Will anyone please help me choose the right sewing machine?

Question

Hello hello :)

Since I was in high school, I made my own clothings (from a t-shirts, jeans, bags, to dresses) using a really simple handheld sewing machine with no special options. It's really hard especially because it takes forever! :-(

I'm planning on getting a sewing machine - which I have NO KNOWLEDGE of.

I heard SINGER or BROTHER are good... but there were so many options from quickstitch to 100-stitch, manual to automatic, electronic to computerized..etc. not to mention these patterns of zigzag, straight, shaped..etc.

My head hurts so much. :(

The cheapest one I found though, however, was the SewPro QuikStitch Sewing Machine (SP-402). Is this good enough?

I'd like a simple and affordable sewing machine that I could quickly learn (to do almost all the basic-moderate sewing... making clothes and accessories!)

Please help meee!! Thank you :-)

Answer 1

I'm a sewing machine technician and can and will tell you NOT to buy a cheap plastic Wal-Mart machine. Singers are no longer a good machine. Plastic inside and out. The plastic machines sold for cheap are called throw aways for a reason. Sew until it breaks (which it will) then throw it away. Its cheaper to buy a new one than have it repaired. I agree with the person above that said to get a good used one. Preferrably one before 1980 actually. All metal inside and out with just the basic stitches you need. The best are Bernina, Pfaff, Elna, Viking, older Singers and Brother. Even a Sears Kenmore is ok if its older.

You can look in yard sales, thrift stores, ask dealers that sell used machines, look on Craigslist.com, E-bay, etc. but always plan on spending maybe 70.00 more to have a technician clean, oil, and adjust it. Look in your Yellow pages for a tech near you. If you find one in a thrift store or sale just make sure the needle goes up and down and the motor works first. Then take it to a tech.

The older machines with basic stitches will treat you much better until your good at it, then move up. Plus they will last a heck of a lot longer.

Good luck to you.

Answer 2

Please don't buy your sewing machine from Walmart or any other discount store. They just aren't worth the money. Go to a reputable sewing machine dealer who has been in business for a while. If they are a good dealer, you will find many different types of machines to pick from. They should also have used models available for purchase and supply some type of warranty. The used machines can be a great buy. Don't rule them out.



Plan on spending time taking the machines for a "test drive." I know it can get confusing, but try to stay focused on the features you will use the most and your budget. You need an easy buttonhole maker and a zipper foot attachment. While testing a machine notice the noise level and ease with which the machine moves the fabric. If it is too loud or seems to "jerk" while sewing, don't buy it. Make sure the foot pedal is comfortable to use. Remember, you will have to live with your decision.



A decent basic machine should run you anywhere from $200-$300. If this seems too much now, save till you can afford it.



I've been sewing for over 24 years. I learned on a Singer when they still made great machines. Today I sew on a Viking. I LOVE IT!!!

Answer 3

A decent sewing machine isn't cheap. You'll have to spend about $200 to find a good one that won't break after a couple of hours. With sewing machines, you get what you pay for. Try asking around your friends, family and coworkers if they have a working machine that they'd be willing to lend you so you can start to learn and get the feel of a machine. Youtube has a lot of great videos on sewing machine basics. That's how I learnt how to use a machine. You can also go into most stores that sell sewing machines and ask for a demonstration.

Answer 4

You poor dear, you've suffered enough. If you really want a sewing machine you will enjoy using, get a good used sewing machine. Most of the sewing machine shops will have them, they're like trade-ins on a car. You can find an older Bernina for the cost of a WalMart machine that will give you no end of trouble. The trouble with many of the new machines is that they are poorly made of cheap components. Older machines are usually more reliable and last longer.



I've listed a group below with about 3000 knowledgable people who know their sewing machines (they ought to, they are the ones who fix them as well as use them.)

Answer 5

Stick with the brand names - Brother, White and Singer, so you can get parts and accessories. You can find them for around $100.00. I wouldn't buy Kenmore because I have had problem with other appliances - they go obsolete very quickly, forcing your to special order if you want parts.



If you're going to sew more than a couple of times a month, go for a Pfaff or Bernina - hundreds of dollars more, but you'll thank yourself because the motor will be stronger for those heavy materials, and won't burn out from long sewing sessions.



I'm a professional seamstress and I only use 2 stitches, straight and zig zag. You do need a reverse gear though. A walking foot will save you a lot of headaches.



I recommend that no matter what brand you buy, look for a sole plate that pops off instead of having to be unscrewed. You need to pull it off to clean lint out of the machine every time you change a bobbin.

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Answer 6

I have a friend, who's Mother owns a Singer and it's an antique (192X)... She still sews on it. Brothers are easy to understand for me ... I'm like you. My sister has one with all the zig-zag and all, but I never played with it. Just to confused at first on how it worked. With time on YOUR own sewing machine you will get to understand the simple tasks. You heard right, both of the two are easy to understand and use. One thing to remember, you can take the thing to the fabric shop and those gals there are pro's. I'm sure one will sit down with you and help you understand it. Good Luck

Answer 7

Wal Mart sells some simple ones. White or Brother are VERY good machines and don't have all the extra that no one really uses and makes your head spin.

I am an accomplished sewer and I have a White. Good luck and good sewing.

Answer 8

we bought my kenmore sewing machine in 1950. i am still using it. after i taught my children to sew it got out of wack so i took it to a sewing machine repair man who made it like new again. he had a dozen or so machines he had rebuilt better than the new ones. look for a repair shop and carefully test and research because your machine will be with you for life. zipper, button hole maker and zig zag are essential. a few fancy stitches might be fun for baby clothes.