Help me pick a good sewing machine?

Question

I'm planning on buying a sewing machine, but I don't know what kind to get. I want the best deal for my money. I don't need anything fancy; i just need reliability, smooth and easy to understand operation, and a decent price. Any suggestions?
I will be using this sewing machine for small craft projects, blankets, and clothing. All feedback is highly appreciated! Thanks!

Answer 1

http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm

IMHO, $200 is about the rock bottom for a new machine -- in that range, look at the Janome Jems and the newish Janome that's about the same price but a better buttonholer. I'd like to see you get a machine with a very good straight stitch, a good zigzag, a buttonholer that doesn't drive you nuts, and possibly a blindhem stitch. It also should have adjustable presser foot pressure, stitch lengths at least in the 1-5mm range (some cheapie machines don't have adjustable stitch lengths!), and it shouldn't vibrate like crazy if you're sewing "pedal to the metal".
Even if you don't have any need to sew that fast.

Please, please try a few machines from some of the better makers (Bernina, Pfaff, Viking, Elna, Janome) that are out of your price range, so you can see how easy sewing can be and what a well put together machine sews like. You don't have to buy one, you don't even have to lust for one, but it helps to know what a properly engineered machine feels like. It's too easy to learn to hate sewing because you accidentally bought a crummy machine and don't know that you should trade it in. BTDT. Or you may discover that some maker's machines are easy for you to understand, and another maker's make you feel like you've got 10 thumbs on each hand. (I seem to have the Viking/Pfaff mindset -- it's not that other machines aren't good, it's that we just aren't sympatico. )

The real bargains are in the used machines, which you'll find at sewing machine repair shops mostly -- or check John Giordano's Sewing Machine Book for suggestions on good used machines to watch for. A high end mechanical machine 20 years old could still be sewing at the end of the century. And it could be sewing well.

Answer 2

I've been sewing since I was 11. I'm now 53. I've used Singer machines for most of those years, but not any more. I got a computerized one last year and had nothing but problems with it. I took it back, got another one, same thing.. I couldn't get help from the Singer website, only generic answers that didn't help. So I took it back and got a Brother computerized machine. I sew for a living so I use this thing pretty much every single day! It's been a great machine. I bought it from Walmart at a very reasonable price. The fabric depart manager told me if I have any problems with it, bring it back and walmart will send it in to be fixed, but she added that in her 20 years of working at walmart, she'd never had a brother machine come back to be fixed.. You can get a basic brother machine for around $100 and the computerized ones from around $175 and up.. By the way, I don't agree with one of the other people on here who state you need a really good, expensive machine..Not true.. You can get great results from less expensive machines that run for ever! Also, on purchasing an older machine. That is a good alternative, except if you get a machine that's 20 years or older, you might have a lot of frustration getting a good stich with today's fabrics, especially stretchy fabrics. Best of luck with your new machine. Happy sewing :o)

Answer 3

Did you go thru the manual in the troubleshooting section? are you sure you are allowing enough slack in the needle thread when you are starting it? Otherwise when you are holding the threads as you start too tightly, sometimes the needle thread can't get low enough into the bobbin case to catch the thread. sounds dumb, but I'm an experienced sewing person, and have done that. I dont' have a drop in bobbin machine - in my case, i can open the bobbin are, take the actual bobbin case out, and watch the needle go into that compartment with the needle thread & see what is actually going on. If you sewed over a pin or something like that, maybe your machine is now out of time, so the needle and bobbin aren't coordinating properly anymore. but you need a tech to fix that. could you be putting the bobbin in backwards by mistake so the thread is feeding off the wrong way? I don't think it should matter this much, though, i would think it would just make your stitching ugly.

Answer 4

The old singer machines were good, but the new ones are not as reliable. I have a Bernina which I inherited and have never had a bit of trouble with and it was bought in the 70's. Kenmore makes a very good machine. Make sure you get one that does automatic buttonholes(1 step). that's one feature I wish I had. Kay is so right when she says a bad machine can turn you off of sewing. Try a thrift store. One lady on here said she got a Bernina (newer than mine) for $50.00 at the Salvation Army. His wife had died and he was donating all her sewing stuff. Look around first before you buy and like someone else said, ask someone who repairs machines which is the best buy.

Answer 5

For a basic sewing machine I would look at Singer Sewing Machines and Brother sewing machings. You don't say where you live, but if you have a Joann's or Hancock Fabrics you can check out the machines they have. Walmart also carries some good, reasonably priced machines.

I have sewn for over 30 years. I have owned, Singers (I have 3 of them), Brother, Janome, and Bernina.

Have fun!

Answer 6

If there's a sewing machine repair place in your area, check them out. The often have older, reconditioned machines at very cheap prices, especially if you are looking for a basic machine.

You also might check craigslist. Many people buy expensive sewing machines then hardly use them. You'll get a lot more bang for your buck with a used machine.

Answer 7

A suggestion...The Bernina 930 is a workhorse. You could find a good one used. The 1130 is an alternative. If you like decorative stitches, the 1130 has more. My 1130 is 25 years old and has had a lot of use, and I have never done anything but take it to the dealer for routine maintenence every now and then.

Answer 8

Get a basic Singer sewing machine. They have a simple one that is for beginners and it's the best brand I know of.

Answer 9

I have a White Classic
it's a good machine that gets the job done and I love it

Answer 10

I love my sears Kenmore. It is very basic and easy to use.I think it was about 200 dollars it is the easiest one that I have used. It is lightweight too. I would recommend it.