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What Sewing Machine?
if i wanted to learn to sew but didn't want to drop a metric arse-load of cash on a machine what sewing machine would you DIYer's recomend?
specific models would be great but even guidance on what features to look for/avoid would be beneficial.
Thanks!
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I really like my old Singer. I have used an old Kenmore and Brother with good results.
Check out a sewing machine repair place. A lot of times they have refrub used ones at good price.
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HR,
What you want to look for is the basics. Make sure it can do a good straight stitch. A zig-zag stitch is helpful (it helps make bar tack stitches) If you can find one that can change the speed at which the feed dogs advance the fabric that is a helpful feature.
Brother, Singer and White are all good brands.
HE is right. Check the sewing shops for refurbs. I found mine at a yard sale for $5. It worked (and still works) like a champ.
Hope that helps.
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I have two old machines (Morse, Singer) and a newer Ulna (lots of $$$). The old machines are better for most gear projects. Try repair shops or thrift stores. If you get one from a thrift store, do a thorough cleaning and lube before using it.
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I got a Singer Stylist at a thrift shop for 10.95. It works great! I also found a Singer with cabinet for $20 at another thrift shop. All the machines I found at repair places were in the $50 -$60 range. But, at least you can be sure that the ones from repair shops are in good working order. With the thrifts, it's a gamble.
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You can always look at Ebay, although sometimes it's a crap shoot on what you get. As others have stated, older machines are usually more reliable if they are set up right. It's also a good idea to check with family and friends. A lot of time they may have a sewing machine lying around that hasn't seen any use in years and they may give it to you.
I have been looking at getting an older Pfaff machine from a repair shop that is close to me. From what I have heard Pfaffs are some of the best, but they are expensive.
I bought my machine new from Big Lots for 99.00. I bought for my wife and she never used it. It's a Europro machine and after I got it set up and got the kinks worked out of it, it has been a nice machine.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
Frolicking Dino
I have a newer Ulna
Is it anywhere near the radius? Sorry, it's not often I get to make anatomy jokes. :D
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Yeah, just buy a good used machine. Two stitches is all you need: straight and zigzag. I use an old Necchi.
What do you consider to be a 'metric arse-load of cash'?
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thanks for all the info! My mom agreed to let me use hers to see if i like it, and i think my grandmother has a machine that she doesn't use anymore (although i'm told it could be broken)
@ lunch today i'm going to a sewing store to look at some display models. i'm quite taken with the viking/husqvarna machines becasue i am familiar with their other products (saws, trimmers, etc.) becasue of my background in horticulture but price will probably be a large deciding factor and i don't think their machines are cheap. i know there are a few sewing machine repair shops on this end of town, i'll need to look around and see if any of them have good deals on basic machines as well.