Suggestions for a first sewing machine.

**Rubiks14** · 12-25-2012, 18:03

I've been looking around my area and there are some used machines but I don't feel like any of them are worth looking into as they all seem to be away from their original owners and kind of sitting in shops. I decided I would buy one new with my christmas money. Can anybody suggest a good one to start with around $150. I figured that would get me one decent enough to do what I plan to do with it (stuff sacks, bug nets, maybe a UQ/TQ).

Thanks in advance guys,

Derek Thompson

PS. I want to try to get it before the snow hits so if I get snowed in tomorrow I can spend some time learning it.

**hangNyak** · 12-25-2012, 18:22

Can't go wrong with a Singer machine. I bought one off Craigslist for $60. The lady only used it twice.

**SnrMoment** · 12-25-2012, 20:50

A reputable shop with older, used machines for sale should be your best bet. They have probably been gone over, oiled, greased, & tuned up. They should also give you some free advice/help. I got my 1957 Emdeko in prime condition, a lesson or two and lots of advice on problems that were rookie operator induced. Cost was $50 for it. Also had a 30 day warranty on the machine. You won't get that from a garage sale rig.

**Rubiks14** · 12-25-2012, 21:43

Thanks I'll look into that. I think there might be a shop around here. I'll check it out on Friday as the snow is probably not going to hit and I'd rather know what I'm getting instead of diving in.

**Lupus** · 12-25-2012, 22:13

Singer is a great brand, and an excellent choice for a first machine. However, when I worked in the Theater Department's Costume Shop, the best sewing machine we had was a Bernina. Absolute perfect speed control, completely smooth, incredible machine. If you are fortunate enough to find one at a good price. Don't think twice. You won't regret getting this quality machine.

**psyculman** · 12-26-2012, 05:07

I bought a Singer 4411 heavy duty to try out, because it has so many features, such as a dial button hole, and several other dial stitchs. Although there are some bad reviews of this machine out there, it has performed perfectly for me, even though I have absent-mindedly put it into some real jambs. Each time it got tangled up, I was able to get the wadded up thread out, and there was no damage. Hope it holds up. Not bad for the price, on sale now at a certain national fabric store, which I probably cant' mention.

My Kenmore, made in 1975 still works like new, but, the quick changes possible with the 4411 are making it the machine I use the most. I only wish I had gotten the Singer 4423 heavy duty, as it has even more dial stitchs. The finer quality sewing machines are impossibly expensive for me. After all, it's only a hobby, isn't it?

**Ramblinrev** · 12-26-2012, 09:08

Check the guidelines post in my sig. Other folks have found it helpful.

**ibgary** · 12-26-2012, 09:43

My wife bought me the Singer,4423, for Christmas. She got it on sale for 99$. I like it a lot. It was 200+ @ Joanna.
Now I need to order more material and start playing.