What is a good sewing machine for a beginner?

Question

I'd like to keep the price under $200 - $250. I don't need anything super fancy. I would like to learn to make clothes for my daughter.

Answer 1

For this budget forget the big box stores that sell the lower range models. They work just as well as the more expensive models, but have a few more features, such as an adjustable blind hem foot, easy buttonhole feature and adjustable pressure for the presser foot.



The better models will be found at sewing machine dealers; BabyLock, Bernina, Brother, Elna, Husqvarna/Viking, Janome, Pfaff and Singer.



I have owned and used all but Janome, H/V and Pfaff.



I really don't think you will find much difference in the machines, but there may be one dealer in particular that is more helpful and offers lessons.



Go with the dealer you like the best as he/she will be there for instant assistance as well as service for the machine - all sewing machines need a professional once every year if it receives heavy use - you can go a little longer for intermediate use.

Answer 2

Your best bet would be a reputable sewing machine dealer NOT the big box stores like wally world. You can get a very fine used, reconditioned machine for under $ 200 that will provide you with good service.



The problem with the cheap wally world sewing machines is the poor quality and cheap construction. You get what you pay for! Sewing machine dealers will tell you people get the cheap models and become frustrated when they jam and bog down. The cheap ones aren't worth fixing because the gears and parts are all plastic.



If you have someone who knows what they are doing, they might help you locate a serviceable machine at a thrift store because sometimes people give up a perfectly good working machine for something with more bells and whistles. The older machines were better made and will work on all types of fabric. You should be able to buy a decent used machine and some sewing supplies for your price range. Just don't buy one of the cheap "throwaway" models when you can get a "previously loved" machine that will bring you many years of enjoyment.

Answer 3

You can get great beginner machines for well under your price limit.



Singer and Brother are the leading brands for this market. They offer lightweight, portable machines and most of their models receive excellent reviews, even from new sewers.



I'd say think about how far you plan on going with sewing. Also consider how much freedom for experimentation you'd like to have. By this I mean, do you think you'll try out many different types of fabrics and create many types of clothes for your daughter?



If this is the case, I think a Brother CS6000i would be good for you. It has lots of different types of stitches and it's computerized, meaning that selecting stitch types is as simple as pressing a button. With more stitches, you'll be able to experiment with more types of clothing. This machine will cost around $150.



If you really just want a bare bones machine, there's the Brother LS2125I with only 10 basic stitches. Like the cs6000i, it's also lightweight and made out of plastic. You can get a new one for around $75.



Singers are for people who want a "heavy duty" machine. These machines are made out of metal (thus they weigh a little bit more) and have high speed motors. They have plastic machines too, but they don't seem to be rated as well as the Brother machines.



I bought my mother a cs6000i as a birthday present, she's been wanting one for a while, and so far she loves it. That model has over 500+ reviews on Amazon, most of them very good, so I thought it would be a good choice. So far, it is.



Hope this helps.

Answer 4

In the price range under $200, Brother is the best brand. They have a lot of good entry level sewing machines.You can refer '10 BEST SEWING MACHINES FOR THE MONEY - UNDER $200'

http://www.best-home-ideas.com/2014/08/10-best-sewing-machines-money-200.html

Answer 5

Singer, Janome, and Brother are all great sewing machine names and have stood out over the years in quality.

Best place to get a machine is at a sewing machine dealer. They can tell you what you will need for your purposes. They also have machines that people trade in which are usually in good shape so you might want to go that route to get a higher grade machine...

Answer 6

There is a Singer that Wal MArt sells that is fairly cheap and easy to use. I believe its cheaper than your price range. I think its called Singer Simple or something like taht. Its a great machine for beginners!

Answer 7

this guide's got listings catered to craft/hobby people so you can normally find some good sewing machines for cheap prices



http://ultimatecraftindustrybuyersguide.com/results.php?search_type=keyword&term=sewing+machine&category=Home+D%E9cor&heading=112

Answer 8

In that price class, I'd be looking at better mechanical Janomes (new) or good used machines.

See:

https://answersrip.com/question/index?qid=20100423044254AAnGzFy&show=7#profile-info-OKJf8nHFaa and http://www.kwiksew.com/resources/articles/p65-Machine%20Buying.pdf