Sewing Machines

[fashionicon]

This may be in the wrong place, I want to buy another sewing machine. I have a singer but I HATE it.

What sewing machines work for you?

 

[spiralsnowman]

Hi,
There didn't seem to be any replies to this thread, but I'd like to know too. Are there any recommendations for novices?
Any help would be appreciated!

 

[pixie stix]

I have a Janome (previously New Home) machine that I got second hand. It does what I need it to do (sew a straight line) for what I do (minor alterations).

If you're starting out, try getting a simple sewing machine with just a few basic stitching options. It doesn't have to be expensive (they can range from $80 us on up to the thousands) - so if you don't end up sticking with sewing, at least your wallet won't have been hurt too much. I've heard good things about Brothers sewing machines too. Old singers (from the 80's maybe?) were said to be very good, but recently went down in durability and quality...maybe avoid those.

But above all, don't be afraid to ask to try the machines out. I went into stores without knowing a lick of sewing, and sat at their machines to see which ones felt comfortable...and most importantly sewed a straight line. (Because not all of them did!)

 

[spiralsnowman]

That was really helpful pixie, thanks! A lot of people have recommended Brother. I think I will go next week to get a machine.

 

[shedonnia]

I own several sewing machines. Sewing was a hobby of mine for a while. I am thinking about getting back into it. First, I will tell you what machines I own: Babylock (sewing/embroidery machine combo), Brother, Janome, Singers (my beloved grandmother's old machine (sentimental) and a treadle -- don't use either), Bernina and Pfaff.

Now, I will make my recommendation. It would be the Pfaff. It has a dual feed presser foot, which keeps the fabric very straight; it also has 1/4 presser foot, which makes making welt pockets easier for me; and the stitch quality is excellent. It requires more steps to make botton holes, but I still love it most of all. If this had been my first sewing machine purchase, I may not have bought the others. I highly recommend you test drive the Pfaff.

 

[spiralsnowman]

Thanks shedonnia, I will definitely try it out!

This will demonstrate how much of a novice I am, but.. what is a presser foot? Maybe I should become more versed in sewing lingo before I go to the store

My mom actually still has my grandmother's old Singer sewing machine too! However, the instructions are gone and it weighs a ton. I picked it up and it seriously feels like an elephant has been concealed in the bag.

 

[Katheryan]

I recomend Brother. I personally have to Singers, and I just borrowed a Brother from a friend, its a great machine.

 

[shedonnia]

Thanks shedonnia, I will definitely try it out!

This will demonstrate how much of a novice I am, but.. what is a presser foot? Maybe I should become more versed in sewing lingo before I go to the store

My mom actually still has my grandmother's old Singer sewing machine too! However, the instructions are gone and it weighs a ton. I picked it up and it seriously feels like an elephant has been concealed in the bag.

The presser foot is the component that holds the fabric, so the feed dogs can move it through. Good luck on your purchase and let us know what you decide.

 

[Eliza&co.]

I agree Pfaff are good machines. My school has those because so many people have never sewn before and they are very simple. At the moment I am going to be using my mom's old Singer, but she has a fancy Huesqevarna (sp? the company also makes power tools, I find that funny) for quilting that does fancy stuff that I like. Oh how I LOVE sewing my own things. Designing is fun.

 

[rainrowan]

I have an older model Husqvarna Viking #1. It runs very smooth, very quiet. You can usually find them second hand and run around $600-800 used. I love mine and use it to sew home decor and tote bags. Before that, I had a Euro-Pro. While it was heavyduty, it was really noisy and slid around a bit!

If you can afford an industrial Singer -- I used one back when I worked in a clothes factory -- those are hands down the best!! It takes up a lot of room but I think it ranks above the other two b/c it offers best in terms of output, you can run it for hours and hours.

 

[Randompatterns]

I have a Brother and I love it. However everyone is different.
go to patternreview.com and they have reviews on sewing machines that people have bought and other neat sewing related stuff.

 

[justinleaddict]

What kind of quality would you get out of a Pfaff? I meen, compared to actual clothing brands.

edit: and how much would one cost?

 

[fashionicon]

I've looked up the Pfaff brand on ebay, and those are pretty steep.

 

[justinleaddict]

What do you guys think about this one? I am a beginner btw

Still wonderring about the quality of the stitching though..

http://www.overstock.com/?page=proframe&prod_id=1584141

 

[tott]

I'm suspicious in general about computerized machines with a bazillion decorative stitching options... They often don't sew good straight seams in my experience.

I have a practically ancient Singer I bought used 20 years ago, and it's really good! You can find similar ones for 100-150 €, and they are really worth every cent IMO.

 

[Colette_B]

Ah, lots of good info here, I want to get a sewing machine, and I consider myself a beginner, so from reading the posts here, I guess I'm better off purchasing a simple machine...

 

[justinleaddict]

I'm suspicious in general about computerized machines with a bazillion decorative stitching options... They often don't sew good straight seams in my experience.

I have a practically ancient Singer I bought used 20 years ago, and it's really good! You can find similar ones for 100-150 €, and they are really worth every cent IMO.

Really? I have a very old singer also but the stitching doesnt seem to be strong.

I'm mainly looking for something that can make quality stitching like you would see in nicer clothing brands... can most newer sewing machines do something like that, or..?

edit: Also, does the type of thread you use matter?

 

[Elegance.Is.Refusal.]

i have a janome its a computerized one but not one of those fancy ones that embroiders its just to change the stitches. it works like a dream but as for stitch quality its good but home machines can never compare to the quality of industrial ones.

it does its job though and its going to get me through my fashion course and hopefully beyond aswell. i'd still prefer a one with buttons and knobs instead of computerized because i have a feeling it would be harder to fix if something broke

 

[criticsdarling]

I too have a Husqvarna Viking (classica 90). It was my mom's bought in the 80's and I've never had any problems with it.

 

[justinleaddict]

What is the difference between a "lockstitch" and a "straightstitch" ?