[Garra]

As my wifes brithday draws nearer, she has conveniently dropped little clues to let me know that she would like a sewing machine for her birthday, so that is what I plan on getting her.

Problem is I dont have any idea which one to get her, and honestly I dont think she knows either.

She does know how to do some very basic sewing, but she is basically planning on learning to sew with this machine.

However I would rather not get her a simple basic beginners sewing machine, which she would quickly outgrow as she learns and her skill improves.

I am assuming that as with most things in life sewing machines have basic models, on up to more advanced and expensive models.

I was hoping for some suggestions please ladies, and any gentlemen who may sew and have knowledge on the subject as well I suppose.

Money is tight, so I am prolly looking in the $200 to $400 price range.

If there is any questions that needs to be answered by me in order to help make a good suggestion, please ask away.

Thanks in advance for any who help.

 

[Paulycracker]

You might be able to find a last years model basic Husquvarna or Bernina machine for cheap. I did and I enjoy my Husq. She can always use it for other tasks, so don't go too low. Sewing machines are a great thing to have. She might even get you interested in it!

 

[Garra]

You might be able to find a last years model basic Husquvarna or Bernina machine for cheap. I did and I enjoy my Husq. She can always use it for other tasks, so don't go too low. Sewing machines are a great thing to have. She might even get you interested in it!

Oh Lord I hope not! I am already interested in to many other things as is.

Thank you for your suggestions. I have never heard of those and will throw them at the ol google machine and see what pops up.

 

[westbrook]

this is one of those tools that no one can pick out for you. She has to be the one to pick it out... I have 29 sewing machines... I collect vintage.

Call around the the sew-n-vac stores.. see if they sell used. She can get really good deals on these machines! often times they will take it back for a trade-up later on.

Make sure you don't buy from Wal-Mart or Target, and if Costco or Sam's Club sells machines (usually Brother) find out first if any of the sew n vac stores repair them!

Most of the time on these cheaper machines, the sewing repair store sends them out for repair, they don't actually repair them.

Everyone has their own idea of what top of the line is. Just ask me and I will refer you to a top of the line and still is....Singer 401! <grin> of course it is a 1960 machine. (1957-1962) but I already said I love my vintage machines.

Look at a machine that has build in button holes, attachments like ruffler, zipper foot, binder and so on. A machine that can do a couple of embroidery stitches... NOT an embroidery machine!!! Oh and Joann's... they will try to sell you what you don't need or want! hard sell!

Bernina is proably the top of the line but the best machine will run about $1200 new... last a lifetime! you can find lesser models of bernina at the sew and vac or ebay even! used and for a couple hundred dollars. if you buy off ebay.. insure it! don't turn your nose up at used machines.. you can get great deals!

See of the local college has a textile, clothing or fashion design program. If not, see if the local quilt stores have classes or if they store you purchase it offers sewing classes. they are fun and informative. .. often times expensive.

you can see if your church has some to teach her or ask in freecycle. Someone like me.. I am a nice person honest! is always willing to share knowledge about sewing.

Ask freecycle.org if anyone has fabirc or patterns, notions (thread, buttons, lace, ribbon, zippers and etc) or ask for a sewing machine!!! a girl can't have too many sewing machines <smile>

What a nice husband you are!

 

[Paulycracker]

I concur with westbrook on everything. :thumb:

I was able to get a last years model (told by the local repair shop they only changed the name/model/colors like they normally do on the lower end models) in a Husquvarna for $450 new a few years ago. If she hasn't sewn before, she doesn't need an expensive one with all the options or a cheap one that will break. I'd go middle road and get a good brand in a lower end model that has less to break, will last forever and be more fun to use than anything else.

And don't get an embroidery machine or surger. It's not needed. But make sure it has a double stitch with double needles, a stitch for elastic material, and the ability to do buttons at the minimum. That's almost every machine out now days.

Mine is a Husquvarna Viking Interlude 435.

And I agree, it's a nice thing to give to her. Well done! :thumb:

 

[Grimelda]

I agree with Westbrook that a sewing machine is a personal choice. Put it this way: would you want someone else to pick out your expensive power tools for you?

If it were me, I would go to a sewing machine store (a good size one which stocks a range of makes and models) and collect brochures for machines in my price range. I'd wrap them up in nice paper with a note inside saying that she has a date to go shopping for one of them. Then take her to the store, let her try each of the machines herself (most stores are more than happy to help you with this, especially if they know you are serious) to see which one she likes. Try them out on both thick and thin fabrics so she can see how good the stitching and tension are for each machine. If she intends to sew clothing then get the salesperson to show her how the buttonhole and overcast stitches work and get a machine that does a nice buttonhole.

The alternative is to get a second hand machine which will probably mean you have less choice but are more likely to get bang for your buck. Most modern machines have plastic components and will wear out quickly but an all-metal second hand machine in good nick will last for decades when cared for. Again, my suggestion is to go to a reputable dealer and have your wife try some out. Some stores stock both new and second hand machines so it's worth asking them what they have in the store.

As for makes and models, Singer used to make fantastic machines (I learned to sew on a Singer treadle from 1911 which is still working to this day) but I have heard that lately the quality of their machines has gone downhill. I can't confirm as I have not used a new Singer.

I have used two new Janomes in the last fifteen years and they both worked wonderfully. I currently have the 6500P which is absolutely fantastic but well outside the specified price range I'm sorry to say. However, Janome have some good value, basic machines with all the stitches and features your wife would ever need unless she starts doing quite specialised work.

Husqvarna make great quality, reliable machines. They seem to be a little more expensive than the Janomes but I know a lot of people who just adore theirs and they really are good machines to sew with. I have two vintage models.

Bernina and Brother I have also heard are very good but I have never tried them. I have a Brother serger which worked very well for a long time, though.

Personally, I would avoid getting a no-name brand from a supermarket or a cheap store. I think with sewing machines you pretty much get what you pay for.

If you give us some idea of what kind of sewing your wife will do then perhaps we can tell you what features she should look for in a machine.

P.S. As others have said, you sound like a GREAT husband.

 

[Garra]

You ladies have been wonderful.

I agree totally about taking her to pick it out herself now, cause no way in hell would I like someone to buy my tools/guns/heck even clothes for me.

I suppose I need to find a sewing store like you all suggested. I didnt even know they had those, I figured they were in stores like Sears or Wally World or whatever. Yellow Pages here I come!

As for the type of sewing she will be doing. Well of course repairs and patches. I know she wants to eventually be good enough to make clothes for our daughter and ourselves possibly, following patterns. I think she would also like to be able to be able to make some dolls and stuff now and then, as she has expressed interest in that sort of thing in the past.

I really do appreciate you all helping me with this, thank you again.

 

[Grimelda]

You're welcome.

Department stores often sell sewing machines but they usually have a limited range and absolutely lousy after sales support, plus the staff often don't sew themselves so they won't be of much help to your wife.

For ordinary clothes sewing, I would personally consider the following features highly desirable:

It should have good straight, zig zag and buttonhole stitches. Try out all of these on different thicknesses of fabric. Look at the tension -- does the top thread show on the bottom of the fabric or vice versa? It's easier to see this if you use different coloured thread on the bobbin. Other than these , it would be very nice if the machine could do stretch stitch, blind hem and overcast stitches. I hardly ever use any others but these I use often. Use stretch fabric to try the stretch stitch. The store will probably have a supply of test fabrics.

Make sure any tools or presser feet she needs are included with the machine. That includes a buttonhole foot, a rolled hem foot, a zipper foot and a normal foot. If she's going to be doing repairs then a darning foot is nice to have, though not essential. Usually this won't come with the machine, but I once talked a salesperson into including it in the purchase. :thumb: With this you drop the feed dogs (the things that push the fabric through) on the machine and you can move the fabric around in all directions while the foot keeps the surface flat so the needle doesn't snag or skip around. It's pretty good for darning and the like as well as doing free motion quilting if that's something she'd be into.

The machine should have a free arm so she can sew sleeves (the arm fits inside the sleeve) and a table attachment to give more support for larger garments. Most machines have this anyway, but some don't (like mine, I had to buy another machine just to sew cuffs : ).

Other than that, I have found sewing machine sales people to be pretty amenable to including a few extras with the purchase of a new machine, so see if they are prepared to offer free sewing lessons to your wife, or perhaps extra presser feet, spare bobbins or needles.

Good luck with it. Let us know which one she gets. :

 

[Macumazahn]

Check out the yard sales and flea markets for old White and Singer models. Look for the old style ones with cam movements and external motors. Cam operated machines will last generations with a little care and maintenance and many failures can be fixed with some basic tools and materials. If it has an external electric motor it can probably be easily converted to a treadle or other manual power source with a little ingenuity. These machines will eat just about anything you can put in front of them; light silk lace or homespun wool and canvas can all be stitched when you get the hang of the action.

Most new sewing machines are driven by stepper motors that can easily break and are expensive to replace. It is pretty easy to spot quality in a mechanical sewing machine. All the good brands also made toy and decorative models. Many of these are good machines for very lite duty but are not going to be work horses. Look for a good heavy metal arm and base, steel cams, and good bushings or bearings.

For some reason, people think these beautiful machines are junk and will sell them for almost nothing. I guess if it does not have a digital display or touch screen it has to be junk. I bought a fantastic White with a huge selection of head for $50 at a flea market. I probably could have bargained it down but I was so eager to make it mine I was reaching for my money clip as soon as I saw it. I did not get to use it much as I had to move for work. I left it with a friend of mine who needed one and she has used it a lot with grand results.

Also stock up on needles. The dollar stores sometimes sell them five for one dollar. Yes, these are crappy needles but a crappy needle is better than no needle. Needles will be precious as they are delicate and not easy to make on your own.

 

[TruthSeeker]

I'd stay away from a Singer.

I had $300 to spend last fall and bought a Singer because it was a good name. I took it out of the box (new) and spent 6 hours at the table just trying to get it to sew without knotting up! I did everything the manuel told me to do to fix it and even called my mother-in-law for help. I was literally crying by the time I put it back in the box! I took it back and bought a Kenmore from Sears. I have had NO trouble with it! It works wonderfully, is very easy to use and is SO quiet!

If you are looking for a good machine for just a little money that comes with a warranty, I would check out a Kenmore.

Hope this helps.

 

[Garra]

Wow, alot of great info! I'm going to have to print all of this out, I did'nt realize there was so much to these things.

Thank you all.

 

[Garra]

Well this is what I think I am gonna do.

I looked in the phone book and found one of those Sew & Vac places. I called it up and spoke to a lady there who was really helpful and nice. She sat on the phone to me as I read all the things off of the forum as to what I believed my wife would want. Of course she has many machines that meet all those criteria.

We talked alot about a Brother Runway Model Edition? machine by Brothers which she really liked alot. She had 3 different models of these machines, the 1st starting at $300 and the highest being $600, one in between at $500. Its more than I was originally planning to spend, but if my wife likes one of those thats fine then.

But I am going to let her pick it out. Her birthday is Sunday and I work all day long Sunday. So Im gonna set up my mother to watch our daughter on Sunday for a few hours, and leave a card for the wife when I go to work, for her to find when she wakes up which will tell her all of this basically. However, to make it sort of fun, I wont tell her what she is going to go buy. Im gonna make it like a scavenger hunt sort of and make her a map as to where to drive to. I already briefed the sales person as to the price ranges to stay between. (300 to 600) and explained that id like my wife to have someone to sit down with her and really, REALLY, spend alittle time with her to show her the machines and what they have to offer and answer any questions that she has to help her make the choice as to which one is right for her, which shes assured me she will do.

So hopefully it will be a bit of a surprise that my wife will enjoy.

Thanks again for the suggestions everyone.

 

[westbrook]

Any Singer made after 1965... is being made with plastic gears.. any singer made after 1975.. don't buy!!!!

if you want an awesome Singer look at the Singer 401 or 401A (same machine) or the Singer 500 - check ebay.

these will be around $100-150 and you can't find a better machine.

Double needle, 30+ built in stitches, gear driven and will sew through leather and 6 layers of heavy denim, drop down feed dogs with a lever to free motion quilt/stitch/embroider. can you tell these are my favorite machines?

If your wife wants to do clothing.. she will need a serger.Not all sergers are equal and don't buy from wal-mart - singer or target-brother!

so save your sheckles cause when she gets the bug to sew.. a serger is next!

Many that get sergers hate them. they are frustrating and confusing and even many that sell them don't get them.

All commercial clothing is done on a serger... there are some exceptions and that is higher end mens shirts which is done with a sewing machine, tailored suits.

Look at your the inside of your shirt you are wearing.. if it is a t-shirt look at the seam in the sleeve. that is a serged edge. the hem is doone with a machine that does what is called a 'cover hem' or 'cover stitch' they are the same. A similar hem can be done on a sewing machine that can do 2 needle sewing. Called a Mock Cover Hem.

Sergers are great for making t-shirts!!

 

[Garra]

and don't buy from wal-mart - singer or target-brother!

You dislike the Brother machines?

 

[westbrook]

Sergers - a little explanation


A serger compliments a sewing machine. It is like a huge sewing machine attachment! except it is a whole other machine. If you had to pick one machine.. pick a sewing machine. A serger only does one thing.. edges. It can do rolled hems, heirloom sewing, fancy edges, uses heavy threads and more, but it can't sew through the middle of fabirc, can't put on a pocket on a t-shirt and so on.

Sergers cut the edge of the fabric and stitches the fabric at the same time. It makes a nice finished edge. It sews very fast between 1200-1500 stitches a minute.

When it comes to sergers, there is a whole new language has to be learned and it is confusing. there is also a learning curve that has to happen and as we get older we get frustrated and less likely to want to deal with it.

Looking at a sewing machine it has a thread spool on top and a bobbin on the bottom. the stitch is formed by interlocking the two threads. A serger (used to have 3 threads but all the new machines are 4 or 5 thread up to 10 threads with a pfaff. I will talk about the 4 thread to keep it simple. the 5thread is for the cover stitch or to convert to a chain stitch.. see why I will stick with 4 threads for now? <smile>) uses 4 threads and threading them can be confusing, frustrating, makes you want to tear out your hair, say bad words or throw the machine across the room.

Many sergers are purchased, the buyer is given a 2-3 hours class, the instructors talk fast over your head.. you think you have it and then go home. you take the machine out of the box and there is sits! the machine goes back into the box and sits in closet to hide it and collects dust!


I said an little explanation? I lied!

So lets get to the serger....

a serger uses 4 threads and lets start from left to right...

there are two needles side by side (one is a little front and longer then the other.. not to worry if you replace a needle and see it isn't even)

the needle on the left is called.. left needle!
the needle on the right is called ... right needle!

since a serger doesn't use a bobbin it has loopers! this is where people get lost... stick with me.

The Number three thread is called the Upper Looper and the last one is the Lower Looper.

the loopers do just what they say.. the create loops!

now how a serger forms a stitch...

The Upper Looper forms loops on the upper (top) side of the fabric. the Lower Looper forms loops on the lower (under) side of the fabric. They do this at the same time. the needles come down and stitch the loops in place!

that is it! now you all know more the 99% of those at Joann's or Hancocks selling sergers!

there is a blade that cuts the fabric. How that works is you push the fabric under the foot, the feed dogs grab the fabric and pull it through (same as sewing machine but you don't have to lift presser foot on a serger). the blade cuts the fabric 5/8" before it starts to form the stitch.

bored yet? below is why bad words are said!

threading sergers can be a nightmare! if you miss one thread guide it won't form a stitch and you have to start over. you can look at it and miss that one guide over and over and not see it until you are about ready to pitch it!

when threading a serger the first thing you thread is the UPPER LOOPER! the next is the LOWER LOOPER, this is so.. here comes the confusion... the lower looper goes over the upper looper arm.

this is where problems happen. when a thread breaks, the broken thread is threaded and no attention is paid to this little fact. the lower looper having to go over the upper looper arm doesn't make sense until you actually see it in action.

Another problem is once the loopers are threaded you thread the right needle then the left needle. If a looper thread breaks and you have threaded it correctly... it still isn't forming a stitch, it is because the needle threads got caught under the looper threads. Ok, I have lost non serger owners but those with sergers are getting this. Gotta have a serger. Just print off the information and put it away.. when you get a serger this will help.

So make sure you unthread those needles when you have to rethread the loopers.. then rethread the needles.

If you take one thread at a time... pay no attention to them all.. as looking at 4 threads going every which way is stressful... focus on only the thread and path you are working on.

I will stop here because I can write a book on sergers. I love all of mine and try to buy a new one every couple of years to stay up on current technology.

It is actually less confusing when you have a serger in front of you with the door(s) open, hand wheel through and see what is going on.

I hope I have helped those looking at getting a serger or those of you with then sitting in a closet. get your serger out! thread it over and over and over and over until you can thread it in a matter of a couple of minutes.

a little helpful hint... for those that made it this far.... to make it easy to thread your loopers....

http://www.dentist.net/butler-gum-eez-thru-threaders.asp

put thread through the loop. Poke the end through the looper hole.. pull through.. wella! Loopers threaded!

and... a gift.. hence forth.. use a form to write down all of your tensions numbers as well as the stitch width and length and more. take a sample of that stitch and attach it to the form. Need me to explain further I will be happy to. but in the mean time... here is a form you can have. Change it to your liking.

copy and paste to word or notepad and adjust to print on one page. If you are having a problem let me know and I will send the link to the page.

Serger Form


Stitch Type______________________________________

Fabric Type:__________________________Fabric Weight:____________________________

Accessory Presser Foot Type:_________________________________

Machine Settings:

Stitch Width __________Stitch Length __________Differential Feed _______________

Tension Dial Settings and Thread:

Left Needle____________ Thread Type _____________

Right Needle___________ Thread Type _____________

Upper Looper___________ Thread Type______________

Lower Looper___________ Thread Type______________




pin sample here





Notes and comments:

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

 

[Paulycracker]

I don't care for any of the plastic stuff unless it's just the outer shell. It's the inside that counts, and today's cheap machines are just that, cheap. Older machines run forever, but you have to be willing to hunt. I agree, don't do a Walmart special. Go for a decent one. You may even get turned off from sewing if you don't get a decent machine. Then again, sewing is a lot of fun. And that's coming from a man

 

[westbrook]

You dislike the Brother machines?

I dislike the brother machine sold at target. It is the same quality as the Singer sold at Wal-mart. El Cheapo.

As your wife sews and gets proficient she will want another machine.. like having 2 hammers! LOL! there are times I have several machines turned on each set to do something different. But by then she will know far more about her likes, dislikes and special features she wants. Just be sure her machine does a couple of embroidery stitches.. a flower, leaf, star or something. Kind of fun to add a little razzle dazzle.

one of the things not talked about is these cheap machines are so light that when stitching they start to walk on the table. Use a no slip pad on the table. No slip pads are used in cupboards in the kitchen.. found at wal-mart.

use a no slip pad on the floor for the presser foot to keep it from sliding around too!

 

[westbrook]

Go for a decent one. You may even get turned off from sewing if you don't get a decent machine. Then again, sewing is a lot of fun. And that's coming from a man

I agree! using a lesser quality machine has turned many potential sewists off (not sewer cause a sewer is connected to my pluming.... ROFL).

there are few women tailors! few women sew sails for boats, few women designers of the clothing we wear...more in the last few decades. I know more men taking sewing classes that love quilting! they do such amazing designs.

Paulycracker, what do you prefer to sew?

I love clothing and always have. Once all the family and friends were guilted (gifts) several times.. they became like the old gardener growing zucchini people started locking the gates so you can't leave them on the porch cause they wouldn't answer their door! so I got into wearable art using my quilting techniques, fabric dying and fabric painting to create one of a kind clothing the gates were left open!! ROFL!

 

[CupcakePixie]

As for the type of sewing she will be doing. Well of course repairs and patches. I know she wants to eventually be good enough to make clothes for our daughter and ourselves possibly, following patterns. I think she would also like to be able to be able to make some dolls and stuff now and then, as she has expressed interest in that sort of thing in the past.

I also am learning to sew using a machine; I've been patching things for years but have been leery of using a machine as I'm very accident-prone and would rather not have my fingers get caught. My dad had the brilliant idea to get my machine in on our prepping too - he found me a treadle sewing machine so that even if SHTF we can still use it. I love my machine, but it was tricky finding someone who knew how to fix it. In my experience talk to ladies age 60 or older. They personally may not have used whatever machine you have or get, but guarantee they know someone who has

 

[jdode]

I'm a very experienced seamstress. I own 8 machines and use them all. Some are industrial, some antique and some much newer. I can say without a doubt, the best machines I have ever sewn with are the older machines of the 1960's. You can go to a thrift store and find a great 1960's Kenmore for about $35 or less. That gives you money to buy a nice sewing cabinet in which to put the machine. She will love you for the cabinet.... seriously! The newer machines have plastic gears that wear out within a year. Don't waste your money. Another thing, you can service the older machines yourself (oiling and cleaning), the newer electronic machines have to be serviced by a repairman and the charge is $75 minimum.... not worth it!

You can get a vintage 60's Kenmore and you will be able to buy all attachments, very reasonably, for it on ebay. Check out my Sewing Album and you will see a 1960's Kenmore in a beautiful cabinet and I only paid $65 for the machine and cab. I was able to get tons of attachments for it off ebay. I just love it. I bought it for my daughter and when she settles down, it will go to her home. She, too LOVES it.

When I first started sewing, the most frustrating thing was not the sewing machine, but the fact that it wasn't in a cabinet. I had to set my machine on a table and that put it 3" higher than the rest of the table. It's so nice to have the machine flush with the table.

Here's a link to one that is for sale on ebay. It is just for you to see as an expample. It is an EXCELLENT price. Too bad you aren't close enough for a pick up. Another nice thing about a cabinet like this is that it doubles as a writing desk when sewing is not being done. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ken...584?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5653f2f800