Any advice on buying sewing machine?

[frannn]

DD20 and I are sewing newbies looking to buy a machine. We'll probably use it to try to make appliqued customs for DD6, "altered" garments for DD20, repairs, curtains, etc. We were originally going to get a cheapie Walmart machine for just under 100, but keep reading about the benefits and ease of computerized machines. The Brother XR7700, at Costco.com for 178, gets a lot of good reviews. Could've gotten it refurbed at Overstock for 140, but they get some scary reviews....or could buy refurbed at ebay for 150. Which way should we go, if we don't have a ton of time to sew, so ease of use is very important (as is price)? Should we go refurbed, or for the extra 38+ tax, go new? What features are the best? BTW, I have been a lurker on the disneyboutique threads on the family board, and you guys are soooo talented! Thanks!

 

[TxTiggergal]

I have a Singer and I love it. My mom actually bought this machine for me several years ago. All of my adult life, she has wanted me to learn to sew because it was something she always loved doing. However, I never had any interest in it. But one day, out of the clear blue sky, she upped and bought me a machine! Then I more or less taught myself how to sew. The Singer I have is extremely user friendly and I have not had any trouble with it whatsoever. I found that I love to sew and have enjoyed it ever since.

I don't know the model number it is...I just looked and didn't see it on there. It is a basic model, not a lot of bells & whistles, purchased at Walmart.

 

[pampam]

I'm not sure how good you are at sewing, but I suggest you buy from Costco. Then, if you are not happy with it, you should be able to return it no problem.

 

[dis-happy]

Check out Consumer Reports, March 2009. They did a whole new study with ratings on Sewing machines.

Quick synopsis: Kenmore 15358 ($120.) came out no. 2 and a best buy, and Brother XL2600i ($150.) was rated number 3. (Number one on the list was an $800. machine, yikes!) Note:These were for mechanical machines, not the far more expensive category of electronic machines.

Number 2 under electronic machines, also a best buy, was Brother's "project runway limited edition" model for $400.

 

[gulf breeze]

Just keep in mind that you only really need it to do a straight stitch and a zig-zag. Blind hem is nice for curtains. All the other stitches never get used on mine. I have a Kenmore that's 20 years old and a Brother 8500D embroidery/sewing machine. Seems like Brother had a new combo machine that had some differant Disney stuff on it... Have fun sewing!!!

 

[2manyprincesses]

I think you should go with the Brother at Cosco (sp?). I've heard a lot of people have been happy with it. I have another model Brother and I really like it. Easy to use.

They do not make a ruffle foot for my model though and with 4 girls....ugh! So look into that if it's something you know you will want.

 

[LisaNJ25]

you should also ask over on the disboutique thread

 

[figment52]

Brother and Janome are are top rated brands.

Kenmore is a private label by Janome.

For the amount of the difference I would buy new and get a full warranty. I would also not buy a bottom of the line ($100 machine mentioned) because then you are definately limiting what you can do. You may think you are not going to use it for much but if you limit yourself you have no possibility of doing more.

 

[princessmom29]

Ijust bought the brother cs-60001 from walmart.com this week, and i love it. Up untill then i have been sewing on a manual singer. This one makes things soooo much faster. Thigs to look for to save time is a dropin automatic bobbin, automated needle up/down and automated reverse. IT also has variable speed control wich is great b/c you can slow it down for detail work. You can also use oushbutton on/off rather than a foot pedal. It is worth is for nothing else than the time it saves me. I would personally never by a refurb. Typically they are sent back because a recurring problem could not be fixed with a replacement part. Some come out fine, but thers still have chronic problems. I say pay the extra and get the new machine. I would also compare features with the models at walmart and target.

 

[princessmom29]

I think you should go with the Brother at Cosco (sp?). I've heard a lot of people have been happy with it. I have another model Brother and I really like it. Easy to use.

They do not make a ruffle foot for my model though and with 4 girls....ugh! So look into that if it's something you know you will want.

Which brother do you have, and what kind of shank?? Have you tried a generic one i.e fits all low shank ect?

 

[Moeluv4u7]

If you want a machine that you can grow into and start you off as a beginner- look into a Bernina for an electronic/computerized machine- Mine is great! It is pricey but you can do a payment plan- It is not that bad- (I didn't do a payment plan on mine but I got an advanced Bernina and with my other machines- well, they hadn't been used until my DD wanted to try- she gets to use my Singer or Brother- occassionally she can use the Bernie- It has a finger gaurd so she can't get stuck and is actually sewing for her since it feeds the fabric itself- she just guides... and that is with embroidery too
A dealer will give you free classes when you buy one- no way you can mess up with it