Sewing machine for beginners

[Kittie0251]

I recently decided that i wanted to start making a patch quilt and wanted to know if anyone knew a good brand or sewing machines..

[WildChild]

Having been a professional seamstress, there are a whole list of good machines, the question is how much do you want to spend and how 'into' this are you? I would avoid the real cheepie machines from places like Walmart. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to learn or work on a machine that doesn't work well. A sewing machine is precision equipment and has to be kept clean, oiled and properly adjusted. That said, you don't have to spend a fortune to get a good one. You don't need computers and all kinds of fancy stiches. Look for top brands - they all make lower end machines. White, Elna, Necci/Alco, and Brother are all higher end manufacturers. Singer makes some good machines and some has made some junk too, if you have a freind who knows machines you may be able to pick up a used one too. My top tips? I used only Schmetz needles and won't touch noname thread.

[LadyFaire]

I have been sewing for well over 40 years - I started when I was about 4-5 years old. I can tell you that there are many, many good machines out there, but they are all older machines. The ones made today are mostly , unless you are willing to spend a LOT of money for them, unfortunately. The moderately and inexpensively priced machines last a couple of years and you cannot count on support from the companies that sell them. A case in point is Brother. Do NOT buy a Brother sewing machine, whatever you do!! You cannot get support from Brother, and you will wind up wanting to throw the piece of garbage that you paid several hundred dollars (after the price of the machine and the accessories - Brother INSISTS that you use Brother accessories, or they do not support the machine!!) for right out of the closest window! I know, as I have been fighting Brother over one of their embroidery machines for the past 9 months, with no joy. I even put up a web-page on the entire mess. I don't know if I'm allowed to post links here, but if I am, let me know and I'll put it up.

I suggest a Singer, one of the mid-range models. One of my best machines, strangely enough, is the "Singer Professional". It was a stripped down, all metal model that Singer put out about 4 years ago. Very powerful motor, NO fancy stitches at all, but durable and reliable. Only cost about $250, too. You can still find them around, and you can't beat the machine for a good, steady workhorse.

[alicebrent66]

I agree w/the other 2 posts above. I would recommend you buy at a dealer b/c they will give you good support, some give or know about classes and of course, our machines start acting strangely and must go for service. Dept stores, WalMart, etc do not offer any support.

Also, start with inexpensive fabrics. Some Walmarts have $1 and $2 per yard tables. Some of the WM's have discontinued their fabric depts. A real loss for me.

I hope to read another post from you about which machine you have chosen, curiousity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought him back.

[Sprite]

I started sewing on a Janome sewing machine. They are great for beginners