machines--buy her a Bernina.

What do I use? I have a Singer Touch and Sew that I have had for 40 years. An amazing machine. Yes, it has been re-hauled several times, and I have owned other machines, but always come back to this one.

Answer 4

First of all I'm not sure if I should take offense to the 56 yr old part like that makes her incapable of handling anything too complicated. I'm 56 and handle all three of my machines just fine.

I agree with another poster.....Singer use to be great. I do my basic sewing on one that came out in the mid 80's. Even the shop owner I bought an embroidery machine from told me to hold on to that one because they don't make them like that anymore....everything is plastic now.

My embroidery machine is Janome. I love the ease of use on that, but it's bulky for everyday sewing. Never had a minute's problem with it and I've had it 9 years.

bottom line is go with a well built machine. Talk to a sewing machine repair guy. He can tell you what to stay away from. Every year the brand could change.

Answer 5

I would just like to say a little something here:
Singer is a holding company in Canada and no longer produces any of its own machines. The quality that the Singer name used to represent has fallen by the wayside years ago. Don't waste your money on a Singer.
For my money (and time), I go with Janome machines. You get more bang for your buck. A basic computerized Janome sewing machine should cost you somewhere around 350-500. Kenmore brand machines are made by Janome, so if you don't have a local Janome dealer, you can shop at Sears.
(Just wanted to warn you about Singer. Sorry.)

Answer 6

A 56 yo mom can deal with more than basic if she's into it ... my moms older and has fallen in love with her Brother Sewing / Embroidery machine, price is mid range about 500 or so. There are cards to do many different patterns. She wound up buying a box that allows her to download patterns off the internet for designs and converts them to the sewing machine. The machines tell you when to change threads. They're almost too easy. Just beware ... last christmas we all got embroidered sweatshirts ... it wouldn't be so bad but with our names on them(unfortunately we're all over 25). But she's made gifts (great especially for young kids and babies), she's embellished clothes, towels, bags etc. I know Janome is great but pricey for a basic machine, but most quilters swear by them.

Answer 7

I am partial to the Janome brand. They have some great embroidery machines that will do regular sewing, but will do some computerised embroidery also. I would recommend that you find a local store in your area to purchase a machine, though. Typically, they offer free classes to people who purchase machines from them. The classes will not only teach your mother how to use her particular machine, it will also help her learn to sew if she doesn't know already. Good Luck!

Answer 8

It depends on what kind of sewing she does, what features she uses, and what your budget allows. Get her a name brand, such as Singer, Brother, White or Bernina. If she makes quilts, most of the quilting web sites I have seen recommend Brother and Bernina.

Lower priced non-brand name machines that have as many features may not hold up. A friend had a no-name machine with more features than my trusty old Singer, but its gears were made of nylon or plastic and broker regularly.

Answer 9

I would get her something basic...not one of the new computerised ones. My mum is a similar age and when dad got her to pick out a new one without a price range she went straight to the standard Janome. The brands aren't that important...Singer, Janome, Brother. They are all good. I just wouldn't try and complicate things for her by getting one that has other things on it she doesn't need

Answer 10

Singer