questions from a beginning sewer?

Question

i want to buy a sewing machine, i've only sewed in home-ec before, but thats it.
i need one thats easy to use and is efficient for making clothes.
would this be a good one?:
http://www.sergers.com/sewing-machines/sewing-machines/singer1748sewingmachine.cfm

also, can someone please explain why i need a sewing machine AND a serger? why can't i just use one or the other?

Answer 1

I can tell you why you don't need both - you can do the work of a serger with a regular sewing machine.

If you have not done a lot of sewing work before, you may want to downgrade a bit from that one. It will save you money in the long run. When I first learned to sew, I had a machine (Brother, I think) that did nothing but a straight stitch and a zig-zag. If it wasn't straight or zig-zag, I could not do it (in theory).

At first, I thought it was kind of simplistic, but it was strong and lasted through my experimentations with tension, so it was good. As I used it, I found out that you don't NEED more than a straight line and a zig zag for anything you will sew. There are ways to work with stretchy fabrics (loosen the top tension a bit and use a large zig zag), thin fabrics like chiffon (use a smaller needle and smaller thread), getting rid of fray (roll the hems and use a straight stitch), and so much more. And, if you are - well, not new but not hyper experienced, either - you will find that learning to work with a "limited" machine will REALLY teach you the fundamentals of sewing, which will make you so much better in the long run.

As for why you "need" two types of machine: I repeat - You don't. There is a way of making a serged edge, that will work just as well as with a serger, but using only a zig-zag stitch on your machine. If you let the machine do all the work, you will get a nice smooth hem. If you stretch the fabric, you will get a lovely ''lettuce ruffle".

Slightly less expensive, with all the goodies you will need for a while, especially to make basic clothing: http://www.sergers.com/sewing-machines/sewing-machines/singerinspiration4205sewingmachine.cfm

Even less expensive, although it has too many stitches and you probably won't use them all: http://www.buy.com/prod/brother-25-stitch-portable-sewing-machine/q/loc/63024/203213749.html

I hope that this helps!

Answer 2

It looks like an okay machine. Singer's quality is far from what it used to be but if you are just getting started and looking in this price range, this should suffice. Check out patternreview.com's sewing machine reviews. That should also give you some good ideas. Also look into Brother machines, their quality has really improved a lot in the last several years.

You can get by with just a sewing machine. I have for many years. The major drawback to not having a serger is that you cannot effectively sew knits and other stretch materials. Also, any type of material that frays is better sewn on a serger.

Answer 3

You don't need a serger, a basic sewing machine is going to work best for you. My machine, a Viking, sews and overcasts at the same time. A lot of machines have this capability. Brother makes a good machine Sears sell a good machine. I would try several brands, make notes and decide which is the most user friendly. One that has a few stitches, and a zig zag does come in handy, definately a one step button hole, oh and make sure you get a zipper foot with the machine - you are going to want to put in a zipper and a buttonhole before long! You will often get some free lessons with your machine if you go to a shop that sells machines. I don't know if sears offers lessons or not. Good luck

Answer 4

1. You don't need a serger unless you are doing lots of sewing. Get a regular sewing machine first. The serger is more limited than a sewing machine.
2. Before you order online, check your local big box store like Target or Walmart. They sell basic machines and you can return it locally if you have problems. Before you decide that, check you local sewing machine dealers. They often will give classes and have lots of good machines that are basic in price that are trade-ins when people upgrade to a fancier machine. Make sure you like the people there. Some of them are helpful and others are very much not so.
3. Check your local parks and recreation or free university for classes. You could meet like minded people of your own age and help each other.

Answer 5

I have both. I use the serger to quickly finish edges. I make a lot of scrub tops for my mom. They get washed a lot and have to be really durable-so I serge all edges. I have the sewing machine I learned how to sew on, a Kenmore. It is solid metal and is almost 40 years old. I had a tune up done on it 2 years ago-its first! The lady at the shop offered to buy it from me because they are TANKS! I would look in your local thrift stores. An older machine might need a tune up but will have all the features a begining sewer would need at a much lower price. The majority of modern machines are made of plastic while the old ones are all metal. I really do prefer the metal machines. I think because they are heavier there is less vibration and less fatigue on your hands. Make sure if you buy a used machine all the parts are there. Get new needles and a magnetic pin cushion-they come in a blue box from Joanns-WONDERFUL! I think its great you want to sew-fewer and fewer people do it nowadays. Something you make yourself can give you a lot of pride-not to mention you have complete quality control. You can make the seams reinforced and different stich counts. Something you make yourself will not fall apart after 3 washes!
Good luck and keep it up!

Answer 6

I sewed for more than 50 years without a serger!!! I learned on Mom's treadle (non electric) that I still have.

You can sew anything on a regular sewing machine. You don't even need a zigzag for sewing. Zigzag stitch is for doing knits and fraying fabrics.

I just got a serger a couple of years ago and now wonder just why I thought I needed one. They just don't do everything.

You need a regular sewing machine with maybe some zigzag stitches on it. It can do things sergers cannot do like tight corners and top stitching.

Just go get the best for the money you can have. Brother is a very good reliable brand.

Answer 7

You can get by without a serger to begin with. I actually have not used mine in several years.

I have had Singer machines for years and have loved them all. They are pretty good for the price. The one on your link is ok but I would suggest one that has a 1 step button hole, especially if you are sewing clothing. You can get a Touch and Sew 7462 for about $179 at Walmart or Sears. It is listed on the link under similar items. This is a good basic machine, I purchased it to take to quilting class. It has some great features like the one step button hole, Multiple needle positions and is super easy to thread. It has lots of stitch patterns for decorative stitching, and stretch stitches for knits. It would be everything you would need for years!

Be patient and pick some easier projects to begin with.

Good luck and have fun!

Answer 8

I agree with avonwren. Kenmore is a good make sold by sears and you definately don't need a serger. I've been sewing for 50 years also and with a serger once your seam is cut off , there is no second chance to fix it if you make a mistake. I overcast all my seams with a overcast stitch. try to get a machine that has a one step buttonhole maker because eventually you are going to want to make some . I have a Bernina and it has a 4 step buttonholer but it is difficult to get them to all come out the same.

Answer 9

I've had 2 kenmore's and I love them. I started in grade school, and have been sewing since, its really relaxing for me!