Looking for a sewing machine recommendation

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Looking for a sewing machine recommendation

ANewMindset

Active Member

hi fabbers!

i have zero talent for sewing but was would really like to try it out.

i have a number of T shirts that are too long, and I'd like to shorten them for my first projects.

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!

Thank you!!

3 months ago

Off Topic

9 replies

Latest reply was from Liz

JAileen

Veteran

If it were me, I would look into lessons. Either a store that sells machines or a fabric store might offer them. Then you can see if you like it, if you like the machines they have, etc. After taking lessons, I’m sure you’ll be competent.

3 months ago

Style Fan

Veteran

JAileen has an excellent suggestion. I do a bit of sewing. I bought my machine in 1992. The one I had before that was from the 1950s. I would want to try out the new ones before I buy one.

3 months ago

LJP

Veteran

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. They are expensive, but cheap non-brand name machines are not worth it. 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. Husqvarna, Janome, Singer , Brother, Pfaff etc.

3 months ago

Kate

Veteran

I like JAileen's suggestion.

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.

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.

3 months ago

Indigoprint

Veteran

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.

3 months ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I second what LJP says.

3 months ago

ANewMindset

Active Member

thanks everyone! i am going to look into some classes before purchasing.

3 months ago

Runcarla

Veteran

#1 you don’t need a sewing machine to shorten jersey t-shirts. You can trim them, they keep a rolled edge reasonably well.

#2 what Jaileen said regarding lessons. It seems to be a popular thing. 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!

#3 what LJP wrote. I started with a basic Singer and sewed tons of things on it (kids clothes, Holloween costumes, curtains, patchwork). Since I was serious about my sewing, I upgraded to the best mechanical sewing machine (a Pfaff) that I could afford. It’s never let me down. I can do some of the servicing myself, but bring it in to a pro for a tune up regularly just the same.

My top 3 prized possessions used to be my piano, my road bike, and my sewing machine. I donated the piano to a retirement home a couple of years ago (finger issues), and sold the bicycle this summer. I still have the sewing machine and it gets used regularly.

3 months ago

Liz

Veteran

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.

3 months ago

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