OT - sewing machine - YouLookFab Forum

OT - sewing machine

modgrl

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.

14 years ago

General

7 replies

Latest reply was from tracy

Kate

Veteran

I have this one http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B.....raddons-20 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: http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B.....raddons-20 and http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B.....raddons-20

My sewing machine has been completely worth the investment, so I highly recommend getting one!

14 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

I have this Singer machine and it works just fine. I have done mostly straight line stitching with it.

http://www.amazon.com/Singer-1.....038;sr=1-4

14 years ago

Lynne

Veteran

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!

14 years ago

HeleenH

Veteran

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.

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.

14 years ago

Lynne

Veteran

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...

14 years ago

rosee

Veteran

I bought this one on sale on the shopping channel and I'm very happy with it:

http://www.elna.com/en-gw/mode.....a-1000.php

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.
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).

14 years ago

tracy

Active Member

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.

14 years ago

Category