This will be my first sewing machine....Help!?

2010-07-08 23:27:28 UTC

Don't confuse stitches with stitch functions, which is marketing speak for a combination of stitch length and width. Your 20 stitch function machine does straight stitch and zigzag stitch only, and has a truly heinous method of making buttonholes. The 10 stitch machine has a much better method of making buttonholes that probably won't have you wanting to throw the machine across the room, and has in addition to the straight, zigzag and buttonhole, a shell or blindhem stitch, a stretch blindhem stitch and a tricot stitch (3 step zigzag). (I count 6 stitches, not 10... but then I sew, I don't market). The midpriced machine I can't tell you much about because I can't get the manual to load (Brother puts up machine manuals for free download at: http://www.brother-usa.com/manuals/default.aspx?PGID=3

My guess is that if those were the only three sewing machines in the world, I'd go for the $75.00 machine -- but I'd love to see you go to some real sewing machine dealers, if possible, and try some other machines and other brands. I think the manufacturer with the best quality in their lower priced machines is probably Janome,

Here's my standard answer on "what sewing machine": https://answersrip.com/question/index?qid=20100516223306AAHNY2H

BrokenAngel

2010-07-07 00:04:20 UTC

Sewing machines are priced for different reasons: brand, durability, stitch functions, and many more.

Even if you know nothing about brands, you can tell a lot about a machine from first glance.

Take a good look at the first machine. Even though it has 20 stitch functions, does it look like a sewing machine a professional would work with? Of course not! You can tell it is not durable right from the photo, and on top of that, it's got girly flowers all over it. It was not made to be amazing, just to reel in young women to buy it.

The second one looks alot better. More instructions and dials, a more durable looking body, and no silly decorations. Probably a good choice.

As for the third one, honestly I think the price is a dollar or so more, just simply because the 14 function one's price was reduced. It looks almost identical to the 14 stitch, just not as many functions.

If I had to pick from these 3, I'd go with the 14 stitch. A reliable looking machine with a nice assortment of stitches to chose from. :]

Now, if I were going out to buy a machine, I would buy a much more expensive one. Why? They last forever, sewing machines are so easy to use that the amount of time you will need to graduate from more simple machines like this to more complicated ones is honestly less than a week.

It literally took me 2 days to learn the machine we had and have me yearning for a better one..

Karen L

2010-07-07 02:39:27 UTC

I wouldn't buy any of them. Those extra stitches are nice to think about but in reality 95% of all sewing is done with straight stitch and zigzag, and that goes for even the most sophisticated tailoring there is. I have sewing books from the 1950s that tell you how to sew a suit, and it's all done with straight stitching. When they add all the extra stitches, they have to sacrifice something to keep the price low, and guess what it is? It's durability and the basic quality that keeps a sewing machine working for years with no trouble. My one experience with a cheaper($200) machine was a mistake. 20 stitches, called "Denim Machine", from Walmart. I broke it, patching jeans. I have older machines that cost less which can do the same job without breaking. Buy a good quality machine, used. It's the difference between having a used Rolls Royce and a brand new Kia. The Rolls was made to last, the Kia is disposable.

MissWong

2010-07-06 22:18:06 UTC

There are very few times you'll need anything more than a straight stitch and a simple zig zag, Anything else is a waste of money because on a cheap portable machine the more functions there are the more things there are to break. Keep It Simple and you'll be happier. You won't have to learn how to use all the fancy stuff and it won't break. The only time multiple functions are worth the trouble is on a really good machine, like one that costs waaaay more than you're looking at. If you get something simple you can learn all you need to and find out if it's worth getting a better machine later. If you don't enjoy using it you'd be annoyed at spending a lot to get a great machine.

The tiny machine you're looking at will be a pain to manage too because they are sooo small and lightweight.

I would also avoid buying a machine at WalMart. They sell things like this cheaper because they get the manufacturers to make things cheaply and they aren't as good quality. Try the Joanns Fabrics machine finder: http://tinyurl.com/32ys7tm It asks you questions to help you find a good machine for you and your level of sewing. You can also go to the Joanns store and try some machines and get help choosing one.

2010-07-06 21:23:57 UTC

I've learned to sew on my own through trial and error. The main thing is stay calm and have a lot of patience.

My first sewing machine is a Singer made in the early 60's. It cost 129. dollars. It does a few zig zag stitches, sew buttons, makes button holes, and easy to operate.

We were just married and my plan was to sew a few clothes, curtains and things we needed. As I said not to experienced but gave it a try. You will have a few times of frustration just as most of us do while learning. Experience is the best teacher.

Purchase a good machine. It does not have to be fancy unless you want it to be one that gives many type of stitches. I enjoy just a straight stitch machine because most articles of clothing mostly use a straight stitch.

Read your sewing machine manual regularly and take apart your machine to clean and oil it after every use. Follow all the guidelines in your manual.

Next purchase easy beginners type patterns. It is important as you will see when you begin to sew.

Get the feel of sewing straight stitch articles first. Probably the easiest is to make a pillow or two for your bedroom decoration. Very simple to sew, but maybe will have a zipper to put into the pillow casing. So that's a plus to learn about that type of zipper.

My next project was learning to make toddler pants or corduroy jeans because children need several. I made several and got the feel of sizing correctly and putting in elastic waist bands. Then continue learning with putting pockets on the jeans. So on and on learning steps as you sew.

I was very frustrated once and everything knotted up and my machine wouldn't work well at all. I tried for hours to figure out what was wrong and never discovered the problem. I called the singer man where I purchased the machine and came out to my home and took everything apart and cleaned the machine and oiled it and found that the bobbin case was filthy and dusty and needed cleaning and got everything un-knotted. The problem was I used cheap thread. Don't mix cheap thread or any other brand or weight of thread. Always use the correct good quality thread the same as the top and you'll never have this frustrating problem. But don't forget to take the bobbin case and all out and clean it often too. You will enjoy sewing once you get over these hurdles and learning things by experience. That's why your sew machine manual is very important to use and keep it right by your machine at all times. Happy learning and you will do just fine.