Thread: Help for a Newbie

I'm not sure that I am posting this in the right place. I'm new here.

I'm new to quilting and I have an older, inexpensive model Singer sewing machine, that I just don't think is cutting it. I have major problems getting accurate seam allowances because of pulling. Plus my foot pedal has no finesse. It's either all or nothing. Could anyone recommend a good beginner sewing machine I can use for accurate piecing, ditch quilting, and possibly some free motion quilting in the future? I really appreciate it!

It will help if you post a price range to narrow down the choices. You could get a beginner machine at Walmart and try it out? Each of the major brands have lower end machines Janome, Pfaff, Bernina, Brother etc but they are more than money than a basic machine.

You will get as many opinions as there are people on this board.

The firs thing is to establish your budget. Do you want new or would you be okay with used? etc. etc. etc.

If you search this board for "new machines" or "beginner machines" you will see the many, many discussions on this topic.

Personally, I would buy a new machine. The old one can be fixed up as a backup.

When shopping for a machine, the very first thing you need to do is decide on a price range. If you are limited to $300 or less, then I would check out machine dealerships near you. Often a good used machine will give you more bang for your buck in terms of quality of machine. Deciding on a price range *first* will narrow down the choices to a manageable size.

In my opinion, you ***really*** want a needle-down option and at least a standard harp size (area underneath the arm where you need to squish a quilt for machine quilting). Judging by your post, you also want either a sensitive foot controller or a speed control on the machine. Another ***must*** on my list is the ability to adjust stitch length and stitch width yourself; do not get a machine with only pre-set stitches, as it is too limiting. Stick to brands such as Janome, Pfaff, Bernina, Babylock, Brother. (I personally would skip Elna, Bernette, Singer.) An advantage of going to a dealership is that you can sit down with your own fabrics and try out the machines before purchasing. (Do not use only the dealership's fabrics; they are different than quilting fabrics and do not always show up tension problems.) Be sure you understand the dealership's return policy before buying. I don't know about used machines, but usually dealerships will *not* take a return on a new machine unless you upgrade.

If you can't find something you like used at a dealership, then many people are happy with basic machines sold at Walmart. Just be aware that sometimes the harp size is small, and typically these machines do not have quite as strong a motor for machine quilting. Also be sure to understand the return policy if you try the machine and are not satisfied.

I have a Model 384.13012000 Singer a Sears exclusive model. I don't know how old it is. I did a google search and didn't find much information. The Singer website isn't much help, because technically it's a Sears-Roebuck. I do know that I have had it for about 10 years. I bought off of ebay for around $80 then. It really wasn't used for much until recently. I have not had it serviced yet. The closest service center is 40 miles away and they told me it was a minimum of $100 to look at it. Since I didn't know how much it would eventually cost I didn't think the machine was worth that much.

I would be fine with a used machine. My budget would be about $400, including all the feet, seam guide, etc. that I would need for quilting. The only dealerships near me are Singer, Janome and Bernina. I'm pretty sure a new Bernina is out of my price range at this moment. I have not read good things about new Singers. I don't really know much about Janomes except that they all have drop-in bobbins, and I think I read that isn't a good thing. Of course, that's why I'm asking you guys advice. Thanks for any help you can give me.

These are brothers only higher end offered online in your price range, and it gets awesome ratings, I have had only brother/babylock for the past 20 years, Had 3 that were cheaper than this and they served me well, this one has less plastic and is more durable
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Limite...sewing+machine

if not this one I would look at juki's

Well, I looked into the Brother PC-420 PRW and the Janome HD1000. I like both but the Brother is at the very top of my budget and I would want a couple of extra accessories to add to it. I really like the Janome, but it does not have an option to change the needle plate to a straight stitch plate. I have read that when straight sewing if you are using a zigzag plate that the wide opening can draw fabric down into this. I was wondering if anyone has any opinions on this.