Sewing machine for beginners
 

I do not know how to sew at all. If I want to ask for a sewing machine for Christmas, would it be wise to stick with a very simple "beginners" machine or jump right in and get a fancier one, maybe even a sewing/embroidery machine? It would be for personal use, not planning on becoming a pro and selling on Etsy or fb lol.

Also how could I go about finding sewing classes? Does Hobby Lobby or Michaels have classes? I don't have a joanns nearby. :( Should I learn at least the basics before jumping in and getting a machine?

If it's just sewing you want to learn, than a good all purpose sewing machine will give you the most bang for your buck. I learned to sew on a basic Brother machine that lasted for years.

It's been a while since I looked at embroidery machines, but it used to be that the entry level ones were really limiting in the number and types/sizes of things you could embroider. And if you want to go up in size and availability or customize the designs, the price escalates quickly.

My Hobby Lobby and Micheal's don't have classes, just Joann's. But there are lots of great tutorials and youtube videos out there to help you learn.

It's awesome that you're getting into sewing! I have been sewing since I was about 5 or 6 years old and love it, it is a great stress relief.
Since you are just starting out you want to go with a basic machine, as a newbie sewer the fancy machines can be daunting and frustrating. Here is a great basic sewing machine: Amazon.com: Brother XL2600I Sew Advance Sew... I have this one and it works great for everyday projects and can actually do a lot on it. It's easy to figure out and maintain. It's best to work your way to up something fancier, the best thing is to learn on a basic and learn everything you can about the machine before moving on, this will make it easier to work with and care for the nicer machines. My first machine was an old simple Singer found at a garage sale that allowed me to test things out and learn about sewing machines.
As for classes, both Hobby Lobby and Michaels might have sewing classes depending on your area. Do you have a Hancock Fabrics near you? They have all sorts of classes.
This is so exciting! I can't wait to see your first project! Just remember, no one starts out as an expert sewer so don't get discouraged if something doesn't turn out right the first time and a seam ripper is your new bestfriend. Good luck and have fun!:D

A simpler machine is better to start with. If you purchase from a sewing center,lessons to get to know the machine is usually part of the deal and the same places usually have classes for beginners on up. Google names like Singer,Huskvana,Bernina,and Elna sewing centers for your area. Do NOT just go to Walmart and get a $100 machine,you get what you pay for and that wouldnt be much.

I started out with a basic Brother machine that I received as a gift. It was very basic but a good machine. It lasted me about 4 years, which isn't bad for a $89 Black Friday special. Lol. But now that I have a heavy duty machine I love it! Rarely have issues. I know joann offers a sewing 101 class. ;)

Aymee, what store had that mavhine for $89 on black friday? It is just around the corner....:D

Turns out there is a Joanns pretty close, so Im gonna call about classes. I kind of.doubt they have them though....its in a really weird, deserted part of town lol.

Do you have any other sewing machine dealers around you? I'm sure if you asked them, they might either offer classes or know of someone who does.

I was net surfing this evening and found this website. It has lots of great tips and tutorials.

Sewing Tips Directory | The Mother Huddle

Carmen, all Joann's offer classes. Hancocks and Hobby Lobby should too. Not sure about sewing from Michaels.

Husqvarna makes a nice beginner machine. I would also check around. I had a sewing machine repair place that gave classes.

I also bought a brother when I first started, I think they give you a lot of bang for the buck. I bought a few steps up from the one Alora posted, and bought it on Amazon. Frankly I think that you can get better deals there than on Black Friday and pick the one you want. The thing that made it sooooo much easier for me was that the machine came with a DVD that showed you threading, and bobbin winding, and button hole sewing. I would set my laptop un there the machine and watch it over and over again. I am not much for bookets that give directions, visual is what works for me. Husqvarna is very good but normally more pricy, that is the line they carry at JoAnns and I believe it comes with classes. Joann's runs specials on Singers but you can't get lessons on how to use it there.

I knopw NOTHING about sewing, but I did get an email from Joanns this am that they are having a one day only sale on sewing machines....dont know if that is any help or not.....

Ughhhh Judy I wish I had not seen your post! Those are really good deals. Could anyone tell me if any of tje machines in the 100-200 pricerange are any good?

Jo-Ann

How about that one? Keeping in mind it will probably be used for fairly simple projects. I just feel kinda overwhelmed as to what features I should be looking for, because I don't know what any of the terms mean :(

BF is getting mad at me for wanting to get a machine. We never fight about how to spend our own money, so this is really annoying to.me..he is saying "What are you even gonna use it for?" "Why do you even want one?" "You will have to buy all the extra supplies and classes" and basically making me feel weird for wanting to pick up a hobby I\'ve ALWAYS wanted to learn. Guess I\'ll hold off for now. :(