recommended sewing machines?
By Ravenladyj
@Ravenladyj (22902)
United States
August 22, 2007 7:59am CST
so I've been sewing by hand this past week and I have to tell ya its doing a real number on my wrists etc not to mention its beyond time consuming..SOOOOO I'm looking to buy myself another machine in the near future and was wondering what suggestions some of you may have OR what do you think I should avoid...i used to own a Kenmore and before that the machine I had was an antique one (though I couldnt tell you what make).....I've been hearing that any Walmart version of a machine is one to be avoided, I've heard mixed reviews about the Janome machines and i've always heard mixed reviews of the Singer machines oddly enough....
Any suggestions? For now I'm kinda strapped for cash so I cant be forking over tons for a machine AND at the moment I dont need one that does anything fancy-shmancy for the time being either..I just need one to get me by with no nonsense and hassles until I can afford a really good unit...
So, any suggestions, recommendations, warnings of systems to avoid etc etc would be great....
all posts rated and appreciated :-D
3 people like this
10 responses
@creematee (2810)
• United States
25 Aug 07
Hi Ravenlady!
The choices of machines are getting bigger everyday! I currently own two brother sewing machines. The first one is about 15 years old. It's a simple straight stitch machine, and has done it's job very well. My second is a Brother also. It's only 2 years old, and has been in the shop twice. It is a little fancier, and I do like it. If the bobbin, casing or anything has the slightest scratch, however, it needs to be replaced because it just won't work.
Now, I found a website that I purchased my serger from. It is www.allbrands.com. They have every machine imaginable! Very good ratings, and the customer service at this site is beyond compare. I would advice you to start there when shopping. (They also match the lowest price on the 'net!--at least they did when I was shopping.)
Good luck!
1 person likes this
@Ravenladyj (22902)
• United States
26 Aug 07
OOOH and they accept Paypal too! FABULOUS thanks so much for the link, that will be a HUGE help!
@creematee (2810)
• United States
27 Aug 07
Glad I could help! DOn't be afraid to give them a call if you have questions on a particular model, etc. That's how I judge their cust. service, is if they have a clue to what They (or me!) am talking about.
@Ravenladyj (22902)
• United States
9 Sep 07
LOL I gotta tell ya, I'm hooked on that place! I was actually just in there this morning lookin at vacuumn cleaners and dress forms LOL
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
26 Aug 07
People don't seem to be dressmaking much these days so I'd be looking to buy something good second hand. My Dad used to import Pfaff domestic sewing machines into Australia so you know what I use and reccommend. I have a Pfaff 1047, these were a cheaper model that came out back when we were having a recession in Australia. I swear by it. My Mum had the top of the range a 1222E. Whatever you do make sure you have an instruction book. A lot of folk don't maintain their machines...oil and cleaning and changing needles so don't let a few missed stitches put you off, I can help you overcome these probs.
Janome have a good reputation in Australia and it's probably the most widely used machine. Singer is NOT the company it used to be.
@Ravenladyj (22902)
• United States
27 Aug 07
"Janome have a good reputation in Australia and it's probably the most widely used machine"
Yea I've read a lot of great reviews about the Janome machines actually....
@irishmist (3814)
• United States
23 Aug 07
Well I haven't really heard anything about sewing machines lately. My sewing machine is a Brother VX-1120, and it works great. Before buying a new machine Check out epinons.com They have product reviews on everything over there. You will find out about the best and worst products.
1 person likes this
@wiccania (3360)
• United States
23 Aug 07
I've had a Brother sewing machine from Walmart for almost 10 years. It's never done me wrong. It needs to be tuned, but it still works great. The one I bought was only $100.
My mom had a couple of Singer machines which worked great for her, but they didn't like me very much. I'd use them for 5 minutes and they would jam. My mom watched me a few times and agreed that I was doing everything right, exactly the same way she does. It was a mystery. So I've just decided that Singer machines don't like me.
1 person likes this
@Missypanther64 (22)
• United States
8 Sep 07
I fully understand as I am in the same boat. If when you can purchase a fancy machine that does everything but cook you breaksfast the secret is to take the lessons at the dealer on how to use it. Otherwise you will not use it to its full capacity.
@Ravenladyj (22902)
• United States
9 Sep 07
Ya I agree...I figure that FOR NOW I'll just get myself a machine that does ONLY what i need rather than getting a fancy shmancy one since #1 I can't afford one #2 I wouldnt know what the hell to do with it and #3 I can't get around to take lessons at the moment
thanks for your reply :-D
@cowgirl03051979 (918)
• United States
21 Nov 11
i prefer to sew by hand but your right it takes such a harsh toll on my fingers and wrists i have slight arthritis in my hangs so i can not sit still and sew for long periods of time because my joints start to hurt i currently do not own a sewing machine but i have been looking around for one to buy but they are just so expensive the one thing that i do know about sewing machines is that you definitely get what you paid for i once bought a little fifteen dollar mini sewing machine from walmart and i could not get it to work for the life of me so i took it back and bought another one of the same kind thinking that maybe that particular one was just faulty but the second one that i bought did not work either but i have heard that the brothers are sopposed to be really good sewing machines
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
14 Mar 08
When I bought mine, everyone told me to stay away from Brother's machines b/c they were terrible. I've had mine for 4-5 years and it still runs fine. Kind of noisy but works great. I'd love to get one of those old fashioned ones that come in the cabinet.
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@ccyap003 (28)
• Malaysia
19 Sep 07
Dear Reven,
Still using a Hand sewing machine?
Woh..., the mechine is antique and can be sold at high price to antique lovers (if you are willing to let go).
Having work in the Garment manufacturing for some 20 years, form my experience, you can a brand like 'Butterfly', 'Singer'. Butterfly brand is made in chine and cheaper. Singer is branded and a lot more expensive.
From my experice, they can be use for low workload sewing with minimal problem. Well, at leat with a padel, you do not need to use the handsew.
If you have the budget, you can easily fix a motor and press the motor step to run on electrical mode.
I've seen a combination of both brand working fine sewing about 10 pair of shirt per day. Just make sure you regularly oil the sewing machine adn keep it clean.
@puppyjo (7)
• United States
3 Mar 08
i have a kenmore from sears that i just love. i also have a viking 950 for embroidering. wish i had bought a simpler brand. been sewing 50 years and i always go back to kenmore.
