I purchased a Brother at Costco about 2 years ago. It was around $250. It has tons of stitches & I have been very pleased with it. I have sewed all of my life although not so much now at my age. It would be a perfect entry level machine that I am sure that she could use for a long time before needing to move up to something fancier. I found Youtube to be very helpful to learn the ins & outs of a new to me machine. They are all a little different

^^^My daughter did the same when she picked up sewing again several years ago. The original finally died and she replaced it about a year ago with an ’upgraded’ Brother from Costco. It is great for the lap quilts she makes and other small projects.

I don’t know of the Brother CS6000i sewing machine is still available new at retailers, but there were so many of them sold and there are a lot of good looking used ones a available.

I have one but have not used it much because I have other machines. Lars has this model. There is a lot of support and videos for it.

➡️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWT0x1xaYEU 

A lot of people like it. I think a newer similar model is a ailable, but you can probably fine a used, good condition one for very little.

Brother CS6000i VS Brother CS7000i / WATCH BEFORE YOU BUY! (Brother Sewing Machine Review)

➡️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXzoEA_SOzs

Most people ever use the multitude of decorative stitches offered. However some pattern stitches beyond zig zag are extremely useful. Blanket stitch, buttonhole, basting and satin stitch are good to have.

Reading the comments can be very helpful. These machines are for domestic sewing and are not for heavy fabrics like heavy weight canvas, leather. Denim is fine, but not super thick seams.

The above two are out of production.

➡️ https://www.amazon.com/Brother-Computerized-Machine-Stitches-Included/dp/B0CZBV87DW/ref=pd_ci_mcx_pspc_dp_2_i_3?pd_rd_w=FIVKY&content-id=amzn1.sym.cd152278-debd-42b9-91b9-6f271389fda7&pf_rd_p=cd152278-debd-42b9-91b9-6f271389fda7&pf_rd_r=HC5EHGJJC9SFHTGNMJF4&pd_rd_wg=1JhPY&pd_rd_r=e0778a36-1a4b-476a-b519-6f61ff3e3f5b&pd_rd_i=B0CZBV87DW&th=1

There’s a great sewing machine repair shop on Brighton Ave in Portland. Buy something they fix. They also do classes, its a great resource.

I had a small Singer 4411 for years, I made clothes, curtains, costumes. My DH bought me an upgrade one Christmas.

Local, yes, I saw that place! I have also gotten her a gift cert to a fabric shop on Commercial St. I was thinking about a class at the Sewing Machine Exchange (the place you referred to). Looks like they have a intro class on Sat. morning once a month.

Any votes on any of these?

https://www.amazon.com/Brother-CS7000X-Computerized-Quilting-Stitches/dp/B08BH5GTNC?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E54NNSC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

https://www.singer.com/products/singer-heavy-duty-4411-sewing-machine?srsltid=AfmBOoqnicNdPUQOQmZpTv51iAW3Rvm49m1wsHEOVSW-rX7BpW9ReeFe&variant=47703952294167

Sueb - thanks for posting this. My 40 year old sewing machine is in need of servicing. I'm having trouble with the tension setting. I really like this machine - no frills, only a few different stitches, but it is an all metal White and can easily handle heavier fabrics and 3 layers of denim.

I'm not looking for anything fancy. I plan on taking my White to my local sewing machine store where I bought it and have them take a look at it. Reading the comments here are helpful in the event I have to replace it. Joann is running a sale but I'd rather not shop there - they've always understaffed and it's difficult to get help but I didn't even think of Costco.

Maire

I don’t have a Costco membership but it is mentioned so often here that I think I may need to get one! It is kind of inconvenient to get to from here, though I did have a membership when we were in the school and day camp phase of life!

I have a vintage Singer that sews like a dream, but I need to put on an attachment (there are many) to make buttonholes, zig zag for mending, other things. I have a serger too, and the threading can fight with me a little on that one - a gift. I wanted a simple small sewing machine that could do all automatically and bought a Bernette made by Bernina at our quilt shop. It's a great little machine and had a great little price tag that month (they seem to run the full range of prices from those made for beginners to those for quite experienced sewers). You might see if one is available any place you could look at it close to you. I've had it a while but I know I paid less than $300 for it, think it was closer to $200 and came with a one-on-one lesson - I can learn more quickly watching and participating than looking at diagrams in a manual 😁

In addition to what Bestyears said about stitch selection, she needs to think about what she sees herself using it for. If quilting or sewing bigger projects, a large throat (opening from needle to the machine works) is very nice.

I bought a new Viking a few years ago. It is labeled as a Quilter's version. It has a large throat but is missing a good zigzag stitch. It has a few fancy multistep ones, give me the basic back and forth zigzag. It also doesn't have a good blanket stitch that I use frequently for applique.

I second going to a sewing store and taking a look at their used machines.

Nicole

I've been sewing for almost 60 years. I purchased a Brother touch screen, sewing machine from Walmart. Link I repair a lot of blue jeans, didn't want to wear out my Bernina I purchased used on Ebay, $800. It's electronic with a touch screen also. It's night and day! The Bernina hums, perfect straight stitch, as Bestyears said...this is important. The Brother wore out quickly. The stitching is off...not straight. The neighbor across the street has a Baby Lock...stitching is NOT straight.

The Brother was GREAT for about 3 years. Then it was done. The Bernina is ancient. It sews upholstery, thick blue jean seams....it's just a DREAM machine by comparison. My Bernina is small, compact, has a carrying case, does embroidery. Link

My mother has a Bernina that is probably 40+ years old now. Doesn't get much use these days, but was always trouble free. Not as fancy as the one linked above by Nicole.

Nicole

My mom had a Viking. No electronics & it was worn out before I left home. I'm guessing she had it 6 years. My sister had a Necchi, it was shot, last I heard. In Jr High we had White sewing machines....always broken down, needing repair. My nextdoor neighbor is a BIG quilter. She purchased a Bernina long arm, on a half off sale with a Tula Pink embroidery package for $6K....and a sewing table for $6K. I thought she was NUTS to spend that kind of money....buuuuut.......she sews a quilt a month for charity and hasn't had it in the shop. 🪡

I am not sure if she knows what she’ll use it for. She might try quilting. But I think simple is key, and definitely not in the $800 range. I was thinking more like $200-300.

We used to have a sewing machine store nearby; now the closest one is about 1/2 hour and doesn’t get great reviews, so I figured I’d start here. Thanks for the suggestions!

Nicole

In that price range...I'd get The Brother...Link

Check out the blog this sewing shop runs, cupcakesandlace.com

The offer sewing classes and sewing machine recommendations.

I don't work there or have any affiliation. I am considering taking my granddaughter to a summer class. They are located in Aldie VA and recommended sewing machines include those used in the shop for classes.

This sewing shop offers classes and their blog has sewing machine recommendations.

Cupcakesandlace.com

sue, why not call the Exchange I havent needed to go there in a while but they may have a good used machine. They are very very nice.

Do you have any local fabric or quilting stores? Those stores sell machines where I live and have the trade ins also.

I am leery of a computerized machine — the Portland shop mentioned they are (of course) more expensive to repair.

Cupcakes and Lace recommends one that I am looking at, which I have seen recommended elsewhere too.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003VWXZQ0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Your daughter sounds like mine. She purchased a White a few years ago. My mother recently handed down her 1960s era Singer and my daughter reported at Christmas that it sews like a dream-the best she's ever used and that includes my Bernina. Mom's machine was not a well used machine. Mom wore her first one out after 60 years and her grandchildren found her an identical replacement that never was used much. I say go for a Singer!!

I can’t speak to that Heavy Duty Singer -I did look at some Reddit reviews and it seemed fifty/fifty. One thing I’d like to expand on a bit: the reason for buying a quality used machine is not because it is going to last longer than a new machine under $300. It probably will, but that isn’t my main concern. It’s because it will be much more pleasurable to use. If you’ve gardened, you know the pleasure of a strong, quality trowel. If you’ve painted a room, you understand why one brush and roller can make the job almost fun and another will make you hate painting. It’s always a conundrum to start a new hobby because most people don’t want to invest in quality materials and tools until they know they will stick with it. But I often think we abandon things when as newbies we struggle with crappy tools -and turn it into a frustrating experience. Have you checked FB marketplace? That’s another good place for a quality used machines.

I just feel sort of weird giving a used machine as a bday gift, even though it’s for my DD!

Don’t feel weird about that.

Is she from the reuse & reduce waste generation? A used machine might be preferable as a greener option. Play that up.

Would she buy into the machine having good mojo for a beginner because it came from an experienced person? Play that up.

Funny, we do have a sewing machine in the house. I kinda forgot! I bought it a long time ago and hardly used it. DD played around with it a bit when she was younger. Tomorrow I’m going to open it up and see if it may be worth refurbishing (if needed) and maybe instead of a new machine I can give her this along with some new accessories. And money to take a class.

Sue, it depends what type of sewing your DD is interesed in. Clothes? Quilting? I haven’t sewn clothes in years and my basic Husqvarna is all I need. for home dec sewing. (I haven’t made a buttonhole in years). Embroidery machine are a whole other animal and can be $$. Your idea of a class is a good one. She needs to learn the basics from stitch size to tension to threading the machine and bobbins. Becoming comfortable with your machine is the key to success. Don’t forget that you need an extra closet in the house to store your fabric haul!

Sueb - you can include a sewing basket, along with some basic supplies -

a good pair of shears, pinking shears, needles, thread, etc.

Gingher shears are my favorite -both an 8" pair, and a small 4" pair for snipping threads. Pattern weights are a great gift if she will be sewing with patterns. A magnetic pin holder and pins to go with it (I prefer the slightly longer yellow-headed pins). A few packages of machine needles because they are expensive. 80/12 is a good basic size, and is 90/11. You can buy universal needles which will sew both knits and woven fabrics, or you can buy specfic types. A few spools of Coats & Clark all purpose thread in white. will keep her going. She will need extra bobbins specific to the machine you decide on. And of course a gift card for all the stuff that invariably comes up when you start a new hobby!

Thank you, bestyears!

The Brother CS6000i machine is good for quilting, and is inexpensive for a computerized machine. One thing that it is especially good for is making buttonholes.

I also have a Viking Husqvarna that I bought in 1995 that I still use and like a lot. It is not computerized, but it is a heavy-duty machine and will sew through multiple layers of denim, whereas the Brother is light-weight and cannot handle as many layers of thick fabric.

The Viking machine I have will sew just the stitches I want and has a large selection of stitches for knits, which I like. Otherwise it is not fancy, but it was expensive when I bought it at $750 in 1995.

My sister had a Bernina back in the 1970s, and I loved that machine, but it was even more expensive than the Husqvarna. Old Bernina and old Husqvarna machines are worth getting because the prices are very reasonable, and they were built to last - at least the ones that are not computerized.

I really like the Brother overlock machine that I have, but it is only my second serger.

Should I be looking at computerized machines? What is the advantage? All I can think is that there are more opportunities for technical glitches!

Nicole

Computerized machines are wonderful. You just touch the screen for a buttonhole. Or touch the screen for an overlock stitch. It's "easy" to get uniformity, for instance, with buttonholes being ALL exactly the same. The biggest "glitch" with sewing machines is keeping them clean. Lint will clog the bobbin case & tangle the thread on "any" machine. The newer machines like Singer or Brother have more plastic pieces then their old counter parts. Plastic breaks.

My favorite accessory is my Sulky brand thread box. I like Schmetz sewing machine needles. My aunt gave me THIS Oriental people pin cushion. ❤️

I wouldn’t rule out computerized. The technology has been around so long now it’s pretty solid. You will find that “computerized” is a range. You definitely get consistency and ease of use with computerized machines.

Thanks!

The Brother CS6000i is discontinued but I am thinking about the CS7000i (computerized). I decided I want to keep the old machine I have in case I decide to take up sewing.

I ordered the brother machine, thanks for all the suggestions! I also got a sewing basket, needles, and a gift cert to a local sewing/fabric shop.

What a wholesome hobby! I hope she enjoys it.

Sue, she could also use extra bobbins, my old ones did not fit my new machine & that was the first thing that I had to purchase when I got the new Brother.

I remember my mom getting me my current sewing machine. This was close to 40 years ago. We went to see Tilly, who was our local tailor and a friend of my moms. Tilly showed me each of her machines, told me what she liked and didn't like about each one and had me try running a few different stitches.

I ended up getting the Bernina. My mom had a Pfaff, but got herself a Bernina as a second machine (mom sewed everything and sewed every day). The only thing that the Pfaff did better than the Bernina was heavy denim or leather or upholstry cloth. It had a walking foot that could sew through any thickness. I have sewn everything from childrens clothing to seat covers on my bernina and have used it hard for 40 years and as long as I get it cleaned and oiled every year it runs beautifully.