I am wanting to get a solid sewing machine. I don't care about embroidery stitches or anything too fancy. I am also perpetually broke, so something reasonably priced would be good.
2007-07-03 01:27:21 · 12 answers · asked by in a handbasket 6 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
Many people have their own ideas as to what a good machine is. It all depends on what they are currently using.
These days, the old name brands such as Singer, Kenmore, etc, are plastic and do not wear well, they tend to break and jam.
The best quality of a machine will cost you money. You do get what you pay for. You want cheap, you will get cheap and you will become frustrated with it too.
I have been sewing for over 40 years and have used a variety of machines. Personally, I own 2 Viking machines by Husquvarna. I had a third but traded it in. These are not cheap machines, but they are well worth the money.
I would suggest you look into the machines by WHITEsuch as the machine "The Jeans Machine" This is a good quality machine that can handle the various fabrics.
When I worked for So Fro Fabrics, this was one that we sold a lot of.
I would also suggest that you NOT purchase a machine from the department stores. Rather, go to a fabric store or a sewing machine repair company and purchase it through them. You will get better support, and possibly lessons on your machine.
2007-07-03 09:33:10 · answer #1 · answered by anniebammy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to keep the machine running is to thoroughly apply the instructions in the manual for the machine. The foremost issues are usually a result of: (1) Not threading the machine with the presser foot up. (2) Lifting the presser foot to adjust the fabric without having the needle down into the fabric to stabilize it. (3) Not doing the required maintenance - this may differ a bit depending on the bobbin configurations - the vertical bobbin machine may require oiling of the race hook and the horizontal bobbin (drop-in) accumulates a lot of fuzz and needs to be cleaned more often than the horizontal. SEE the maintenance section of the manual. Singer or Brother models sold at Walmart are good machines. The key is to open the manual and lay it next to the machine. Read and apply each step of each feature and not rely on the pictures. You will quickly learn to use the machine and not have any issues with brand that you choose to purchase.
2016-05-17 06:55:32 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a good sewing machine dealer and see if he/she has a good solid, older machine available. They often have older machines that still work perfectly but customers traded them in for fancier models. They often are far less money than a comparable new machines and in some cases better built than the new ones. If you want to buy a brand new one, then I always recommend Janome machines. They are solid, reliable, they come a variety of models with stitch packages for many different purposes and it's easy to find replacement parts, notions, needles, and accessories for them. The prices of Janomes are quite reasonable, especially when compared to berninas and pfaff machines.
2007-07-03 02:13:35 · answer #3 · answered by Linda S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Linda S but would like to add that a lot of Kenmore (Sear's) machines are made by Janome but cost less at Sears. Not always someone there to answer your questions, though. Also, Sears will allow you to return a machine but most independent dealers won't. Kmart also is now selling a machine that is made by Janome for Sears.
2007-07-03 05:05:08 · answer #4 · answered by Peggy L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can find an old Singer at a pawn shop or fabric shop that sells reconditioned machines, that would be a good investment. My Singer is older than I am (51) and still works perfectly.
2007-07-03 01:34:51 · answer #5 · answered by EvilWoman0913 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a used machine. Singer, Kenmore, White, Pfaff. For about $25, you can get them tuned up at JoAnn's. Honestly, they don't make them like they used to. Today they are mostly cheap plastic disposables from China.
2007-07-03 08:41:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kenmore by Sears is a great machine, prices vary and i've had mine for over 20 years so they last.
2007-07-03 03:31:14 · answer #7 · answered by nettie_lou 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a Brother Innovis 4000 and I love it. It sews and embroiders. It is a fantastic machine.
2007-07-03 04:01:06 · answer #8 · answered by Pam P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Singer is a good brand. Janome. Those are reasonably priced. I don't recommend buying secondhand,mainly because their may be problems you aren't aware of that are expensive to fix.
2007-07-03 07:55:46 · answer #9 · answered by gracel313 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check a vacum and sewing machine repair shop. them may sell used machines. and most machines are good. a singer is ususally good as is riccar brand machines.
2007-07-03 12:18:15 · answer #10 · answered by lins 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋