https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-sewing-machine-recommendation Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 17:59:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-sewing-machine-recommendation#post-2394913 Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:05:26 +0000 Liz 2394913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a basic-level sew-er -- I used to make clothes, but these days limit myself to slipcovers, pillows, curtains, and alterations. I have a basic Singer I bought 30 years ago that has served me perfectly fine. I mention that to say this: one of the things I wouldn't tackle is shortening t-shirts. From what I know, re-sewing a hem onto a flimsy knit fabric like that requires the right kind of machine to make the end result look OK. Make sure you talk about your desire to hem t-shirts when you're buying the machine, so the person advising you can make sure you get one that can handle it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-sewing-machine-recommendation#post-2394897 Wed, 03 Sep 2025 02:24:25 +0000 Carla 2394897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#1 you don’t need a sewing machine to shorten jersey t-shirts. &nbsp;You can trim them, they keep a rolled edge reasonably well.</p> <p>#2 what <b>Jaileen</b>&nbsp;said regarding lessons. &nbsp;It seems to be a popular thing. &nbsp;In fact a local fabric store for quilters closed down, only to reopen as a sewing machine store - and they are promoting their products via lessons!</p> <p>#3 what&nbsp;<b>LJP&nbsp;</b>wrote. &nbsp;I started with a basic Singer and sewed tons of things on it (kids clothes, Holloween costumes, curtains, patchwork). &nbsp;Since I was serious about my sewing, I upgraded to the best&nbsp;<b>mechanical&nbsp;</b>sewing machine (a Pfaff) that I could afford. &nbsp;It’s never let me down. &nbsp;I can do some of the servicing myself, but bring it in to a pro for a tune up regularly just the same. &nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div>My top 3 prized possessions used to be my piano, my road bike, and my sewing machine. &nbsp;I donated the piano to a retirement home a couple of years ago (finger issues), and sold the bicycle this summer. &nbsp;I still have the sewing machine and it gets used regularly. &nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-sewing-machine-recommendation#post-2394756 Mon, 01 Sep 2025 11:11:42 +0000 ANewMindset 2394756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>thanks everyone! i am going to look into some classes before purchasing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-sewing-machine-recommendation#post-2394710 Sun, 31 Aug 2025 04:59:31 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2394710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I second what LJP says.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-sewing-machine-recommendation#post-2394588 Fri, 29 Aug 2025 01:12:23 +0000 Indigoprint 2394588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are many online vlogs that highlight sewing. Once you find one that you feel akin to check their resource page or the ltk.( like to know) to learn more about the machine they use. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-sewing-machine-recommendation#post-2394566 Thu, 28 Aug 2025 23:53:06 +0000 Kate 2394566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like JAileen's suggestion.</p> <p>When I bought mine about a dozen years ago, I wanted something simple, non-computerized, just some basic stitches, much like I had when I was 15. Back then, it was a Sears Kenmore. The one I bought was a Janome. It's a good machine, easy to use, tough as nails.</p> <p>If it tells you anything, I learned to sew on my grandmother's pedal Singer sewing machine! I did love that grand old beast of a machine.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-sewing-machine-recommendation#post-2394563 Thu, 28 Aug 2025 22:51:57 +0000 LJP 2394563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My advice is (I was a sales rep for Husqvarna/White sewing machines back in my late 20's, lol) is you get what you pay for with a sewing machine. &nbsp;They are expensive, but cheap non-brand name machines are not worth it. &nbsp;You don't need every bell and whistle, but do stick to a known brand from a reputable local dealer. They are also trained in service and repair of the machines they sell. &nbsp;Husqvarna, Janome, Singer , Brother, Pfaff etc.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-sewing-machine-recommendation#post-2394556 Thu, 28 Aug 2025 22:37:43 +0000 Style Fan 2394556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JAileen has an excellent suggestion.&nbsp; I do a bit of sewing.&nbsp; I bought my machine in 1992.&nbsp; The one I had before that was from the 1950s.&nbsp; I would want to try out the new ones before I buy one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-sewing-machine-recommendation#post-2394500 Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:25:18 +0000 JAileen 2394500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If it were me, I would look into lessons. &nbsp;Either a store that sells machines or a fabric store might offer them. &nbsp;Then you can see if you like it, if you like the machines they have, etc. &nbsp;After taking lessons, I’m sure you’ll be competent. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-sewing-machine-recommendation#post-2394480 Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:05:59 +0000 ANewMindset 2394480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>hi fabbers!</p> <p>i have zero talent for sewing but was would really like to try it out.</p> <p>i have a number of T shirts that are too long, and I'd like to shorten them for my first projects.</p> <p>Can anyone recommend a good sewing machine for a beginner that can easily be stored away? Also, hopefully, on the cheaper side given that i have no idea if I am competent!</p> <p>Thank you!! </p>