Sewing questions

[sherri]

Hi everyone,
I have some questions about sewing machines and hope I can get some help. I am taking a beginner sewing class and would like to purchase my own machine. The teacher in class has given me no recommendations for machines under 500 + dollars and no way am I spending that much when I can barely even sew yet (she recommends Viking machines). My goal is to make (eventually) simple window treatments and decorative pillows.
So, does anyone have recommendations as to where/what type of machine I should get? I want to get a computerized one which is really my only criteria at this point. The teacher said to never buy a machine at Target, Walmart, Jo-Ann fabrics, etc. So, I need to check out some other sewing machine stores?!
Many thanks in advance!

Sherri :)

[rhondac]

I'm not sure this is the best place for this question. You might try the HGTV Crafts chat board (http://boards.hgtv.com/6/ubb.x?q=Y&s=1084078532&a=corfrm&cf=c_2894011632).

I do know that I bought a sewing machine at JC Penney 30 years ago. I have not done a lot of sewing, but just made some curtains a month ago and throughout the years have sewn some clothes, mending, curtains, etc., so a small machine from a "department" store is not necessarily a bad thing until you can determine how much you will sew and then upgrade. That said, I have not looked for sewing machines so I don't know who in the "department" store area still carries them. You certainly don't need to start out with a Viking or a surger, IMO. I've had no service on my machine, just remember to keep it oiled. I would look at the machines at Jo-Ann, Target and Wal-Mart as they would make small ones that you could put away when not using and a smaller, inexpensive machine would let you develop your skills. Good luck!

[merley]

Sherri,
I am also looking at a new sewing machine. It is interesting that your teacher recommends Viking, and also says not to buy at Jo Ann. Jo Ann Fabrics sells Husqvarna Viking machines. They carry the Scabdinavia Line.I was quoted a price for the cheapest computerized model the Scandinavia 200 at $599. I am also going to check out the Bernina this week.
Good Luck with your search

[rlrobb]

I have been sewing for about 15 years now. Initially I sewed clothes and home decorating stuff, but have moved on to quilting in the last few years. My first sewing machine was a non-computerized Kenmore, the lowest priced model that they had (about $100 at the time I think) and I've been really happy with it. I was able to get it at Sears and also was able to buy fancy feet (for blind hem, ruffling, etc.) through catalogs and sewing stores without any problem. It's a good, sturdy machine and has been very reliable. A couple of years ago I purchased a fancy Elna computerized machine. There are actually some things that I think the Kenmore was better at and it had less of a problem when I ran over pins or with getting threads snarled. I highly recommed the Kenmore machine as a good and inexpensive beginner's machine.

[ccooney]

I do _a lot_ of sewing and I teach quilting. I absolutely love my Bernina. I learned on and used my mother's Singer (which was older than I) for many years until I could save up enough. The difference between the two machines is astounding. When I learned to sew, I could not make the Singer go slow enough for my skill level. It had two speeds...fast, and stop. As a beginner, I found it very frustrating, but my Mom helped me out & encouraged me to continue.

There were lots of other things about the Singer that made sewing frustrating, but I loved it so much I put up with them. I have several friends who told me they didn't have the patience to sew, but after trying my machine have fallen in love with it and bought their own. I also have friends who sew on inexpensive machines without all the bells and whistles and find they meet their needs just fine.

IMHO, I think it would behoove you to try out as many different machines as you can and then decide which one you like best. It would be to your advantage to buy the best that you can afford because it may make the difference as to how much time you will ultimately spend on your hobby. Only you know yourself. If you get frustrated with your machine will you be likely to throw in the towel or try harder? Will you be happy with just working on a few home improvement projects now and then, or if you find you really enjoy the machine you're working with, might you decide to spend more time and energy on more elaborate projects?

Good luck & let us know what you've decided!

[mst]

If you are beginning, is there a reason that you want/need a computerized machine? That is definately going to run your price up, and you will have a hard time getting a computerized machine under $500.

When I started to sew, I bought a garage sale machine, and paid to get it tuned up. It was a very simple Brother, and I loved it. My DH offered to buy me a new machine one year for the holidays, and I refused. I was happy with my $10 machine. When the machine broke, I did trade it in, and bought a nice machine. I still miss my $10 one, because that was my first. But, I love the new features of my machine.

If you are buying new, I would recommend going to a sewing store. They will give you support and often have "trade-up" deals. For example, I can trade up my machine, for it's full value for one year. I also get a few years of free maintanence with my machine. They also expect to have long-term relationships with their clients. So, they want to sell you a good, solid machine and hope that you will come back to upgrade.

No question- Viking is a great machine. But, BMW's are great too- but I drive a cheaper car that still gets me to my destination. Personally, I would think about getting a used machine first. So many people have great goals about sewing, and never really get around to it. You have an opportunity (in most cases) to buy a barely used machine. Just make sure it either comes with the manual, or that you are able to get it through the manufacturer or online. I would check Craig's list.

The problem with buying a machine from a Wal-Mart or a store like that is that there primary goal is volume, and not quality. They don't care if the machine lasts you twenty years, or five. They want to create a competitively priced machine, and get it out the door. If you think you are going to get into sewing, you will want a quality machine.

Another reason to think used...since you are new to sewing, you don't know what features will matter to you. If you give yourself a few months with another machine, you will see what you like and use, and what does not matter to you.

Colleency is a great sewer. You might want to PM her if she does not respond to this thread. She's also very nice and helpful! :)

Hope this helps- I am more than willing to tell you more about my machine and what I like if that helps...
FWIW, I have an Elna now.

[ktg0930]

I absolutely love my Bernina. I learned on and used my mother's Singer (which was older than I) for many years

This is me too!

I purchased a midline Bernina last year and really like it. I think Viking has a relationship with Joann's in terms of renting space in their stores, but at least at my Joann's, the sales in the Viking area are separate from the rest of the store.

I would check out the Viking line and the Bernina line and get a feel for what is available, what features you like, etc. Both companies have everything from basic machines to high-end embroidery machines. I bought my machine from a local fabric/quilt store and they provide free training on all machines they sell. They also offer a monthly class (which is free for the first year after you buy a machine) that helps everyone get the most out of their machines.

I enjoy having a place that I can take classes and also where the staff is knowledgeable about my machine and sewing in general so that I can get help when I need it.

[sherri]

Thanks for all the quick responses. You have definitely given me something to think about!

Mst, I see your point about a computerized machines. I realize that may not be a necessity at this time! I was also thinking about buying a used machine (owners manual included ;) ) since this is all so new for me. But, this is definitely something I want to stick with so I need to do my research.
BTW, what is Craig's list (I am sure this is something I should now).

[mst]

www.craigslist.com

If your city is represented, there are a million facets of Craig's List. Like, you can buy a house, apply for a job, etc. It is local, so it can be like a local ebay. If someone is selling a machine, you can go to their house, check it out, and buy it and take it home. I would be wary to buy a used machine through ebay unless they have a good deal on shipping. Those machines are heavy!

[colleency]

Thank you, MST! You are so sweet!

Sherri, I completely agree with MST. I wouldn't think you would need a computerized machine. I've been sewing for about 20 years, and I don't have one!

I started out with a $100 Brother that I bought at Sears. For my 30th birthday, I invested in new machine. I went to a sewing machine store and test drove them. The Viking is what I liked, and I got the 3rd up from the bottom of the line (not computerized), which was almost $500. I've had it for 8 years, and I love it. I lust after the computerized machines, but I just can't justify the price.

Whatever machine you buy, I would recommend that you get a machine that has no less than a 3-step buttonholer. The kind of sewing you're doing, and if you plan to branch out and make some clothing, you will really want to have that. If you end up with a used machine that is computerized, you will probably get a 1-step buttonholer, which I imagine is even better. But my one complaint about my first machine was that I had to make buttonholes with the zigzag. Ugh!

When you go to the dealer to test out machines, bring a couple of samples of your own fabric or the type that you think you will typically be working with. When I bought mine, I had to make sure it would sew through silk as well as leather and vinyl!

[sherri]

Thanks girls for all the helpful information! Good to know about the 3 step buttonholer too. I definitely will not go for the computer machine.

[Meganator]

I have been sewing for about 15 years now. Initially I sewed clothes and home decorating stuff, but have moved on to quilting in the last few years. My first sewing machine was a non-computerized Kenmore, the lowest priced model that they had (about $100 at the time I think) and I've been really happy with it. I was able to get it at Sears and also was able to buy fancy feet (for blind hem, ruffling, etc.) through catalogs and sewing stores without any problem. It's a good, sturdy machine and has been very reliable. A couple of years ago I purchased a fancy Elna computerized machine. There are actually some things that I think the Kenmore was better at and it had less of a problem when I ran over pins or with getting threads snarled. I highly recommed the Kenmore machine as a good and inexpensive beginner's machine.


Me too - I have a Kenmore that was a floor model at Sears (so it came without a case) that I got for $100 when I was in college. It has sewn miles and miles of clothes, window treatments, couch cushions, etc., and has been very reliable. It has the 3-step buttonholer - I concur with the recommendations about that; the 3 step isn't hard to learn. All I have is a zig-zag function, buttonholer, and a an extra foot (I think it's called a zipper foot) for sewing zippers, attaching cord trim, etc. I have rarely needed anything other than what it can do.

Megan

[mrswaz]

Test drive the sewing machines. :)

A good sewing shop will help you get a feel for what you prefer in a sewing machine. They are also the ones who usually have good classes as well. FWIW- I find that the service at our Jo-Anne's is fabulous. Almost everyone who works there sews in some form or another, and can be extremely helpful. I love that I can always go there when I have a question or need help with a sewing project.

I have personally used a Husqvarna and loved it! But my current machine is a White- which works well for what I need it for. I was given it by a friend when she upgraded to a Bernina- and she loves that one. Her Bernina works very well for delicate fabrics- which is what she needed. You need to decide short term what you want your machine to do for you. You can always upgrade down the road when you've become more of an accomplished sewer and need more features.

[pattyp.]

I also have a White that I bought at Hancock Fabrics for just under $300. It serves me well and they were very helpful when I first bought it by demonstrating and answering my questions. I do basic sewing and so for me it's been a good buy.

[Goin' Coastal]

The JoAnn superstores have a relationship with Viking and there are Viking dealers in the stores. The space is leased from Joann's. The JoAnn traditional stores sell machines also, but they are the "cash and carry" type. I believe they are Whites.

I would suggest buying the best machine you can afford. If you want to continue sewing, it will make it much more pleasant. It is very frustrating to sew when you can't get a consistently good stitch quality.

The most important stitch is the straight stitch as that is the one you will use most often. Look at both sides of the fabric after stitching. They should look pretty much the same, with the stitch locking in the center of the fabric. If the bottom thread appears to be laying on the fabric, you will have tension problems,

It is a definite advantage to buy a machine from a place where there are sales people. They are a wealth of information if you have problems.

Have fun, and remember practice makes perfect!

FWIW, home dec sewing is MUCH easier than apparel sewing. It is mostly straight line sewing, and it is infinitely easier to fit a flat window than a round body! :)

[sherri]

Thanks girls! This info was all so helpful!