What sewing machine should I buy?

Posted by E in MN on May 8, 2006, 2:10 pm

Hi everybody,

I'm about to start doing more sewing, and am in need of a new machine (I'm
still using my mothers first Singer she bought in the early 1960s!).

I used to sew and design costumes and clothing in college (28 years ago -
gack!), but have only done an occasional project since then, which is why I
could get by with the Singer.

My plans are to sew mostly simple garments from natural fabrics, cotton
weave, cotton knits, silks, etc. I also want to roll hem silk -- I am a silk
painter, and would love to make my own scarves. I don't need to quilt or do
fancy embroidery, but I'd love something that is simple to use and produces
elegant results (I have hand problems, so easy is important).

I'm willing to spend up to $400 or so. Less would be better, but I don't
want to skimp and be sorry later.

What do you wise and helpful people suggest?

Thanks you!

Elizabeth

Posted by Phaedrine on May 8, 2006, 4:28 pm

> Hi everybody,

> I'm about to start doing more sewing, and am in need of a new machine (I'm

> still using my mothers first Singer she bought in the early 1960s!).

> I used to sew and design costumes and clothing in college (28 years ago -

> gack!), but have only done an occasional project since then, which is why I

> could get by with the Singer.

> My plans are to sew mostly simple garments from natural fabrics, cotton

> weave, cotton knits, silks, etc. I also want to roll hem silk -- I am a silk

> painter, and would love to make my own scarves. I don't need to quilt or do

> fancy embroidery, but I'd love something that is simple to use and produces

> elegant results (I have hand problems, so easy is important).

> I'm willing to spend up to $400 or so. Less would be better, but I don't

> want to skimp and be sorry later.

> What do you wise and helpful people suggest?

Reliable and durable sewing machines cost more than that these days. So
you might wish to consider a quality used machine instead. Of paramount
importance are the dealers and the expertise of their technicians
whether you are buying a new or used machine regardless of brand. This
is a great topic of discussion these days as there are many horror
stories about unqualified techs. You should definitely ask local people
who sew and who have their machines serviced regularly (yes, that is
also a must.... the annual checkup and oiling). I can personally vouch
for the older, metal Berninas--- 930, 1130, 1230--- all a good bet,
though even the 20-25 year old ones often fetch over $500.

Others here can recommend reliable older models in other brands.

Phae

--
I fear me you but warm the starved snake,
Who, cherished in your breasts, will sting your hearts. (Henry VI, Shakespeare)

Posted by Taria on May 9, 2006, 10:32 am

My Bernina 930 is a wonderful machine but I think they go for more than
$400. 830 is a similar machine with a few less bells and whistles and
no stretch stitches. Neither are computer models.
Singer 401, 403, 500 or 503 machines are great old work horses and well
within your price range.
Check out your local sewing machine shop and see what they have
available used.
Taria

Phaedrine wrote:

>>Hi everybody,

>>I'm about to start doing more sewing, and am in need of a new machine (I'm

>>still using my mothers first Singer she bought in the early 1960s!).

>>I used to sew and design costumes and clothing in college (28 years ago -

>>gack!), but have only done an occasional project since then, which is why I

>>could get by with the Singer.

>>My plans are to sew mostly simple garments from natural fabrics, cotton

>>weave, cotton knits, silks, etc. I also want to roll hem silk -- I am a silk

>>painter, and would love to make my own scarves. I don't need to quilt or do

>>fancy embroidery, but I'd love something that is simple to use and produces

>>elegant results (I have hand problems, so easy is important).

>>I'm willing to spend up to $400 or so. Less would be better, but I don't

>>want to skimp and be sorry later.

>>What do you wise and helpful people suggest?

> Reliable and durable sewing machines cost more than that these days. So

> you might wish to consider a quality used machine instead. Of paramount

> importance are the dealers and the expertise of their technicians

> whether you are buying a new or used machine regardless of brand. This

> is a great topic of discussion these days as there are many horror

> stories about unqualified techs. You should definitely ask local people

> who sew and who have their machines serviced regularly (yes, that is

> also a must.... the annual checkup and oiling). I can personally vouch

> for the older, metal Berninas--- 930, 1130, 1230--- all a good bet,

> though even the 20-25 year old ones often fetch over $500.

> Others here can recommend reliable older models in other brands.

> Phae

Posted by E in MN on May 9, 2006, 2:32 pm

Thanks for all the responses!

My current machine is a Singer Style-O-Matic 328, which needs approximately
$100 worth of repairs before I can use it (regular maintenance which I've
overlooked for years, plus the bobbin winder is broken). Once it's repaired,
it has attachments to do everything that I want to do.

The only reason I'm even considering a new machine is that I have hand and
joint problems, and I know I would sew more if the machine were lighter and
easier to operate. All those little screws on the Singer can cause me pain,
and even the foot pedal is hard to operate sometimes.

Went out yesterday and looked at Janomes and Vikings. Found a Janome Jem
Platinum 760 for $499, and a new Viking Huskystar C10 on sale for $449. The
Huskystar has 11 one-touch buttonholes!

I hate to spend this kind of money, but maybe it's a good investment. I may
check out Sears -- I hear they have a Janome and of course, Singers.

Any other ideas or feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Angstriddenly,
Elizabeth

Posted by Melinda Meahan - take out TRAS on May 9, 2006, 3:01 pm

E in MN wrote:

> Any other ideas or feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

***DON'T*** get a Huskystar *holding nose* It won't hold up -- it's a
classic oriental sailing ship.

The Janome Jem is a very lightweight machine.

Try to find a nice dealer with a nice selection of older machines to get
far more bang for the buck than you might otherwise get. I found an 80s
era machine that is the love of my life and it only cost me $129.

If you lived in the SF Bay Area, I'd sell you my Singer 500A for about a
third of what I paid for it (I bought it used a few years ago), because
my Singer 401A is now the second love of my life, and it's so close to
the 500 that I have no interest in the 500 any more.

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