https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-sewing-machine Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:06:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-sewing-machine#post-331005 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 21:32:56 +0000 tracy 331005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too would also recommend getting a good brand that has been refurbished. I have an Elna, but know that Janome and Singer are good as well and Pfaff is excellent. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-sewing-machine#post-330994 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 21:17:19 +0000 rosee 330994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought this one on sale on the shopping channel and I'm very happy with it:</p> <p><a href="http://www.elna.com/en-gw/model_sewing_elna-1000.php" rel="nofollow">http://www.elna.com/en-gw/mode.....a-1000.php</a></p> <p>It's pretty basic but has a good selection of stitches too. I paid about $180 (Canadian, though the dollar is on par with the US dollar right now) with shipping included.<br /> I'd recommend Elna, Janome or Singer brands, but get specs on the models b/c quality can vary quite a bit (as noted above). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-sewing-machine#post-330844 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:39:55 +0000 Lynne 330844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena, you have just listed every single thing I use the machine for - straight, zigzag, zippers, button holes, and stretch stitch (although you can use a narrow zig zag for this if you don't have it). The other million stitches just make the dashboard look impressive! And I so agree that a traded-in and serviced good second hand machine is much better than a discount model from a grocery store... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-sewing-machine#post-329964 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 09:19:18 +0000 HeleenH 329964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would get a serviced 2nd hand sewing machine at a sewing machine shop. And I wouldn't get a cheap one at a non-specialist store as these usually are not very good and will most of the time give you very much trouble with the thread tension.</p> <p>You probably want a very basic one: straight stitch that can go forward and backward and a zig zag. If you want to do more sewing it would be interesting to have a zipper foot and something to help you make nice buttonholes. And I like the stretch stitch, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-sewing-machine#post-329961 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:36:45 +0000 Lynne 329961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My janome is 21 years old and I love it. I do recommend actually trying the machine you're planning to buy - some makes are smoother or 'bumpier' than others, and some are better at sewing through multiple layers. Companies can use different factories to make the machines, so even within the same brand (for example Singer) different models could be made in, for example Tiawan, or Brazil. I would also recommend a well cared for second hand machine. Have fun - I would love to go machine shopping with you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-sewing-machine#post-329835 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 03:40:38 +0000 elpgal 329835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have this Singer machine and it works just fine. I have done mostly straight line stitching with it.</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Singer-1507-8-Stitch-Sewing-Machine/dp/B000TF6KJQ/ref=sr_1_4?s=arts-crafts&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1302493133&#038;sr=1-4" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Singer-1.....038;sr=1-4</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-sewing-machine#post-329803 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 02:26:43 +0000 Kate 329803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have this one <a href="http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000A5CKHG?tag=betteraddons-20" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B.....raddons-20</a> and it does more than I could ever ask for it to do (I've constructed garments with buttons and zippers and whatnot). Their cheaper and simpler sewing machines have good reviews too: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000F7DPEQ?tag=betteraddons-20" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B.....raddons-20</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000EOX28E?tag=betteraddons-20" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B.....raddons-20</a></p> <p>My sewing machine has been completely worth the investment, so I highly recommend getting one! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-sewing-machine#post-329799 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 02:21:48 +0000 modgrl 329799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can anyone recommend a small, inexpensive sewing machine? I can sew but not well enough to make a really clean, fine line. I need to take up the straps on my tank tops and make a few pair of shorts out of old pants... I'm not excited about paying a tailor for this kind of work. </p>