I am going to buy my first sewing machine. Any easy to use models you can recommend??

Question

I haven't sewn since middle school home-ec class, and that was nearly 11 years ago. I am looking for a machine that is easy to use, and fairly decent quality.
Thanks!

Answer 1

Just to go against the flow, I like my Kenmore machine. I've used it about every other month for...oh...16 years now and only had it services once. It does denim, just not as many layers as s Bernia would. It does organza for dresses. I've done tons and tons of cotton fabrics on it. Sears made a good all around machine.

Answer 2

Get either a Singer or Janome. The Kenmores that used to be so good are now less superior, in my opinion, to either of these as they are made by different factories at different dates and quality control seems to be a problem.

For your first ever machine, stay away from the computerized ones that are so expensive. Buy a mechanical one in the $200-300 range. Unless you want it only for one purpose, such as scrapbooking, to sew paper, etc, then go cheaper and buy a basic or "tiny tailor" machine just for that.

Singer makes a great heavy duty machine that is mechanical and mostly metal--heavy but good, simple to use, with a great warranty. Janome makes a couple great beginner mechanical machines and the quality is great.

I would suggest that you check them out and try them. Joannes in the USA often has local sewing stores set up shop right inside their superstores. Here in Pittsburgh, they have Gloria Horn's inside and you can have a knowledgable sewing person show you how to thread the needle and also practice on the different machines.

As with a car or any big purchase, don't buy the same day you test drive. Give yourself some time to sample a few and get comfortable with the idea of spending the least and getting the most for your money and don't be fooled by high pressure sales people or fancy features you won't ever use or need.

Most serious clothing and home dec sewers end up trading up over time, getting bigger, better or more expensive machines over time. Or they will have multiple machines for different uses they keep around. They also like sergers, A LOT. Which is a whole other issue.

Crafters tend to pick an all purpose machine that has a choice range of features but that isn't an all in one computerized machine and stick with that.

Quilters and embroiderers that make money with their machines? They're in a whole other league than me and I can't advise you there!

Depends on which one you are, as to which method you'll end up doing.

I started out in the 1980s with a used Singer Stylist from the 60s or 70s, that I found at a garage sale, metal gears, plastic housing and case, dated looking but tuff as nails. Then a few years ago, went out and got a Singer Heavy Duty and my sister has a mechanical Janome that her FIL gave her three Christmas's ago that I love, also. My gmas old treadle foot Singer, that she used as a seamstress still works and my mom has that; my mom's old Singer Featherweight 301 is still going strong---that's the first machine I learned on.

The two newest I use are the Janome 4618LE and the Singer Heavy Duty, both are mechanical machines, not computerized, which I will link to below.


I would recommend these machines for a beginner; try them out locally first and then hunt for the best deal:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009VN95I/ref=wl_it_dp/104-0823151-1116703?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2U2KEFJ8WNON1&colid=16CLN60OVB9UC

http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp08909-0067.html

Answer 3

Sure lucky we all have different opinions *g*! It would be a dull world otherwise.

I've sewn for 30 yrs and personally I wouldn't touch a Singer with a 20-ft pole...the very old (and very expensive) ones are good quality, but in the last 25 yrs or so, not so much!

I agree with the first poster re Janome; I have two of them and love them both, they've been extremely reliable for about 10 yrs now and I sew a lot.

Husqvarna is also a well-respected make.

It will depend on what you want to do with it, and what you want to spend.
I highly recommend taking YOUR fabric scraps into the sewing machine dealer and playing around with their machines on them; don't use their fabric. It is highly sized and won't give you a true indication of how the machine sews on real stuff.
If they don't want to let you play around on the machines, you don't want to deal with them. Any reputable dealer will be happy for you to do this.
If they offer free lessons, take them up on it. They're valuable to learn how the particular machine operates. Every one is different.

Have fun!

Lori

Answer 4

The singers they sell nowadays aren't as good as they were in the old days. I'm still using my gramma's singer 401A and its older than I am (47). So the old ones are great but the new ones, not so much, and not even made by singer anymore. Whatever kind you end up with, make sure you can get it serviced...and if you buy at Walmart that's just not going to happen.
A really neat little machine (about $400 or so) is the Janome Gem Gold. It only weighs about 12 lbs and is very portable. Check for them at your local quilt shops or specialty fabric stores, probably not at Hancocks or Joanne's though.

Answer 5

I would get the brother you can remove the arm and sew sleeves or tight spots on it .You can go into a sewing machine store and find a second hand machine , or a garage sale even if you don't want to pay for shipping..

Answer 6

Singer

Answer 7

Singer

Answer 8

A Singer sewing machine is very good quality. You can get a very affordable one at Wal-Mart or target.

Answer 9

My wife, my mom, my grandma all have a Singer sewing machine.

Answer 10

singer is alwasy best if u want classic ones but i think there is a modern one from phillips or some tech plac elike thta when u cna hook it up online and plan the outfit