Asked on Apr 10, 2014
Best sewing machine for beginner?
by
S
+15
What is the best sewing machine to get for a beginner that wants to make pillow covers, curtains, things on that level? Is mechanical better than computerized?
13 answers
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You can buy a very good computerized Brother machine at Walmart... Would be great for beginner.. You can control the speed.
Pat Wood
on Apr 10, 2014
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I agree with Pat. The Brothers are not expensive and they are pretty sturdy machines. I have had one for about 10 years and really like it.
Brenda De Lair
on Apr 10, 2014
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I've never had a computerized machine and have made 100's of straight stitch/zig-zag items. Go to a tag sale and buy a little old lady's machine as cheaply as possible. Make sure it works ok first. Then, went you've graduated from a beginner, you may want a computerized machine. My granddaughter is in Fashion Design at Iowa State. She likes to go to her other grandma's house to do initials or embroidery on her Christmas gifts, otherwise she has won several awards with her plain old, used zig-zag mechanical machine.
Pamela Knott
on Apr 10, 2014
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Janome has a less expensive model with really great features that is sold only through Walmart online. If I needed a new machine I would probably get one of these. Great price for all it has to offer. I have had experience with 3 different Janome machines (not all my own) and have had no problems. Check it out.
Annie
on Apr 10, 2014
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I also have a brother though not computerized, it was @ $75 Got it through walmart.com
Eileen S
on Apr 10, 2014
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I agree with all the above comments. I have my first computerized machine now that I bought from a friend after about 30 years of using simpler machines, but I sometimes still miss my other machines that I was more sure of.
Leona
on Apr 10, 2014
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I'm a seamstress and I wouldn't give up my 1972 White sewing machine for anything. Awhile back, I was in the middle of sewing for a client and my machine needed to go in for repairs. Out of fear I ran to WM and bought a Brother computerized machine thinking it would be fun to have a newer model. I was never so happy to get my old mechanical sewing machine back. The computerized machine was always erroring, in the middle of a seam. If I didn't write down what settings I was using I had to guess in hopes the stitches wouldn't be different after I turned it off and started over again. Even my repair man said you're better off to stick with mechanical if you want a machine to last. He said the only thing that might happen is someday it would be hard to get parts. As of now, that's not a problem and my machine is 42 years old. The new little lightweight machines do not handle layers of fabric very well either. If you do want new, I highly recommend sticking with a mechanical machine for the items you are planning on sewing.
Z
on Apr 10, 2014
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Well, I still have my "manual" Kenmore from 1975 - one thing that would make me go digital is repair/maintence costs. It's $50 for just the basic llok-see. Are the computerized ones more repair-friendly? Need service less often?
Duv310660
on Apr 11, 2014
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Thank you all so much for the input! I think I will start with mechanical and work my way up:)
S
on Apr 11, 2014
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Shanon, I've been sewing for a really long time & have always had Singer...not sure they are still made, but agree with earlier comment - find one at a yard sale but be sure it works first, or go inexpensive at Wal-Mart...you don't need all the bells & whistles to start!
PennyS78
on Apr 12, 2014
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I have an older Brother that has 27 different stitches. I only use about 4 of them on a regular, lol. Since that machine is not computerized, my b/f (who's an appliance guy, but not sewing machines) was able to fix it with little research b/c they are that much easier to fix. My sis had it for about 20 years, I've now had it for 10. I also have the singer my mother used &taught us 8 girls how to sew on. That is a cabinet model (and I have two others, as well). And then there is my Merrow, its almost 100 years old & purrs like a kitten.They all run well,when I keep up the cleaning &maintenance. I've used computerized, they are nice, but a real hassle when they're down. I guess basically what I've come to find is keep it simple & basic. The novelty of the bells &whistles wears off.when that happens, you want a good machine in the end.
Nancy Conway
on Apr 14, 2014
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@Duva.....The cost at first is somewhat higher, because they have to do more diagnostics to determine is it the moving parts or the computer card that needs to be replaced? And that's going by the assumption that the person knows how to determine that. I know my sis has gotten charged for replacement of the card (and give it a tune up etc...). It seemed fine but shortly thereafter, the same problem started. And then he said it was in the moving parts of the machine. We aren't experts, but it seemed to us that that's what should have been fixed in the first place. And we think he just changed the card (or panel?) first, to get that out of the way...
Nancy Conway
on Apr 14, 2014
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I have a Singer from 1962 that still works beautifully. I would recommend that a beginner find one of these older very basic machines. They have metal internal parts and were built to last. I have only had mine serviced, cleaned and oiled 5 or 6 times in over 50 years. I also have a Bernina now that I have had for 6 years. It has had to be serviced 4 times, each time to the tune of $90. Many times I still go back to the Singer when I am sewing basics like curtains, pillows, and such.
Marilyn Jordan
on Apr 14, 2014
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