Sewing Machine on a budget -Advice

[sk!mom]

My DD15 wants a sewing machine for her birthday. She has taken a fashion design elective this year and learned some basics- she's made pillows, an apron, and a simple skirt. I do not sew at all.

I want to get her a machine that will allow her to continue learning but is simple to use. I'm not interested in anything fancy or complicated. That can come later if she actually continues with this.

I would love suggestions of a good machine- simple to use.

Budget is always a plus for me

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

I'd recommend a Viking Emerald 116. It's about $300 but it's well worth it.

 

[lizabu]

Sewing machines have gotten really cheap. I'm a Singer girl and have never been let down. I bought a pretty decent Singer from Walmart fo $100. They had a better one that could do a 1 step button hole for $30 more but it was out of stock.

 

[tigger_mommy]

Please be advised, you get what you pay for. I have had 3 of the $100 machines from wal-mart (that was when i shopped there) and took all 3 back. They were horrible and broke down. If you have a sewing store in town go talk to them, they may have refurbed machines for cheap, that are high quality.

 

[Cruise]

I learned on my mother's 1960's Singer, so when I decided to get a machine of my own, that's what I wanted. I bought one on craigslist for about $35. When I moved to the other side of the country, rather than ship it, I bought another on craigslist out there for another $40-$50.

Not only are the machines more simple (in my opinion) since they don't have all the gadgets of today's machines, they were built to last. The ones I have are heavy because they're all metal - not mostly plastic like most of today's less expensive machines. The ones I bought also came in their own wooden cabinets. The machine "folds" down into the cabinet so that it ends up looking like an end table when the machine is put away.

I know a lot of kids wouldn't like something they consider "used," but in this case, I'd consider it more "vintage" and sturdy.

ETA: found this listing that shows what I'm talking about

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/hsh/2958141120.html

 

[slusher]

I have several sewing machines for sale on the local buy and sell but I'm a country and thousands of miles away from you.

I would recommend looking at craiglist, but also, look at Allbrands.com. A new machine, like the Viking mentioned above or a Janome Gem is around $250 - $300. Considering a used resale mechanical might run you $75 and need another $75 for a tune up depending on how dodgy the seller seems, a new one isn't a bad idea. If there is no one near you to do repairs, a new one is an even better idea. There are some resale machines that are good to get, but basically stay away from anything that is electronic from the 1980s.

Sears machines are made by Janome, another place to look at as well.

 

[squirrel]

I'm using my mom's old sewing maching a Brother Boutique (I think she got it second hand after I was born). It's all metal and has it's own sewing table it folds down into (I have the room so it stays up).

I've been using it for about 4 yrs now. The only thing I have purchased for it is an open toe embroidery foot and some needles. Great machine and easy to use.

She should check out the DisBoutique board when she gets a chance. You might also get some great ideas of what machines they would suggest for her.

 

[Fyrefly]

Singer isn't what they used to be, they aren't American owned or made anymore to my knowledge. Lots of plastic parts, iffy construction. If you want a Singer, get a vintage one like PP said back from when they were good.

As far as modern makes go, I would recommend a Viking. My mom worked a Singer store back in the 80s and didn't buy a new machine for ages when the quality dropped. When she went shopping again she found Viking to be the next best thing.

You truly do get what you pay for. My roommates $100 machine breaks down, my mom's 25 year old one that I got as a hand-me-down never has a problem besides needing regular oiling.

 

[okeydokey]

We have a $100 machine from Walmart. No problems at all.

 

[MineMail]

I love to sew - it's one of my favorite hobbies. I learned the basics from a high school home economics class, although I had already been using a machine with guidance from other sewers in my family. I inherited a 1930's Singer that is a workhorse, but doesn't have the fancy stitching, like zig-zag, etc. The cabinet alone is a work of art; I keep it downstairs as a table when I'm not sewing.

I bought a new Singer zig-zag machine last year and it's mostly plastic and more tempermental than the cast-iron one I love and still use. The different stitches and buttonhole functions are worth having two machines, though.

Look for a name brand, like Singer, Bernina, Viking or even a Sears model. My mother and sister both had Sears machines. My ex-SIL and my sister still use them regularly with no problem.

Lots of bargains to be found on Craigslist or eBay. I would look for a 1970-1980 model if you don't mind buying used. The machine itself was better made with higher-quality materials that were more durable. If the seller still has the accessories and owner's manual, that's a sign that they either didn't use the machine much or that they took care of it. (Could also be an estate sale or garage-sale find, but ask how well the machine works and what comes with it.)

The sewing stores, like Joanns and Hancock Fabrics, often have sales on new machines that make the price reasonable. They also offer discount coupons if you sign up for their preferred customer card or mailing list. She'll need a zipper foot, extra bobbins and a bobbin box. If you buy a name-brand machine, it's easier to get parts than a no-name brand. Other notions include pins, needles, scissors, a cutting board, etc. If you start getting the coupons, you can buy things one or two at a time using coupons and watching for sales. That helps lower the up-front cost.

The mom-and-pop sewing shop a few towns over offers a "learn to use YOUR machine" class that might be a nice option for your DD. (Ask near your home) Not all machines work the same way, although the basics are the same: stitch length, choice, tension, bobbin winding, etc. It was really helpful to a friend of mine who bought her own machine after learning on a school machine.

It's worth a little extra money to take a used machine to a sewing machine shop for a tuneup and oiling. They can replace belts, tighten loose parts, etc. and the machine will be as good as new.

 

[ban26ana]

I got mine for $25 at a yard sale. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but it does the job. Now if I could only get my mom to trade me her embroidery machine...

 

[squirrel]

I got mine for $25 at a yard sale. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but it does the job. Now if I could only get my mom to trade me her embroidery machine...

At least you know someone that has one. Can't you just bring over a few items that need embroidering?

 

[ban26ana]

I think I'm going to. Especially since now I'm planning customs. Problem is, she doesn't even know how to use the embroidery part. And I've never done it. So wouldn't it just be easier for her to give, er...loan me the machine so I can figure it out?

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

For her first machine, I recommend going to a sewing machine store in your area, and seeing if you can get a decent refurbished one. Not only is this cheaper, but a lot of older machines are high quality--my mom had a Singer from the 1930's that she swore by. My first was a hand-me-down 1950's Singer--when it died 10 years ago, I upgraded.

While there are nicer/more expensive models out there, I would wait to see if she really develops her hobby. You can always get her a fancier model at some later point. Keep in mind, technology is changing so rapidly--I'm in awe at what today's machines can do, for the same price as my 10yo machine! But, I can't justify upgrading at this point, I don't sew often enough. And there's nothign wrong with my machine, just that's it's not so fancy.

 

[LJSquishy]

I purchased the Brother CS6000i from Amazon and LOVE it! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JQM1DE/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00

I am teaching myself to sew (27 years old) and it is very simple to use. It seems to be a machine I can easily learn on but one that will also grow with me as I learn more sewing skills and desire to do more detailed work.

 

[Sandi]

I'm still using the Singer machine my parents got for me for my 14th birthday. I turn 50 next month. One suggestion I have is to check with your DD's school to see if they'll be selling any of their current machines or to see if they can get a deal for you with whomever supplies their machines. This doesn't always work, but sometimes it's time to replace their current stock -- they're on a 2 year contract or whatever. At least your DD will have worked with the particular machine. You need to be a little picky because some machines are abused, but you can sometimes get them for a song.

 

[FergieTCat]

www.joanns.com sells sewing machines and they regularly have coupons for 40% or 50% off of an online purchase. You might be able to get a good deal there.

 

[lovemygrowingfamily]

I purchased the Brother CS6000i from Amazon and LOVE it! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JQM1DE/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00

I am teaching myself to sew (27 years old) and it is very simple to use. It seems to be a machine I can easily learn on but one that will also grow with me as I learn more sewing skills and desire to do more detailed work.

This is the one that my daughter is getting for her 10th birthday in August. It is easy to use and you can't beat the price. I have a brother se 400 and a brother pe770(embroidery)machine and i love both of them and they are a pull it out of the box and within 10 minutes you are sewing. My mom has 2 singers. One from the 80's and one she bought new last year and she has had nothing but problems with her new one.

Thift stores and craigs list are good places to look for them.

 

[PrincessMickey]

I have a Kenmore machine I got for around $250, it works pretty well. You should check out the Disboutiquers thread on the Disney for Families board. Alot of the ladies over there have Brother machines and they can give good recommendations as well. The thread is also a great rescource for easy patterns and much much more.

 

[DMGeurts]

I learned on my mother's 1960's Singer, so when I decided to get a machine of my own, that's what I wanted. I bought one on craigslist for about $35. When I moved to the other side of the country, rather than ship it, I bought another on craigslist out there for another $40-$50.

Not only are the machines more simple (in my opinion) since they don't have all the gadgets of today's machines, they were built to last. The ones I have are heavy because they're all metal - not mostly plastic like most of today's less expensive machines. The ones I bought also came in their own wooden cabinets. The machine "folds" down into the cabinet so that it ends up looking like an end table when the machine is put away.

I know a lot of kids wouldn't like something they consider "used," but in this case, I'd consider it more "vintage" and sturdy.

ETA: found this listing that shows what I'm talking about

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/hsh/2958141120.html

I completely agree with this!

I sew exclusively on vintage machines... No $100 Walmart Singer can compare to a 1960 or older Singer purchased used on Craigslist. I am a huge vintage machine advocate, and I have TONS of my favorite links in my siggy (the Table of Contents for my PTR... If you scroll to the bottom - all of my links are right there - from restoring to maintenance)... There is nothing better to learn on than a machine that never dies, and one that you can rip apart and fix yourself. There is nothing worse than sitting down at a machine that won't sew through 3 layers of fabric and being frustrated because your project is ruined... Which is typical for any plastic machine - they just don't have the "oomph" that the old machines have.

Whatever you choose - I hope your dd has many years of enjoyment from her sewing machine, and many years of wonderful creativity... Sewing is truly a hobby that you can always continue to learn and grow with in... And I am very glad that you are encouraging her to continue with it at home.

D~