Low cost,good quality sewing machine?

Question

I would like to update my father in law's sewing machine. He still uses his mother's, which is at LEAST 20 years old. It runs great, but doesn't have many features to it. I'm just starting to teach myself to sew, so I want it to be a new thing for both of us to enjoy.
I would LOVE if I could find the kind that are built into the desk/table, those are so convenient! I just doubt they still make them that way.

pattiann42 · Accepted Answer

Sewing machines built into cabinets have not been made since the seventies.

You can buy sewing cabinets, but they can run several hundred to a few thousand dollars and that does not include a sewing machine.

http://www.sewingmachinecabinets.com/arrow/cabinets.html

Low cost and good quality - you will have to visit sewing machine dealers and let them help you find what you are looking for.  They also have lessons and classes.

If you are comfortable with teaching yourself, and do not require dealer support, you could start with trying out a Kenmore.

Look for a machine that does an easy, but quality buttonhole and blindhem stitch.

Machines sold at fabric shops (unless it is a dealer kiosk) and discount stores are iffy at best.

Anonymous · Answer

I'll send you first to a couple of books from your library or interlibrary loan:
John Giordano's The Sewing Machine Book; Carol Ahles' Fine Machine Sewing, and (if you can find it) Gale Grigg Hazen's Owner's Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting Machines.

While new is nice, features aren't all they're thought to be, especially on the bottom line machines.  And there are often some workarounds for simpler machines to accomplish the same jobs as newer ones.  For instance, a Greist buttonhole attachment often makes better quality buttonholes than most inexpensive "fancy" machines.

I'd suggest that instead of looking at sewing machines, if either of you do much sewing, you consider a serger instead.  They've got a fairly steep learning curve at first (which is why I'd send you to good dealers to try sergers out before purchase), but produce results that are difficult  or much slower to do with a sewing machine.  And yes, I'm addicted to mine... <g>  It's so nice to be able to knock out a pair of pants and a t-shirt in an hour or so, professionally finished.
http://missourifamilies.org/features/materialarticles/feature10.htm

If you think you might be interested, check your local library for books on sergers.  Particularly good ones are ABCs of Serging, Sewing with an Overlock, Ultimate Serger Answer Guide, Chris James' book (Complete Serger Book, I think), Serger Secrets.... there are also video and DVD basic serger courses you might want to view before going shopping.

rithwikram · Answer

You can check the List of Top 10 sewing machines available in USA under $200  Read http://www.best-home-ideas.com/2013/11/top-sewing-machines-usa.html

grnnnta · Answer

I agree that Singer and Brother are good dependable models...They're good reputable companies and you'll be able to get lessons and instructions at their dealerships..I'm glad to see so many young people becoming interested in sewing...

Anonymous · Answer

Always try to buy the best machine for the sewing tasks you want to carry out. Whilst there are many modern lightweight models available on the market today do not expect this type of machine to make easy work of altering your heavyweight curtains or jeans. Some cheaper models of sewing machine are made of very light plastics and are just a few steps away from being toys.

I&#39;m Blessed · Answer

Brother and Singer are the beast low cost machines and run around 70- 100 dollars.

Anonymous · Answer

try buying the singer-2250 sewing machine its portable and Only costs 90 dollars sooo good luck -bb

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Low cost,good quality sewing machine?

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