Stitches

Help choosing a sewing machine ?

I am completely new to the sewing world, having only stitched a few things by hand and sewn on a few buttons (and done a little cross-stitch as a child). I really want to get into sewing, and there aren't any sewing classes offered in my area, so I will have to teach myself. I am leaning towards a Brother machine, but I am not opposed to other brands. I want a machine that is computerized, sews, does embroidery, and monograms. It would be great if it had a USB port or SD card. I have googled and youtubed and googled more. I've checked amazon and every other online store out there, but I still can't find a decent comparison chart. Can anyone recommend a good chart or even better, recommend a machine that would suit my needs? I don't want the cheapest machine out there, but I don't want the most expensive one either. I will be using the machine mostly for making clothes for the family.

Public Comments

1. Sounds like you've done some homework. My suggestion is this. Make a written list of features you want. Go to the library and get the Consumer Reports Annual book-- and check on sewing machines. They don't review all things every year so be aware of that. You may be able to get the specific publication online from them. I think you will find that the more features you want, the more the machine will cost. Therefore, list your most wanted features first, then secondary and so forth. By the way, any Zigzag machine can monogram-- but it takes skill from the sewer. My Sears machine, bought in 1965 uses "cams" to form the different patterned stitches. At that time I could have bought cams for monograms but I couldn't afford them, and funny enough, I haven't needed them either. Cams are outdated technology today, but my machine hasn't broken and has many, many miles of stitches and has been moved lots of times from state to state. My primary criteria when searching for my machine was this-- I didn't want a machine that would make "mile long" buttonholes. I wanted an attachment to limit the size and width. There was an attachment and I've been quite happy with that simple technology thru the years. Secondarily, the more electronic features I believe, makes the machine more liable for breakage et cetera, and more needful of a expensive technician to repair it. In that same vein-- the new machines are mostly plastics which is good if you are carrying it-- but try to sew jeans or anything heavy weight and you'll understand what I'm saying. I wish you luck in your search. I know you'll have many hours of useful, money saving experiences with your machine.
2. If you're a beginner, you really need to go talk to a dealer and TRY SOME MACHINES OUT. I'd personally suggest putting the embroidery option on hold for awhile and learning with a basic machine -- there's enough added complexity that it can take the learning curve from steep to near vertical to try to learn all of those machine capabilities at once. It can be done, but I think you'll be more frustrated than needs be. When you're up to speed on a basic machine, then consider an embroidery machine -- it takes quite a while to stitch out most designs with a home embroidery machine, and it's handy to have your basic machine available to sew on while the embroidery machine is working. In fact, it may be more economical to buy an embroidery only machine instead of a combination machine. And even if you do decide on a combo machine, it's nice to have another machine sitting in the closet for the night that you *have* to get something done by the next morning and your "good machine" decides to sew in reverse only, or something equally maddening. <g> Whatever you choose, you might want to check in the sewing machine reviews section at http://www.patternreview.com when you get things narrowed down to a few possibilities. Here's my standard sewing machine advice for beginners: 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).