Sewing machine for beginner
 

My sister has said she wants to get a basic (and cheap) sewing machine. She wants to do basic things like fix a hem and also make a few home decor items like some curtains or pillows. She does not seem to be interested in quilting but I think I may be able to get her started with some small simple table runners or something. I don't know much about any brand of machine other than Brother (since that is what I have -mine is an embroidery machine too so way to fancy for her). Does anyone have any suggestions on what would be a good basic machine for her get get? Thanks for all the advice in advance.

a basic brother from wally world- usually range between $89 & $139---good beginner machines- hold up well- do everything you want and then some- have speed control-which is nice for beginners---i had 5 of them in the sewing school- with students between 4 & 87 they loved the brother machines....they were a bit (intimidated) by my viking.

I totally agree with ckcowl. I work on 3 basic Brothers depending on which of my sons I am visiting, plus my own. These three different basic wally world type machines have never failed me, are not fussy on thread or fabric and the one I use regularly is going on 9 years old with no service.

Would she consider a used machine? Or how about being patient and watch for sales?

Sometimes you can find a good machine at the Goodwill store for very few $$$

It's been my personal experience that the brothers from Walmart aren't worth the $$$. I have found out the hard way that you get what you pay for when buying a sewing machine. I went to a dealer and got a great deal on a used Janome (he even threw in any free classes for life). A sewing machine repair shop is also a great place to find a good machine.

I have also had great luck with the very low end Brother from Walmart. For awhile I was finding that no matter what machine I got, it didn't last very long, so I figured if it was going to quit in a year or two, might as well get the cheapest one. Then I discovered that it was actually a really nice machine, did everything I needed it to do and has lasted me over three years and has now been passed on to a friend who did not have a machine. Still working great!

Of course if you could find her a featherweight or other similar vintage machine at a good price....

The machines are not that bad from walmart, I have a computerized one, and it does just fine. Walmart machines are not that expensive, and brothers are great for beginners. You can also get some great refurbished brothers on overstock.com at an excellent price, got a mechanical one for 109. 6 years and running strong. Just try it out immediately in case you have to return it. There are lemons everywhere, even dealers.

I have a Brother machine I bought from walmart in 1987 25 years ago, wow, thats a while ago. anyway I made about 20 quilt tops on it and about 5 or a bit more quilt as you go quilts on it in the first 5 years I had it. It is still sewing as good as when I bought it. A friend of mine when she comes to sew with me use's it and she won't use any of my other 10 machines. Just my 2 cents.

a used old singer or a brother from walmart would be my recomendations the singer stylist is a great beginer machine if you can find one at goodwill they dont break and are quite user freindly i have one im teaching a few teens on who have never sewn befor. and the like it better than my featherweight.