julie777

i want to buy my daughter a sewing machine this will be her first one what is a good brand that would be sold in walmart target other areas are the singers still pretty good they dont look like there is much to them

raptureready

I've had Brother and Singer (both sold in Walmart) and for the same money I'd pick a Brother over Singer any day.

Quilter7x

I recommend a Janome Jem. Janome is a very easy brand of machines to learn on and the Jem line is light weight. So as a diehard Janome lover, that's my recommendation! :thumbup:

For sure, others are going to recommend other brands and you should consider everyone's comments before making your decision. If you get the chance to test-sew on a machine before buying it, that would be the best.

I don't recommend new Singer's either. The older ones are good, but not the new machines.

Good luck! :)

greensleeves

I think the Singers you find at WM and Target are good beginner machines and you may find they last a very long time. They don't have a lot of bells and whistles but enough that a beginner has some specialty stitches they can use. Just be sure your daughter knows how to thread top and bobbin and she should be good to go.

amma

Here is my two cents worth... a machine, Singer or brother, for under a $100 is a great deal for a beginner. Or pick up an older used one from a dealer or sew/vacuum center or repair shop.
You don't know until they get one, just how interested they really may be.

If they use it for 3-5 years, treat it well, keep the bobbin area clean, it will be a great machine for them. Most of the new machines don't even require oiling. Then maybe look to upgrade :wink:

There really is not a need to take these inexpensive new machines in to be serviced, at $50+ each time... It is more affordable to just replace them every 3 years. You can always find these lower end machines, new, for $100 or less. The same price or even cheaper than two service/maintenance bills :D:D:D

bj

I have a little Singer Touch and Sew that I like a lot. I've never sewn on any other brand. But mine has a few built in stitches and sews very well. I bought it because it had the blanket stitch for applique. Now, when I learn to applique, I'll be set!:O)

scowlkat

I would recommend checking locally on craigslist or papers for an older mechanical sewing machine. I, too, would say no to a modern Singer. If you prefer a new machine, I have a really nice machine I purchased for $149 from easyterms on ebay to take to guild meetings. They have a lot of good prices and many models. Just depends on what you want to spend and if you might want to use it as a portable to take to classes - if your daughter will let you!

hobo2000

Having taught 3 granddaughters and 2 grandsons to sew, I have learned the hard way not to buy too simple of a machine. You will throw your money away unless it has at least 20 fancy stitches. These kids have grown up on video games and learn a sewing machine in a snap. They will have the cleaning down pat in minutes and oiling. Then they will try every fancy stitch. Too simple of a machine will bore them and you will lose their interest I taught the 2 grandsons to make Christmas stockings 3 weeks ago. Johnny has made 10 more on his own and Johny has made only 3 but he increased the size double for his teachers all without anyones help. They are 10 and 7. Good luck!

carolaug

I have been looking too...all the research I have done and people I have talked to...I would buy a Brothers not a singers.

carolaug

I agree with you...I bought a Kenmore in April not knowing I would get into quilting or sewing for that matter...I wish I would have paid the extra for a computerized one to make the fancy designs. Now I am looking for a better machine with more bells and whistles.