Sewing Machine for a Beginner
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chula Vista CA
Posts: 7,336
My sister bought the Brother sewing machine at Costco - she bought it years ago and it is still going strong. It came with the extension table and a walking foot, which I believe is a must now. I have a 64 year old Singer (15-91) that I learned to sew on, sewed clothes for me and my sisters when we were in high school. It is also going strong. It is in a cabinet, so when I tried to sew on a portable it just didn't work. It also didn't help that my 1973 Singer had plastic gears that were junk and was in the shop more than it sewed.
Until she knows for sure that she likes to sew, she should start either with a refurbished machine (providing you have a dealer you can trust) or check out the Brother machines.
Until she knows for sure that she likes to sew, she should start either with a refurbished machine (providing you have a dealer you can trust) or check out the Brother machines.
#14
It may be worth a look at your local Craigslist to see if you can find an older model machine and have it serviced. She would be able to get a nice machine for alot less than out of the box new.
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: United States
Posts: 2,222
I have a young friend who wants to learn to sew. She is ready to buy her first sewing machine. Her budget allows her to spend about $250. She wants to explore sewing, from making clothing to quilts. Do you have a favorite brand or model that you would recommend to a newbie?
I agree the older machines are well made, but sometimes the models with the front loading bobbin cases are a bear when they get a jam. And newer sewists will most likely have a jam or two. It could make it frustrating for them.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Posts: 635
To keep within her budget she would probably be best looking for a decent second hand machine with more bells and whistles than she could get buying a new one. I just got my first ever sewing machine in April last year which was a Janome txl 607 and I have to say at that point I wouldn't have wanted anything more complicated and might have been less nervous about it if it had been a simpler model. With hindsight I wish I'd bought second hand for my first machine because if she gets the quilting bug she may find a smaller machine makes pivoting a quilt very difficult and may well want to get a larger one as soon as she can.
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,502
I would go to a sewing machine repair man or someone who takes in trade-ins. They will have good used ones and will probably recommend a good solid one, a work horse so to speak. Make sure it works good because if she gets a messed up one, she will think sewing is not for her. Good luck.
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Jeffersonville, In
Posts: 2,621
I agree with checking out any dealers/repairmen in your area. Some people trade in their machines on a regular basis and you can get a lot more machine for the buck. The tech should have gone through any trade ins and made sure they work well. Happy shopping.
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MerryCrafty
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07-21-2009 06:54 PM