Sewing is the easy part. Stopping is hard!
Realistically, there are lots of threads on sewing machines... (ok, bad pun). Your first question: What's your budget? The best advice I've heard here is to go to a local sewing machine shop and see what they have that's old, but serviceable and working. According the experts here (RamblinRev will chime in, I am sure) the old machines are better than new ones.
That said, I have a newer Brother that is everything folks here said not to get, but it was $35, so I didn't care... It does everything I need. It is a little finicky, but I'm ok for the price...
(I finished this for my daughter tonight)
Anyway, in the shop, they should be able to show you how to do everything. All you really need is a straight stitch, but a zig-zag is sometimes useful.
Watch all of RamblinRev's videos... Twice.... and get some cheap fabric and test. Do yourself a favor: ONLY BUY GOOD THREAD. Too many people here have bought Coats and Clark only to have issues. I now only use Gutterman 100% polyester thread. (not the embroidery or the heavy-duty stuff, the "regular" stuff is perfect.) That and a pack of new needles. You'll need a new needle with every project. (sometimes 2) Ask the shop owner for advice and to show you how to operate the machine. it'll save you HOURS of fiddling... (don't ask me how I know)
Welcome to the addiction! BTW: We don't make our own gear to save money... the math doesn't work out...
John
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