topic Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions in Home

Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

Ane1Care — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 21:24:27 GMT

I am needing a simple sewing machine. Something inexpensive, but not a toy. I'm interested in the smaller Janome and Brother ones, but I'm on the fence. I know nothing about sewing machines. I had one years ago that would eat fabrics....The feeder teeth / dogs under the foot would pull it into the machine..., and threading the bottom bobbin to the needle was very difficult. It was a Simplicity. I know now I should've taken it in or taken a class, but I was stupid, and aggravated with it. So I sold it, and added the money towards my Christmas gift fund.

TIA for any ideas. I would love if QVC would bring back their craft events and show sewing machines. They sell them online only. HSN has sewing TS's, and craft events a lot. So I know there's a market for ot.

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

bonnielu — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 02:13:36 GMT

I have three sewing machines, all my mothers. She I took HOME ECONOMICS, otherwise I was on my own. I never really got the hang of it. And my mother was not patient and would rather simply DO IT HERSELF. So here I sit with three machines with no clue. I am wondering if there is a machine that is really simple. Same question. Thanks for asking.

I cannot thread a bobbin and I cannot thread the machine(s) Perhaps if I could do just that I could follow a pattern, OR NOT.

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

Scooby Doo — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 02:16:13 GMT

I've been using a Brother computerized sewing machine for about 10 years and haven't had any problems. If you belong to Costco, they have it on sale right now for $40 off. It gets a better rating than the Janome

You could go to JoAnne's and try out some of their machines before you make a decision.

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

Annabellethecat66 — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 02:40:29 GMT

I own two sewing machines. When I worked (years ago) I made all of my own clothes.

I haven't sewn in several years (no need because I don't work and wear leisure clothes).

If I were you, I go over to the HSN website and ask those people in the craft section what they recommend.

Just be prepared because you'll always get several recommendations. My advice would be to get a simple machine. I even see them at Walmart (or like someone said COSTCO) or Target. All you need for most simple sewing is one that just sews. You don't need now one that does a lot of fancy things. If you get one too complicated (like one of the one's I have, way too complicated, hate it) you might lose interest.

There are good sewing machines that are around $100 or maybe even less. A sewing machine (the original machine) is basically uncomplicated.

Just google something like. What are some of the sewing machines that are simple to use for a beginner sewer. Lots of websites will come up.

You can even go on YouTube and post something like that and many, many videos will come up.

Good luck. Come back and let us know how you are doing. I think it is exciting for you.

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

Nuttmeg — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 03:15:46 GMT

1. Brother XM2701 Lightweight, Full-Featured Sewing Machine with 27 Stitches

2.Brother CS6000i Feature-Rich Sewing Machine With 60 Built-In Stitches

1. machine sets the stitches by turning a knob, and number 2 has pushed buttons.

Each machine comes with "attachments". Brother calls these things accessories.

I like #2 there is less drama you just press the button and sew. You can find service guide and manual at Amazon. This machine is sold many places.

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

mustang66lady — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 04:23:49 GMT

@Ane1Care

I don't normally post here but can't sleep. I had a Mother who could sew beautifully and she always had a Singer. I took Home Ec in school and learned on a Singer. With that said-I hated Singer! Several years ago, I needed a sewing machine just to repair a rip in a seam-it was much too big a project for hand sewing - at least for me! I bought a Brother at Walmart on Black Friday for about 50.00 and had I used one of these in my younger days, I may be quite the seamstress now! It is quiet and sews like a dream. I had a little difficulty when I first used it-it was me, not the machine but called their customer service number and spoke with the sweetest woman who walked me thru the steps. Recently I have been thinking of taking up sewing again, because of this machine.

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

docsgirl — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 09:37:15 GMT

My suggestion is to go to JoAnn's if you have one near you. They have a large selection of sewing machines and the staff is quite knowledgeable. Of course, I can only speak to the area in which I live. Explain your situation, tell them your needs, and they will guide you to the machine that is right for you. You can even 'test drive' several machines before making a decision. As your post read, you are looking for a simple, basic machine and do not need all the bells and whistles. Make sure you let them know that because, naturally, they will try to sell you the most expensive. Keep YOUR needs in mind. Good luck to you. docsgirl

To mustang66lady,

I, too, learned to sew on a Singer as did my mom. She had an old Singer tredle (sp?)machine that she absolutely loved. Many years later, I wanted to get a Singer and she bought me a Bernina because she said the Singer parts were plastic and made overseas. I love my Bernina. It's easy to use and is quiet. I love to sew.

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

CelticCrafter — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 10:03:29 GMT

I had a Simplicity Embroidery only machine and it was a piece of kwap. Bought it here and it was a problem from the get go. It got to the point to where every time I used it, it had to be taken in for some sort of an adjustment or repair before I could even start a project. I finally gave it the heave-ho because even when it did work, it did a less than stellar job. I now have a Brother that I bought from HSN and it's a dream.

My regular sewing machine is a Kenmore but from what I can tell, Sears doesn't make them anymore. My first Kenmore lasted 30 years, so I'm hoping this one will have the same lifespan. If I had to replace it, I would get a Brother.

Try to find a dealer, I know they are far and few between, because you will be able to test them, some offer classes and maybe you could find a reconditioned machine that would suit your needs. A lot also depends on what you want to do with it, simple repairs vs. heavy duty sewing.

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

SilleeMee — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 14:11:14 GMT

My mother and I were both professional seamstresses. We both owned Brothers. My mother's machine is really old, probably 50+ years, and it still works and so does mine. They are both basic machines. Many Brother machines use Singer parts and some repair parts are interchangeable.

My mom's old sewing machine (still works!) from the 1950s":

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

Anonymous — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 11:54:23 GMT

This post has been removed by QVC because of links to other retailers website

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

jlkz — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 13:47:57 GMT

Didn't inherit the sewing gene that my mom had. She even sent me to Singer's for a sewing class where you made one dress for a project. I was 16 and of course, the pattern I chose was complicated...dropped waist with a contrasting fabric with perky bow. After hearing my scary vocabulary while working on the dress, she decided no more sewing for me.

Just this week I finished converting a king size set of pillow shams to fit my very small bed pillows. Yes, I must have really liked the shams because I did it all BY HAND. me and machines just don't mix. ( It took quite a while to figure out exactly where and how to pin the silky fabric and how to fold it so the finished product would be close to perfect .)

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

151949 — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 20:07:14 GMT

When we moved to Florida my DH sold my 50 year old Kenmore machine that went forward and backward and zig zagged only. He got a whopping $5 for it. I now have a 25 year old Singer 20 stitch that I love. She and I have a relationship! No one else can sew on her but me , however she operates perfectly for me. She's just testy with strangers. I think Singers are fine machines. I also have a White serger.

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

CelticCrafter — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 20:13:17 GMT

@151949 I had a neighbor get really, really ticked off at me when I told her no, she may not borrow my machine for some project she wanted to work on!

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

Hooty — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 20:17:40 GMT

I took Home Ec. in the 8th grade, but only really learned the basics of sewing, but one summer my Grandmother taught me to sew on a basic back & forth & zig zag portable sewing machine, I believe it was a White, it was in the 60's! A few years later I bought me a Singer cabinet style and for much of the early 70's made most of my clothing! I am a big fan of the Singer machine! As for JoAnn's, I think they give sewing lessons as well with the machine purchases!

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

wildcat fan — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 20:19:41 GMT

I got my first sewing machine about 15 years ago after seeing a newspaper ad from Big Lots. They had a close-out lot from Singer. These were made specifically for school home ec classrooms and came with an instructional video demonstrating how to perform various stitches. I especially appreciated the segment about button holes. 😊 It's a simple and sturdy machine and a great one to have learned on.

I would also like to see some more crafting shows on QVC.

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

151949 — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 20:24:19 GMT

@CelticCrafter wrote:
@151949 I had a neighbor get really, really ticked off at me when I told her no, she may not borrow my machine for some project she wanted to work on!

I've loaned mine but it has quickly been returned as way too tempermental - I don't find that to be true but then I have had her for 25 years and , like I said, we have a relationship. Believe me - I have looked at new computerized machines but I can do all I want on my Singer, and she was a gift to me from my DH so I am emotionally bound to her too, I do enjoy a day just spent in my sewing room with the door closed, undisturbed.

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

151949 — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 20:28:05 GMT

@CelticCrafter Like you, if I were to buy a new machine it would most likely be a Brother.

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

Ane1Care — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 03:53:37 GMT

😊 Thank you all for the suggestions! I adore your stores. I settled on a Janome 2212. It seemed to have just what I need at the moment, and was on sale for the 4th. From what I understand, it's one of the best entry level machines out there that is inexpensive, right now.

I do hope, and pray, I can find a knack for sewing. I don't plan to make everything, just some things here and there. I want to really invest in a good one eventually, so your suggestions are very valuable. A serger is my next venture, should this pan out.

I took HE in middle school. Due to low funding, we mainly focused on keeping a house afloat, cooking, lanyard braiding, string art....you punched holes on a piece of card stock, numbered them on the back, , then followed a pattern, going from number to number. The result was just like string art on wood with nails...., sewing was only for a week. Mainly stitching without string on lines drawn on a paper handout, but there was only one machine that wasn't threaded...she had two total I believe...so it took forever for a 15 kid class to get through. So, I decided to sit in the dark corner behind the machines and punch holess in my paper with a needle. I was, "hand stitching" 😂.

My grand mother had a Singer cabinet style that used a cast iron foot peddle. I loved laying under it listening to the hummimg. No electricity, just foot power. She made many an outfit for me on it.

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

riley1 — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 01:29:22 GMT

@Ane1Care - Here's a tip to keep the "teeth" from pulling your fabrics in. Put a piece of scrap of fabric under the presser foot and start sewing on this, sew right onto your fabric (chain piece style) and you should not have the problem. The feed dogs pull the fabric through and they need something to grab onto. HTH

Re: Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

Ane1Care — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 03:59:23 GMT

@riley1

Thanks, I'll try that! I never thought to do it.