A Brother from a good dealer.

I would go with a used Bernina before I went with a Bernette (based on the advice from my local Bernina dealership). They are built better. You will probably want a machine with enough power to sew through denim if it's for mending.

I had a Janome Magnolia that I used before I got my Bernina 440QE and it was not expensive and worked very well. I liked it a lot.

I have a Brother CS6000 that I sew and quilt with. Got it at Walmart, on sale, marked down from $199 to $129. Have had it a few years and it has done well.

It isn't too heavy but it sews fine.

delma

Walmart - Brother some less than $100.

My DIL received a Bernette for Christmas -- Ihave used it more than she - when mine was 'in hospital'
I alsopurchased a $200 Singer for my daughter at a BJ's -- excelent basic machine very sturdy and she has become quite the sewer.

My DIL received a Bernette for Christmas -- Ihave used it more than she - when mine was 'in hospital'
I alsopurchased a $200 Singer for my daughter at a BJ's -- excelent basic machine very sturdy and she has become quite the sewer. Kenmore used tomake very good, not too expensive machines.

I would NOT have another Singer if their top model was given to me.! My first brand new machine was a Singer and spent more time in the shop being "repaired" due to the plastic parts, than I di sewing on it. I now have a Kenmore that I've had for over 25 years and have had very few problems with it. I say check into Kenmore or you can go the used route, but make sure the used one is in tip top condition.

i got youngest dd a brother from walmart when she wanted to start sewing... about $150.00 has several decorative stitches and wasn't too basic if she wanted to really get into quilting... she's been using it for 3 years, pretty frequently & it has been a great machine.. no problems at all.

I purchased a new Janome last year and just love it.