What kind of sewing machine should a first time sewer buy Please READ FULL QUSETION Before you respond?

Question

What Features should I look for ?

I know that I DEFENETLY want automatic threading since I had a previous issues with my previous sewing machine (SINGER MODEL 1725 ).I'd also like something affordable not outrageous

Some of the issues I had with my other machine were

Threading it was very difficult for me to thread my machine .
I also had bobbin issues I was told by a person on the site that I needed to melt it with fire because it was very lose.That is what she had to do to make hers work

Thank you all for your responses i will be getting my machine from walmart .They will be having a sale and my cousin has a employee discount there .

Answer 1

Singer 7422 30 features and has automatic needle threader $180.00[round figure] The person with the bobbin problem should have taken the machine back to the store and received a replacement.

Answer 2

Honey as long as It has your basic stitch patterns you'll be fine. Make sure you use Good Quality thread. Never the cheap stuff It frays and breaks and your project won't last very long In the end. Always use a fresh New sharp needle when starting each new project. Use the right needle for the project you're planning. I use a long thin paint brush for keeping the lint out of my bobbin case. I oil my machine every other day after cleaning of course. Most sewing machines tension Is set to 4 or 5,this Is about a normal setting,unless your free motion quilting. Then you control the tension & stitch length. I hope this helps. Make sure It has an automatic bobbin winder and the easiest attachments for buttonholes. You can sometimes pick them up there displays @ wal-mart for a little of nothing. Good luck & happy sewing

Answer 3

I have the $89 Brother from Wal-mart. I got mine about 4 years ago and have no troubles with it. It likes to be oiled regularly. As for threading it mine is so simple. Just follow the instruction manual. There aren't alot of knobs or dials either to wrap the thread around.
The bobbin is (in my opinion) a traditional bobbin. If you did any sewing in High school it's like those. Plus the bobbin case that you put the bobbin into and then into the machine has a tensioning screw that holds the bobbin tighter if needed. I have yet to need to adjust mine.
Oh and I'm currently using my machine to sew for my sister's wedding and have also made pants for my daughter and cut and sewn blue jeans into shorts etc... Plus it has a needle threader (I find it easier to hand thread mine).

If you have troubles with any machine I would suggest going into a sewing/fabric store or a sewing machine repair shop. they will have suggestions that are better for the machine than "fire the bobbin because it's loose" (picture me rolling my eyes :)

Answer 4

I would be more concerned with where I buy a sewing machine than which machine at this time. If you buy a machine from Walmart, Joann's, etc.; who will help you if you have questions or problems?

If you purchase a machine from an independent dealer in your home town or close; you have somewhere to go with problems if any arise.

Most independent dealers offer free classes for each machine they sell to help you get familiar with your machine. Even low end machines do so much more than they did even a few years ago. There really is lots to learn if you want to get the most use out of a sewing machine.

Personally I prefer Bernina and Elna machines. You don't have to buy a top of the line, but getting a good quality machine over a cheap one makes good sense. Having to struggle to get your sewing machine to work properly is the most frustrating part of sewing. If you buy a good quality machine from an independent dealer, you will have service and dependability. Most independent dealers have experienced machines which is also a good way to go. Free classes on operating the machine should also be offered with an experienced machine.

Good luck and happy sewing!!

Answer 5

Sears sells Kenmore machines and they are very good and affordable. I would look for a machine that makes 1-step buttonholes even if you think you won't use it now. Someday you will want to make something that needs a buttonhole and they are nicer and all the same size with the 1-step. You don't need a lot of decorative stitches because you probably won't use them anyway. You want zig-zag and blind hem st. and the overcast st for finishing seams to prevent ravelling. Here is a link for you for threading. I put it on my favourites for future ref.You should get yourself a sewing book to refer to when you have a problem. There are lots at the library you can browse through until you see one you like ,then you can buy it at a book store. My personal fav is Sewing With Nancy. I've been sewing for 50 years and still refer to my book. Happy Sewing!

Answer 6

I bought a Brother machine from Wal-Mart about a year ago.It is a very good machine, I haven;t had any trouble with it. I just made a new pair of bathroom curtains the other day. And I'm not an expert. I have an Aunt who is,though. She has 3 different brands, and a serger. One of her favorites is like mine. And the one i have is a cheaper model. Works perfectly

Answer 7

You really don't need anything fancy, especially to start.

auto threading may be more trouble than it's worth.

it should be easy as pie to thread a machine, if it's not, it may be too much machine for your needs or just poorly designed.

It sounds like you got a lemon.