Decent sewing machine to learn with.

12 years ago

What kind of sewing machine would be good to start learning on? I have only sewed with my friend guiding my hands, and she said she would teach me if I got my own. Is there a kind of sewing machine that is a decent price, not going to break or malfunction too much, and is safe to use for a klutz like me. I'm afraid of accidentally putting my fingers too close to the needle, and getting hurt, so I was wondering if there was a type of sewing machine that is made for beginners and is safe to use.

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Comments (4)

jomuir
12 years ago
there's no sewing machine that will protect your fingers, you'll need to learn to keep your fingers out of the way. Once you get a machine, you'll find that allowing the feed dogs to do their job to pull the fabric to the needle is easy, pushing it to the needle yourself can give a bad stitch. Let your machine do the work! And NEVER run over pins, I'll be over your shoulder watching:) That can mess up the timing of the machine or break a needle while you're sewing.

As far as a machine goes, if you think you'll be doing much sewing get the best machine you can afford. I find that a lot of new sewers get caught up in the number of stitch functions on machines. To tell the truth, you really only need straight stitch and zigzag. I rarely use the extra stitches on my machine.

If you have a sewing machine dealer nearby, consider a used model; you may be able to get a much better quality gently used machine for the same cost as a new lesser quality new one from a big box store.

Good luck, I hope you learn to sew on your own & enjoy it!
sewingmommy
12 years ago
Hi. I may be a bit prejudiced, but I love Berninas. The older ones especially. If you can find a dealer in your area, see if they have any old one to sell. I have a 1020 and it sews well, is pretty easy to figure out and actually has a few decorative stitches. I picked mine up from a Bernina shop a few months ago for $300. That may be a bit more than you want to pay, but you will keep it a long time. Berninas seem to run forever. All my machines are old. They were built better than many new models and just keep chugging along. I have an old Kenmore too and it also sews well. But the Berninas have a lot of user friendly ideas that others don't. If you can, look for a presser foot knee lifter. I never had one before the Bernina and now don't like sewing without it. Personally, any older machine that is heavy(metal insides) will probably sew well. I have seen old models at Goodwill. Just make sure if it is old to have it cleaned and checked by a tech to make sure all is working well and is oiled. Good luck and happy sewing!
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Welcome Renee! I love your energy. You are ready to begin a wonderful adventure. First you must decide what machine you need and if you plan on sewing for your family you will need your own machine. By machine I do not mean a plastic overpriced object that will be a source of major frustration. Your first step will be to find a machine which will fit you and your needs. Read back on some of the posting on this forum. People have shared some excellent information. Make notes of any machines mentioned in your price range. Go to a reputable dealer.......which means not a box store which seems not to give service once the machine is purchased. Do your homework, look, read, ask.......if you have sewer friends or family ask their opinions on machines (makers, models, etc.) Go and "test drive" ALOT at various stores...take time to sit down and take demonstrations.....hands on, that means YOU sewing and not the person selling. Look and look and look somemore. It costs nothing but time and energy. If you have a friend, cousin, mother, aunt whatever who sew ask them about their machine, you might luck in and get a machine someone isn't using anymore. Begin by asking someone who sews and lives close by if they are willing to help you. Read....and I mean read, so terms that are thrown out to you aren't going to be foreign. Ask about classes where machines are sold so a sewer learns her machine. You should get a class or classes....and if they are open to helping you with any machine problems you run into. Check out classes for begining sewers.......get a pattern (in the sizes you need) in the "Sewing for Dummies" (I hate the word Dummies...beginners is more to my taste..a dummy is one who doesn't try in my words). Or if you ask a clerk they can say if something you like is really too challenging. Ask, ask, ask. Buy yourself some good quality sewing items. Ask your sewing friends or relatives what tools they NEED. Pins, a seam ripper, scissors and good thread spring to mind. When you first begin, get some inexpensive fabric (why ruin good stuff) and don't expect to have perfect results......give yourself time and enjoy the journey. Garage sales are sometimes good places to find a machine, but would suggest having someone with you who sews to check out a machine before purchasing that way. Enjoy yourself, you have begun a journey that is both exciting and challenging. People on this site are most helpful and will try to help. We have people at all levels of skill and they are most forthcoming with help. So you are in the right place, enjoy the journey and Happy Easter to you and yours. Budster
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Nicole's questions are important - what you want to sew will make a big difference in what kind of lessons you will need. Also, I guess we have to assume that you already have a sewing machine, or else you would not need lessons. If so, have you sewn anything at all before? How familiar are you with your machine? I have given sewing lessons in the past, but I am not a very good teacher because I lack patience, according to my Italian instructor. When I was trying to teach fellow design students how to sew, I often ended up sewing their projects for them, as that was much easier and faster, and I hoped that they would learn by watching me. I'm not sure that they did, however. There are a lot of tips and tricks that you can learn from a teacher, and I learned mostly from a fellow fashion designer that I was working with. He had had formal education, and I was self-taught. He mostly taught me hand-sewing techniques for finishing. It's important not to expect the machine to do everything.
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debbimc
12 years ago
I was in your same dilemna & I just jumped out & bought a new Bernina 330--gave $990 for it. I looked aroud but was confused & had pretty much ruled out a used one. I thought what the heck --the Bernina should be great--now I have to use it!
agmss15
12 years ago
I just bought a mid-range Janome - in part the brand my local fabric store (where I took my first sewing lessons 30 yrs ago) carries. My recommendation is to get the nicest you can afford - that is sold locally - at a store you like. And take lessons from your friend and the store. I don't need ALL the fancy stitches - but some of them are helpful and a more powerful motor is really nice. As is the fact this thing ties off and cuts the thread at the end of a seam. If I really get into sewing again I may wish I went whole hog for the longer arm and yet bigger motor - but so far this one is great. As far as safety - I am not at all afraid of my sewing machine - but my sister and I have been woodworking lately - now those are some intimidating machines! Good luck!

Decent sewing machine to learn with.

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jomuir

sewingmommy

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agmss15

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