Basic no bells and whistles sewing machine

[Patabel]

I'm looking for a good, solid sewing machine for just basic use. I will not be using any fancy stitches, etc. just something for hemming, making simple curtains, etc.

I've had a Kenmore for over 30 years, that I used for all sorts of uses, and it's tired. But my needs are basic now, and don't want to spend $$$ for options I won't use, but don't want a piece of junk either.

Since I've obviously been out of the market for a long time, any suggestions out there?

Thank you!!!!

[SallyfromDE]

I'm looking for a good, solid sewing machine for just basic use. I will not be using any fancy stitches, etc. just something for hemming, making simple curtains, etc.

I've had a Kenmore for over 30 years, that I used for all sorts of uses, and it's tired. But my needs are basic now, and don't want to spend $$$ for options I won't use, but don't want a piece of junk either.

Since I've obviously been out of the market for a long time, any suggestions out there?

Thank you!!!!

I had to replace my machine this year. I got a Brother cs6000i. It's electronic with decorative stitches, but I got it at Walmart for $180. I love it. Mom has a Janome, which we both love, no bells or whistles, but she paid at least $400 for it. I had quite a few people recommend the Brother to me.

[Imzadi]

I was also going to recommend a Brother from Walmart. After my Kenmore, also 30 yrs old, died, I stupidly bought a Janome by Sears, that has many decorative stitches. I bought it brand new, off eBay, to save money and now I wish I hadn't, as I couldn't return it.

The Janomes made by Sears aren't the real, quality Janomes, made in Germany, (I think.) They are cheaper versions, licensed by Janome, but missing some very basics.

This machine does not have the horsepower of my old Kenmore, which was a warhorse. It will not stitch through the four layers of jeans, where the hem goes over the side seam line. I can't simply, manually turn the wheel to gently force the needle through the cloth, as with these new electronic machines, the computer turns the wheel. If I try to manually turn the wheel, it locks & the computer jams. :sad2:

I also think this machine was made only for quilting thin materials, because of all the fancy stitches. Therefore, it also lacks an adjustable presser foot. :eek: Who the heck makes a machine without an adjustable presser foot?!? That's unreal. :sad2:

I love up north, in snow country. I tried to hem a couple layers on my winter coat & I couldn't raise the presser foot higher to deal with all the bulk of the fabric. :mad:

I found, I really never use most of the decorative stitches as I thought I would. Had I known this machine was missing these elements I need for basic sewing & mending, I would have simply gone with a plain, basic, non-electronic machine.

Whatever basic machine you get, make sure it is capable to do what you need it to do. Buy from a place with a return policy, just in case.

[Patabel]

Thank you, Sally & Imzadi - great information!

Pat

[HeatherSue]

I also have the Brother CS 6000. I love it!! Overstock.com has it for about $130 (reconditioned).

[Imzadi]

From varous reviews & previous posts on different forums, Overstock.com is really bad when it comes to returns or exchanges. Again, this is one item, you wannt to be able to test out.

[grlpwrd]

You might want to check reviews at http://sewing.patternreview.com .

I have a vintage Kenmore and an older White machine. They are great basic machines that can sew through canvas, leather, etc. unlike most of what the newer machines can do. They sure don't make 'em like they used to.

I am about to buy a Kenmore from Sears. Fellow seamstresses at forums I frequent recommend that you do not buy your machine from Target, Walmart, etc. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but they say they are not well made.

I teach sewing to children and they use my Hello Kitty 3/4th sewing machines made by Janome. I use it for basic sewing projects, too.

Hope this helps...

[SallyfromDE]

You might want to check reviews at http://sewing.patternreview.com .

I have a vintage Kenmore and an older White machine. They are great basic machines that can sew through canvas, leather, etc. unlike most of what the newer machines can do. They sure don't make 'em like they used to.

I am about to buy a Kenmore from Sears. Fellow seamstresses at forums I frequent recommend that you do not buy your machine from Target, Walmart, etc. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but they say they are not well made.

I teach sewing to children and they use my Hello Kitty 3/4th sewing machines made by Janome. I use it for basic sewing projects, too.

Hope this helps...

Most places don't recommend Walmart etc....... becuase you don't get sewing classes as you would if you purchased at a sewing store. I bought mine at Walmart and absolutely love it. But then I've been sewing since I was 9 years old and don't need the help I'd get from classes.

[Imzadi]

I have a vintage Kenmore and an older White machine. They are great basic machines that can sew through canvas, leather, etc. unlike most of what the newer machines can do. They sure don't make 'em like they used to...

This is so true! The motor on my old Kenmore caught fire. Since it was on the outside of the machine & nothing else was damaged, I suppose I could have brought it somewhere which could have replaced the motor & tuned it up. The stitching was a little puckery & I could never get the tension adjusted right to fix it.

It was just so heavy to take out & lift onto the table all the time, and didn't have all the bells & whistles of new machines, I felt I was missing out. Had I known I couldn't stitch through all the heavy materials, I would have fixed it. :(

I really like the Pattern Review site. :thumbsup2

[Patabel]

Wow, great information!!!!

Originally Posted by grlpwrd
I have a vintage Kenmore and an older White machine. They are great basic machines that can sew through canvas, leather, etc. unlike most of what the newer machines can do. They sure don't make 'em like they used to...

That is my biggest fear! My old Kenmore has served me extremely well.

I will check out the patternreview!

Thanks again everyone!