Good Starter Machine?
05-13-2012, 03:29 AM
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,571
Depending on what type of sewing the student wants to do, I'd probably look at a used higher end machine from a service/repair shop that can be had for the right price - whatever that may be for you/them. Or check on Craigslist if you feel confident enough to check out a machine on your own. This way you're not investing lots of $$ on something that may not be used too much.
05-13-2012, 05:57 AM
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Clay Springs AZ
Posts: 3,229
I just bought a cheap Brother 2600 lightweight machine for classes. It was $80 and it does alot for the price.
Being in Collage I would consider a light weight machine.
Of course my Viking computer machine is my favorite but is heavy and not good for moving around.
Being in Collage I would consider a light weight machine.
Of course my Viking computer machine is my favorite but is heavy and not good for moving around.
05-13-2012, 06:02 AM
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Knot Merrill, Southern Indiana
Posts: 5,781
Agree with the other two posters about a good used machine from a dealer. Folks bring in their machines usually because they are upgrading to a newer model. The dealer gives the machines a good going over, cleaning and any repairs that are necessary, and most will offer a limited warranty with the machine as well (usually just 30 - 90 days).
05-13-2012, 06:58 AM
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,827
ditto to the above.
Consider whether this is a beginning sewer/quilter? or one who has sewn before, but never owned one.
What is a suitable "starter machine" for one, would not be appropriate for the other.
Don't let the price lure you ... a cheap new one, may not have the quality you could get in purchasing a used one from a dealer or elsewhere. For me, I'd deal with a dealer for a little more security in how I spend my money ... though I'm biased as I have an incredible dealer nearby and I know that is not the case for all.
Consider whether this is a beginning sewer/quilter? or one who has sewn before, but never owned one.
What is a suitable "starter machine" for one, would not be appropriate for the other.
Don't let the price lure you ... a cheap new one, may not have the quality you could get in purchasing a used one from a dealer or elsewhere. For me, I'd deal with a dealer for a little more security in how I spend my money ... though I'm biased as I have an incredible dealer nearby and I know that is not the case for all.
05-13-2012, 07:42 AM
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,321
I have to give my support for a basic Brother. I sew on three of them, one at home, one at each of my sons' houses. They are not persnickety and make a nice stitch. I also have some older vintage machines which I like, but my Brother is my "go to" machine.
05-13-2012, 08:17 AM
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Southern California
Posts: 6,254
Any of the lower end brothers would be great. I got my start on the lower end brothers and still use mine and love them. I have a higher end babylock, but it took me quite a few years to be comfortable with machines before I got her, and she is heavy, not easy to cart around like the lower end brothers that go with me to classes, and you can do everthing on them.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
