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From: atiaran
Date: 09-28-2005, 04:30 PM (1 of 15)
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I would like to begin sewing such things as bags, basic kids clothing for my kids, and eventually maybe some adult clothing. When I started researching machines, WOW! Quite mind boggling the options. Does anyone have any suggestions for a beginner? Should I go basic then upgrade to computerized later, or go straight for the fancy one? THanks A |
User: atiaran
Member since: 09-28-2005 Total posts: 4 |
From: tiedyejudy
Date: 09-28-2005, 06:13 PM (2 of 15)
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If you are just starting out, I would recommend that you buy a known brand with basic features(straight, zigzag stitching, feeder foot, standard attachments such as a zipper foot, some special stitches for finishing the edges, etc). I have owned 2 sewing machines in my life: the first, a used 1964 model Singer passed on to me by my Mother when she got a new machine, the second a 1980 Pfaff which I still own and use a lot. The Pfaff has more than paid for itself, and I have never had a problem with it. As time passes, you will probably know more about what features you might like in your next machine, but for kids clothes, etc., you should be able to do anything you want with a good basic machine. Good luck on your search! Judy Judy Sall Originals
www.angelfire.com/retro/tiedyejudy |
User: tiedyejudy
Member since: 08-10-2005 Total posts: 78 
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From: carman
Date: 09-28-2005, 06:14 PM (3 of 15)
welcome to the boards, my humble opinion is go in between  too basic will get you frustrated, but putting out a lot of money right away i think would be a mistake, if money is no object then i guess it would not matter though 
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User: carman
Member since: 04-17-2000 Total posts: 692 
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From: Jo-Anne46
Date: 09-28-2005, 07:36 PM (4 of 15)
| Go right to a dealer where they can demonstrate the machine to you.. They'll show you the basics then you can go from there.. Don't go too complicated or you'll just get frustrated.. |
User: Jo-Anne46
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 28 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 09-28-2005, 09:34 PM (5 of 15)
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If money is no object....get a TOL machine. That way you won't have to work your way UP and if you don't like it, trading DOWN won't be a problem. Test drive at all the dealers in your area. There are as many opinions as there are machines. Look for a machine that suits YOU. Pick a heavy machine (light means more plastic, heavy= metal). Stay away from stores where they DON'T know how to sew. (KMart, WalMart, Sears..although if you already sew and know what you want, Sears sells Janome machines. It's hard to test drive though, there is no way to do it, unless you carry around your own fabric and thread) Go for a BRAND name...Bernina, Janome, Pfaff, Viking/Husquvarna, Babylock.(Singer is hit and miss, they are no longer made in the U.S. and have had a host of problems with software and mechanics). They have sewing, sewing/embroidery, embroidery only, light duty, heavy duty, quilting...just about anything you want in any price you want. $199.-$10,000.....it just depends on YOU.. Kath Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 09-29-2005, 08:24 AM (6 of 15)
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I agree with Judy. If you can't enjoy a basic machine then why waste your money on an expensive one. You won't enjoy sewing any more if you pay more for the machine. And the only reason to sew is because you enjoy it. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: LadySloPokes
Date: 09-29-2005, 09:43 AM (7 of 15)
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Having just been through this process myself, I can easily say that getting a computerized machine right now might be just too overwhelming. I got a new Singer for Christmas, a basic mechanical machine, and it has everything I need right now. I have 22 stitch designs which 12 of them are for decorating and stretchy fabrics. It also has a 4-step buttonhole stitch which I insisted on having. My machine also came with 10 bonus presser feet, 3 of which I have already used-zipper, buttonhole maker, and satin stitch. Stay basic, but make sure it will cover most of the sewing you plan on doing. If you buy it at an authorized sewing machine dealer, they may also offer a trade-up program that you can use down the road if you want to get a better machine. A few might even offer free lessons on how to use your new machine when you buy it from them like mine did.
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198 
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From: atiaran
Date: 09-30-2005, 01:09 PM (8 of 15)
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Well, I went to a couple of local stores and ended up getting a Brother computerized SE270D sewing/embroidery machine. It was $299 which seemed like a good deal. Guess I'll find out soon enough, lol. Thanks for all the suggestions. A |
User: atiaran
Member since: 09-28-2005 Total posts: 4 |
From: greeneyedlady92
Date: 10-28-2005, 06:44 PM (9 of 15)
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When I asked Santa Claus last year for a new machine that did a little more than just straight stitching, I got on the Consumer Reports web-site and they recommended a model sold by Sears as being the best buy for the buck! It wasn't expensive at all and it does everything I want it to. You don't need to take their recommendation, but they have comparison evaluations that'll help you figure out what you want out of a machine and which one would be the best for you. You might have already purchase one, but if not, check out their web-site. Good luck hunting. |
User: greeneyedlady92
Member since: 01-24-2005 Total posts: 4 |
From: paroper
Date: 10-29-2005, 12:03 AM (10 of 15)
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I'd probably go for a mid-line machine if I could afford it. The mid-line machine should offer many of the bells and whistles of the higher range, hopefully be a little sounder than the low end and give you enough room to grow. If I were purchasing a machine right now, my favorite in the Bernina line is a 430. It sews like a dream with the lovely rotary hook (sews the straight lines the Bernina is famous for), is a well built solid machine that would last decades (and Bernina typically handles parts for at least 20 years). I believe that it runs about $2,000. Not only do I like the price for the quality (in 1992, I purchased a similar machine for $3200....and it is still worth about $1200 in the right circles). If you wish to upgrade and embroider, the module is available to be added at any time and will come with minimal software that will allow you to download to your machine directly, without extra boxes and cards (would be an additional fee). If you choose to do a lot of quilting in the future, the BSR stitch regulator (makes your stitches smooth and even) can also be added at a future date, upgrading this machine to the next level, a 440. In other words, I like it because it is a quality machine, with proven technology that will grow with you. This is also a relatively new machine in the Bernina line, since it came out this spring. You would also get basic machine classes and training and many Bernia dealers have a club where you can attend and get new ideas for projects. If I could not afford or were not comfortable with a mid-range machine and I were starting out, I might consider a good reconditioned or used machine from a reputable dealer. Many dealers will service any used machines that come into their shop and often they will provide a warranty or a limited warranty on the products. They may also offer some basic machine useage classes (which are wonderful) and some will offer full trade in/trade up if you trade your new or used machine within a certain amount of time. This time of year many dealers have wonderful quality trade ins because of the new product lines being introduced. One thing that you need to bear in mind is that the majority of machines in the market right now have computers in them. Many people think that the low-end machines are not computerized, but that is not necessarily so. If you should decided that you specifically want a fully mechanical machine, you'll need to do a lot of research and check with the dealers to see which models are mechanical (a major point with some people). The only non-computerized machine that Bernina currently sells is the 1008 and they have several machines in their line, the rest all computerized. I know that Necchi has one, and I would think that most companies may make at least one because there is some market for them. It is a good thing to understand if your machine has computerized parts when you purchase it. Many companies have excellent machines. I hope that you find one that is just absolutely perfect for you, your needs and your budget. You'll find that each company has something special to offer you, so take your time and really look around. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: gm23237
Date: 12-01-2005, 08:31 PM (11 of 15)
| My first was a $10.00 toy machine that only sewed a straight stitch, but at the time I was making crafts and that is all I thought I needed. In about 4 weeks I was at Sears buying a mid-range Kenmore that I loved for many years.I would recommend middle of the road machine. |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145
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From: Tom Land
Date: 12-08-2005, 08:04 PM (12 of 15)
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Like a lot of others have already recommended a mid line machine is a good place too start. Today you can get a low priced machine with a zillion (I could'nt write that number cause I don't know how many zeros it has) stitches but of low quality. Go on up to a midline and get the quality even if you lose some useless stitches. Make sure you buy from a local dealer and make sure that dealership has classes and competent personel. Not just sales people. Most dealerships have an upgrade policy that will allow you to move up and lose little or nothing on your first machine. Name brands are good but be carefull. You will find that Discount house models are not available anywhere else...eg. the Singer at Wal-Mart is not the same Singer as at your dealer.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 12-08-2005, 08:48 PM (13 of 15)
Great advice Tom. 
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User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
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From: CarolP
Date: 03-10-2006, 02:28 PM (14 of 15)
| I'm just starting out sewing. My husband bought me a sewing machine for Christmas. I've got a Janome 2049. He chose this brand on the recommendation of a seasoned quilter/sewer. So far, so good. It's got 24 different stitches plus a buttonhole maker. It's not difficult to work with and I haven't run into any problems with it yet. It's a pretty basic machine, but it does enough for me to make what I want. The instruction manual is easy to follow. I haven't sewn since the 7th grade and I had no problems threading it and sewing the first time I sat down with the machine and the manual. Good luck! |
User: CarolP
Member since: 02-27-2006 Total posts: 8 
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From: Mariellen
Date: 03-10-2006, 08:15 PM (15 of 15)
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Hi atiaran...welcome to the boards. I just started sewing again 2 years ago after a 35 year abscence....I have a EuroPro Model 384 and I love it. I bought it at Target....$129.00....and I still have not figured out all of the 63 stitiches that it does. I do a lot of craft sewing and clothes for my 16 month old granddaughter. I have never run into a problem with this machine. I know if I had started back sewing on one of the new fancy computerized machines I would have gotten frustrated and probably given up. Whatever machine you decide on, welcome back to the world of sewing.
If I had known that grandchildren were so much fun, I would have had them first!!
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User: Mariellen
Member since: 02-16-2006 Total posts: 58 
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