I want to get back into sewing. I have been looking at sewing machines but I dont know whats a good brand or what I need in one. I want to try to make quilts/clothes and just knick knack stuff. I looked at Target and there is a Singer with 35 built in stitches for $99 or a Singer for $80 for 30 built in stitches. I also saw a brothers brand and I think a Shark. I dont want to spend anything more $150 but want as cheap as I can get for good quality. Well If you have any knowledge on what would help me... I would appreciate it!
I got a Brother brand machine from Walmart for my wedding and I love it! My aunt bought it for me, and she is a big time sewer! I just sew simple things like baby clothes and pillows and Halloween costumes and such. My Aunt says that she only uses singer because it's got more advanced stitching which she needs, but for me this one would be great! and she's right! it ran about $80 when I got it, and that was 3 years ago. I hope this helps!
Hi J.,
I have used a Singer all my life. I have been sewing for about 30 years making clothes for me, my kids and my grandchildren and have been very happy with my Singer. At the present time I have the Singer that you talked about that was 99.00 it has been great! Good luck!
Bernina machines are far superior. I've tried many other machines and have had so many malfunctions it made sewing less of a hobby and more of a nightmare. They are more pricey, but require less in the long run with replacement or repair fees. Look up a local Bernina shop and they can help guide you to the machine that would best meet your needs and if their modern models are too much for you, check e-bay.
I received an inexpensive Singer as a gift from my boyfriend, and was very unhappy with it. The presser foot was not capable of raising higher than it's factory set height, which made it impossible to sew thicknesses (like when hemming over a seam) that were not even unusually thick at all. Then, when I tried to make buttonholes, I had much trouble before finally realizing there must be something wrong with the machine. I returned it to Hancock Fabrics, they agreed it was malfunctioning, and suggested a machine made by New Home. I have never been happier! Had never heard of the brand, but I guess it has been around a very long time. I had to pay more, but with something like a sewing machine, that you will use for many years, you get what you pay for, and time free of frustration and annoyance is pricelss. I've been sewing for 30 years and still use the same pair of fabric shears that my mother bought me that many years ago! They cost her $40 back then, which was alot for a pair of scissors! They have never touched a piece of paper - only fabric and pattern tissue. By the way, I also had a $99.00 Brother, used it for maybe a month, accidentally hit a pin with the needle. A good machine will just break the needle (no big deal), but the Brother suffered fatal damage. The wheel could only be turned by hand, and something deep in the workings clunked with every revolution.
My best advice is to be prepared to spend as much as your budget can handle, and then get recommendations from those who do alot of sewing - start with fabric store employees, before making your final brand choice.
Try to get information from Joanne's located across from Michael's on Broadway. I went there one time for some ribbon and saw some nice sewing machines there. I don't know anything about the subject but they are very helpful with customer service. Have fun!!
