Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions

Ane1Care · ‎05-16-2010

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.

bonnielu · ‎03-11-2010

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.

Scooby Doo · ‎03-14-2010

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.

Annabellethecat66 · ‎03-12-2010

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.

Nuttmeg · ‎03-09-2010

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.

mustang66lady · ‎03-10-2010

@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.

docsgirl · ‎03-09-2010

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.

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

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.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

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":