sewing machine recommendations?

Dottie27
Dottie27 Posts: 159 Member
edited October 5 in Chit-Chat
I'd like to buy a sewing machine, under $150, for altering clothes as I lose weight. I'd appreciate hearing your recommendations!

Replies

  • Kelly_Wilson1990
    Kelly_Wilson1990 Posts: 3,245 Member
    I have this one and absolutely love it: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-Computerized-Sewing-Machine-CS6000I/4764726
  • sdwelk11
    sdwelk11 Posts: 825
    I have this one and absolutely love it: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-Computerized-Sewing-Machine-CS6000I/4764726

    I agree. This is a good one
  • carolkobe
    carolkobe Posts: 18 Member
    SInce you only need to do the basics I would check Craig's list or local thrift stores. Second hand machines are rampant as sewing machines were made to last in Grandma's day and many households have them. Lots of folk don't sew today so they are trying to offload them:)
  • tiedye
    tiedye Posts: 331 Member
    Haha I need a sewing machine! I turn my t-shirts inside out, lay them over a shirt that fits, and sew down the seams to make it fit me. I do it all by hand and it actually doesn't look to shabby! It's also a great way to make thrift store finds fit my shape better.
  • WoWmamaErin
    WoWmamaErin Posts: 148 Member
    I agree with getting one 2nd hand. An old Kenmore or Singer are great machines! I use my Mum's old Kenmore and it's gotta be like 20 years old at least and it's one of the best sewing machines I've used for basic sewing. We also still have one of my Grandmother's old Singers (i think that's what it is) and the darn thing just won't die... and it's like 50 years old. The old ones were made to last!
  • Cosmic_Unicorn
    Cosmic_Unicorn Posts: 150 Member
    I concur on the second hand. I have a second hand Singer and my friend has a second hand Kenmore. Each has to be at least 30 years old, and they both work like dreams. I don't trust that the new ones are built that sturdy.
  • MzBug
    MzBug Posts: 2,173 Member
    Yes...get one second hand! If you need just the basics get one that is 20-30 years old that doesn't have all the electronic stuff on it. They are near IMPOSSIBLE to kill. If the one you find doesn't have any instruction book, most of the major brands now have them online and downloadable. You can even get parts online...I had to replace a belt in my 30 y/o Kenmore recently. My old girl has seen me through some rough times and at least 25 relocations and still purrs like a kitten.
  • Dottie27
    Dottie27 Posts: 159 Member
    Thanks for your advice!
  • Jain
    Jain Posts: 861 Member
    Second hand is the way to go. My machine is just about an antique! It's a Singer Featherlight and is so pretty. But it sews like a dream & is so simple I can usually service & fix it myself.
  • Maryfullofgrace
    Maryfullofgrace Posts: 342 Member
    Brother makes great machines. If you have a dealer nearby, (like a sewing machine store) I advise to buy from a dealer. They usually have classes to show you how to operate your machine when you buy from them. (in most cases) Also the machines that a dealer sells are of better quality than a big box store. (metal insides versus plastic insides) A dealer will bend over backward to make sure you are happy with your purchase, even if it is the lowest priced machine in the store. Sometimes they will even allow you to trade up for another machine if you decide you want a different model. They can also order machines direct from the manufacturer if the one you want isn't available in the store.

    Singers aren't what they used to be. If you can find an "older Singer" grab it. (circa 1970 and older) But the newer ones are truly not as good. Vikings are nice, easy to use and are a "clothing sewers machine" Brother and BabyLock are good for sewing and crafting.
  • aaleigha1
    aaleigha1 Posts: 408 Member
    if you only want to do the basics you really cant beat an old hand crank singer machine - could pick one of those up cheaply (well you can in the uk) and if you renovate it you should be able to sell it on for about 4 times its price to you
    that way if you like the sewing you can get a better one - if you buy a new electric model you wont be able to get back half of what you pay for it in a couple of months
  • elizamc
    elizamc Posts: 285 Member
    I agree with getting one 2nd hand. An old Kenmore or Singer are great machines! I use my Mum's old Kenmore and it's gotta be like 20 years old at least and it's one of the best sewing machines I've used for basic sewing. We also still have one of my Grandmother's old Singers (i think that's what it is) and the darn thing just won't die... and it's like 50 years old. The old ones were made to last!

    Oh that makes me feel old lol, I've had my Pfaff for over 30years, it's / I'm getting close to your Gran's antique lol
  • merryfaith
    merryfaith Posts: 81 Member
    I love my janome (I have the tb-30, ADORE IT), and they make kenmores, too, so as far as buying new, I think those brands (along with brother) are going to be your best best in your price range. overstock.com has refurbished versions of machines by those brands for a steal as well, so check them out!

    my mom got her brother at a thrift store over ten years ago. she bought a new elna maybe 5 years ago or so thinking it'd be an upgrade and it's just collecting dust because she loves using the brother so much more. so if you can demo potential machines, definitely do that. you'll only use it if you enjoy using it! and if you buy from a sewing machine store, you should get a free lesson on how to use the machine and change the thread and everything.

    and check out reviews and even search threads at the forums on http://sewing.patternreview.com cause I got advice there before buying my machine and it really helped me. you have to join to search threads but it's free and the community is AMAZING. here's a really helpful thread on buying a beginning machine from there: http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingDiscussions/topic/5689

    I hope that helps!
  • tinytubbs
    tinytubbs Posts: 54
    maybe it's just me but i don't need all the crap on a machine. I have an old sewing machine i got at a garage sale and i can sew anything and everything with it. Sometimes they make the machines too much for someone who is looking for basic alterations. I guess in fairness i did work at a sewing factory once in my life and i am very mechanically inclined. just saying
This discussion has been closed.

Categories