Anyone Know Of A Good Sewing Machine For A Newbie?
Lounge By fallonb2000 Updated 4 Apr 2006 , 3:22am by SquirrellyCakes
I would like to purchase a simple sewing machine, something under $100 so that I can sew some simple things like skirts and pillows but I want something that will last. I've looked on ebay and machine sites but I just don't know what to look for 
it seems like there are just so many varieties and price ranges. I thought about trying out a sewing machine by taking a sewing class, but for all the ones in my area, you have to bring your own machine. Any suggestions?
Well, a free arm is a good thing to go with, a lot more versatile than a flat-bed machine. Most machines have this option nowadays. Something with basic stitches, like zigzag, a stretch stitch sewing feature is a good thing too as many materials are stretchy these days. You can purchase many additional feet or attachments for some makes like Singer or Husqvarna, White or Janome. I am mainly not a big fan of Brother because the interior mechanisms were not generally as heavy duty and sometimes resulted in many more frequent repairs. I have a friend who works in sewing machine maintenance and repairs and this is where this information comes from.
It is usually a good idea to go into a store that sells sewing machines and try them out or ask for a demonstration.
Beware of anyone advertising that a certain machine will even sew leather, any machine will sew leather if you use the right needle and thread. Learn all you can about the types of needles and threads that you need to use depending on the material you are sewing, this also is affected by the tension you set the thread at when using the machine.
If you purchase a machine exchange any plastic bobbins that it might come with, with the appropriate replacement in metal.
Needles need to be replaced often as they become dull and can develop burrs that can damage your fabric. Also replace your thread often, thread rots and has an average shelf life of around 6 months before it can start to cause some jamming issues.
Usually a machine that has about 10-12 stitch choices is pretty basic and all that you need unless you plan to get really advanced.
You might want to ask the sewing instructors what kind of basic machines they would recommend.
Once you purchase a machine, clean and maintain it as directed by the instruction booklet, this will save you a lot of frustration with thread getting caught etc. Remove pins as you come to them when you are sewing as the pins can damage or nick or scratch the throat plate which in turn will catch on fine materials and cause pulls. There are different kinds of pins available for different materials also.
Generally the higher in price you go, the more stitch features, the easier the machine is to thread and the more computerized the technology is. Also the attachments are more automatic whereas with the less expensive machines, you need to do more manual labour with them.
Hope that helps.
Hugs Squirrelly
Thank you so much. You have given me a lot of helpful information.
You are very welcome, sewing is another hobby of mine. I have a lot of friends that invest thousands of dollars into the really advanced computerized sewing machines but don't really get their money out of them because they don't utilize the machines' capabilities. You are wise to have a price range in mind and to look for something pretty basic that will meet your needs. Purchasing used is a good way to do this. I would also recommend taking any used machine in for a checkup at any shop that specializes in this. Sometimes the machines need some calibration adjustments. Basic sewing courses are a really good investment too. There are so many new sewing "toys" on the market that really make things easier to do and the instructors will be up-to-date on these.
Hugs Squirrelly
I got one for christmas My mother got from Wal-mart for way under 100.00. It works really well, she's the sew-alcholic ( :0) I'm just starting out, but she said that this was perfect for a starter machine and very inexpensive. I've used it to make table clothes, curtains and some corn bags. I haven't touched it since x-mas due to the cake season and not having any time.
Wow SquirrellyCakes, you never cease to amaze me. You always give such wonderful information.
I sew a little and am currently borrowing a machine from my seamstress friend while I decide if I want to fix my Singer or buy a new one. The one feature the machine I'm borrowing doesn't have is the foot that lifts. If I'm doing bulky items, I can't lift the foot that little-bit-higher to clear the fabric. I never thought I would miss that so much! My friend told me to checkout the sewing repair shops before I make a purchase. Do you have any in your area??
kos
That is a great idea because sometimes they sell re-conditioned ones. Sometimes people don't pick up their machines and they sell them for close to the re-conditioning price.
Hugs Squirrelly
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