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From: VikkiV
Date: 12-03-2005, 07:40 PM (1 of 10)
| Hi. I'm interested in purchasing a basic sewing machine. I have never sewed a day in my life, but am willing to learn. I'm looking for a machine that I can make very basic window treatments, perhaps hems, and maybe fix zippers to start. Any suggestions on what machine I should purchase, and what extras I will need? Thanks |
User: VikkiV
Member since: 12-03-2005 Total posts: 1 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 12-03-2005, 08:40 PM (2 of 10)
Hi Vikkiv, Welcome to our group. Think you'll like it. All the people are super. I taught myself to sew 35 yrs ago. My Dh bought me a used 1947 Singer straight stitch machine & I bought a Singer sewing book. I still have both & all the attachments that go with the machine. Those old Singers just won't quit. Myself I won't buy the new Singers. Janome has a new machine out that would be good for a beginner. It's not a lot of money either. I've had great luck with my Janome's. Have 3. There are a lot of good machines out there to start off with. If you buy used, test it first plus make sure it has the manual. Most sewing stores have used machines & some will give a few lessons with it. Good luck & let us know what you end up buying. Any questions , there is always someone here that can help. 
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User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
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From: paroper
Date: 12-03-2005, 10:43 PM (3 of 10)
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I read your post earlier and didn't have time to respond (going to a little party). If you need more help, post back and we'll see what we can do.
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: debsews
Date: 12-04-2005, 09:11 AM (4 of 10)
| I always say buy the top of your budget. I bought a basic 330 from Viking for my first machine when I started to sew again and it wasn't long before I wanted something that did more. I too just thought I would want to repair things and do simple straight line or zig zag. But when you test drive the new machines you'll see there are things you'll want to learn. Get the best your budget will allow. Some dealers will let you trade up at full value in a year and we all have our favorite machines. You will know which one is right for you when you test it. Go with a dealer in your area so you'll get lessons and help whenever you need it. There's nothing worse than getting something you don't know how to use and then just using the manual. You will probably get discouraged. Take your time and find what's right for you and think ahead to the future. I promise you'll be addicted in no time and want to sew a lot. |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: patti2
Date: 12-04-2005, 09:45 AM (5 of 10)
I have to go along with beachgirl. I taught myself to sew on a singer and when i finally upgraded three years ago, it was with another Singer. My now 18 year old singer is being used by one of my DIL who is learning to sew. They are reliable and not intimidating at all. I am prejudiced, since it was my first machine. 
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User: patti2
Member since: 05-28-2005 Total posts: 78 |
From: LauraM62
Date: 12-04-2005, 09:52 AM (6 of 10)
Somewhere there is another thread on this same subject As someone mentioned there make sure it does a good straight & zig-zag stitch, you also might want to think about a stretch stitch. On a personal side everyone has their favorite machines. I learned to sew when I was really young on my mom's Kenmore, which was passed to me when I left home. Since then I have bought more Kenmore machines, which are made by Janome, including their sergers. For me it is where I live, cost, and part memories I think that keep me sewing on Kenmore. And where I live they let me test drive my Kenmore machines before I buy. I have a dealer that repairs Janome, so repairs my Kenmores. But lately I thinking about looking at a Babylock 
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: DorothyL
Date: 12-04-2005, 11:45 AM (7 of 10)
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Don't most of the machines have zig-zag satin and stretch stitches, and a few feet like zipper and buttonhole and such? I always say don't spend a fortune right off unless you have a lot of money to burn. A good low end but sturdy machine will likely do all you want for years. It is not the machine that makes things it is the operator. You will not necessarily get addicted. If everyone did, everyone would sew. Everyone is different and most people would prefer to do something besides sew. Just because we love it doesn't mean everyone does. So, anyway, I say what is the sense of spending a lot of money on a machine that will sit in the corner or only come out a couple times a year to do a little alteration or mending? Unless of course you have a lot of money to spend. I used an inexpensive Brother for years. And I used an inexpensive Singer for a decade or more. In fact, at one time, I made many of the clothes for my family on a treadle Singer -- It was an old machine, I'm not that old myself!! Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 12-04-2005, 08:28 PM (8 of 10)
|
A sewing machine is a lot like an automobile. There's a lot of brand loyalty, but there are a lot of brands out there, too! Other than a machine? Basic starter stuff: A pack of pins, a couple of hand sewing needles, a pin cushion, a for-sewing-only pair of scissors. (oohh, that all fits nicely in a christmas stocking, huh?) I like to build my supply as the need arises, letting my tool collection grow with my skills. That way I don't have a pile of stuff lying around that I never use.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: beachgirl
Date: 12-04-2005, 09:05 PM (9 of 10)
| DoroyhyL, Your so right. I used my old straight stitch Singer for 21 yrs before I got my mom's Singer dressmaker that did lots more. I made clothes & home dec stuff galore. Then in 1993 or 94 I bought the Janome 9000. Then on up to the 10000 & upgraded that to the 10001. By the time I bought the 9000 I knew I'd keep on sewing forever plus the embroidery. The first Singer doesn't have a zigzag stitch but has the ruffler, buttonholer & all kinds of feet with it. I think if you want to sew you can on any good machine. At the beginning of my wanting to sew there was no way I'd have put a lot of money into a machine not knowing if I'd stick with it or not. That just me though.I guess I just like to crawl before I walk so to speak. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
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From: paroper
Date: 12-04-2005, 10:27 PM (10 of 10)
|
Along with that pair of DRESSMAKER scissors that are bent to your handidness, pins (glass head are best because you can iron them) and needles (sharps..make sure that you can see to thread them or you may need a little cheap needle threader), you'll need a tape measure. I would also recommend a seam gauge and a basic seam ripper (one of the little blue ones that you find on sale sometimes for 59 cents or so.) Use the seam ripper sparingly and only on the thread. One slip will ruin your garment. If you are going to do garments and have someone pin the hem, you will need an ordinary yardstick. I prefer the metal because I use them for everything and I sometimes cut with a rotary cutter against them, but a wooden one from a lumber yard is great. Hunt around the house for a couple of large safety pins for turning things (until you invest in a more expensive method)...just put these to the side until you need them....keep your eyes open for these. You'll also need a common pencil for misc. marking. At some point you may want to invest in a smaller pair of snips or embroidery scissors for clipping threads at the machine. If you are going to sew for yourself or any person, you will need their MEASURMENTS. If you go to the store and purchase a pattern based on their ready to wear size, you'll mess up right off the bat. If you are buying for yourself, it is best if you can get someone to measure you with as few clothes on as you feel comfortable. When they measure, stand comfortably errect with your chin up and arms DOWN. Do not look down to watch them measure and do not measure your chest with your arms up or out. Have them measure at the widest or narrowest (bust) part of your body. They take the tape around you and then just let it meet. They do not put any portion of their body (finger) under the tape as they measure. You do not hold your breath and they hold the tape snug (not tight or loose) against the body. Buy the pattern according to the pattern measurments regardless of the size!!! The ease is built into the pattern. The back of your pattern will give notions, buttons, zippers, etc along with recommended fabrics. Do not buy a woven fabric if the pattern says KNIT ONLY!!! It will not mention thread to match your fabric. The layout may say with or without nap. Nap is one-way fabric either by print or fabric that changes when you stroke it different directions (like velvet or cordoroy.) Many prints are also one-way Stripes may have a stripe that doesn't repeat exactly so it cannot be reversed. Often you'll see it in prints where one little item (only) goes repeatedly one direction only. Again, these all take the nap layout. (Watch those prints, they can be sneaky). For a first garment, a one-color, non-nap fabric is a good choice. Your machine should sew straight and zig zag. You'll need to be able to make button holes. Many machines will now make button holes without an added device. These are usually best. Most machines will come with feet. They may be snap on (usually plastic), they may screw on, or they may have some sort of little holding device to lock them on. I prefer the lock the most, but snap on are ok. If you can get metal feet, they last longer (don't pay extra for these.) You should get a straight stitch foot (which may be wide enough for a zig zag foot too), you may have a seperate zig zag foot, a zipper foot, and perhaps a button hole attachment. These are the basics. If you get a machine that makes more stitches or has a blind stitch foot or any others, so much the better. There are many feet that you may never have a chance or need to use, same with stitches. You should also get a full manual with your machine. Most new machines come with a package of needles. If not, check your manual and see what it recommends for machine needles. I would suggest that you start with a pack of universal needles (not sharp, not ball point for knits) in assorted sizes. If I had to just choose one size, I'd probably buy a 12. When you go to buy more needles, if you have a pack that came with your machine, take it with you and purchase those needles again. There are a lot of machines out there that are wonderful. Don't be fooled into thinking that all machines are alike, just some have more gizmos. That "ain't" necessarily so. If you had a few hours, I'd tell you a story.... Personally, I prefer to see you purchase a machine AND a dealer you like. Don't even think of letting them talk you into more machine than you need, but listen to what they have to say about the modest priced machines. My dealer is very good at directing their customer to the correct lower end machine (the one right for them). When you buy your dealer, you should buy a place that will answer your questions, teach you the basics of using your machine (not exactly sewing, but enough to get you going), a warranty (even on used machines), and often a trade in-trade up policy that will allow you to regain most or all of your purchase price on your machine if you trade up within a set time frame. Once you have settled on a machine that is priced in your price range and does what you want, ask if there are any good used machines in that price range. Most dealers are very good about directing you to good buys and if they sell them, they should also supply an in-house warranty. Good luck on your purchase. 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 |
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