first sewing machine
#1
So I'm already looking for a Christmas present for me from my parents (the only thing I'm gonna ask for!) and I want to do my research. What would be the best sewing machine I could get for $200 or less (the lower the more likely I'll get it). I'm currently using my mom's machine, an old Bernina 830 and I know nothing will compare.
I've read that Singers are great and that they are horrible, the same with Brothers.
I don't use many decorative stitches, mostly the running stitch and the wavy stitch, but I can do without the wavy stitch. It can be electronic or not, I don't really care, I just want one of my own that will last a little while
I've read that Singers are great and that they are horrible, the same with Brothers.
I don't use many decorative stitches, mostly the running stitch and the wavy stitch, but I can do without the wavy stitch. It can be electronic or not, I don't really care, I just want one of my own that will last a little while
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I wouldn't get a Singer in that price range. A lot of people like Brother in that price range. Also, check at Sears as the machines they sell under the Kenmore brand are supposed to be Janome. Janome has a good reputation, and you can get more bang for your buck with the Kenmore branding.
#4
In that price range I would visit a dealer and look for a good used machine. The older machines were made better than the new ones and a good, older, used machine will serve you much longer and more efficiently than any of the new lower price point machines. JMHO.
#6
Originally Posted by Prism99
I wouldn't get a Singer in that price range. A lot of people like Brother in that price range. Also, check at Sears as the machines they sell under the Kenmore brand are supposed to be Janome. Janome has a good reputation, and you can get more bang for your buck with the Kenmore branding.
#9
sarahrachel let me just start off by saying hi and I used to live in Lehigh Valley, in S. Bethlehem. I miss that area. I haven't been back in a few years but man it was exploding when I was there!
I'm going to have to agree with some others here and say try to hit a few of the sewing machine shops and see what they have available. Also make sure you tell them that you want a walking foot as well if you are planning on doing a bit of quilting.. and a 1/4" piecing foot...
My local dealer usually has some inexpensive machines, under $250 or so. It is worth looking at them. Also, Walmart sells a Brother for under $200 that is really nice. It has the extension table, walking foot, etc. It's really a great set up for a beginning machine and you can't go wrong with it at all.
Also... you've got some great second hand stores in town too. You might be able to score a workhorse that way - and you've got a freecycle group (freecycle.org) You might be able to get a free one and save some money for supplies or to set aside for your dream machine :)
I'm going to have to agree with some others here and say try to hit a few of the sewing machine shops and see what they have available. Also make sure you tell them that you want a walking foot as well if you are planning on doing a bit of quilting.. and a 1/4" piecing foot...
My local dealer usually has some inexpensive machines, under $250 or so. It is worth looking at them. Also, Walmart sells a Brother for under $200 that is really nice. It has the extension table, walking foot, etc. It's really a great set up for a beginning machine and you can't go wrong with it at all.
Also... you've got some great second hand stores in town too. You might be able to score a workhorse that way - and you've got a freecycle group (freecycle.org) You might be able to get a free one and save some money for supplies or to set aside for your dream machine :)
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