Simple, easy to use sewing machine suggestions - Page 3

OnlyShopsOnline · ‎03-09-2010

I've lost count of the sewing machines I've had over the years. Currently, I'm using 3 sewing and/or embroidery machines and a serger. I have Janome, Baby Lock and Brother.

My recommendation would be to go with the Brother. I bought mine from a dealer. But, a friend of mine has an inexpensive Brother that she picked up from Walmart. I'm really impressed with that basic sewing machine.

However, if you want to be taught how to use the machine, how to sew, etc., it would be worth your while to buy from a dealer. You will pay more, but have support.

Baby Lock machines are pretty much the same as Brother....made by Brother...sometimes some of the specs are different. So, I would recommend them as well.

My Janome machines have been good machines. However, I find them to be really quirky. That is the only brand that I have had to take back, under warranty, for sensor failures and screen failures. My Brother and Baby Lock have been flawless!!!

"I've been here since October 2006. Wow!"

Campion · ‎10-21-2011

I prefer my Janome to any machine I've ever used, but I totally agree with you that a Brother from Wal-Mart is a great choice. They do so much for so little price.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

We discuss sewing machines a lot at my sewing club. Brother seems to be the most popular brand. We have also mostly decided that a good seamstress doesn't need a $1000+ machine to do a good job, and that many purchased embroidery machines in the 90's are sorry because they never use that now except for occasional baby clothes. I've learned a lot at sewing club! We are 22 ladies who meet every Wed AM for 4 hours and work on projects and help each other out. Every skill level. of course lots of chatting too - if you want to know everything going on in our community -- ask a member of the sewing club.

docsgirl · ‎03-09-2010

@151949 wrote:
We discuss sewing machines a lot at my sewing club. Brother seems to be the most popular brand. We have also mostly decided that a good seamstress doesn't need a $1000+ machine to do a good job, and that many purchased embroidery machines in the 90's are sorry because they never use that now except for occasional baby clothes. I've learned a lot at sewing club! We are 22 ladies who meet every Wed AM for 4 hours and work on projects and help each other out. Every skill level. of course lots of chatting too - if you want to know everything going on in our community -- ask a member of the sewing club.

You are so right about a good seamstress not needing an expensive machine. My dear mother was a phenomenal seamstress and clothing designer. She learned to sew on an old Singer but, of course, upgraded in later years. In the 90's she purchased $1,000 Bernina for me. It does everything but cook and vacuum. It has all the bells and whistles, which I have never used. Bless her heart as she wanted me to have the very best. I'm just getting back into sewing and have to familiarize myself with my machine. As much as I do love it, I really didn't need all the functions it has. Of course, I would never trade it in for a less expensive one as it was purchased with love. Happy sewing. docsgirl

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

I have to admit I would love to have one of those attachments where you just put the button in and it automatically makes the perfect buttonhole.

Big Sister · ‎05-15-2010

@Ane1Care I have not read all of the posts, but you may want to check out a thrift store, like Salvation Army and Goodwill. You may have a basic machine there for $10.00. You could plug it in at the store and see if is working.

About two years ago I found (at Goodwill) a brand new tower fan for $20 and it is quiet and came with a remote control. I love it.

Campion · ‎10-21-2011

I do not recommend thrift stores for sewing machines. Though you may find a bargain, it's so hard to get repair now that you may end up with something not working.

Our local repairman is not competent--many reviews comment on this guy and it's very true. And he's the only one in the area. The cost of parts may exceed the worth of the machine.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

I would ask around among friends who sew and may have an older machine they would give away or sell very cheap. As we often read here on this board some women buy new machines often. I also see this at my sewing club - ladies who are fascinated to have the newest gadget then they have the old machine - that isn't really all that old - to sell.