Sewing machines? Which one to start out with?
 

I am going to buy a sewing maching today and would like some input to which model and brand to go with. I have never sewn in my life! Besides w/ a needle and thread, and even that was limited to about 4 times fixing a hole or something:p
Please tell me what you think would be a good beginner brand and model. I am looking to spend under $175.00
Thanks!

We have a JonAnn fabrics
Pat Catans
Wal-Mart
K-Mart

Also what is the essentials I will need when purchasing? I want to come home and start learning right away ;)

I am so glad you posted this I want to buy one also but with an embroidery option......I can't wait to see what responses you get!

walmart puts out an inexpensive sewing/embroidery machine by brother, easy to use. A good one to start with and has a how to video. I would buy in the store first.

Anyone responding to this about what kind can you please email me also at erino77@vzw.blackberry.net. I am out looking and its takes so long for the pages to load on my blackberry. To try and are the replies! Thanks ever so much!

I would strongly suggest going to a store that repairs and sells sewing machines and get one that has all metal parts instead of plastic. They are sturdy and hold up forever and they sew over thicker material than the ones with plastic parts. :D

I just started sewing also. :D I've taken a sewing machine basics class and sewing a tote bag class at Joanns. I have the basic $100 Singer Simple machine from Walmart. It does your basic stitches and a few decorative stitches and even has a button hole foot. So far it does everything I need but if I stick with this, I may upgrade later.

I've found these sites to be helpful:) Good luck!:D

Sewing - Sewing Patterns & Sewing Machines. Butterick & Kwik Sew Patterns. Sewing Machine Reviews & Pattern Reviews. Sewing Classes at PatternReview.com
Before You Buy A New Sewing Machine

Right now I have a Singer, but rofl, I have never used it!!! I really want to start making some clothes for my furbby, but I can't find a store that sells cute fabric. Someone on here mentioned that you can buy fabric on eBay, so I'm definitely going to have to check that out for sure. I believe I paid 200$ for it. As to whether it's a good machine or not ... that I cannot tell you lol. It sure does look pretty though sitting in its box ;)

-Amy

Did you get one? I'm curious to see what you ended up getting :)

Erin, I have been sewing for 35+ years and this is my input. I would buy a machine from a "sewing machine store" where the employees are knowledgeable and willing to help. that eliminates K-Mart and Wal-Mart. I don't know what Pat Catans is so......

Our JoAnns has an in-store Husqvarna store. I have owned a Husqvarna (a #1+) and although I didn't like the embroidery system, I absolutely LOVED the sewing part. I used the machine so much that I actually wore the motor out after 10 years of service. Even though it isn't the most economically feasible idea, I plan to have the motor replaced and put it back into service.

I would buy a good used machine - refurbished and with a warranty that was in my budget from a store that had people that could provide telephone help after the sale rather than buy a new machine from a discounter that cannot/willnot help after the sale. Decide what the major purpose for this machine will be and "test drive" as many different machines in your price range as possible and find one that is comfortable and has the options that you will be needing.

Good Luck!!!!! If I can be of further assistance, please pm me I will be glad to give you a call.

AND MOST OF ALL -- I AM VERY EXCITED TO HEAR THAT WE HAVE ANOTHER SEWER ON BOARD!!!!! WAY TO GO!!!!!

What I ended up with...
 

:rolleyes:Thanks so much everyone for your help:) I ended up going up to Medina which is a bigger town and more stores. I shopped around and price checked for hours. I did look for a small sewing store hoping to be able to find a used good one but couldn't find any. The one I went to in our town was closed down. Imagine that, it had been there as long I remember and when I want to go there they are out of buss! Just my luck. I do understand about getting more of a heavy duty one. i.e. metal instead of plastic but couldn't find a store like that. I ended up getting this one at wal mart for $139.97......
"Brother"
CE-5000PRW
Computerized sewing machine...project runway limited edition (whatever that means:p)
50 built in stitches...87 stitch function.....5 styles 1 step auto size button holes
LCD screen w/ computerized stitch selction
built in decoritive & quilting stitches
auto-needle threading system
drop feed for free-motion & sewing
Quick-set drop in top bobbin
super bright LED-lit work area
(I just copied off the box, lol!)

I am really surprised at how light it is weight wise. After a half hour of learning how to thread it :rolleyes: I finally was able to practice some stitches. I bought several remnants to use for practice. seemed the cheapest way to go. I spent 3 hours messing around and decided that its going to take a long time to learn, lol! But i guess everyone has to start somewhere:)

I had talked to my MIL yesterday and she knows a seamstress who owns her own buss. and has some extra machines. She is going to get them out and test them out to make sure they work 100% and give me a call. Maybe I will get lucky and get a good deal on a super nice one from her:) and then I will, just return this one. If I can get a better brand-model for the price or under what I gave for this one then that sounds good to me:thumbup:

BTW our JoAnns only had 3 Singer models for sale!
To those of you that have offered yourr help, BEWARE! I will be in contact w/ you to take up the offer!:D

:thumbup::D Happy sewing!

Have fun with your new adventure. Sewing can be very rewarding!

Can I ask why it took so long to thread it? Cuz thats my issue :rolleyes: I have NO idea how to or do the bobbin! I'd LOVE to learn to sew but I have no time for lessons. So I've been on the search to. I haven't bought yet.

Did you make anything yet? :D I want to make stuff too! I wish I has just an ounce of talent as our other YT'ers have!!!!!

Your talent is there! You just have to have no fear and give it a go! That is what hold most people back is the fear of messing up...If you do who knows but you? Just try again...