I bought a used sewing machine about 30 years ago...and I am desperate to replace it (finally)! It's just not working as well as it should anymore. My daughter (who is 11) and I just made a satin vest for an outfit she was putting together for school. She enjoyed the process and did a great job and I think she would be interested in sewing more if we had a better machine. I'm not looking to spend a fortune, but would like something a step or two above a very basic machine. Does anyone have one they love (or hate)? Also, where's the best place to buy one? Thanks!
My sewing machine is a Janome. I got it at Sears. Very affordable. Most important thing to me was automatic thread tension. Good website for reviews and sewing info is patternreview.com. Happy sewing!
I would go to a sewing machine center.
My daughter loves fashion design and we bought a Babylock mid grade (around $400) for her. We chose this model because it is the model in our schools and I thought if it can hold up with new students it can hold up with my daughter.
I would be cautious of Singer because they are no longer what they used to be.
Remember that you get what you pay for.
I have a 35 year old singer that I got used ($10). It has needed some repairs over the last decade but usually runs well. There is an older guy with a vacuum and sewing machine repair business near me and he always can get it working. It's well worth getting an experienced person to look at your current machine. My mother and grandmother have Singer machines that are older than mine and still run, though neither sew much anymore. What I have heard about Singer is that the company changed hands sometime in the last 2 decades. Older machines had an excellent reputation but newer ones are not as well made. My sister has a basic Brother machine which she bought new for around $100-125 range. It works fine for her. I would look at reviews and maybe Consumer Reports.
I bought a Singer from Wal Mart for about $90 and I love it. I basically just do quilting and so I don't need anything super fancy. It fits what I need. I am a bit biased on Singer over the Brother brand if you go w/ Wal Mart. If you go w/Wal Mart look on their website at customer reviews. That helped me choose. It's my second machine. My first one the back stitch button was broken by my son. It was cheaper to buy a new one than to get it repaired. Good luck!! Sewing can be very fun!
I bought a Brother computerized machine on Overstock.com for around $120 and it's great! It is the first machine I've ever owned and I learned on it. I now sew tons of stuff including clothes for my daughter, diaper clutches, tote bags, a bag for my yoga mat and the list goes on. I have so much fun doing it and my machine is easy to use, has some decorative stitches and just really works great. Not to mention, it was pretty cheap! Hope you find something that works for both of you.
Have you taken your machine in for repair and tuning? If it is a quality machine, it very well may be fine with cleaning/tuning and simple repairs. I would try that first. After that, consider trading yours in at a finer machine shop for a newer machine. They may still have a newer used machine that is a better quality than a new lower end machine. Stay away from Singer. I have never met a sewer in person who was happy with their Singer. I almost gave up sewing entirely due to the Singer machine I had. I now have a Pfaff, and love sewing. I bought my daughter an older Pfaff for $250, and it has the embroidery unit with it also. Bernina is another good brand. I have heard nice things about Janone, but have never sewn on one. Viking is another I would look into. go to quilt shops and see what they have. Ask if they have used models for sale (people trade up all the time). Try the machines, see what you like. Make a list of the features you want, and go from there.
If you want to start out small, go for a Singer! They are the best, toughest, wonderful machines to start out on. I got a great one off of Ebay for super cheap, also Craigslist is a great place, they have lots.
I have a Janome also and teach my classes with Janome machines. That's not to say there aren't other good brands. I'll tell you what I like about my machines. As Kidsgrown said, it has an automatic thread tension that gets you through most if not all your sewing. On the rare occasion you are using fabric that calls for a different adjustment it's easy. You also want something with good speed control. A lot of the cheaper ones from Walmart and such do not have this. This will frustrate you with the type of sewing you are doing (Satin and Vest would be challenging on a lower end model of any brand). Also, the site Kidzrgrown posted will really be a great resource. (patternreview.com)
Have Fun!
