I am looking for recommendations for a sewing machine?

Start by looking for a machine, that's in your price range. The needles you use are for the thickness of the fabric. I have a Singer, I paid $200 for. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but it does have a feature that threads the needle for you. I'm 64 and wear glasses, and this makes it easy. I'd buy Singer, they have been in business forever. When I had a problem, like I couldn't find bobbins to fit my machine, they sent me 4. Before you purchase, run the machine, so you can get the feel of it. My machine has over 25 different stitches, and if you want a dry run, you can make the stitches real loose, so if you make a mistake it's easy to rip out. Good Luck!

Shop your local Craig’s List. Look for a machine with basic stitches. Straight and zig-zag would probably be enough. Make sure you get the pedal and several presser feet With the machine.

Most user manuals can now be found online so that’s not necessary.

I bought a nice old Necchi on eBay and picked it up. These days, you can pick up an old sewing machine for a lot less money than a new one and you can find the sewing manuals online for many of them.

Older Singer machines are a good buy as are Brother and Kenmore. They won't necessarily have all the bells and whistles on them, but the motors were built to last and they aren't as complicated to repair or service. Necchis are harder to find, but they are tough little machines. Upholstery fabric-- thicker stuff -- as well as denim, don't always sew well on some of the newer machines unless they have a walking foot.

If you are looking for new, the Viking/Huskvarna Jade is a great choice. It has a wider arm to needle to pull through more fabric and is tough enough to go through heavy vinyl and leather. Bought this machine to reuphoster a boat with heavy marine grade vinyl and worked great. It is my go to for any sewing job now.

Easy to use!

if you sew a lot....check your scrap bag and grab a few samples of the fabrics you use, Thake them with you when you go to try out machines. the machine I tried took sheer fabric and heavy denim . Thats the one I took home.

I agree that you don't need a computerized technical machine with lots of fancy stitches to sew these kinds of home decor items. Any basic machine should do the job, providing it is well cared for, cleaned regularly, and has not been dropped, or has had the tension controls bungled up. For this reason, I would not recommend buying a used one, as there is never any guarantee if it has been properly maintained.

While initially it may seem like you are saving money by purchasing a sewing machine second hand, if you purchase one from a shop, they should include for free with the purchase price the time for you to practice on the floor model first, ask questions, feel how it works, to determine which one suits your needs best.

Some shops even provide free mini lessons or workshops as part of the purchase price. As well, you can always go back at any time after purchase with your sewing project, and ask additonal questions as get tips as to how you can make it better with your particular machine. If you are learning, then this can be a good accessible resource.

What will help make sewing easier and contribute to your success is to have a variety of presser feet, and to always use quality brand name needles and quality thread. One of my sewing machines is over 35 years old, and I sew everything - thick upholstery fabrics, even leather, repair bathing suits, because I use the needles designed for the particular fabric, and have the special presser feet.

If the machine you choose does not come with any attachments you can save money by purchasing them on line. Also, if you purchase needles in bulk, then you can save money here as well.

I agree with other answers for the most part. Personally, I'm a Kenmore fan & have 3 of them, all same models. They are from '80's or 90's & like the old saying, Sears/Kenmores are die hards. I have sewn every kind of fabric there is with these machines. I'm not pulling wool over eyes here, leathers, heavy vinyls, denims, in addition to upholstery materials, clothing fabrics, & machine quilting. Size needles used plays a huge role in success.

Whichever brand you decide to buy, please take this one tip with you. An older model that is all metal inside will hold up much better than newer machines whose internal components are plastic. I'm sorry, but a machine that has "made in China" stamped on it, is pretty much a "disposable machine like toys & everything else from China. If stamped Japan, Germany, or USA, you can reasonably expect long service with it.

When sewing that thickness with any machine make sure to use the correct needle size and same thread on top and bobbin.

I have a used Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 830 that I purchased from a friend. It is awesome but the new ones are very expensive.

Brother makes reasonably priced machines with regular stitching capabilities. Just use size 16 needles for this heavier fabric.

Alot depends on the size needle you are using. There are different needles for different materials.

Walmart carries Brother brand machines they are fairly inexpensive and will most likely work for what you need.

I have an older White "Blue Jeans" machine... it was designed to sew up to 6 layers of denim. I have used it to sew boat canvas and 3 layers of vinyl. Non-computerized, with basic stitching.... Ebay is a good place to look for older machines.... just make sure the machine "sews" not just "runs"

Thanks for the info Marty!

Gail is right about buying quality with a brand name, made in a country other than China, as these machines tend to have more metal parts as compared with the machines made in China that are largely plastic. Do not go for lowest price.

Try to get the heaviest weight machine that you can afford, as when it gets going the rpm's can really make the machine rock and roll. You do not want the machine bouncing and moving, especially if it is not anchored into a sewing table.

Answer this Hometalker's question!

Thanks for the info Patt.

You're most welcome. Keep posting your questions. That way experience can be shared, and we can all continue learning from each other.