which sewing machine is best for a teenager?

What I want for beginners in sewing:

- a machine that doesn't scare you

- a machine that isn't balky (cheap new machines are often very

balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable -- just

too frustrating to learn on!)

- very good straight stitch

- good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy)

- a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you

- adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric

handling issues)

- accessory presser feet that don't cost an arm and a leg

(machines that use a "short shank foot" typically handle generic

presser feet pretty well. Some brands of machines use proprietary

or very expensive presser feet)

If the budget stretches far enough:

- blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches

- triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications)

- a couple of decorative stitches (you won't use them nearly as

much as you think)

- electronic machine because of the needle position control and

because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at

slow sewing speeds -- mechanical machines often will stall at

slow speeds.

Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them

to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used

machines you can afford. You'll get a far better machine at a

specific price buying used than new and a good dealer is worth

their weight in sewing machine needles when you get a machine

problem -- often they can talk you through the problem over the

phone. While you're trying things out, try a couple of machines

(sewing only, not combo sewing-embroidery) over your price limit,

just so you can see what the difference in stitch quality and

ease of use might be. You may find you want to go for the used

Cadillac. Or you might want the new basic Chevy. Might as well

try both out.

Suggested reading: John Giordano's The Sewing Machine Book

(especially for used machines), Carol Ahles' Fine Machine Sewing

(especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg

Hazen's Owner's Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting

Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public

library.

Used brands I'd particularly look for: Elna, Bernina,

Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota

New "bargain brand" I'd probably pick, if new, decent and budget

was my choice: Janome (who also does Kenmore).

Take a look at Kate Dicey's essay on choosing sewing machines at

http://www.katedicey.co.uk/ (and take a look around at her site...

there are a lot of nice little tutorials there!). The FAQ she

refers to is at http://preview.tinyurl.com/l5rzu6 now.

Best Sewing Machine For Teenager

I would stay away from the super-cheap models at Walmart, ect. They would probably only frustrate her because they are not made well. My recommendation for a budget-priced new machine is a Kenmore from Sears, they are made by Janome at a little less than the brand name cost.

Visit a dealer where she can sit and try the models out. Take some scraps of your own fabric to try on. A good dealer is worth paying a bit more for since you know where you can get it serviced and they often offer classes to learn the machines and can help you when you have difficulties. Check to see if they have a used machine that was a trade in- you may get a better machine at lower cost. If you can find an older, all metal machine at a garage sale or thrift store you can probably clean and oil it yourself and it will probably keep going for a long time as they were built to last back then.

This Site Might Help You.

RE:

which sewing machine is best for a teenager?

she has only used one briefly at school but is interested in continuing i don't want to spend too much in case she gets bored with it

It strictly depends on your budget. Probably a machine with 50 odd built-in stitches would do. For more information, you can have a look at 'ULTIMATE LIST OF 35 BEST BEGINNERS SEWING MACHINES AVAILABLE IN UNITED STATES'. It may help

http://www.best-home-ideas.com/2014/04/best-sewing...

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