What kind of sewing machine to get?

http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm

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 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: Janome (who also does

Kenmore).

I found the main consideration was whether I wanted electric or hand powered- this is when I first started as I had seen all my mates in sewing class run their thumbs through the electric machines and It rather put me off. But I found a Singer with 2 speeds and took a chance and am glad I did. It doesn't do embroidery, but everything else including buttonholes. I have made curtains and clothes and lots of mending.

I didn't get it 'new' - I bought it from the Singer shop as a 6 months old trade-in. I was told the previous owner had it as a 'status piece' and never used it, she had just traded it in for the latest model as soon as the new one became available. This I can well believe- she saved me several hundred pounds.

If you do buy used make sure you get the full and proper instruction booklet, don't assume you can pick one up on the interent because sometimes you can't.

Get a basic sewing machine and you can always upgrade later on after you get the hang of it. I have had the same sewing machine for over 40 years and it has never been to the shop.It is a singer touch & sew-first one to come out.

http://www.morekitchenappliances.com/Singer-7462-S...

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