Recommend sewing machine for DD12?

[Lucky'sMom]

DD wants a sewing machine for Christmas. I have no idea which one to get her. I am not crafty, and hate to sew. Help me please! Also, if you know where I can purchase the one you recommend, that would be great too. Thanks so much!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

My mom got me a Baby lock 2 years ago. It's a pretty basic machine and very user friendly. I haven't used it that much, she did get me some classes too, but I never got a chance to go.

She got mine at a local quilting store but I'm sure if you google it, you can find some in your local area.

 

[Ericandjenng]

Walmart carries inexpensive Brother brands. If your dd has no experience, your only decision will be mechanical or electronic. Both types are available under $150 with the simplest ones under $100.

Mechanical are the cheapest ones available but can still have alot of bells and whistles. One thing I always look for is a button-holer. I can make buttonholes without it but the 1 step automatic buttonholers are SOOO nice! Electronic machines are nice because you have to make fewer adjustments--much of it is pre-set by the machine and you just sew and go.

I am going to assume that your DD is new to sewing. Be careful about getting a specialty machine such as a quilting or embroidery machine. You want one that will at least straight stitch and zigzag but too many extras adds confusion to start and alot of the extras will never be used. On my current machine every stitch has been "tried"...my ds wants me to pick different ones and let him push the peddle...

I have been looking to get a new machine for myself because mine messed up the day before Thanksgiving. It costs almost $100 to just get it looked at. Since I can buy a new one for about $150, I think I am going for the electronic Brother at Wal-mart. I also noticed one on their Web-site yesterday (or Monday) for $130 that also looked like a possibility. I was comparing it to a Singer at Joann's for about the same price. Even though I won't use them, the Brother had more stitches on it. Also, the button-holer was the one-step automatic that I love!

Good luck! & Merry Christmas!!