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Sewing machine recommendations

14 years ago

Do any of you have any recommendations for a good, affordable sewing machine? I don't need fancy stitches, but I do need it to be able to sew vinyl and I know I'll eventually need buttonholes and zippers. I've got three old machines on my kitchen table and none of them work right! I've got one week to sew my son's Halloween costume and I'm completely frustrated! Please help!!

Comments (5)

pattiohio
14 years ago
Would suggest you go and test some different models, take some scraps of fabrics that you maybe using now and in the future. Make a list of features you want on a machine, vinyl usually you need a teflon foot and possible some Water Soluble Stabilizer to help it glide, size 11 needle.
Buy the best you can afford, get the most bang for your dollar. The advantage of buying from a dealer is they may give you a few lessons on the features of the machine.
Curious,
What type of old machines do you have?
Would they be worth having them serviced? Are you using the correct needles and bobbins on machines, like Singer machines usually require Singer needles.
Hoping others may have more input.
dustykins
Original Author
14 years ago
I have a Brother (low end - I think there's something wrong with the bobbin thingy) that's not all that old and two old Kenmores (very old - one won't do long stitches and the other is currently not working at all). I'm using the bobbins that came with them and I have no idea on the needles (my MIL gave me the Brother and loaned me the other two and I'm using the needles that she sent with the Kenmores). It might be worth it to fix one of them, but I'm really short on time. I only get to sew for about two hours a night and I only have a week to get a shirt, a pair of pants, a vest and boot covers done (oh, and did I mention I'm pretty much a beginner, so it takes me a little longer than it would an experience sewer.)

I think I'm heading out today to visit a dealership or two to figure something out.

Thanks so much for your help!
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It's such a personal choice depending on what the sewer wants to create with it. Her best choice is to 'test-drive' some machines and see what it can do. Many feel that a relationship with a dealer is a must when buying. They often give free introductory classes that will teach you what the machine can do. Also, if there are problems or the need to upgrade they are there. As Teresa stated, the best way I think is to have that list of 'must haves' and even a list of 'nice to haves' and go from there. One thought is to stay away from machines that serve more than one purpose (embroidery, piecing, quilting) because if one part breaks, you loose all functions while it's at the repair shop. good lucK! (Not having a budget helps a lot)
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Upholstery is so easy and fulfilling provided you have the tools to optomize your efforts. After upholstering several projects, using a "home" machine, I located an old (1938)Singer 31-15 machine at a dry cleaners that had offered clothing repair services....$40 in the Pittsburgh PA area in the late '60s. In the 80s, I got an almost new walking foot Consew 226 for $500. I had this machine geared down to a slower speed, as it is easier for me. The walking foot is especially appropriate for velvet/pile/thick fabrics. Both of these workhorse machines are in heavy tables. Like many sewers, I use an adjustable office chair for sewing ease...and an old pingpong table for cutting fabrics. My favorite home machine is a 1976 Viking(64-40), that has the low gesr setting. It cannot compete with the industrial machines in ease and quality of stitching for attaching welting to velveteen cushions, for example. When I got the industrial Singer, I had it in our bedroom on my side of the bed. I sewed on it when DH was at work. Now, both industrial machines are in our lower level where I have a generous space for all my machines and projects. If you are serious about upholstery, there are some great older books that none of the newer ones can touch in breadth/quality. Also, consider getting a small air compressor and a pneumatic stapler and a pair of professional scissors to save your hands. I do not have any electric scissors, and would have to test them for cutting Italian tapestry and velveteen. My DH constructed my 'horses' and they double in the woodshop for my projects there, I covered the top bar with carpet scraps. For me, the return on investment in these tools has been superb financially and creatively. Good luck-you can do it!
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It isn't always the brand of sewing machine. Its just that the cheaper, newer ones are not meant to last very long. Find a reputable dealer, one that will give you a warranty on a older, used, simple straight stitch, zig zag sewing machine. Those 15, 20 year old machines that are metal, a bit heavy to pick up, will outlast most of the 300 dollar ones today. I have seen some Older Pfaffs 360's, Older White, Viking (6010's),Necchi and Singers still sewing after 30 years. They can handle the size 18 needle and stitch denium. Alot of the better,older ones will have a front loading bobbin. The " drop-in bobbin"" ones are "medium" duty and have abit of trouble with the heavier fabrics. All of these have metal hooks and used metal bobbins. Plastic bobbins "chip" and cause stitching problems. Hope you find something!!
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It depends what you define as inexpensive. I recommend a Janome HD3000. It is heavy duty enough for making pillow cases and heavy curtains and will hem blue jeans. It works just like your Singer (for that matter most sewing machines do) and has a few more stiches should she want to expand her sewing repertoire. It costs around $400 new. Of course you can also buy Brothers and Singes for around $100 that may be a good place to start to see if she will stick with it. The challenge is there are a mind boggling amount of sewing machines to choose from. What ever she decides to get I recommend she get her sewing machine from an authorized dealer that services the machines they sell. They will typically offer classes, will get her set up, be there to answer her questions and to service the machine should she need it. Good luck!
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noinwi
14 years ago
I don't know if this will help, but my very first machine was a Kenmore. It was in 1966 and I was 15(yes, I'm ancient!). It had straight, zig-zag, forward and reverse...that's it. I used that thing for several years, then my mom passed and I was left her Singer with a few more bells and whistles. But anyway, unless yours is a lot older than that, mine did long stitches(basting stitches)just fine and I made a lot of clothes with it.
If you took your Kenmore to a dealer/service center to get a tune-up(sounds like settings are off), which shouldn't cost that much, maybe they could give you a loaner to use until you get yours back. At least you would have a working machine for your project, and the Kenmore should be good for many more years.
noinwi
14 years ago
One more suggestion...it took me a while to find this, but a machine basting stitch is about 6 stitches per inch, or 4mm. You can check your stitching to see how far off it is.May be it isn't that far off and adjusting the tension may make it work for you.
pattiohio
14 years ago
I agree may be worth having one of the Kenmores looked at, although I do not own one some of them were not bad machines.
The Brother if it is the Bobbin Case, Not that expensive to replace.
Frustrating for a beginner to have to use a machine that is not working well. I am sure you will make the right decision on what to do.
Do you have any friends that sew maybe you could use their machine until you decide what to do.

LOL noinwi although I have some top of the line embriodery/sewing machines and sergers I still have my Singer 185J I got for a graduation present, it sews leather, upholstery and silk, yours is fancy, no zigzag on mine.

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