Sewing Machines?

Question

What are things to look for in a good sewing machine? And how much should I pay for one?

I want to make clothes, I would like it to be strong enough to go through denim. I want it to be good.

Answer 1

Here's the distilled wisdom of about a collective 200 years of sewing experience, both home and commercial sewing.
http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm

In my experience, the cheaper new machines (<$200) wear out easily (I did one in with a year's sewing), balk and just aren't worth repairing when they do break. As you go up in price to about $700, you'll find machines that will last for years and make sewing much easier. Beyond that tends to get you into the realms of all sorts of stitches and technologies that you may or may not want as person new to sewing.

My rock-bottom non-negotiables for a good basic machine:
1) very good straight stitching (most of your sewing will be straight stitch)
2) adjustable presser foot pressure
3) zig-zag to at least 4-5 mm wide
4) a method of making buttonholes that doesn't drive you nuts.

All of these can be found on good used machines in the last 40 years.

wants:
decent blind hem stitch
stepper motors (found in electronic and computer machines)
no oiling
non-jam bobbin

As you go up in price, things tend to get more automated, and maybe more convenient. On the other hand, the only machine stitching you'll find in couture work was done on a straight stitch only machine (and that's all I had until about 1995). You don't want to jump into a level of complexity in machine operation before you've learned the basics unless you like steep learning curves.

Me? I make almost all my family's clothes, and I'm using a 10 year old electronic machine with 30 stitches, of which maybe 5
get used regularly. And a serger, which is the workhorse of my sewing.

Suggested reading: first and last chapters of Carol Ahles' book, Fine Machine Sewing. Most public libraries have a copy.

Answer 2

Well if you are a beginner I would check at some of the sewing machine stores that also do repairs. You can sometimes pick up a good basic machine 2nd hand that has been refurbished for a decent price.

I would look for metal parts as opposed to plastic. There are a lot of plastic parts on the low end machines, and if you are planning on sewing denim you need the strength of the metal.

I got through Design school on a Bernina basic that cost about $800 in 1988, and it is still in good working condition. Though I now have a Pfaff that does a few more stitches, and I like them both, but they do load and sew differently.

If you are planning on sewing denim and want that decorative top stitch I would definatly get a machine that will allow for the double needle....saves a lot of headaches.

Answer 3

I would spend some time writing down what you think you will be doing with your sewing and realistically how much time you will spend. You mentioned denim, so that's a good place to start, but if you also plan to make doll clothes for the grand kids there are other things to consider. Definitely go to some reputable fabric stores etc, and do test drives. Ask hundreds of questions - the simplest ones can garner you the most important answers. Check what accessories come with the machines and what they're for. Also check availability and how much extra feet are if you need them. Look your choices up on a consumer web site or at the library to check reliability. And like most else, you get what you pay for, so my suggestion would lead you away from both the cheapest and the most expensive. Refurbished is a good word from a reputable dealer. Once you narrow your choices down, one machine may just fly at your feet and yell, "Take Me Home!!" Good luck and happy sewing!

Answer 4

Go to the various sewing machine sales rooms and ask to use the machines. You can do some simple seams and sample stitches to see what the various makes of machines have to offer.

The more stitches they offer the higher the price. You need basicly straight and zigzag stitch. You need such things as the zipper foot and maybe the cording foot. Other than that everything is like buying a car. The more it does, the more it will cost.

Sometimes you can get good machines used and refurbished and you can get some from pawn shops and second hand stores. But always ask if you can plug these in and stitch for about 30 minutes or so to see how they work.

Answer 5

What things you want depend on your level and interest in sewing. Are you going to just do crafts, are you into quilting, do you design and sew clothes, are you just learning?

I would love to help but I would need to know more about your level of sewing and what you want to sew.

Answer 6

Any of the Brother or Singer machines in the department stores will be fine. The machines at Jo-Anns are fine. My advice would be to look for a pop-off sole plate as opposed to screws, because you should clean out lint every time you load a bobbin.

Answer 7

well good sewing/