Where to look for used sewing machines?

[Kahlan Rose]

Hi I'm looking to buy a used sewing machine. I'm no professional and would just love to start making clothing and some light faire clothes. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Alyssa

ps. random question, I'm thinking of maybe waiting til' after Christmas because perhaps I can save a few dollars....what do you think?

[Taffy Saltwater]

Craig's list.  You might ask for gift cards to Wal-Mart or Target for Christmas so you can buy a new one.

[gem]

Sewing machine dealers have used machines.

But, I have to say, my machine is an $80 after-Christmas special Brother I picked up at Walmart  It's held up beautifully for more than 10 years (including 5 years of fairly heavy garb sewing).  If you don't have tons of cash on hand and want a no-frills machine for basic stuff, the after-Thanksgiving and after-Christmas sales are a great option.  We bought Milord's mother a Singer for $65, and she loves it.  Knowing more about machines now, I probably *wouldn't* buy another Singer, but so far it's been absolutely fine for her needs, and hey--$65!

[Trillium]

pawn shops are another good place to look.  My hubby bought my new one for $40.  It's an older model Kenmore that was probably worth $200 originally.

[Lady Toadflinger]

We have a local thrift store which offers sewing machines that have been tuned up by a generous volunteer. Maybe you can find such a thrift store in your area.  I got a nice older Kenmore for 25$, and it works great.

[Lorraine]

I agree with the first poster, check Craigslist!! My boyfriend just bought me an embroidery machine thats normally $600, brand new still in the box for $300. You'll find a lot of people that have bought a really nice machine, used it once or twice, and then decided it wasn't for them. I see really nice basic sewing machines all the time, barely used, for $25-30 and the more expensive machines for about a third of their original price.

[Pascal]

You can find good deals on Craigslist (my recent purchase -- a Pfaff 130 for $25!  Seen folks asking $900 for the same machine) ... but you'll also find a lot of overpriced stuff.  Folks will see their Mom's old Singer and think "Antique!  Collector's Item!" and ask hundreds for a machine that should go for $20 to $50.  Be patient with Craigslist -- there's a lot of chaff before you find the wheat!

Thrift stores are also a good source -- but be sure all the pieces are on the machine. 

I find pawn shops are hit and miss -- mostly miss.  They used to be great sources, but ever since Ebay came along the pawn shop owners have increased their asking prices to match what's happening on Ebay.  I travel a lot and used to buy vintage guitars at pawn shops (Les Pauls for $100, Telecasters for $75, Hofner Beatle Bass's for $50), but those days are long gone since Ebay came along.

Most sewing stores will sell used sewing machines -- these are usually safe buys because the store has serviced the machine and may offer a warranty.  However, their asking price will be a little higher because of this.  Could still be worth it, though.

[escherblacksmith]

I'd also recommend finding a local sewing shop (not jo-anns or the like), and see if they have sewing machine repair, often they will also carry used/refurbished machines.

However, our last sewing machine and serger machine we got from Ken's Sewing Center.  A decent deal, and no problem with the machines thus far (brothers both).