What sewing machine would be best?

Question

for a beginner, used one in home ec back in the 70's -but have no clue what machine i need- i want to do some quilted purses, pillows, curtains, and other things, HELP...

Answer 1

The Brother sewing machine at WalMart under $200 comes with a quilting foot and is a computer on board model. I own seven machines and the Brother is a charming easy to use 50+ built in stitches and easy to learn with easy read manual.

Answer 2

I always recommend that people buy from a dealer rather than a discount store because you can get support from them. A dealer will show you how to thread the machine, and let you sit down and test drive it. They'll answer questions you have a month later. They'll be able to service the machine for you when you need it. Ask a person at WalMart how to thread the machine and you'll get a blank look. It's really worth the extra $20 - $50 to buy from a dealer.

I have a Pfaff, a Janome, and a Brother. All are excellent brands, as are Bernina, Elna, Juki, and Husqvarna Viking. You'll probably want to check out the Janome, Brother, Juki or Husqvarna Viking for the less expensive machines. You don't need anything fancy for the kind of stuff you've listed. In fact, you can probably get a decent machine for less than $200 - possibly even $100 if you put some time into it, although it will be a very basic, very small machine.

You don't need an electronic machine. They're nice, and the 400 stitch options is pretty cool, but you probably won't ever use them, so why pay for them? Look for a machine with a variety of feet, including a quarter inch foot, a free motion or darning foot, and a walking foot if you're at all interested in quilting. Look for a decent amount of space under the arm - if you're working with bulky fabric, you need to be able to move it around under there. A drop in bobbin is wonderful, and much easier than a standard bobbin. Look for an automatic needle threader if you have trouble with your vision. Make sure the foot pedal is comfortable for you. If you plan on sewing quilted purses, you want to be sure it's sturdy enough to go through several layers of fabric without skipping stitches.

Answer 3

You might want to look at the reviews from either of these sites:

http://sewing.patternreview.com/

http://www.epionions.com/

The first reviews a lot of sewing items. The second reviews a ton of computer products including sewing machines. Both rely on real customers to make the reviews.

Based on what you want to sew, I'd look for a machine with good basic straight and zig zag stitches and a good smattering of decorative stitches. I like my Kenmore 24 stitch machine for this type of sewing. I have friends who have the basic Brother machine from Walmart who like if for this stuff, too. It all depends on what you can afford and what you really want to sew.

Answer 4

I have a "brother". I got it as a gift about 5 years ago. I think they got it at wal-mart. It's fairly simple but I have used it for numerous things. I didn't really need the ones with a whole bunch of different stiches. If you are just starting out you might stick with one like this because it was less confusing for me.

Answer 5

Take a look at Pfaff with the walking foot. we make kites and they are just great