I’ve decided it’s time for me to get my first sewing machine. The websites that specialize in offering advice to first-time sewing machine buyers say that it’s very important to think about exactly how you intend to use your sewing machine.
Based on my history, I’d have to say I intend for my sewing machine to sit, unused, while I busy myself reading a whole bunch of books and websites about sewing, and acquiring a huge stash of fabrics and patterns. I will then convert my art studio to a sewing room, and start making a quilt. About halfway through this quilt I will take up woodworking. I’ll buy a whole bunch of saws and lathes and a huge stash of wood, and start reading books and websites about woodworking.
So it probably wouldn’t make much sense for me to buy an expensive sewing machine. Some people might even suggest that I not buy a sewing machine at all, but that’s not really an option. My interest in sewing machines will continue to grow and build until I am utterly obsessed and can think of nothing else. The only cure for this affliction is to get a sewing machine. (Did I ever tell you about my loom?)
Anyway. Does anyone have any recommendations for beginner sewing machines, or good places to buy them? Any thoughts about mechanical versus computerized, or second-hand versus new machines? I’ve heard the old ones are better, but then I was told it’s sometimes hard to get parts or quilting accessories for them. The guy at the Sewing Machine Hospital on Merivale suggested that – given my price range – I get an entry-level Janome. (Then again, he’s a Janome dealer.) I’ve heard good things about the Brother CS6000i, which is apparently under $200. I’ve also heard that pre-1970 Singers are the way to go, but maybe not for quilting.
I think the features I want include a built-in one-step automatic button hole, a walking foot, feed dogs that can be lowered, lots of space between the needle and the arm, and an adjustable needle position. Other than that, I just want it to run smoothly and not drive me crazy.
If you can think of other things I ought to be wanting, by all means, let me know!
Ask about entry level sewing machines for quilting at a place like Yarn Forward. You need an extention arm.
So….do you still have your loom??? How much would you want for it?
Don’t be talked into buying a “featherweight”. They’re useless. Hunt down an old, 1950’s Singer. You might find the buttonholer attachment with it. It will go forward, and back. Through anything. Forever.
http://www.quiltersrule.com/tables/addatable.html This is what I’m talking about – without it quilting on the machine is really frustrating.
You should check Kijiji for a second hand one. It’s the next step after the dust on it gets really thick.
Sorry, I can’t help with sewing. The extent of my sewing is the needle & threads I carry with me as part of the 133 things I carry with me at all times.
When you get to woodworking, though, let me know. I’ve got some great sites for you to browse!
– RG>
Here’s a comprehensive article on the topic:
http://sewingwitch.com/sewing/buysew.html
other stuff to read:
http://www.quilt.com/FAQS/SewMachinePurchaseFAQ.html
I ran across these two links while looking for an article I wish I’d read before I bought my machine. My approach was pretty simple: I asked everyone I knew who sews proficiently and/or professionally what the best possible machine was, and bought the best version I could afford (actually, it was a bit more than I could rationally afford…) a Husqvarna Prelude – and it’s certainly a workhorse of a machine, from Sew-for-It on Moodie Drive (great service, great courses, etc.) I love it, but I dread the day that I need to bring it in to be serviced, or worse – the day I have to replace it.
The article I can’t find (rats!) is by someone who makes a living sewing. She has two inexpensive Brother machines in her work room at all times, one still new in the box. When one breaks, she removes the new one from the box, and continues her project without any major delays. The one that has broken is either brought in to be fixed, or if fixing it is as expensive as purchasing a new machine, she just gets a new machine, which sits at the ready, in it’s box, until needed. She claims she can do anything on her Brother that she needs to do that any expensive machine would do.
Having never used a Brother (learned on a really old commercial Singer in High school, and now have the aforementioned Husqvarna) I don’t know how happy I’d be with her solution. However, if you don’t know if a big investment will be worth it – as you’ll be off to your next interest before long – this might be a good approach. If you are going to ultimately fall in love with sewing and spend more time on your machine than on the computer or watching TV, then starting with one Brother and getting a standby machine to keep the withdrawal symptoms at bay seems pretty practical.
Idea: There are some inexpensive machines at Walmart. Keep your receipt. Buy a bunch of needles and sew every day until your 30 days are almost up. If you hate the machine, bring it back.
Maybe you could see if you can “test drive” any of the machines at the Sewing Machine Hospital, and sew as much as you can get away with (bring a quilting project, pre cut, and try to finish as much as possible.) Find out how much maintenance and the most likely fixes are going to cost before your final purchase.
I recently picked up a really old machine for $40 at Value Village on Bank Street that I’ll use for canvas & denim rather than chance hurting my precious Husqvarna. If you find a machine at a thrift store, make sure to try it out before you bring it home. Keep a scrap of fabric, an extension cord and some thread in your purse while visiting thrift stores.
Hope this helps,
Tamie
I have a pre-1970s Singer, and it does just keep going. I’ve never tried quilting on it. The thing that bothers me most is that I cannot remove part of the base under the needle area, which newer machines can do. This feature is most useful when working on tubes of fabric (e.g. hemming pants)
Mudmama, yeah, I still have the loom. I just want my money back – $500 for the old Leclerc loom itself, and $200 for the brand-new, in-the-box, never-even-assembled, ergonomically correct rocking loom bench.
SM – is a featherweight the same as a lightweight? If not, are the lightweights okay?
Malva, yes, I’ve been scouring kijiji and usedottawa for second hand machines. I’m just not sure yet if that’s the way to go…and if so, how far back should I go?
Thanks Grouchy – and if you ever need any help with freshwater fish, day-trading, macrame, rice-paper lamp-making, knitting, parrots, bird-watching, image transfers, antique photographs, vintage clothing, or massively multi-player online role-playing games, I might be able to help.
Cool! I’ll definitely keep that list in mind!
– RG>
Tamie, thanks, there’s lots of good advice there. I’d already read the quiltnet piece yesterday, but hadn’t yet seen the sewing witch one. I like the idea of sewing like crazy during the 30-day trial period, and then returning it if I don’t like it.
Tara, I’m just a shade under 5’2″, so I expect hemming pants will be one of the things I do most. Thanks for the tip!
When I decided to replace my 60’s era Singer, I asked a friend who is an avid sewer what I should buy. She told me to go to Sears and get whatever Kenmore was in the $200 range. She has a Kenmore as a backup for her very expensive, computerized machine that does everything but when it breaks, she has to wait for parts.
I got a $200 Kenmore, it works well. It didn’t come with a walking foot but it was available as an accessory. With Sears, if it is not on sale this week, it will be soon and they will adjust the price.
You can have my Less than 5 year old machine for the cost of shipping. I can’t remember the brand but it’s a good one. I never use it anymore. Email me for the details.
budda boom budda bing
LOL I thought I was reading about myself; that sums up my “obsession of the week” mentality exactly. I also would recommend looking for something used for your first machine. You will probably be able to find one from a similar heart; someone bought it and barely used it.
Lots of good advice here! I like the “get two inexpensive machines” idea. I was having problems with my expensive Singer that is only 10 years old and took it to that Sewing Machine Hospital guy and almost gave up on it when I talked with a woman who is a fan of my blog and she suggested checking the throat plate for catches in the metal. I poo-poohed this idea because it couldn’t be that simple and I was sure it was something more complicated. It wasn’t. I sanded the throat plate and the thread hasn’t broken since.
I recommend simple over complicated and cheaper over expensive (which you can do if it’s not complicated). People sell their machines because they don’t use them, not necessarily because they don’t work. If you get a used one, TRY to get the manual! It will help when you can’t figure out where the thread or the bobbin goes.
I used a 40’s straight-stitch machine for years, then a 50’s zigzag one for another bunch of years. They were tough, heavy as a pile of bricks and reliable. Now, just like many of the others have mentioned, I have a little cheapie Kenmore that gets the job done. Many of the arcane, medieval-torture devices I had for my ancient machines will also work on the Kenmore, like the ruffler attachment. That thing is bizarre.
But learn how to clean and oil the sucker, especially if you’re going to let it sit unused while you read up on basket weaving and bonsai. The less often you use your machine, the more likely it is to cause you headaches.
The biggest piece of advice I can offer when purchasing a machine is to make sure the “innards” are metal and not plastic. I have had two brand new, not cheap, machines break down in a matter of mere months simply because the plastic gears “warped” or “wore down”. Unbelievable that something touted as tough couldn’t handle making a doll dress out of broadcloth! ( I was teaching my 13 year old daughter to sew. When I told this to the salesclerk, she rolled her eyes and tried to sell me another one.) The next machine I bought was from Sears….the lowest priced model with metal gears… and voila! It has been running like a dream ever since.
My personal machine is from the early 60’s. With regular care, it has never had a problem. My mother used it for 30 years before passing it down to me. It was the machine I learned on. It easily sews satin or denim, tweed or chiffon. The older machines are best!
Hi Susan. Are you wanting to make a rag quilt like the ones I made? If so, you would probably be interested in knowing that probably any good reasonably heavy duty machine will do. I made quite a few on an old portable Singer Stylist that my Mom bought for me in the 60;s, second hand. I was told by my service guy to hang on to it as long as I could because I’d never find a new one as good. Unfortunately nothing lasts forever and it gave up the ghost last fall. I purchased a new Husqvarna from Yard Forward and am quite happy with it. It has all the features you are looking for and a needle threader as well, a great feature for aging eyes like mine. It has proven to be more than adequate for making rag quilts. It cost $399 but will likely be my last sewing machine purchase. Good luck.
I have no advice about sewing machines, but I wanted to say that this post, especially your second paragraph, had me chuckling when I read it. I had to come back to read it again. Probably because I can completely relate.
When I decided I wanted to try quilting, I knew that I would be taking my machine to the LQS for classes. The weight of the machine was an issue since I take public transit. I also did not want to spend a lot on a hobby that I was just trying. I bought a Brother CE-5000 for around 200 and I love it. It came with the features that you have described except for the walking foot. After a while I ordered one. It worked perfectly right out of the box and I have never had a problem with it.
Enjoy the adventure.
Thanks so much, everybody, for all the excellent feedback and tips. Much appreciated. I’ll be blogging about my new sewing machine soon!