Good Sewing Machine for Beginners. . .

[Former_Member]

I'm enrolling in a sewing class which I'm pumped about because I've always wanted to learn, I need a small, but well built sewing machine at a good price point that is good for a newbie. . . .

......any suggestions?

[heartsabustin]

When I started sewing, I got a Brother at Wal-Mart - it wasn't their top of the line, I think my dad paid about $150 for it (it was my 20th birthday gift). It handled really well, and I think if I pulled it out, it would still work. It's hard to get an inexpensive machine with metal parts, but that's what I'd look for. Also, make sure it has enough stitches on it to keep you learning, but not so many that you'll get confused.

[Former_Member]

I have been using the same Simplicity machine for the last 10 years. They usually run a little less than 100$ on Amazon. I would also recommend Singer.

Brother is a good brand (and the brand of my serger), but not the cheapest and the quality over all the three brands mentioned, for beginners, is the same.

[Former_Member]

What about computerized vs. not? I see a lot of both and I always tend to assume computerized will be easier to use, but easier to break...

[ckstitches]

I use a Janome and absolutely love it. I originally started out with a Singer that was $90 from Target and it gave me sooo many problems- very frustrating when I was trying to learn! You get what you pay for. I think Janome has some simple models that would be good to start with. See if you have a dealer in your area and visit them. A benefit of buying from a store where you live is being able to ask questions, compare different models, make sure you're getting the right machine for your needs...and then if you need it serviced, you have someone who knows what they're doing! Just my two cents :)

Enjoy your class! Sewing is such a good (and fun!) skill to have!

[ckstitches]

Not sure about digital vs not. I was concerned about digital being easier to break/more expensive to fix when I bought mine, but the dealer told me digital models actually tend to have less problems bc they have less parts inside. Not sure if that's definitely true- but I've had my digital for 2.5 years and absolutely no problems yet (knock on wood!).

[heartsabustin]

For starters, I wouldn't get the jammin' computerized one. I don't use one now, and I've been sewing for *mumble* years. ;P I have a Necchi now, that's got all metal parts and was originally designed to be used in a Home Ec classroom or light industrial setting.

[kidsstore]

My niece just bought her first sewing machine this year and asked me for my opinion. She was looking at 2 different machines; a Brother sewing/embroidery machine with all of the bells and whistles at Wal-Mart for $400 (on sale for $300) and a basic Brother sewing machine for around $250. Considering how she would be using it, I suggested she go for the cheaper made but more fun sewing/embroidery machine for $400 instead of the bette quality machine for less money. The reason is that the better quality machine would probably last her longer but not be as much fun or give her a taste of what fun sewing can be. Once she got into sewing, if she decided that sewing was not going to be something she would be doing a lot of the embroidery/sewing machine would still last her a long time and be there for the basics. After playing with it and doing a little bit of embroidery and seeing how easy it is to sew when the machine threads itself, cuts the thread for you, etc., if she decided that she really loves sewing and will do a fair amount of it she could always trade up with her machine.

Also, I have used Singer machines for years and actually sewed wedding gowns on a cheap, basic model for 10 years. Unfortunately the machines are not made the same as they were then. In most cases the Singer machines are not made as well as the Brother machines, and that is why they are less expensive. I would not buy a used machine from someone as you most likely will have to pay more money to get it cleaned and adjusted. You can buy a rebuilt or trade in machine from a dealer, but they aren't actually that much cheaper than a new, inexpensive machine which has more up to date features.

One more thing, if you buy your machine from a dealer you should get free lessons and a better warrenty.

[Former_Member]

I agree with Caroline:

See if you have a dealer in your area and visit them. A benefit of buying from a store where you live is being able to ask questions, compare different models, make sure you're getting the right machine for your needs...and then if you need it serviced, you have someone who knows what they're doing!

.....
I have 5 machines, but I wanted to get a shiny new one for my 12-year-old daughter, so I picked up a $100 Singer at Walmart. Cheap, awful machine, thread tension extremely difficult to maintain, threads get tangled in the bobbin case much too easily. Wish I'd have gone to the closest dealer (an hour from our home) and bought a reconditioned "better" machine (Janome, Necchi, Bernina, Pfaff, Brother).

[Former_Member]

Thanks all! You all gave me some good things to consider.

[TandRHandweaving]

Okay, Nicole I am going to give you my honest opinion here. I have been sewing for over 40 years and have used many different types of sewing machines including industrial Juki machines (Juki's are not for the faint of heart). My recommendation is to find a used older model Singer sewing machine - an all metal machine no plastic parts and no electronics. Look for a solid older girl, something made in during the 40's, 50's or 60's. Why you may ask, all metal machines hold up to just about any kind of sewing you want to throw at them and they are very easy to learn with. Newer machines with plastic parts and electronics are not my cup of tea. I have 3 old Singer machines that run perfectly, sew a seam with ease and are easy to find repairmen to care for them in case you need one. Look at ebay, Craigslist your Grandmother's attic. Do a test sew on the machine and enjoy sewing with some of the best sewing machines ever made. Yes, I have owned a top of the line Huskavarna electronic sewing machine - sold the darn thing 2 years after I bought it - hated everything about it. The old girls will not let you down and really are made to last. Best wishes in your hunt.