my wife is interested in learning to sew - what is a good machine for her to start with ?

Question

I don't want to overpay in case she decides it's not for her. Also, does one need lessons ? If so, where could she learn ?

Answer 1

I learned on an old Kenmore...then my mom bought a Singer. If your wife isn't sure what kind she wants the Singer is very user friendly. I recommend looking through the newspaper and buying a used one for her first. As sewing machines are not cheep. Check with the local craft stores for lessons...there is also a really good book for beginners (and anyone else) from Simplicity called Simply the Best Sewing book. It has everything in it from machines to notions to how to measure to fabrics....the list goes on and on. Buy the book first, it will give you a great starting point. Good luck and have fun!!

Answer 2

First thing you need to remember, you get what you pay for. If you go for a cheap, generic machine she may end up getting so frustrated that it will keep her sewing adventures. For years I used an old machine I picked up at an estate auction for $25 and spent most of those years cursing. Since the day I've made the leap into the world of big girl machines I've enjoyed the process much more and I do beleive I produce better quality items.

There are many good brands out there, but I would recommend doing research on your local dealers. Find out if they give free classes with the purchase of a machine. See if you can find out if they have good word of mouth on the street (at a local fabric/quilt shop) Most quilters will be ready to tell you how happy they are with their machine/dealer and we love to chat so don't be shy.

I think you can get a basic, dependable machine for around $200-$300 and maybe less if you are willing to buy a floor model. It would be best to get one with zig-zag capabilities, if she is just starting out she probably won't need all the fancy stitches. With a good dealer she can upgrade to a fancier machine later if she catches the sewing bug.

I personally am a Pfaff snob. I have a couple and love them, as well as my vintage Singer Featherweight 221. A lot of my friends have a Jenome Gold. It is a small machine, easy to transport to classes and has a nice selection of stitches. From what I can tell the Jenome is a good brand and is reasonalbly priced. I decided on the Pfaff brand because I had heard only positive feedback about the dealer and they are only about 15 miles from me. I have friends who also enjoy their Bernina machines and are loyal to them even though it's an hour drive to the dealer.

Sure you can go to a department/discount store and buy a machine and have decent luck. But when you buy from a dedicated dealer you sort of become part of a community (cult?) and if you have a good dealer you will have someone to turn to with questions and problems.

Answer 3

Get her either a Singer or a Kenmore or a White {at WalMart}. She can lean alot by watching sewing shows on PBS or looking online. If she has a friend or relative that sews they could give her hints. For the first machine and to make it easier and more economical buy one that straight stitches and zig zags. That is basically what I started on years ago and they do enough to sew a dress etc without confusing you with all the fancy stitches. then if she doesn't like it she can use it for mending at least.

Tell her to take her time and use scraps or old Cotton shirts or skirts etc to practice on. Take it slow and do not race the machine. That is a good way to sew your fingers instead of the cloth.

When she is comfortable get a pattern something simple like an apron. There are many patterns that are for newbies even one called sewing for dummies. I bought ne of those and it was such a cute sun dress with sizes for my granddaughters and daughter. No zippers, no buttons as it tied on the shoulder.

When you get the pattern if you cut out the actual pattern before pinning it to the fabric to cut out you will save material and scraps with my grandkids are great. Doll clothes etc.

Answer 4

The best thing to do is to find a sewing machine repair store, most decent stores will also sell machines and may even offer lessons. As far as a brand I'd recommend the janome brand their entry level machines are around 150 - 200 dollars and are a good quality machine to start with. You can go to there website to find a local dealer.

Answer 5

I purchased a second sewing machine fairly recently, and I wanted to get a reliable, well-made machine for a low-ish cost (it was an indulgence, mostly for piecing quilt blocks in a bedroom away from my other machine).

I did a lot of research online and also looked at a number of models in the stores before reaching a decision, and so far it's really worked out well. My new machine does about 30 stitches, and all the basic things ....and I really didn't want any super-fancy capabilities anyway.

I bought the Singer 8280... I think at Target or Walmart (though it was at other places too) because it was on sale for I think only $69... maybe $20 off? Here's a photo and review of it:
http://www.amazon.com/Singer-30&%2345%3BStitch/dp/B0009OE06M
(Sometimes owners/reviewers don't quite understand any machine when they're new at sewing, so can have problems and give low ratings... think that's true here a bit. Mine's been totally fine.)
Singer machines have been around a long time, so I trust them (more at least than some brands, though I still checked out other ones!)

That's just one suggestion though.
There are various places you can research sewing machines online. Amazon.com is one place I like to check out because there are a lot of purchaser reviews for lots of models all in one place.
Here is one page for sewing machines there if you want to do a little checking out yourself:
http://tinyurl.com/yl5o6r
(if that link works, you will notice that you can select machines to look at by price range or by brand on the left side of the screen-- a very helpful feature)
To read reviews on any particular machine, click on it, then scroll down to the Reader Reviews.

Here's another place with reviews of sewing machines:
http://www.epinions.com/Sewing_Machines

If your wife really gets into sewing (or quilting), she'll probably want to upgrade to a fancier machine at some point down the road (and believe me, they can make a big difference when doing a lot of some things... but not necessary till then).
By then though she'd have a better idea of how interested she is, and in what types of things. A good basic machine is totally fine for most sewers.

As for learning to sew (or quilt), a good beginner course is a great, if she can find one ... I had trouble finding good ones myself--most were just "pick and pattern, then ask us when you have questions" .
The first places to look for classes would be at stores that sell sewing machines, and also community center classes, etc.
She can supplement with books, and/or join a sewing group of some kind or a "guild" in her area, or work with someone who sews (often the best way).

Nowadays there's a lot of free stuff online too about learning to sew (or quilt)... here are some links to try:
http://tinyurl.com/suavh
http://tinyurl.com/w7oot


HTH, and happy sewing to your wife,


Diane B.

Answer 6

It depends you can hand sew many things but you need to good sewing skills, patience and time. You also need to make sure you have good needles and such. If you end up getting a sew machine don't just get the cheapest one save up some money to get a better one that will last longer.

Answer 7

I love my little New Home USA. It's easy and simple to use, not expensive.,unlike the Singer I had which was always getting tangled up.'
Sometimes highschools will offer sewing lessons at night. Check your newspaper too.
Sewing is tricky, just depends on what she has in mind she wants to sew. Because you have to think backwards when putting a pattern together.
I had lots of help from some really good seamstresses in the family.

Answer 8

On Black Friday, Walmart had a Brother machine for like $50, I got one and really like it - my husband has even used it a few times, so it is good for beginner's. I hadn't used a sewing machine since I was growing up, so this has been a good one for me to "relearn". The local Walmarts still have the machine, it's even marked down to $40 now.
Just get cheap fabric for like $1 a yard and have her practice making simple stiches to learn hems and such and the ins and outs of her machine. Then graduate to pillows, even if you make a dozen little pillows for your pets (my daughter has a bunch of Barbie beds!), stuff them with old socks or something so you dont have to pay for pillow batting.
Best material to learn with is cotton - aviod slippery silky stuff or heavier fabrics when new at sewing.
And remind her it's like any other "art" it is hers and hers alone, so it does not have to be perfect, the imperfections make it one of a kind.

Answer 9

First of all, I like the skirt!!! People notify me I have nice feet but I still don't wear shorts

Answer 10

I really like long skirts. My bf likes the brief ones. So my closet is filled up w/ 1/2 and 1/2.