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From: Judy777
Date: 10-17-2005, 02:03 PM (1 of 14)
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Hi Everyone, I am very interested in purchasing a sewing machine sometime in the future. I have no experience with using one. I was wondering if anyone might be able to give me suggestions on what to buy.  I probably would be starting off with just using it to mend things such as pants. Someone from a crafts store suggested purchasing a Husky. Has anyone used this brand before? I'd like to buy one that is durable and easy to learn and use. Judy777 |
User: Judy777
Member since: 10-17-2005 Total posts: 2 |
From: toadusew
Date: 10-17-2005, 02:32 PM (2 of 14)
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I personally love the Janome brand. You can check out their machines on their website. A lot of the decision about which sewing machine is best for you depends on your particular sewing needs and how well you bond with your machine. Going to dealers and test driving the sewing machines are very important, as is deal support, which is why many of us here recommend buying from a local, reliable dealer. If you've never used a sewing machine, or don't know how to sew, you might also want to check to see if there are beginning sewing classes offered in your area. What are your particular sewing needs? Do you want to make clothing, crafts, quilts, or all of the above, plus home dec? Do you think you might want to go ahead and invest in a sewing/embroidery machine to embellish what you make, or do you only want to have a sew only machine? You can always buy a sewing machine and a separate embroidery machine. I'm asking these questions because the way you answer these questions will help you determine which type of sewing machine might best fit your particular sewing needs. There are quite a few good brands on the market today--as I said, my personal favorite is Janome, but Husqvarna/Viking, Babylock, Bernina, and Pfaff are also good brands. Buying a sewing machine is a lot like buying a car--you have to find the one that is right for you!  (There is another thread on here about a new sewer buying a machine-don't remember exactly which heading it's under--maybe someone else will come along and point you in the right direction. A lot of the same advice about buying a sewing machine was given in/in that thread.) Good luck in your search and Happy Sewing!
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 10-17-2005, 03:08 PM (3 of 14)
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I always say this and half the people here think I'm crazy. You might not enjoy sewing -- so don't go out and invest a lot of money in a machine you are not going to use. Get something sturdy and basic to start out with then if you want to trade up you can. What you are going to want early on is a zig-zag stitch. Be sure you have a zipper foot and a button hole making device is good -- but you can learn to make a good button hole with just a zig-zag stitch if you have too. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: jenny-o
Date: 10-17-2005, 03:39 PM (4 of 14)
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Hi Judy777 I agree with Dorothy totally. My first machine was a second hand portable Singer for $150. It was great, had lots of stiches but I only used the straight and zig zag stitches anyway. I used that machine for 17 years and got a lot of mileage out of it. Three years ago, I finally treated myself to a Janome MC 9000 (second hand but just like new). I must say it sews like a dream compared to the other (no fighting)! But when I did buy the new one, they gave me $100 for the old so it was a good investment. My favourite machine store here lets you return any machine you buy and exchange for a different one if you aren't happy with it. They will also let you rent them and apply that to the purchase price if you decide to buy. I really recommend getting a machine from a sewing machine shop though as opposed to a cheap one from a big box store. My sister and mother at different times bought from stores I won't mention because the price was so good, they have turned out to be really crappy machines. I'm sure it is not always the case but just my 2 cents. Jenny |
User: jenny-o
Member since: 08-28-2005 Total posts: 132 |
From: LauraM62
Date: 10-17-2005, 06:51 PM (5 of 14)
Since Judy mentioned that at the present she is mostly just interested in mending and such I agree not to go too high end on a sewing machine  So I will mention a Kenmore (Sears). Kenmore machines are made by Janome, generally last a very long time, I still have my mom's machine bought in 1969 that I learned to sew on  As far as repairs & maintenance, any dealer and/or repair person that services Janome services Kenmore machines, at least that has been my experience 
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246 
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From: esrun3
Date: 10-17-2005, 08:47 PM (6 of 14)
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Hi Judy, welcome to SWN! I'm partial to Singer. I picked up a very nice one at Walmart for $158 a few months ago, works like a dream and has a few decorative stitches. I would suggest you test drive and if you've never really sewn before you would probably want to get it from a dealer that offers classes. Let us know what you decide on.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 10-17-2005, 09:30 PM (7 of 14)
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I'm from the 'buy from a dealer group'. That way you can test machines, ALL prices. The dealer will most likely offer or GIVE you lessons. If you keep and LIKE your dealer, they often give you 'perks' with the machines you buy. I'd stay away from Wal Mart or Sears no one there sews. You cannot 'test' the machines. A 'Husky' is a Husquvarna/Viking, or Viking/Husqvarna (same company which ever way you wanna say it.) We all have our preferences. YOU need to pick for YOU. Try all the dealers in your area, try all the mchines you can get your hands on. Then pick the one YOU think fits your needs. Buying a sewing machine is like buying a car. Watch out for high preassure to sell you something you DON'T need or want. (I'm not too crazy about Singer these days...they're made in China, no longer in the US...mostly plastic parts...but thats for YOU to decide) You want a H E A V Y machine. The heavier the machine the more metal and the LONGER it will last. Have fun test driving !!! Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: LauraM62
Date: 10-18-2005, 10:01 AM (8 of 14)
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I'm from the 'buy from a dealer group'. That way you can test machines, ALL prices. The dealer will most likely offer or GIVE you lessons. If you keep and LIKE your dealer, they often give you 'perks' with the machines you buy. I'd stay away from Wal Mart or Sears no one there sews. You cannot 'test' the machines. I'm going to say that part of this is the area of the country you might live in. Living in a very rural area, our smaller Sears store does let you test drive the sewing machines & sergers. But you have to realize that we don't really have any dealers here either (well one!), and lessons - nadda - so when I decided to buy a serger books & videos became my friends. Same with my embroidery machine! Didn't have anyone around that sold the Brother machine, I had to order online, and learn on my own  Not every place has dealers & classes - I wish though 
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246
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From: Sancin
Date: 10-18-2005, 05:27 PM (9 of 14)
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Hi Judy I agree with Dorothy L. - and usually do it seems! A simple machine with a zig zag will keep you going for quite awhile. I would still be using my Singer Featherweight if it had a zig zag. I agree that a second hand machine (trade in) from a dealer is usually a good deal in terms of learning and service. When I bought my first computer people kept asking me "what are you going to use it for?". Trouble was that as I had never used a computer (other than the huge mainframe at work!) I really didn't know what it could do so that I would know what I wanted it to do. I have found that if I watch a demonstration or 2 I can better decide what I want and don't want in equipment so ask stores to demonstrate for you, but don't be drawn in by pressure. The demonstrators aren't objective for you. If you want to use machine to mend, make sure a demonstrator can show you how to do this with the foot drop. I have an Elna and a Janome. I wouldn't recommend an Elna for a beginner, but sure would a simple Janome. I wouldn't necessarily rule out Sears Kenmore. Some stores have clerks that sew and Sears has fantastic repair and maintenance service in our area. The repair people tell me that they are all trained specifically for what Sears sells. *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 10-19-2005, 11:39 AM (10 of 14)
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Nancy, Speaking of Featherweights, did you know Singer made a ZigZag Attachment for it ?? I got one with mine.. I do not have it now.. It got lost in a beach house years ago.. I rented mine with rent applied as down payment when I bought it back in 1957.. The attachment worked just like the buttonhole attachment.. Made a lot of noise, though.. I still love my featherweight.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: chiachia
Date: 10-21-2005, 10:54 AM (11 of 14)
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wow, most of these brands sounds alien to my part of the world ... well ... at least to me. Over here, I have only come across Singer, Brother and Sakura. Our of curiosity also, can I ask if all sewing machines can sew on knits? I tried on this kind of material before, but the stitches always gathers up (is this the right word?) Once I tried sewing a tight fitting top, and when i stretch it to pull over my head, the stitches came apart! Similarly when I tried to work on a swimsuit for my daughter -- the minute she tries to put it on, the same thing happens. I tried using a ballpoint needle, also with putting a piece of paper at the bottom, but can never solve the problem. I also tried the zig zag "broken" stitch, but also does not work. so my conclusion is that my machine cannot sew knits. do you think so, or is there something else that i had missed out? angeline |
User: chiachia
Member since: 10-10-2005 Total posts: 21 
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From: LauraM62
Date: 10-21-2005, 11:22 AM (12 of 14)
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Well yes, for some items you would want to use 'stretch' stitches. So you might want a machine that allows for stretch stitches. Also some knits it is just settings - needles - threads. On an interlock knit, a ballpoint needle would work, but you would want a looser tension on the stitch, so that when you pulled on the stitches they wouldn't pop. On swimsuit material you would want a 'stretch' needle, then I even use a stretchy thread called 'wooly nylon'. Allot of the stretch stitches on the machines work best on elastics, and/or elastic fabrics. As always test on scrap material, pull on your stitches, if they pop, try looser tension. On the stretch needle the point is sharper, to keep from damaging the fabric, runs, etc. I'm sure you'll get more info, there are so many great people on this board !
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246
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From: Judy777
Date: 10-21-2005, 02:32 PM (13 of 14)
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Wow you all are the best!! Thank you all so much for all of the input I received from you all!! You give me a lot to think about that's for sure. There is no time limit for me, so I can take as long as I want to. I will definitely try to buy a low end priced sewing machine. Like someone mentioned, who knows, I might not like sewing even though I've always wanted too learn. I'm not sure if I'm going to be doing quilting or crafts with it sometime in the future. I would start off with mending clothes and then perhaps possibly making clothes?? I'm not sure if there are any sewing machine classes but I will definitely look into that. If I can't find any, I have a few friends that do sew on machines and might be able to teach me. I've heard that Singer isn't as good as they use to be from a salesperson at Jo-Anne's Fabric Store so I probably won't look into buying a Singer. I appreciate all of your suggestions. Thank you all so much. Regards, Judy |
User: Judy777
Member since: 10-17-2005 Total posts: 2 |
From: LauraM62
Date: 10-22-2005, 11:00 AM (14 of 14)
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angeline Thinking some more this morning & reading I should add! On knits, like interlocks, etc - looser tension, longer stitch length (3 mm), lighten presser foot pressure, regular thread is fine, universal needle is fine. Now on the swimsuit fabrics - again check your tension (looser), here you might need the 3 step zig-zag in areas and/or the stretch stitch, again lighten the presser foot pressure, try wooly nylon thread, stretch needle. The big difference is that swimsuit fabric is 4-way stretch fabric, very stretchy! Just started thinking about a few more tips I could give you! I also have used a washable glue to baste lining & swimsuit material prior to sewing, as they have a tendency to slip & slide when trying to sew!
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246
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