Sewing Machine - for someone who doesn't sew

[Mamapapa]

I'm thinking about getting a sewing machine just for minor projects. I saw that Target has a couple under $100, are these any good? Easy to use for non-sewers? I have 8-month old twins who love the Backyardigans and I've starting thinking about getting a sewing machine to make outfits for them for their 1st birthday party since no one seems to have what I want. So tell me, if you've never sewn before and don't want to spend more then $100, which sewing machine would you recommend? Thanks!!!

 

[sparkyboy]

Before you purchase a sewing machine, I would suggest that you visit your local fabric store-JoAnne's, Hancock, etc. and ask them to let you try one of their machines. Be certain to tell them the types of projects, you would to work on and ask for their recommendations. Let them demonstrate and then try several different models. Just remember that even if you are new to sewing, you eventually might want to take on more difficult sewing projects.

I have my mother's Singer Easy Touch sewing machine from the late 60's that I still use for many projects; I have a serger and I also have a Bernia that I use for quilting.

 

[ah1126]

I have a simple Brother machine from Wal-Mart. I do mainly simple projects like clothing, pillows, blankets. It has been just fine! I say go for it. Something simple and easy to use will be great to learn on. Enjoy and have fun!

 

[pixiewings71]

I have a basic Singer from WM, I love it! It allows me to make things like doll blankets, dog blankets, mend holes in clothes, I'm going to make a rag doll for my DGD, I'm sure it will be easy with my machine. I paid under $90 for it and I love it.

 

[DisneylandPrincess]

I bought the Janome Sew Mini at Hancock Fabrics. I got it on sale for $39 I think regular price is $49. It is small and so easy to use! I have sewn skirts, purses,and blankets.It also has some great reviews. I love it!

 

[rock_doctor]

Get a simple machine from walmart and just play around with it. Over time you will learn how to do what you need. I have a $99 Singer that i use for most things but i also have a $600 Yamata that is a commercial machine and while that will do canvas, Sunbrella or leather it is not user friendly. So stay cheap.

Now if you buy it in a shop they probably will give you a couple classes or at least a video on how to set it up. So it will cost more then walmart but the extra help may be worth it.

 

[Pigeon]

I was going to spend about $100 on a low end machine. I don't make clothes, but I do put in hems and do a few basic things. I've used cheap sewing machines before so I know what they are like.

The high school where dh teaches was getting new sewing machines for home ec (or whatever they call it these days). He picked up one of the old ones, a 1980s era Bernina for about the same price.

This thing is a dream. It doesn't do a lot of the fancy, computerized stuff the new ones do. But there is just something about the quality with which it was made that makes it a joy to use. The tension never gets screwed up and it sews through multiple thicknesses of heavy cloth without pausing. Every time I use it, I tell him again how much I love it.

Anyway, if you could pick up a used Bernina, they are unbelievably great.

 

[MissBritt]

I have a Singer Simple (Martha Stewart approved! lol) from Walmart that I got for less than $100 and have used it non-stop for about 15 months now making quilts and it's still going strong. I would not suggest spending more than that if you don't plan to use it often or long-term.

 

[erincon23]

I bought a Singer for around $100 from Target a few years ago -- I was a complete non-sewer, but used it to make nearly 100 pillows as a fundraiser for marching band (out of old uniforms), and I made my fish extender from my Disney cruise on that machine. Go for it! I don't use mine often, but I'm very glad I bought it.

 

[MissAxemaker]

I bought the Singer Esteem II Sewing Machine at Target last year and adore it. It was a little over $100, but is a great machine. I have not had a single problem with it.

When I bought it I was a very very inexperienced seamstress. I have gradually worked my way from pillows and curtains to dresses for myself! I actually made the polka dot dress in my signature with it.

It was super easy to use for me as a beginner and I highly recommend it. Happy sewing!