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.

My friend fried 2 of those in less than a year.

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.

My walmart brother rocks, my cheap overstock brother rocks too

I have a Brother from Wal*Mart. It's very lightweight and I take it on vacation or use it for classes. I like it. It's the
SQ 9000. I have a Bernina for in-home sewing.

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 don't know about Brother but I bought a Singer from BJ's that was $100 with case.It worked great.I wanted to upgrade so sold it for $35 and as far as I know it's still working. I have a Janome 6500 now and love it but I could have bought a lot of Singers for what I payed for that machne. I say buy what you can afford and enjoy it.

I have my grandmothers Singer sirci early 1950, that sews forward and back ward like a champ, have to look to see whichone, big heavy in big wood case, my 1980's kenmore, a Kenmore (janome made) 19000 embroiders machine, two surgers, a baby lock 3 thread late 80's, and a reburbished Janome from Overstock and the Brother SQ9000 I got on over stock for $140 including shipping (WM wanted $200 for it) Love the brother for most sewing and got it for same reason as others, wanted more stitches. Getting a white rotary treadle this after noon, can't wait to see it in person and what model it is. Now I will quit, have no more room. Just couldn't turn down the treadle, and when it was offered half price from estate sale I jumped for joy. Even if it needs some repairs, DH is pretty handy on them, as long as they are not computer. Can't afford the really expensive machines today on SS, but love to look.

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

My Walmart cheapie Brother is many years old now. It has sewn everything over the years. Curtains, prom dresses, costumes, jean patches, etc. It has also pieced many, many quilts and even quilted quilts up to queen sized. This machine has never visited a repair man for any reason. If and when it dies, I'll buy another one and feel like I got good deal all around.

I own three Brother Machines and I love them all. Got mine from www.allbrands.com

My first machine was a cheap Walmart Singer - It was just about $ 100.00 - I love it - I have a nice Viking now - but I have used my Singer for a backup - it works great - and if the machine is for someone who uses it occasionally - then it is a great machine.

I have 3 Brother machines that I bought from Wal-Mart. The oldest one is 17 years old and still works fine. I have sewed many, many hours on each of mine and they work great.

my first sewing machine was a brother - bought in the mid 70's - it had a 30 year warrenty! when my eyesight got worse hubby bought me a viking with a needle threader on it. i gave that well working - never had a problem brother to a lady who couldn't buy a machine. i kinda miss it! sometimes i think sewing machines are like cars - you might get a lemon in any brand.

I have 3 brother sewing machines and love each of them. I also have to say that if for some reason that you need to talk to customer service on the machine brother has awesome people to talk to. I know sometimes that makes or breaks the deal right there.

I wouldn't buy anything to cheap. You'll have tension problems, thread breaking, etc. and then you'll get frustrated. Buy the best machine you can afford.

I bought a Brother from Walmart 13 years ago for $80 and still use it often. No problems.

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 bought a Brother serger from Walmart 17-18(?) years ago. That thing is still going strong.

I have had that $49 Brother for about 4 years now. Not a repair needed. I have made 1 queen size quilt and many many rice bags, halloween costumes and a little of this and that. I did have to buy different feet for it. $8. :) If you plan on using it hard, I would try to upgrade a bit. Mine tends to shake when I run it hard for an extended amount of time, but.....it has served me well. And IF it does break on you then the money lost shouldn't be too heartbreaking. I am about to upgrade, but I think I will keep this one around for backup.