I would love to do my own DIY projects like curtains and pillows, however don't have a sewing machine, and whenever I go out to look at them, I get overwhelmed and flake out, and end up coming home with nothing. Unfortunately I just don't have the knowledge of what would be a good feature(s) to have on a machine.
I'm looking for something although basic, is pretty good to have around the house. I see all these wonderful patterns for childrens clothes, as an example, and although I don't have kids yet, I think it would be so sweet to also make clothes as well as home decor items.
Does anyone have a sewing machine that they LOVE and would recommend?
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I have great experiences with different machines from Singer, a bit pricey but they have good value.
Dany
As a beginner/hobby sewer (I've made a lot of stuff that wound up being animal bedding - lol) who had a machine for years without - I would say be sure it has a button-hole function - the 5 step not the 4 step (where you have to manually change to do the 5th step). Even if you don't think you'll use it - have it. You will need it. Plus it seems to me that the machines that automatically do button holes are pretty reliable zig zaggers - where the machines that don't do button holes seemed to have uneven zig zag functions. Maybe it's a basic level of quality in the machine?
I agree with the embroidery function - it's really expensive and if you really want something there are companies out there that will do it for you.
Power to do heavy materials I also agree with - at the very least heavy cotton twills.
My parents are in the process of retiring from their sewing machine business. My dad has been selling and servicing machines for over 40 years. I would recommend buying a machine from a dealer. That way you will have a place to bring it for repair or servicing. Walmart/Canadian Tire, and stores like that may sell some less expensive machines, but then you may have trouble with service later. Even higher end brands such as Bernina, Pfaff, Janome, etc. all have very basic/beginner models that you could look into!
I am also in the market for a new sewing machine. I have a Pfaff sewing machine and serger, but the sewing machine is ready to retire. I don't think I would go with a Pfaff again, I find them very 'finicky'. I just had a demo on a Janome, loved it. But it is frustrating looking for a new machine where I live since dealers only carry one or two lines. I want to look at Husqvarna and Bernina next. I am looking for a more sturdy machine, since I hope to start my own business this year including the service of providing custom interior furnishings...ie. pillows, window treatments, etc. I am not sure if you want a machine that does embroidery, that's the big thing now and Janome meets that need. Good luck with your hunting!!!
I have a "bare bones "Pfaff....assorted stitches & button holes ,nothing fancy but it gets the job done...I previously had a very, very, ancient Husqvarna...both are excellent machines:)I also have a Pfaff serger that is really nice to finish the seams..It is not necessary to purchase a machine with alot of bells & whistles because you will be paying for features that you will never use.
I have had a Husqvarna, espensive but I have had it since Aug, 1979. My DD finds excuses to use mine insted of the cheaper one from GM.
i have Singer 9805 with 18 stitch functions. bought it 6 -7 years ago in wallmart - it does have all the basics i needed, very happy with it.
Since you are just starting, all you really need is a machine that does the basic stuff (forwards, backwards, zigzag, maybe button holes). If you get all the whiz bang stuff it just makes it more complicated to learn and unless you are really into it, you're paying for features you won't use.
I have heard some people comment on a machine sold at someplace like Walmart that goes for about $100 and is proving very reliable. I have no idea what it is I'm afraid. Meanwhile, if you spend for a good one know you will have it forever. I have a 100 year old Singer treadle here that still works, my mom had a Elna/white that had to be 60 years old and still going, and I have a Viking (Elna made by Eatons...) that used to be my mom's (she never liked all the features so gave it to me) that still works and is nearly 40 years old.
From personal experience (and that is slim now since I haven't sewn anything in a long time because it drives me nuts now after doing a lot of it for a few years), I'd make sure the thing was light enough to carry easily. Mine is so heavy it's just a pig to set up and put away and that really makes me think twice before pulling it out. Meanwhile even though it's heavy and solid, it isn't strong enough to do multiple layers of denim while my mom's old Elna could go through it with no problem and I even used to sew layers of leather (made my own purse even) because it was a real work horse so power is something to consider because there is nothing worse that getting stuck with not enough power. Stores should be able to demonstrate the power by feeding multiple layers (like 5 or 6 of a heavy fabric) through at the same time. I'd also look for any easy use feature they offer like good loading, bobbin winding, lights, bigger deck, and noise level (which is what gets me with mine even though it wouldn't bother most people probably). Anything to keep frustration to a minimum especially when you are learning.
Surgers are nice because they make finishing raw edges easier, but you can live with zig zag. I haven't looked at prices lately, but the surging machines used to add a lot to cost.
Things like embroidery features are really something extra unless you can see how you would get a lot of use out of them.
I have a Bernina. Excellent machine but a bit pricey.