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Post by anxiousmom on Nov 7, 2015 14:36:51 GMT
I am sure this question has come up before, but I can't figure out how to make the search feature work for me so if y'all will forgive me if I ask it again?
I prefer handwork, but I have run into a least two projects that I want to do that would benefit from a seam or two that are prettier or stronger than what I can do. I have finally come to the realization that I might need to invest in a small sewing machine. I do not need anything fancy, in fact too fancy and it will likely sit in the box it came in. I want the ability sew a straight seam and that really is about it. It wouldn't need to sew through tons of thick fabric, and I doubt that I would need it to work on anything thicker than maybe two layers of canvas. I may want to sew on paper at some point as well.
I was flipping the channels the other day and saw on one of the shopping channels a small machine by Janome-they were all kinds of pretty colors and the lady was talking a mile a minute about the benefits of the machine but I know jack squat about sewing machines and it a way, it has it's own language that if you aren't familiar you could easily get lost. But it got me thinking about small machines and whether or not I should just bite the bullet and get on with it.
Do you guys have recommendations? Obviously I want inexpensive as well because I wouldn't be using it with any kind of regularity and I assume that unfancy shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. I do want dependable though.
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Deleted
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Apr 28, 2024 17:29:24 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2015 14:47:26 GMT
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Post by ghislaine on Nov 7, 2015 15:08:37 GMT
I'm adding my advice to find an older machine. Places that service sewing machines will often have older ones that they have serviced ready to go. They'll be a bit more expensive than a Craigslist or garage sale find but it shouldn't need any work to run smoothly and it might even come with an hour or so of time in the store learning how to use it.
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marimoose
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by marimoose on Nov 7, 2015 15:14:22 GMT
Janome is a great brand, generally very dependable. The 2212 is a good deal for the quality behind the Janome name. If you want more inexpensive there are several Brother machines on Amazon that can be bought for around $100 and have decent ratings.Many people swear by the Brother brand. I wonder if the prices might drop for Black Friday but I suspect they can't drop much further than they are now.
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Deleted
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Apr 28, 2024 17:29:24 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2015 15:17:20 GMT
I bought a baby lock 9. Love it.
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wellway
Prolific Pea
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Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Nov 7, 2015 16:22:03 GMT
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seaexplore
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Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Nov 7, 2015 16:26:08 GMT
I'm no help on the small cheaper machines..... I have a viking emerald 118 machine and a morse. I've used the crap out of the emerald and had to have it serviced a few times because I've managed to wear out parts. The morse is a workhorse from the 50's that is REALLY heavy! It's an industrial machine so it's going to last me FOREVER!
If you want fancy stitches you'll probably have to spend a bit more.
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Post by ~Sherri~ on Nov 7, 2015 17:25:26 GMT
Before you buy one of the cute Janome's in different colors, check to make sure they have a light. I bought a Janome like it for my DGD a couple years ago. It was only $50 but it didn't have a light. Bought her a new Janome Hello Kitty for just over $120 and it is awesome and cute!
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Post by GamGam on Nov 7, 2015 17:53:52 GMT
Do you have sewing machine dealers in your town? If so, I suggest you visit them and look at used machines. Sounds like you don't need a computerized machine if all you plan on sewing are straight seams. Visit Bernina and Pfaff dealers and see what oldies they have. I bought a used Pfaff by choice a few years ago. All metal case. Will probably outlast me! Sews like a dream though. There is nothing more frustrating, however, than trying to sew on a machine that is poorly made. It is worth it to get a good, basic machine.
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melissa
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by melissa on Nov 7, 2015 18:52:23 GMT
I have a 3/4 sized Kenmore that I paid about $60 for several years ago. It is actually made by Janome and is an excellent machine. If you happen to see it in your searches on EBAY or where ever, the one I have is a light blue color. The only reason I bought a new one was because I started sewing more and needed more functionality. I still use it as a second machine.
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Deleted
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Apr 28, 2024 17:29:24 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2015 19:06:07 GMT
Remember that a $70 machine is a $70 machine. I have been through enough of them just sewing a few times a year that I could have a bought a really nice machine.
Baby lock is the better end of brother.
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Deleted
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Apr 28, 2024 17:29:24 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2015 19:52:00 GMT
Janome Jem 660. It's a little beast that just keeps going and going and going and going and going. I've had one for 13 years and I still use it today. The Janome Jem 660 is made of mostly metal moving parts. This makes it more expensive, but more reliable for the long haul. You can get one from Amazon for $199 (brand new).
You can buy a $75 machine at WalMart/KMart/Target, but once you try to sew something heavier than two layers of 100% cotton, you just don't know if the machine will be able to handle it. If the $75 machine breaks, it usually costs at least twice that amount to fix it because the majority of moving parts are plastic.
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Post by nlwilkins on Nov 7, 2015 20:31:47 GMT
Please don't waste your money on a disposable machine. That is what I call those cheap machines at Amazon and Walmart. I have had so many people tell me stories about them and how the troubles they have had with them. If you want a machine for such a little bit of sewing, you don't want to have to mess with the tension every time you sew or have to adjust other items on the sewing machine. You want something dependable and sturdy. Taking it out and putting it away for long periods of time makes it unlikely that you will build up the skills to handle issues with a machine.
Do what the others have suggested, get a used machine from a dealer who has taken it in for trade. Usually, they have been serviced and gone over by their repairman. Also, many times they have some kind of guarantee from the shop.
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Post by uksue on Nov 7, 2015 21:47:40 GMT
I recently got back into sewing and upgraded from a basic singer to an electronic brother machine. So much easier to use and it has a comprehensive 2 year guarantee. I got it from a shopping channel for £168 ( it was £259 on the brother site.) I love the fact you can use machines without the foot pedal now!I see a lot of people slagging off brother, but I have several friends who have had brother machines for years with no problems.
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marimoose
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,282
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Post by marimoose on Nov 7, 2015 23:06:40 GMT
Before you buy one of the cute Janome's in different colors, check to make sure they have a light. I bought a Janome like it for my DGD a couple years ago. It was only $50 but it didn't have a light. Bought her a new Janome Hello Kitty for just over $120 and it is awesome and cute! I bought the light green Hello Kitty Janome machine several years ago when i got a killer deal on it. I got it for my daughter but I have used it in a pinch and that little thing sews like a champ. |
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