Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Back up sewing machine >

Back up sewing machine

Back up sewing machine

Old 03-09-2012, 08:16 AM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 17
Default Back up sewing machine

I already have an embroidery sewing machine. However, I need a back up sewing machine for when my embroidery machine is in use. Only thing is, I would like to know if any of you out there could give me some feedback on a machine that would be under $300. I just need a basic stitch machine. Any ideas? Thanks.
lotsafabric is offline  
Old 03-09-2012, 08:56 AM
  #2  
Power Poster
 
QuiltnNan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: western NY formerly MN, FL, NC, SC
Posts: 51,433
Default

i have this one
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-Co...S6000I/4764726
you can't really get a quilt under arm, though
QuiltnNan is offline  
Old 03-09-2012, 09:23 AM
  #3  
Super Member
 
AliKat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 2,943
Default

Would you consider a used machine, one with more features but less cost? If so, check your LQS's and quilting guilds.
I have also seen some really nice machines at estate sales.

Personally, I'd take my FW over anything else if I had a fancier machine. and ... it didn't cost that much. I consider it an investment.

ali
AliKat is offline  
Old 03-09-2012, 10:00 AM
  #4  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
Default

A vintage machine would be your best choice. A Singer 301, 401,501, FW etc. ALL can be purchased for under what you're looking to spend. Any other new machine in your price range will not compare in quality. :>
Candace is offline  
Old 03-09-2012, 10:08 AM
  #5  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Small town in Northeast Oregon close to Washington and Idaho
Posts: 2,795
Default

I went to a 2nd hand store and bought a Kenmore sewing machine for $5. It came with instructions and a box of extra feet and parts. It worked great but a month later the 2nd hand store called and said a lady was there looking for an inexpensive sewing machine to use to make uniforms for her son's school. So, I sold it to her for $5. I already have 2 sewing machines and knew this was the right thing to do. But check out 2nd hand stores.
jcrow is offline  
Old 03-09-2012, 10:27 AM
  #6  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Burlington, NC
Posts: 1,730
Default

I have a singer 99K as my back up. Does the trick and sews just a nice as my Pfaff.
Ann L is offline  
Old 03-09-2012, 10:45 AM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Grambi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Spring Branch, Texas
Posts: 981
Default

I use my Featherweight or Singer 301 and love sewing on both. I do have an inexpensive Singer in a box somewhere but haven't taken it out of the box since buying my Pfaff.
Grambi is offline  
Old 03-09-2012, 10:50 AM
  #8  
Super Member
 
JUNEC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Clearwater, FL
Posts: 2,328
Default

You might want to check your Yellow Pages - check for Sewing Repair Shops - we have one about 2 miles from where I live - the man is honest - has great prices & lots of machines to look at & try - I find they have better prices than your local LQS
JUNEC is offline  
Old 03-09-2012, 11:50 AM
  #9  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
Default

There are really great used machines. Do some shopping at the dealers, repair shops, craigs list, good will etc.
Lori S is offline  
Old 03-09-2012, 12:14 PM
  #10  
Super Member
 
mom-6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 6,395
Default

My favorite is my featherweight! It sews a wonderful straight stitch and does well on multiple layers of even heavier fabrics like denim.

I also like the inexpensive Brother machine from Walmart. I passed mine on to a friend who did not have a machine. I had used it for over 3 years with no problems (other than broken needles from sewing over pins-my bad! or broken thread from letting it get wrapped around the spool pin when going too fast near the bottom of the spool).

Either of these would fit nicely into your budget. The Brother has several built in stitches including zigzag while the featherweight will only do a straight stitch unless you have the zigzag attachment.
mom-6 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
luvTooQuilt
Member Swaps and Round/Row Robins
30
12-18-2013 04:22 PM
chickadeee55
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
7
09-22-2011 06:22 PM
lady.quilter
Main
7
08-27-2009 10:28 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter