|
Who sews?
Jul 26, 2016 16:59:38 GMT
via mobile
Post by hookedonpeas on Jul 26, 2016 16:59:38 GMT
|
|
schizo319
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,030
Jun 28, 2014 0:26:58 GMT
|
Post by schizo319 on Jul 26, 2016 17:06:26 GMT
My best friend started sewing this year and she bought the Project Runway machine by Brother. She seems to be very happy with it. It runs around $175.
I'm a hobbyist like you. I have an older than dirt Brother machine that my mom bought when I was in middle school about 25 years ago. It still functions fine, but only has straight and zigzag stitches. I'm a huge fan of the Brother company.
|
|
seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,425
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
|
Post by seaexplore on Jul 26, 2016 17:07:35 GMT
Singer used to be a great brand. Their guts are all plastic now. Brother has been around a long time. Not sure on those tho. I have a husqvarna viking machine and I ADORE it! It's over $200 but a workhorse! That sucker sews thru leather and denim (multiple layers of each) no problem at all! I'd recommend looking around for a used, older singer with all metal gears. My dad got me a Morse machine from 1956 and it will sew circles around my viking machine. It doesn't have anything fancy (no built in zig zag or anything like that) but straight stitching! OMG! It's beautiful!
|
|
|
Post by papersilly on Jul 26, 2016 17:08:14 GMT
before I even clicked on your links I was going to suggest Brother. I've had 2 of them in the past 25 years and they have been wonderful sewing machines! well worth the money. the engines are strong and can handle denim and canvas easily but still be gentle and precise with delicate fabrics. my vote is Brother.
|
|
|
Post by lucyg on Jul 26, 2016 17:10:47 GMT
Yeah, I think you're better off buying a better machine used. I can't imagine any $200 sewing machine being satisfactory in the long run.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 17, 2024 23:11:45 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2016 17:15:50 GMT
I prefer Brother. My Grandma had a Brother that ran for years and years. I would've gotten it but my uncle decided someone else should get all of my grandma's crafting stuff. That sucker was heavy.
|
|
|
Post by Delta Dawn on Jul 26, 2016 17:17:50 GMT
I have sewn a lot in my lifetime and I am a devoted Elna/Janome fan. That is all I would buy. Our Elna was made in Switzerland and it is awesome. Janome bought Elna and now they make them. I had a cheap Janome ($800!!! and that was the cheapest one I could get in Japan at the time) and it was awesome, too.
|
|
|
Post by rst on Jul 26, 2016 17:17:58 GMT
I'd buy a used machine for sure. And if you just do basic straight stitch sewing, I'd look at a vintage Singer featherweight (hard, but not impossible to find in that price bracket). They sew beautifully, are pretty to look at, and are one of the few machines that will increase in value even while working hard for you. If that's not your cup of tea, I'd look at 15-25 year old high-end machines like Viking, Bernina, Pfaff. Find a reputable repair shop near you -- they often will have trade-ins that have been serviced to be in perfect running condition and a great value. Cheap machines like the singers and brothers you'll find on Amazon or at Costco are almost disposable, and frustrations with a poor machine are probably the largest cause of abandoned projects. It's worth it to find a reliable and well made machine.
|
|
quiltedbrain
Full Member
Posts: 429
Jun 26, 2014 3:34:53 GMT
|
Post by quiltedbrain on Jul 26, 2016 17:19:01 GMT
I have had a Singer Stylist (the one in the 2nd link) for about 4 or 5 years now, and it has been a very good machine for me. It can handle most of what I throw at it-- it has struggled a bit with multiple heavy layers such as denim, but I have machine quilted a quilt and it handled those layers just fine. Supplies for it such as bobbins and needles are easily found at fabric stores and big box stores. I like the variety of stitch options it gives me, although I do not use the vast majority of them. I mostly quilt and sew bras with this machine, and every now and again, sew garments or hem ready to wear. I have found that I have to be careful when starting to sew on sheer fabrics--the feed dogs want to eat it. However, using a "leader" piece of fabric helped a lot with that problem.
Good luck finding the machine that's best for you!!
|
|
MsKnit
Pearl Clutcher
RefuPea #1406
Posts: 2,648
Jun 26, 2014 19:06:42 GMT
|
Post by MsKnit on Jul 26, 2016 17:20:42 GMT
Look for a used machine and pay a little more. You will be happy you did.
Mine was about $300. A Janome that was a couple of years old. It originally retailed for over $1K. Works wonderfully!
|
|
|
Post by pierkiss on Jul 26, 2016 17:21:21 GMT
I am just learning to sew. My husband bought me the 3rd machine on your list and honestly I love it. It is very simple to use, and I have been enjoying the different stitches. Beyond that I haven't played with it much.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 17, 2024 23:11:46 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2016 17:57:48 GMT
A babylock 9 with cost about $250 and is metal.
|
|
melissa
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,912
Jun 25, 2014 20:45:00 GMT
|
Post by melissa on Jul 26, 2016 18:14:10 GMT
See if you have a local shop in your area before you hit the purchase button. I am so happy I went to mine. I know not everyone is this lucky, but their prices were not only no different than what I saw on line (I did a ton of research) but they included much more the most important of which is personal service. They include free classes, including a quick private to get you going. When I've had issues, I've either called and gotten directions to fix it on the phone or brought it in and they've fixed it immediately. I brought in my serger that I've owned for less than a year and they fixed it then and there for $25. If I had bought it on Amazon, I would have been up the creek without a paddle.. or would have paid more for the repair. I was given this advice on the old board and I'm passing it on. I bought new, but the shop also has a wide variety of used machines available that they have refurbished. I went in with my wish list and they directed me to the appropriate machines, all of which were under my price range ($350 and under). I had several of them already on my list from when I had done my research. I looked at Brother and Janome (because my initial Kenmore was made by Janome) and ended up with a Janome. If you go a little above $200, it may get you into a class of sturdier machines. Something to consider.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 17, 2024 23:11:46 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2016 18:20:00 GMT
Definitely look at Elna/Janome even if you have to go used. Many people buy and then never use them. Check local for sale listings and any sewing machine/vacuum store that takes trade-ins....
I have the 6004 from 17+ years ago and it still runs like a dream.
|
|
|
Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jul 26, 2016 18:55:33 GMT
I agree with the others that you should start with a visit to a sewing machine dealer in your area. Look at the used machines they have available. By doing so you will be able to get a better machine for your money. There are people who trade in machines like others trade in cars, so many times the machines aren't very old! Another advantage of going to a dealer is that you can test drive the machines before purchasing. What is an excellent machine for me may not sew the way you prefer. Try to take some scraps of the fabrics you regularly sew on to do the test drive with. You want to know how it will work with what you use on a daily basis. My preference is Bernina, but there are some great Janome and Brother machines out there. The only Singer machine I would purchase would be a vintage, all metal machine. Anything made in recent years isn't good quality. I would also advise checking out the machine reviews at Sewing Pattern Review. The website is a good resource for all things sewing related.
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on Jul 26, 2016 19:31:17 GMT
I'd buy a used machine for sure. And if you just do basic straight stitch sewing, I'd look at a vintage Singer featherweight (hard, but not impossible to find in that price bracket). They sew beautifully, are pretty to look at, and are one of the few machines that will increase in value even while working hard for you. If that's not your cup of tea, I'd look at 15-25 year old high-end machines like Viking, Bernina, Pfaff. Find a reputable repair shop near you -- they often will have trade-ins that have been serviced to be in perfect running condition and a great value. Cheap machines like the singers and brothers you'll find on Amazon or at Costco are almost disposable, and frustrations with a poor machine are probably the largest cause of abandoned projects. It's worth it to find a reliable and well made machine. The bolded part is mine. Time after time when people say they can't sew, that it's just too frustrating, that it's a hassle, it's because their machine isn't performing well. And 9 times out of 10, it sounds like a tension problem. I'd save up so that you have at least $500 and I'd go the used route. Find a shop in your area (may be easier said than done with so many small businesses going under) and ask what they have for trade ins. Then try to talk to the repair person. I've also seen some great deals on Craigslist, but you will need to do the research on your own. I have a 25 year old Singer that was one of the first electronic machines out there. It's been a work horse, but it's showing it's age now. I just had all the gears replaced after one broke. But the problem is that even at that age, the gears are plastic. The shafts are metal, but the gears themselves are plastic and have become brittle after all these years--even the replacement gears are still 20 years old. It's a trade off--do you want the ease and convenience of the newer technology or do you want it to sew over thick seams. I've been looking at machines in the $2,000 range and even those have plastic innards. More money isn't always the answer, but I think for $200 you aren't going to get much more than what you currently have. ETA: I LOVE my Featherweight. But it doesn't zig zag and if it's your only machine, I think you need some sort of overcast stitch. And mine was well over $200 anyway...
|
|
|
Post by deshacrafts on Jul 26, 2016 20:02:17 GMT
Another one who thinks you should go to a sewing machine dealer. I have all Janomes and have had them for years. I wouldn't buy from Amazon for this. Get it from a dealer, they will help you.
I learned to sew when I was a teenager on my Mom's craptastic Kenmore machine with the cogs. I didn't stick with it, but did pick it up again in my 20's. Had a Singer that worked well, but when it broke (I had it repaired twice) the repairman said all the parts were now plastic and that it would probably break again. I traded that machine in for a lower end Janome and haven't looked back. I have two sewing machines (a portable and a high end embroidery) and a serger by them. My DD has my first Janome machine now.
I upgraded my Serger a couple of years ago and got a Babylock Imagine (my BFF who is a seamstress has one) and I love it. My Janome will probably get handed down to my DD!
I also like my old Singer (the black ones) machines. I have 3 that I inherited from my DH's family and a featherweight that I purchased.
|
|
|
Post by anniefb on Jul 26, 2016 20:23:21 GMT
Well I'm a Bernina fan - I've had my current machine since 1986 and it's still going strong. I just paid $80 to replace the capacitor and think it'll last me the rest of my sewing life.
I'd go to a dealer as well and see which machines they recommend. If you pay a little more and get something that's well made and reliable, it'll be worth it in the long run.
|
|
janeinbama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,174
Location: Alabama
Jan 29, 2015 16:24:49 GMT
|
Post by janeinbama on Jul 26, 2016 20:33:58 GMT
Start going to estate sales and look for Bernina or Pfaff machines from the 70's and 80's. You want metal parts and you can check reviews online if you find something. I paid $40 for the last one I picked up for my DD, then paid $50 for service. It is the "workhorse of the 80"s. Just plug them in and make sure they are not frozen. I paid $$ to have a new motor put in my PFAFF before I got in the estate sales loop.
|
|
|
Post by hookedonpeas on Jul 26, 2016 21:06:08 GMT
Thanks everyone for the great advice! I will check out my local sewing shop to see what they have!
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 17, 2024 23:11:46 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2016 22:12:16 GMT
The best machine you can get for under $200 is the Janome Jem. The others you listed are throw-away machines. One hard jam and it will cost more to repair it than it did to buy it. Janome Jem
|
|
|
Post by buddysmom on Jul 27, 2016 0:14:11 GMT
I have a Brother that I bought in 1980. I used to make clothes/decorations/window treatments, etc. Now I just use it mostly for mending. It does buttonholes and a few of the "fancier" stitches. It still works fine.
Plus it's the only one I know how to thread. They are just a pain to get everything just right so the tension is right. (at least is "used" to be that way).
But OMG it weighs a TON!!
Do sewing machines still weigh a ton or are they light because of more plastic?
|
|
|
Post by ntsf on Jul 27, 2016 0:16:36 GMT
yeah..I have a featherweight in great condition and I plan to sell for $400 firm...
I just inherited my mom's featherweight (learned to sew on it...used it to sew tents in the 1970's).
|
|
|
Post by rst on Jul 27, 2016 0:43:19 GMT
I looked on Craigs list in our area and there were several featherweights for $300 obo. I really think they are a wonderful machine. They are a repairman's dream, parts area generally cheap and easy to come by, and they are just great workhorse machines. Plus they are pretty. I also sometimes suggest a vintage Singer like a model 66-- sweet set up in the bentwood case. A great machine, simple, mechanical, and built to last -- those you can also find in the $250 to $400 range for a reconditioned machine.
|
|
|
Post by natlhol on Jul 27, 2016 1:10:06 GMT
I owned a Kenmore for a long time that I loved but it was giving me so many tension problems that it was entirely too frustrating to sew, so I didn't. My husband surprised me with this machine a few years ago and I love it. I don't sew as often as I'd like, but it is quick to use. I don't use all the bells and whistles on it yet, but hope to get to that soon. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GXPOAM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
|
|
|
Post by crazy4scraps on Jul 27, 2016 4:36:08 GMT
Start going to estate sales and look for Bernina or Pfaff machines from the 70's and 80's. You want metal parts and you can check reviews online if you find something. I paid $40 for the last one I picked up for my DD, then paid $50 for service. It is the "workhorse of the 80"s. Just plug them in and make sure they are not frozen. I paid $$ to have a new motor put in my PFAFF before I got in the estate sales loop. The only thing to be aware of is that some of the parts for these older machines are difficult or even impossible to come by these days. I have a Bernina that is around that vintage that I got from my aunt. It had served me well for many years, but the foot pedal has some lag now and that part isn't available anywhere at any price. It was a great machine and I would have loved to keep it running, but no third party makes an aftermarket foot pedal for it so I was out of luck. I don't think you're going to get much with that budget. I ended up buying a new Janome from a local dealer after doing a lot of research online. I might have paid a little more buying local, but it was worth it to me to have a local resource to go to if I ever have problems.
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on Jul 27, 2016 15:14:32 GMT
Start going to estate sales and look for Bernina or Pfaff machines from the 70's and 80's. You want metal parts and you can check reviews online if you find something. I paid $40 for the last one I picked up for my DD, then paid $50 for service. It is the "workhorse of the 80"s. Just plug them in and make sure they are not frozen. I paid $$ to have a new motor put in my PFAFF before I got in the estate sales loop. The only thing to be aware of is that some of the parts for these older machines are difficult or even impossible to come by these days. I have a Bernina that is around that vintage that I got from my aunt. It had served me well for many years, but the foot pedal has some lag now and that part isn't available anywhere at any price. It was a great machine and I would have loved to keep it running, but no third party makes an aftermarket foot pedal for it so I was out of luck. I don't think you're going to get much with that budget. I ended up buying a new Janome from a local dealer after doing a lot of research online. I might have paid a little more buying local, but it was worth it to me to have a local resource to go to if I ever have problems. Watch Craigslist or ebay for an old machine and just use the foot pedal from that one instead. That's what I did for my old Singer. I cannibalized parts from the other machine for mine.
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on Jul 27, 2016 15:17:23 GMT
I owned a Kenmore for a long time that I loved but it was giving me so many tension problems that it was entirely too frustrating to sew, so I didn't. My husband surprised me with this machine a few years ago and I love it. I don't sew as often as I'd like, but it is quick to use. I don't use all the bells and whistles on it yet, but hope to get to that soon. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GXPOAM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1Just be aware that many of the machines made for Walmart, JoAnn's, Amazon, etc are different from machines made for a sewing store. They are made to be cheap and disposable. I realize price is an issue for many, but those machines aren't made to stand up to heavy use.
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on Jul 27, 2016 15:22:54 GMT
I have a Brother that I bought in 1980. I used to make clothes/decorations/window treatments, etc. Now I just use it mostly for mending. It does buttonholes and a few of the "fancier" stitches. It still works fine. Plus it's the only one I know how to thread. They are just a pain to get everything just right so the tension is right. (at least is "used" to be that way). But OMG it weighs a TON!! Do sewing machines still weigh a ton or are they light because of more plastic? The newer machines thread themselves! And cut the thread! It's so cool to watch. But probably in the more expensive models. Keep that heavy machine. Yes, the new ones are lighter because they are all plastic. I borrowed a cheap machine from JoAnn's when I broke a gear in my old Singer. Sewing on it was a nightmare--it bounced all over because it was so light and it was really hard to control. It took one hand to hold the machine in place and another to guide the fabric. Thankfully I was only sewing costumes for the high school and it didn't need to be perfect.
|
|
Grom Pea
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,944
Jun 27, 2014 0:21:07 GMT
|
Post by Grom Pea on Jul 27, 2016 15:26:42 GMT
|
|