Thread: inexpensive sewing machine

I was in WalMart today, and I noticed that they had a Brother sewing machine for $49.00. It looked like a nice machine. I don't know anything about the machine, but I have been reading the the Brother machines are pretty reliable. I just thought it might be something someone might be interested in. If it isn't a very good machine, please forgive me for the information. Maybe someone else has better knowledge about the machine.
Sue

I would not buy a machine from Walmart. This is my personal opinion, only. I would talk to a dealer in your area. You will be able to get a better machine there. Sometimes, dealers have used machines...good quality for a good price. A dealer will also help you learn to use the machine. Remember, you get what you pay for when it comes to sewing machines. Again, this is my personal opinion. I am sure some people have had good luck with less expensive machines but that has not been my experience.

Originally Posted by maryb119

I would not buy a machine from Walmart. This is my personal opinion, only. I would talk to a dealer in your area. You will be able to get a better machine there. Sometimes, dealers have used machines...good quality for a good price. A dealer will also help you learn to use the machine. Remember, you get what you pay for when it comes to sewing machines. Again, this is my personal opinion. I am sure some people have had good luck with less expensive machines but that has not been my experience.

Altho I didn't buy a $49 sewing machine, I did have a $125 Brother from Walmart for my first quilting machine!!! I pieced dozens of quilts on that machine and it never missed a beat...earlier this year I purchased a $200 Brother from Walmart because I wanted more stitches for crazy quilting and am loving this one also...the other machine is still going, I just wanted more stitch options.....I'm living on a fixed income and if I want to continue quilting these are the options I have.....I'm not a quilting snob who thinks I have to have the most expensive to be able to create. If someone needs a reliable machine these have been just fine for me and quite frankly have given me less fits than my Singer did...who's also put away in a box!

Originally Posted by DebbieG

Altho I didn't buy a $49 sewing machine, I did have a $125 Brother from Walmart for my first quilting machine!!! I pieced dozens of quilts on that machine and it never missed a beat...earlier this year I purchased a $200 Brother from Walmart because I wanted more stitches for crazy quilting and am loving this one also...the other machine is still going, I just wanted more stitch options.....I'm living on a fixed income and if I want to continue quilting these are the options I have.....I'm not a quilting snob who thinks I have to have the most expensive to be able to create. If someone needs a reliable machine these have been just fine for me and quite frankly have given me less fits than my Singer did...who's also put away in a box!

I am not a "quilting snob" who "thinks I have to have the most expensive to be able to create." I simply said that in my opinion only...I would not buy a machine from Walmart. I have not had a good experience.

I agree. One of the best machines I had was bought from Wal Mart. Sometimes people cannot afford expensive machines. I have a friend who bought a $6,000 Bernina embroidery machine and had a lot of problems with repairs on it. I believe the $50 machines at Wal Mart were a Black Friday special. And, you are right, Wal Mart's return policy is real good. Good Luck

Originally Posted by AshleyR

I would have no problem with buying a $50 machine from Walmart. If it doesn't work out, it can be returned. I had one of the Singer Simples or whatever it was (the $80 one) and it was one of the best FMQ'ers I tried. It had a tiny harp area and wasn't practical for large quilts, but it did a fine job.

Check out the model itself. To me, it matters less where it is sold.
I bought a refurbished Janome (Kenmore) online from overstock.com for less than $100 with coupon.
Wonderful machine, with enough weight, good for piecing and simple FMQ.

My advice to new sewists is to always buy the best machine you can afford. We were at my grandsons for Thanksgiving and he brought out a boat seat he had reupholstered. I asked what he was using for a machine and he had borrowed his sister's Brother, which was not particularly expensive, and it did a fine job, however keep in mind that they have lots of plastic parts and won't take the beating forever. I have actually worn out a couple of machines and I always tell the dealer up front that I will sew ANYTHING I can get under the foot. We have upholstered cars, furniture, etc. with my machines and later bought an upholstery machine for such jobs. If light sewing is all you plan to do you may get by with a Brother for quite a while but I wouldn't buy the cheapest one. It may be better to buy a good used one that has all metal parts. Good luck with your search.