What type of machine should I get?

Question

After visiting a sewing store for my DIY field trip, I confirmed the suspicion that I would like to learn to sew. My dad always said he'd like to get me a sewing machine, so he probably will get me one soon. I've done a few things in class, and I'm artistically inclined (I guess, it's what everyone always tells me anyway) but I'd still be a beginner.

I want to be able to quilt, and also make these: http://www.dogundermydesk.com/2011/11/circle-zip-earbud-pouch-tutorial/

There were two types of machines that I liked there, the sewing machine and the serger. Which one would I need to get?

(Please be NICE to me. Just because you're an "expert" in sewing doesn't mean you have to be rude, condescending and turn me off from the potential hobby. I report any answer that isn't positive and helpful.)

Copper Basin Bible Camp · Answer

Definitely get a regular sewing machine. After you master that you could invest in a serger. I have been sewing for 50 plus years and still have a hard time with my serger.
If you need to finish off the seams you can do that with a small zigzag stitch and for quilting you definitely need a regular machine.
Buy a good brandname like pfaff, viking, bernina, or some others. Like bejachete said look at thrift stores or craigslist.
I found an embroiderymachine (which also sews) at the salvation army store for only 400 bucks and a viking sewing machine for 125 on craigslist. 
Have fun with it it is a great hobby.

drip · Answer

DO NOT get a machine from a thrift store. OR from Craiglist

Any home sewing machine can sew these purses and sew quilts.

ALWAYS get a sewing machine first.  Sergers are your second machine.

GO to a sewing machine dealer. See what used machines they have.  Viking, Pfaff, Bernina and Janome are good brands.
They reason to buy from a sewing machine dealer:
You can demo the machine before you buy it.
You can get a free lesson on how to use the machine you buy
You can trade it in for an upgrade machine later down the line
They will be there for any questions or problems you have with your machine.
They should offer more lessons (you can buy) to learn how to use your machine and sewing lessons.

TOO many new sewers can not figure out how to use their machine.  they get frustrated

bejachete · Answer

My advice would be to take a look at your local thrift and resale shops. You can sometimes find a decent sewing machine for a fraction of the cost of new. If you're a beginner, or generally clumsy like myself :), its best to make your mistakes.. or burn out motors.. on a used machine. Sergers are good if the seams of what you're making are going to be noticeable, just remember they take more cones of thread, which can get awfully expensive. Most of the quilters at my local craft store do their piecing on a regular sewing machine, then do the top? stitching on a bigger machine.

Hope this helps a bit, good luck!

Diane B. · Answer

I agree that you'd just need a regular sewing machine, not a serger.

I also agree that most anything you can think of can be sewn with a regular sewing machine.

I would suggest however first going to a sewing machine REPAIR shop to get more info on sewing machines and perhaps even buying one there.  You'll get a lot more machine for your money, and there are more benefits as well (see links below).

Check out these previous answers I've posted for loads of info on buying a sewing machine and understanding their differences, as well as beginning quilting and sewing all kinds of things:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070101130648AAvr5ux
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100701074032AAgimi6
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120425143743AAZAQif
...and perhaps this place as well for inexpensive but good online lessons at your own pace:
http://esewingworkshop.com/learn-sewing-at-your-own-pace

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?board=347.0#axzz2xkc9IZdk (click on the 3 "Crafty Housewares" boards)
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?board=349.0
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?board=390.0#axzz2xkcSTwkp

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20121116082344AApIycj (especially the first link there)

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What type of machine should I get?

4 Answers