Community Chat

[cherry]

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.

[violann]

@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.

[janeec]

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.

[151949]

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@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.

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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.

[151949]

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. 

[I am still oxox]

@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.

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@151949 wrote:

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@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.

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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.

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[Harpa]

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!

[aggravated]

@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.

[Sooner]

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.

[Q4u]

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 ....