Well as my love for garb grows (as do the retail prices) I am now inspired to take the plunge into sewing.
I am absolutely CLUELESS as to what sewing machine would be the right machine for a novice. I've read some reviews and reports.... but does anyone here have any recommendations as to what machine would be good to start with?
I would like to get a machine that has not only the basic features but features that I can use as my knowledge of sewing grows.
Also, has anyone ever made their own patterns? Just wondering how big of a trial that can be...
Thanks All!!!
I started with a basic $85 Brother, and learned on that (I would *absolutely* recommend this for a beginner who was only interested in light garb and maybe a little home dec and mending. They are *workhorses,* and will sew through anything and put up with tons of abuse.). After five years, I decided I was ready to upgrade. I still haven't made up my mind, but I'm now looking in the $800-2000 range, at Brother, Viking, and Bernina. The features I want now are an assortment of feet, something that will sew very sheer fabrics and knits, an overlock (serge-style) stitch, a narrow hem, a rolled hem, and a fully automatic buttonhole.
My advice would be to go to a dealer and try machines out. Sometimes they have odd physical quirks that will make you crazy (one whole line of Vikings has the engine case so large that I can't fit my hands underneath to get at the fabric!). You will have a better idea of what those will be, of course, after you've sewn for a few years, but you may as well start experimenting with different things now.
Many of us make our own patterns. I started off by copying garments I had in my collection that fit me well, and moved on to tweaking from there. I've also altered commercial patterns, which is another very good way to get the look you want. The more you sew, the more important *fit* will become to you, and the more likely it is you'll branch off into just drafting/draping your own patterns that you know will fit you properly. It seems to kind of be inevitable. ;)
i was looking at a brother machine the other day. it was somewhere between $200-$300. it seemed to have lots of bells and whistles. my hubby is looking at machines in the $400-$500 range, but i'm not sure i want us to spend that much right off the bat. of course he has all sorts of ideas/projects for me, so maybe he is looking in the right area lol.
so as a 'brand' brother is a good machine? i only recall singer as being popular, but have read they have gone downhill since manufacturing out of the country now.
i was thinking i should use my exisisting garb to help with patterns but wasn't sure.
thanks for the input!
Check around with friends and family, I got my sewing machine for free from my girl scout leader... It has some issues but we get along sometimes. Check out friends and family who might be willing to lend/give/sell you one, and check thrift stores, your local freecycle
I bought an Elna at around 300$ for my first machine. Partly cause it's swiss made and so I felt it would hold up well, but also because it's hte machine my mom's had for the past 30 years and hers still works great. I learned on her machine, so it made it easier to adjust...
I wouldn't recommend a machine ANY more expensive than 300$. Unless you plan on becoming a professional, the base line of a good brand is probably the best idea. I really never use any of the "special" functions on my machine, but because it's such a good brand, the base functions are really all I need for all types of fabrics and stitches.
And as for making your own patterns, I would NOT recommend that until you can call yourself a true seamstress and a near expert. This is simply because as a new seamstress you will not yet have the insight into how to make a good pattern. And also, you don't want to start out running a marathon cause you'll end up passing out half way thru since you've not built up to it! I only started freehanding costumes after i'd been sewing for about 3 years. There are tons of great patterns out there and "tweeking" a pattern is much easier than straight up making your own....
Check eBay, people have been pretty lucky, or you can go to actual sewing shops and ask about their trade in values. All have been reconditioned so you are in luck and you pay 1/2 the price. I purchased my first sewing machine from a garage sale and it was a Bernina for 75 dollars.
I have also gotten some on sale at Sears, purchased a Kenmore that is still going today, and HSN has some good deals on their site, My best friend purchased a $250.00 Europro that did the some of the things my Kenmore did and it is still sewing strong after 5 years she bought it from Target.
Husky dealers have some awesome deals at the moment and they have machines as low as $200!! Huskystar I think it is called. But truly?? Before you purchase a thing, experiment on the machine see how it works and if it fits you.
Each person uses a machine a little differently, I llike being able to use a machine quickly, in 5 minutes or less, and I like quiet machines.
I have a traveling machine that is a Janome I paid $50.00 for and it does basic things and is roughly 5lbs. So I carry it on the planes when I travel.
So you need to play with the machines and then one will feel better for you!
Good luck!
Cilean
Be sure and checkout http://www.patternreview.com (http://www.patternreview.com) -- they have a pretty extensive "Sewing Machine" database where users review their machines (both modern and vintage).
Your choices for machine are either: 1) New, or 2) Used. A used top-of-the-line machine will almost always and perform better than an equivalently-priced new one (assuming it hasn't been left in the rain for 30 years).
If you're looking new, the best brands are Bernina, Viking, and Pfaff. Most folks put Bernina at the top of the list with Pfaff and Viking just a hair below. They'll be expensive.
The next level would probably be Babylock, Janome, and perhaps Elna. Below that would be higher-end Brothers. At the bottom would be anything you'd find at Walmart -- although folks have had success with low-priced Brothers. Others have had nightmares.
To me, what makes a "good" machine aren't the features -- it's how much you have to fight with it to make it sew right. Low end machines will jam, break thread, have bobbin and tension problems, etc, etc. Higher end machines are a pleasure to use.
Next, don't be blown away by "200 stitches!". No one uses that many, it's purely a marketing thing. If you can do a good straight, a good zig-zag, and a blind-hem, you can sew most anything you'll ever have to. Some of the finest and highest rated used machines in the world (Bernina's 830 and 930) only have 20 or so stitches ... with about a dozen of those being rarely-used embellishment stitches.
Folks get excited about 1 step automatic buttonholes. I think it's more important to have good buttonholes -- there are a lot of 1 step automatics that do lousy buttonholes. An old mechnical machine with a 4 or 5 step buttonhole isn't hard to use.
Next, new machine sources. You'll get more "after the sale" help from a sewing shop than a Wallyworld. If you have a source of information and assistance already, this may not be important. Look for sales and coupons.
Used machine sources: Sewing stores, thrift shops, Ebay, Craigslist, etc. I've bought wonderful machines from these sources -- and some dogs as well. Your safest bet is a refurbished machine at a sewing store ... but will be the most expensive. I've had the best luck from Ebay ... but I always plan on an extra $100 or so to send it to a sewing machine shop to tune up the machine. The price still usually comes out good.
You can see some photo-diaries of some of my "finds" at http://www.using-sewing-machines.com (http://www.using-sewing-machines.com)
Wow you all have given me a lot to think about! I didn't realize that some of the manufacturerer's I'm aware of even made sewing machines!
Thanks for all your thoughts and help!
Bonny ;D
Go into sewing garb as well as mindane things in steps. There is a lot to learn as far as sewing techniques that are basic. Sewing is a matter of repeating things over and over. I am sure there will be plenty of classes to take or sewing groups in your town to hook up with that will more than help you learn.
Congratulations on taking the plunge!!! Sewing garb as well as mundane clothing is a lost art form.
I have a Euro Pro Denim & Silk and LOVE it. It's all metal construction which means that there aren't any plastic parts. Machines with plastic parts tend not to do well for heavy sewing and fall apart in about a year. I went through both a singer and a brother (cheap models) before looking for an all metal construction sewing machine. I have only had to take it in for a simple tune up once and I've had it for three or four years now. It has sewn a lot of my dresses as well as my tent that I take with me to Pennsic. It was about $300 and I don't think I'll ever need another sewing machine.
I have a Bernina and I love it. ;D I have sewn everything from underwear, sheer fabric and knits, to denim, canvas and upholstery on it. I have had it a little over 25 years and never had any work done to it, just a yearly tune up. I do a LOT of sewing on it and can't complain.
Here's my sewing machine buying essay:
On the Choosing, Care, and Feeding of Sewing Machines.
When it comes to sewing machines, it's hard to beat this Buying A Sewing Machine article: http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm
Once you have read it, make a list of the sorts of things you want to sew (bags, curtains, clothing, costumes, whatever), and the types of fabrics you want to use (denim, curtain fabric, cotton, chiffon... )
Make a list of the things you want the machine to do. My list includes: Impeccable straight stitch! Variable needle positions (makes all sorts of things like putting zips in easier). Good zigzag stitch. Good blind hem stitch and adjustable blind hem foot. Wonderful buttonholes! Eyelet plate (I make costumes and corsets, and have a severe hatred of metal grommets!). Ruffler foot for making miles of frills! The ability to sew REALLY S L O W L Y !! Speed comes later with practice, but you'll ALWAYS need to go slow sometimes! :) When I'm teaching people to sew, I like a good big foot control that is easy to operate. If you find them a little difficult at first, you can always take your shoes off!
I teach people to sew on all sorts of machines, from ancient old straight stitch only hand cranks to electronic marvels with over 200 stitches... ALL are good for beginners, but some are better than others. And different machines work better for different people. You really need to try before you buy, so take your lists and some fabric samples along to the sewing machine emporium and talk to a proper sewing machine engineer about both used and new machines. Sales droids work on commission and will try to sell you something expensive: an engineer should be able to find you several machines that would suit your purpose, so you can test drive them and find the one that suits you best.
Husqvarna: they do a good range from mid-price upwards. They do some designed for quilting as well as garment construction. There is an excellent range of attachments for both.
Bernina: much as Husqvarna, with slightly different styling. They also do a fantastic mechanical machine (the 1008).
Pfaff: In the same quality range as the Bernina and Husqvarna, with much the same range of facilities. Some models have a built-in 'walking foot', which some quilters love.
All three of these brands also do a cheaper range of machines. I don't know anything about the Pfaff ones, but the Husqvarna Huskystar machines seem to be well received. Don't bother with the Bernettes: not really worth it...
I find that there is precious little difference in the machines as far as stitch quality and function: it's really only a matter of style preference. I love Husqvarna, and my Bernina, but find that Pfaff just don't fit my fingers. You must always try a machine before buying! Think of it like buying shoes or a car.
For a mid price range that will be good for what you want to do, look seriously at Toyota, Elna and Frister & Rossman. You'll need to look at the upper levels of these ranges.
I don't rate Brother sewing machines very highly on the whole. They make excellent sergers/overlockers, but the sewing machines tend to be rather flimsy and fragile, with too many functions crammed into too light weight a structure. Singer machines are much the same. They are no longer built by Singer, but bought in from various sources in Taiwan and China, and are rather variable in quality. They no longer do the only one I've been prepared to buy made after 1964!
Some folk love their Janome machines. Personally, I've never met one I'd take home, never mind pay for! I find them rather plasticky and flimsy and over-priced for what they are (says one who has a machine that was £1100 list price 10 years ago!). I do have an older all metal New Home that is a beautiful mechanical wonder, and worth preserving. It's like some of my other old machines: tough as old boots, could sew through a tin can, and has impeccable manners.
If you want one-step buttonholes, go for an electronic machine. Mechanical one-steps are not worth the bother. I don't rate built in threaders either: they also tend to get in the way and then break. The only one I've ever had time for is the one on my Bernina 1150MDA serger, and half the time I do it quicker by hand.
Take a look at these web sites - they will tell you a lot more about the different machines available:
http://www.bernina.com/ http://www.brother.co.uk/g3.cfm/s_page/6... http://www.elna.com/en/index http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/uk/index.... http://www.janome.co.uk/ http://www.pfaffmachines.co.uk/index.htm...
One thing that is VERY important is a good sewing machine manual: all machines come with an operator's manual. This shows you how to operate the machine, what all the parts are, how to thread it, and how to do all the stitches it has. Some are much easier to follow than others. Some machines come with the manual on CDROM. PLEASE print out a copy to keep beside the machine, if this is what you get. You'll need to refer to if often, and getting up to look on the pooter is a pain! If you get a paper manual, it might be a good move to scan your manual and keep an electronic copy, as manuals do go missing at times...
Another good thing to do would be to get a good basic sewing book. These ones are comprehensive:
New Complete Guide to Sewing: Step by Step Techniques for Making Clothes and Home Accessories (Readers Digest) by Reader's Digest (Hardcover - 25 Jul 2003) £12.99 from Amazon. Covers most dressmaking processes.
Sewing for Dummies (For Dummies) by Janice Saunders Maresh (Paperback - 13 Aug 2004) £9.79 from Amazon. Horrid title, decent book).
Fun book! 101 Ways to Use Your First Sewing Machine by Elizabeth Dubicki (Hardcover - 27 Oct 2006) £11.19 from Amazon
How to make patterns fit: Fast Fit: Easy Pattern Alterations for Every Figure by Sandra Betzina (Paperback - 3 Jun 2004) £10.47 from Amazon
For beginner sewists, lessons would be an excellent idea. Try your local sewing and quilting shops, and your local adult studies network. There may well be some beginners classes in your area, and a good class is an excellent thing. Not only do you get tuition, but also a network of sewing buddies and like-minded fabric sniffers! :D It will teach you which fabrics are best for what purposes, how to handle fabric and sewing equipment, and all the different processes needed to complete your project.
Sorry this got so long... Hope it helps!
Quote from: LadyElizabeth on November 12, 2008, 02:22:30 PM
I bought an Elna at around 300$ for my first machine. Partly cause it's swiss made and so I felt it would hold up well, but also because it's hte machine my mom's had for the past 30 years and hers still works great. I learned on her machine, so it made it easier to adjust...
I took one of my Elna Lotus machines in to the shop for a new power cord on Saturday and...
Gleaned from the sewing machine men at World of Sewing, Tunbridge
Wells. Some of you may know this already...
The Elna brand name is now wholly owned by Janome. The finally bought the name a couple of years ago. Production of the 466 600 power lead that fits the Elna Lotus ZZ and TSP has ceased.
There may be a few left in the system, but once they are gone... I got the last one they had in stock at Tunbridge Wells. They ARE still producing the pneumatic foot control that fits the Stella Air
Electronic, but for how long is anyone's guess... Janome are the biggest manufacturers of DOMESTIC sewing machines in the world at present. They have, for some years, made all the machines that have
come out with the Elna name, as
Elna closed their last factory in 1995. Janome are not interested in keeping older machines going: they want the profit from new machine sales, so older machine parts will become less and less available. They are particularly not interested in keeping older machines of a rival brand going. They only wanted the Elna name because it had a good reputation. Expect that to fade, along with the brand, in the next ten years. Very sad...
ON THE OTHER HAND, the good news for me is that I DID get the replacement power cord! So my ZZ will now work properly, without cutting out at unpredictable moments, and is safe for the kids to use
in my December class. Other good news is that the Stella Air Electronic arrived back here a couple of weeks back, and is still working as sweetly as ever. The foot control for that is working perfectly. After I get paid for my next job I may shell out of a replacement 'just in case'...
We had quite a natter with the shop owner, his son, and his grandson (all Old Sewing Machine Guys of the finest caliber), about the delightful quality of the engineering of the old Elnas. These guys will keep them going as long as possible, rather like vintage car enthusiasts do with their cars.
Thanks for the info Kate, I think I'm going to take my baby in soon and see if any parts could use replacement anytime soon or if I could get extras of some pieces...
Ron Anderson (sewing machine guru States side...) says there are third party versions of the 466 600 power cord available in the USA. Whether or not they would dive the European spec motor is a different ball game. I wasn't taking the risk! I need this machine for teaching: the kids love these little beauties.
Janome have made the badged Elnas for some time, but to Elna's then holding company specs rather than to their own, so some standards were maintained. Unfortunately I do not think this will continue for long. They bought the Elna name to get into markets that the Janome brand could not break into, but that leaves them with several machines that are roughly parallel. Market forces will have their way, and Janome will promote their own name wherever possible.
Janome have a reputation for being good with entry level machines, and I'd say have a good look at those along side those of other brands if you are buying at this level. However, if you want something mid range or above, there are things that are better made. I've always found their top of the line machines somewhat flimsy and over priced for their durability. I wouldn't give house room to one of their sergers unless you paid me - lots! Not after one danced off a table into my lap. Horrid rattly thing, it was.
Just thought i'd bring this up... there is a wootoff over at woot.com (they normally have one ridiculously low priced item a day, during wootoffs they have item after item after item) well they just put up a singer 120 stitch for 139.99
They've had several sewing machines up before that i've seen in others.. so check it out.