Stitches

What sewing machine to buy for hemming pants?

I just want to buy a simple basic sewing machine under $100 to hem my pants. I don't need it to do any fancy needlework. All I need is to hem my pant legs. Can anyone recommend me any brands? Thanks alot!

Public Comments

1. If you're going to hem pants with a straight stitched-through hem (like jeans), any decent straight stitcher will do. I typically find old Singer 99s and 15s around for $0-20 that just need cleaning, oil and a new needle. If you want to do a more professional looking hem, such as is used on dress pants, you want a machine with a "blind hem stitch" (and ask for it to be demonstrated for you). Or you're going to learn to hem by hand... takes very little time and costs you a packet of hand sewing machine needles -- less than $1. With a budget of $100, you're either going to be going for a used machine or a new one that is not going to last long or be repairable. My standard beginner sewing machine advice: http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm What I want for beginners in sewing: - a machine that doesn't scare you - a machine that isn't balky (cheap new machines are often very balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable -- just too frustrating to learn on!) - very good straight stitch - good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy) - a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you - adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric handling issues) - accessory presser feet that don't cost an arm and a leg (machines that use a "short shank foot" typically handle generic presser feet pretty well. Some brands of machines use proprietary or very expensive presser feet) If the budget stretches far enough: - blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches - triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications) - a couple of decorative stitches (you won't use them nearly as much as you think) - electronic machine because of the needle position control and because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at slow sewing speeds -- mechanical machines often will stall at slow speeds. Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used machines you can afford. You'll get a far better machine buying used than new, and a good dealer is worth their weight in sewing machine needles when you get a machine problem -- often they can talk you through the problem over the phone. While you're trying things out, try a couple of machines (sewing only, not combo sewing-embroidery) over your price limit, just so you can see what the difference in stitch quality and ease of use might be. You may find you want to go for the used Cadillac. Or you might want the new basic Chevy. Might as well try both out. Suggested reading: John Giordano's The Sewing Machine Book (especially for used machines), Carol Ahles' Fine Machine Sewing (especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg Hazen's Owner's Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public library. Used brands I'd particularly look for: Elna, Bernina, Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota New "bargain brand" I'd probably pick: Janome (who also does Kenmore).
2. I've been using Brother sewing machines for the last 10 years and love them. I have 4: a plain ol' mechanical one, a serger, an embroidery machine, and a vintage machine that I inherited. They've been very reliable and dependable and affordable. You can pick one up at Wal-Mart for under $100. Singer's changed a lot since the old days, they just aren't as dependable as they used to be. The higher end machines like Husqvarna, Elna, Bernina, etc. are NICE machines. Just like Ferrari's and Porches are nice cars. :-)