sewing machines
 

What type or kind of sewing machine do you recommend for someone starting out and for making quilts?

I would ago to a dealer that has a number of different machines that you can try out. We have a shop not to far from me that has a number of different brands and models to play with. You should look to a dealer and play. The choice is always going to be what makes you comfortable and fits in your price range. I always look at used machine that have been refirbed by a dealer to same $$. Have fun trying everything out.
My own choices have been a good vintage machine. I love working with a Feather Weight machine, but they are not so good for managing a real large quilt. I also have an older Singer that works great.

You're really asking two different questions. Someone starting out just needs a machine that will be easy to use and reliable. I started out with my older (but not vintage) Singer. An inexpensive machine from a big box store will do fine until the new quilter decides to continue with the craft. That's when he or she may want to look at machines with more features, a wider throat, a better cabinet, etc. The original inexpensive machine won't go to waste. (We all need a backup machine.) Choosing the right machine for a serious quilter is an individual decision.

I agree with dunster, an older machine is easy to service and all metal, versus a new machine, which nowadays is mostly plastic, and if you want a new machine without spending a fortune, Janome's and Brother's have a fairly good reputation, even on the low end, personally I would buy one of those brands versus a new Singer, which in my own opinion are pieces of junk.

I totally agree with others that a good, sound used machine (mechanical not electronic) is a great place for a beginner to start. I have a collection of Singer machines from 1926 through the early 60s (my white featherweight) and they are all wonderful. I,also have two Pfaff 1473 machines that are mechanical (the 1475 started going computer). Other brands of such machines are also great. While the computerized machines can do lots of things, the mechanical machines are real workhorses. But I would definitely steer way clear of any Singer machines made in the last 40-50 years (just my opinion!!) as I think they are just plain junk. Lots of plastic innerds that can go bad and with no replacement. Check out your local dealers to see what they have. The earlier Berninas are also terrific - wish I had bought ine years ago just to have (I own a 440qe and a 350pe right now). I’ve heard from friends hiw they wish they had kept their older machines when upgrading,

Sandy in Mooresville, NC

totally agree with Dunster. I bought my daughter a $90 Walmart Brother--few stitchs, can drop the feed dogs and we have Free Motion Quilted with it, can buy a walking foot if it doesn't come with it, does just fine and light weight enough that you can use it as your class/travel machine if you do that. then if you get addicted to quilting, you can later step up to a computerized that has needle up/down, speed control, etc features. (and a much bigger price tag!) Welcome to quilting!

I agree that a mechanical is good for starting out but they are usually heavy. so I have a newer one for taking to classes .

Not sure how fancy you want to get with your stitching. My Bernina 830 is over 40 years old and came with a lifetime guarantee. Only time it is in the shop is to be cleaned and oiled. I didn't use the auto stitches much, but now I do and want more choices. Look on Craigslist for deals if you know what you want! I bought my second machine ever recently when DH spotted an industrial Bernina for under $700 that had been used less than 10 hours. I do love him!
If you want to dip your toe in, Walmart sells some machines for around $100, which is the beginner I purchased for DD.

I started out witha low end brother 20 years ago. I upgraded 10 years later but still continue to use my walmart brother. i do prefer my computerized walmart brother to my mechanical low end brother. it handles thicker seams better

Brother 1500 are good to start out with and use later. 9" throat space is nice too.

I totally agree with Ladyinpurple135, I have several Singers from the 50's and 60's, 221, 301, 201 and 500. They all sew like a dream and I didn't pay more than $40 for any (but the 221). They will last another 60 years, hands down. I do sew alot on my Bernina 1090 and have a Bernina 830 Record, both considered vintage too. If I was ever given a new machine, I would sell it, lol! For one thing that humming noise that the computers make on the new machines drives me crazy. And the problem with buying one of the new cheap machines is that they are too light, they can bounce around.

I need also a sewing machine. My friend of sub continent told me that I give some electric machine because he has electrical company related to electricity wapda bills. Now I want to export machine for him.

PatG - your collection sounds a lot like mine, but I do have a few newer machines. But I’m very careful of what I purchase. And I totally agree with those $99 machines - they bounce all over the place. Heavy is good!

Sandy in Mooresville, NC

I started out with a machine that could make quilts at home , and at classes. It's at about 20lbs. I also want some switches for quilting built in . Also a thread the needle function. What was nice is the dealer gave me lifetime of classes to learn the machine and basic sewing. I had never had done any sewing before. I wanted make a quilt for my daughter who was taking chemo. People on chemo get so cold while getting the stuff administered to them. It has worked out so different than I ever would have thought. It's been seven years and I still making quilts for people with medical problems. I do all the piecing and quilting , ( can't afford the price of a long arm). So pick a machine for your needs now, and maybe what you could do some day in the future.

Whatever Fits Your Pocketbook
 

I like to advise ladies to buy what fits your pocketbook now, but don't think you have to buy the biggest and fanciest one with all the bells and whistles. I bought 2 inexpensive machines for my granddaughters for Christmas. One of the girls is taking to sewing like a duck to water but the other is learning but won't use it as a hobby (I can tell) but as a necessity to repair things...which is okay, too. I agree with some of the others who said they may not stick with it or even enjoy it at all. Why invest a lot of money when you aren't sure yet. I have all mechanical machines from Featherweights to Janomes and love both brands for the reasons already listed. I rarely have a problem that my husband or I can't fix.

If you can wait for a quilt show, it will be full of machine vendors just dying to get you to try out their machines. It's a good place to test drive a lot of machines and see what you like and don't like.

You can piece quilts on any machine. For quilting, you need something strong enough to sew through all layers. My personal suggestion is a vintage metal machine with a "potted" (internal) motor. They are gear driven rather than belt driven, which makes for a stronger sewing machine. They are also in plentiful supply, and for not much money.