Sewing Machine advice??

Question

I am looking for a new sewing machine. I cannot spend over $100.00 (though I would really like to spend less than that if possible).

My question - I need an inexpensive machine, but not a "cheap" one. I will be using it frequently, and I need it to be good quality.

What brand/model would you reccomend? They all look the same to me...

Answer 1

You are wise not to buy a Cheap machine... you get what you pay for when you go new and cheap. I have 5 sewing machines at this time. Two are Kenmore, one from the 70's which still works great, and one new, the other 3 are Husqvarna Viking. One is from the 70's, (which is a basic machine with straight and a few other stitches that I bought from a sewing machine repairman for under $100.00 to leave at a location where I took some quilting classes.) it works fine, One is about 4 years old and I bought it new, and the other is new. I have had a White and a Simplicity (built by singer). My newer Kenmore is Janome built, (I have been told that the lower priced Husqvarna machines that are available now are as well, and a couple of the lower priced Berninas.) I love this machine and would recommend it. I also love my Husqvarna Viking machines and would recomment them as well. The simplicity I bought from Wal-Mart, and gave to my grand daughters, I also gave a White to another grand daughter. I used both of these machines and liked the White the least. Check with sewing machine dealers and repairmen, I have. They usually have good used machines that they have cleaned and serviced for sale. Investigating the Pawn shops is a good idea too but you don't know how well the machine works unless the broker will allow you to sit down and sew with it which I would insist on doing before I bought any machine. Garage sales, auctions and tag sales are also a good resourse but you will probably need to have some of these machines cleaned and serviced which will add to your investment. This service is at least $50.00. You should probably take this into consideration as part of the "price" when buying any machine. The suggestion of checking with relatives for unused machines is a good one, or you could put "Sewing Machine Fund Money" on your Christmas list. You will be very lucky to find a good used machine that has been cleaned and serviced for under $200.00 I expect. Good Luck and Happy Sewing.

Answer 2

I asked a similar question just recently (check my profile to see the answers) and have been doing some research of my own. For $100.00 you can't get much for a new sewing machine, so will have to get a little creative if you need to get a good one, or ask every friend and relative to donate some money to your "sewing machine fund". Either way, unless you have a decent amount to spend, I would look for an older model. If you want to buy new, stay away from Singer, White, and these SewPro or something. Go online on Amazon or Target and read the reviews for individual models. Make sure to notice how long the people writing them had their machines for. From what I heard, good brands are Husqvarna (Viking), Bernina, Janome, and a few others. You will probably not find those new for $100.00, so you should look at your local craigslist, classifieds and e-bay for used ones. Look for ones that have all metal mechanical parts (the shell can be plastic). Older Singers are also good, just don't get the new ones. Feel free to drop me a line if you have more questions. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

40+ years sewing experience talking.
Why does it have to be NEW? You can't buy a good quality machine for $100. and companies like Singer, Janome, Huskavarna etc. do not make models in that price range. You would have to buy makes such as Brother, Citizen, etc.
$100. machines of any make will be very basic,
So here's something to consider. What about buying a used one from a pawn shop. I got a $3500. Huskavarna for $200.
and it works perfectly.
Look for metal bodies, a removable table, easy threading, and a foot throttle.
Best Advice. buy a used machine of GOOD quality for $100.
rather than buying a new machine (CHEAP)

Answer 4

You might ask older relatives if they have a machine they will give you. A lot of the older machines were really well made, especially Singer.

I have a Janome that gives me trouble quite regularly, but they guy who fixes it for me assures me that it is basically a good brand. And he could be selling me a new machine! So, I trust his word. Brother is also good. Both are expensive new, but you might be able to find one used.

Also, there are a lot of people who are "clutter busting" -- especially this time of year. If you can find the right websites, maybe you could ask the clutter busters if they want to send a sewing machine your way and "bless" you. You may get some junk, but you might get a good machine.

$100 doesn't sound like it would get you anything decent AND new, though. I wish you luck.

Answer 5

Even a cheap machine will cost more than$100.00 new.Try the classified ads in your paper.Watch sales,ask around your church,school groups.The best to start is a Singer or Kenmore from Sears.I used my Singer for about 10 years and passed it on to my sister.Kenmore you pay a bit more,but they have a good warranty.Also the manuels are really easy to read.But I don't think you'll be able to get a new one for the price you want to spend.Look for a used one;most people don't abuse their machines.

Answer 6

Walmart has a Singer and a Brother for under $100. Either of them would be a good choice. Stay away from Europro.

Answer 7

Wal-Mart has sewing machines for $99. You may also want to try this web site you may get one for free. freecycle.org I hope this helps.