Sewing Machine for a Beginner
 

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?

You might be able to find an old Kenmore for less than $100. They're really a great old machine.

The problem with new machines under $250 is that they usually have pre-set stitches (there's no control over the stitch width), and they're not very well made.

There's a Bernette 15 that has control of the stitch width, metal oscillating hook (bobbin system), buttonhole applique stitch and buttonhole system for about $270.

My machine has stitch width, it was under 200 at walmart. Brother SQ-9050 and its a very good beginner machine. I have had mine for 3 years now, my mechanical was even cheaper only a little over a hundred and it is 8 years old also a brother. I feel it is a decent machine its not going to be as well made as a 1000 dollar machine but that is to be expected.

I started out with a Singer in the 70s. They don't make them like they use to. Usually newbies want all the bells and whistles with a new machine. I eventually upgrade to a Bernina and haven't ever regretted that purchase. Might check for a used machine from a reputable dealer locally.

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.

I would suggest she look into a Janome. I know a lot of women who have them and are very happy with them.

I think you are right. A good used older machine is better than the new cheap ones made today. And the dealers will give you a warranty on a used machine. I'd try a few dealers and see what they have to offer. Have a fun road trip one day and see what's out there, used, of course!

I agree. My cheapie little Brother machine has stitch width adjustment, needle left or right adjustment and about 35 fancy stitches. It has made everything from bridesmaid and prom dresses, to miner's bibs to quilts including the quilting of a queen size. Don't knock those little machines.

Look at Brother sewing machines. For $250, your friend can get a pretty good, many featured sewing machine. They are sturdy, sew well and Brother user guides are great. I've been using Brother machines for 7 years now without problem and without anything but home servicing.

I absolutely LOVE the Brother SQ 9050. 8 members of our guild have purchased it. We purchased 2 to keep at the quild to be used if someone does not bring theirs. It does it all. Great for beginners, especially children, as the speed control goes very slow. One of our members free motion quilted a queen size.Wal Mart has them, just under $200.00.

I also have a brother SQ9050 and love it. I have never sewn before and the machine was easy to figure out and has lots of features. The manual is easy to understand and also comes with a DVD.

Chiming in again to say I have 3 different mechanical Brother machines that have not given me a bit of trouble and are not fussy about thread or anything else.

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.

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.

I love my brother machines I have a cheapy that I use when my embroidery machine is in use. it is a very reliable machine and has speed control, stitch width, and a variety of stitches.

Just a thought here. Younger sewists are so used to computers and ease of use. A newer sewing machine will have the automation they are used to.

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.

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.

Good idea! I'd also check the used machines at the dealerships. That way she could get a better machine for less money. And at the dealerships they refurbish them so they should work really well.

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.