topic Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners? in Community Chat

Sewing machine recs for beginners?

Goldengate8361 — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 02:08:36 GMT

I want to learn to sew. What sewing machine or brand would you recommend for someone who is totally new to sewing? Which is easiest to use for beginners?

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

Big Sister — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 02:22:38 GMT

I would not buy one with a lot of bells and whistles, but would look for a basic machine, either Kenmore or Singer. Just a simple basic one that I began with and never had to upgrade to all the bells.

You might even look for one that is refurbished.

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

tansy — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 02:28:43 GMT

I would visit the various sewing machine or quilting stores to check out machines. Don’t go overboard until you are sure you enjoy sewing. You can always trade up.

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

StylishLady — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 02:31:44 GMT

I'd take "tansy's" advice. Jo-Ann Fabrics or places like that will probably have sewing classes for beginners and steer you to a new user friendly machine.

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

Kachina624 — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 03:01:22 GMT

For close to fifty years, Ive used a sturdy Singer that does nothing fancy but zigzag. I made my tailored work wardrobe, huge drapery panels, childrens clothes, decorative pillows, even a vinyl canopy for a boat. Never wanted or needed anything fancier. Same machine still going strong today.

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

GCR18 — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 03:07:59 GMT

I have a no frills Singer. I haven't used it in ages, but it sewed straight lines and that was good enough for me.

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

Scooby Doo — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 05:47:00 GMT

I'd look in the classified ads and find a used machine to start out. People have them sitting in storage and want to get rid of them. They're usually good machines, owners just lost interest. I started out with a Singer, then I bought a Brother from Costco at a very good price. I prefer the Brother. It was around $130. I now have a $2K machine, but I still like the Brother. If you go to Joann's and look around, you'll find some on sale. Or go to your local quilting or fabric store and try some out.

Janome is a good beginner's machine also. But remember that these new cheaper machines have lots of plastic parts. The old machines of the past were built much better and will last many years. If you lived around here, I have two good used ones I'd sell you

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

Lilysmom — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 08:43:23 GMT

@Scooby Doo, @Kachina624, over twenty years I started quilting. I bought a used Singer sewing machine. It was dated when I bought it. I don't sew much but use it to piece quilts. I thought about buying a new one but DH said the one I have is probably better made. No plastic anywhere. I am still using it. The only down side is that it is HEAVY! I bet my machine could tell stories.

@Kachina624, I am not much of a seamstress. Your skill amazes me. My grandmother was a tailor. She made men's suits. My mother used to tell me that her dream growing up was to have store bought clothes. LM

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

Skyegirl21 — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 10:55:40 GMT

I have a JanomeMagnolia and it’s been great. I am very basic sewer but I recently made an adorable balloon curtain; came out great!

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

CelticCrafter — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 11:12:16 GMT

I agree with everything @tansy said.

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

cherry — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 11:13:07 GMT

The new machines might not be as good ,as the old reliables mentioned here

I think I would try to find an old used machine, in good condition, at a thrift store. You can ask for it to be tested before you buy it.

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

violann — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 11:22:50 GMT

@Goldengate8361- Thank you for this thread.

It has always been my dream to learn to use a sewing machine properly when I get a round toit.

My dad taught himself to use a sewing machine, and worked in a silk mill making ladies’ undies during the ‘30s.

I was forced to take a sewing class in 7th grade, and much to his horror, I had to use a sewing machine to pass.

For the first, last, and only time in my life, he cheated and sewed my project for me.

If he hadn’t, Ikd still be in 7th grade.

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

janeec — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 12:42:44 GMT

Find an independent dealer. I have had the best success with them in different parts of the country. Not only are they there for tune-ups, repairs, etc. but most offer classes on how to utilize your machine to it's fullest potential. If you are learning how to sew, they should have advice on where to go for lessons if they don't offer them.

I grew up watching my mother and grandmother sew. I was thrilled to sew an apron in home economics. My mother sent me to the YWCA for a basic class and off I went. From the days when almost everyone sewed to today when many haven't even touched a machine.

Get a basic model that has a zig zag stitch and you won't go wrong. Good luck.

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

151949 — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 13:27:10 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
For close to fifty years, Ive used a sturdy Singer that does nothing fancy but zigzag. I made my tailored work wardrobe, huge drapery panels, childrens clothes, decorative pillows, even a vinyl canopy for a boat. Never wanted or needed anything fancier. Same machine still going strong today.

I always SMH when anyone says that Singer isn't a good machine. Mine is 26 years old for me and it was used when I got it. Works well for me - it's a 20 stitch - mechanical , not electronic. I have an electronic machine I do not like as well as my faithful old Singer.

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

151949 — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 13:32:11 GMT

I learned to sew by using my Grandma's fabric scraps to make clothes for my dolls.My gram had a treddle machine that my grandpa had attached a motor to, so it was very old and only went forward. She & i spent many hours making those doll clothes and it was a great start to a beloved hobby for me.

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

I am still oxox — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 13:33:21 GMT

@151949

I learned to sew in the mid 1960's, on a Singer machine that belonged to my grandmother that was possibly bought in 1935, it was a work horse. My Mom made me the most amazing dresses and outfit's as a child.

When I graduated from HS I got my own Sears machine that I used from 1973 until I got married in 1993.

I think this machine is still in the spare room at my Dads house.

@151949 wrote:
@Kachina624 wrote:
For close to fifty years, Ive used a sturdy Singer that does nothing fancy but zigzag. I made my tailored work wardrobe, huge drapery panels, childrens clothes, decorative pillows, even a vinyl canopy for a boat. Never wanted or needed anything fancier. Same machine still going strong today.
I always SMH when anyone says that Singer isn't a good machine. Mine is 26 years old for me and it was used when I got it. Works well for me - it's a 20 stitch - mechanical , not electronic. I have an electronic machine I do not like as well as my faithful old Singer.

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

Harpa — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 13:50:14 GMT

The first functional sewing machine was patented by Elias Howe in 1845, and the first commercially successful sewing machine was produced by Isaac Singer in the 1850's.

I'm in the Singer crowd!

My first -- decades ago -- was a basic zigzag Singer. About a year ago, I wanted to upgrade -- I wanted one w/ an automatic button holer and a couple of decorative stitches. Singer is so user friendly! I got a Singer Stylist 7258, and couldn't be happier! This one doesn't break the bank, but makes tasks easy. If you find you enjoy sewing, you will outgrow a basic straight & zigzag in no time!

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

aggravated — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:07:00 GMT

@151949 Me too. My mother had an old converted Singer that had had the electric added. I made doll clothes and later most of my own clothing. My sister has it still.

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

Sooner — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 16:12:12 GMT

Buy a good used basic Bernina like a 930 or something along those lines! You cannot go wrong with these. They don't clog up like many of the less inexpensive ones tend to do. You should be able to find one in the ads or a store that sells them and takes in trades.

Re: Sewing machine recs for beginners?

Q4u — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 22:59:09 GMT

My parents gifted me with a new Kenmore back in 7th grade. It's still in great shape and I still love it. Basic with Zig Zag. 15 years ago I bought a Singer Featherweight (1918), had it serviced and it's been a great machine for heaver projects (like quilts), basic, nothing else. Then I bought an 1860 Pfaff (German) Treadle around 2000 and it's a great machine plus I was Y2K ready for 2001 (no electricity needed LOL!)

I love sewing and I love sewing machines ....