Sewing Machine Reccomendation

[purrbox]

I know this has probably been asked a thousand times, so I'm sorry to ask again, but what sewing machine do you guys recommend? I've lurked around a little, and I didn't see this question asked lately.

I'm a beginner, but I'm looking to purchase something that I can use for a variety of things (like embroidery + making curtains and clothes). I'd also prefer something that's not too complicated.

There's so much out there, so I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance!

[purrbox]

Actually, scratch the whole embroidery thing. I've looked some up, and they're super expensive.

[purrbox]

Jun 1, 2012 22:51:46 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

You can check the FAQ we put together on The Nest: www.thenest.com/profiles/CraftsFAQ/mynest/myoldbio

Thanks!

[hunniapple]

Depending on your price range, embroidery machines don't have to be that expensive. I have a Singer that was about $600 that I really love, mainly because it has a large hoop and it really does all I need it to:

www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Singer-XL-400-Futura-Embroidery-and-Sewing-Machine/6290304/product.html?cid=202290&kid=9553000357392&track=pspla&adtype=pla&kw={keyword}

and I believe many of the ladies on here have a Brother that is about $300:

www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Brother-SE-400-Computerized-Sewing-and-Embroidery-Machine-Refurbished/5146643/product.html?cid=202290&kid=9553000357392&track=pspla&adtype=pla&kw={keyword}

The FAQ that Rock N Voll liked is a good spot to look for regular machines.

Note that many people feel strongly about buying machines (embroidery or regular) from a dealer rather than online because of the specific brands, service, classes, etc. that they offer, but I love my Singer machines (I also have a serger), both purchased online and not from a dealer. I have taken my Singer machines to all kinds of sewing and embroidery classes at local shops that sell other brands of machines (not Singers) and I have no problem taking classes there - they don't exclude me - but sometimes I need to be responsible for figuring out machine specific things I want to know, rather than general techniques.

As far as learning my specific machine, I've used the internet - forums, yahoo groups, etc., but if it is important to you to have someone show you the ins and outs of whichever machine you get and be hands on, you should go to a local dealer. Also, many people have a bias toward Singer because their newer machines are supposedly not as good as their older ones, but I have never had any issues with either of my Singers. I have had my serger for maybe 4 or 5 years, and the embroidery machine for 1.

Also, keep in mind that if you get an embroidery machine, you may need and/or want to get a software suite for it to expand what you can make beyond purchasing individual designs, but this is not something you need when you start. There are many free designs out there, and I think there are even actually some good free embroidery software suites.

Good luck!

[emoflamingo]

I have a CS-6000i from Brother. I really like it, it's pretty easy to use. I don't need or want the embroidery stuff, though.

[shortcake2675]

I'm a fan of vintage machines. I prefer all metal machines from the mid 70s and steer clear of Singers in general, though if I found a Singer 401 I'd pick it up in a flash. My current loves are a Brother XL711s and a JCPenney of the same era. I buy most of my machines through a discount sewing repair center, so they are already serviced, but I found a New Home from the 80s that I paid $25 for at a yard sale, plus a $50 service and have a good machine.

I did buy a modern era serger, but still used.

Without the support of the sewing repair guy though, I don't know if I would have gotten the first vintage machine which has led to the other 4.

[zookeepersuzy]

Jun 2, 2012 11:38:07 GMT -5 emoflamingo said:

I have a CS-6000i from Brother. I really like it, it's pretty easy to use. I don't need or want the embroidery stuff, though.

+1

;D this is the machine I learned on & I haven't felt that I need to upgrade yet. (although i did get a serger for xmas..) I don't have any kids though, so embroidery is low on my list of priorities.

[purrbox]

Thanks for all of the recommendations!

[purrbox]

Jun 2, 2012 11:38:07 GMT -5 emoflamingo said:

I have a CS-6000i from Brother. I really like it, it's pretty easy to use. I don't need or want the embroidery stuff, though.

I'm really liking the price of this one and the great reviews on Amazon.

[emoflamingo]

Jun 3, 2012 11:17:48 GMT -5 purrbox said:

Jun 2, 2012 11:38:07 GMT -5 emoflamingo said:

I have a CS-6000i from Brother. I really like it, it's pretty easy to use. I don't need or want the embroidery stuff, though.

I'm really liking the price of this one and the great reviews on Amazon.

I dropped the thing off a shelf about 6 foot up (and onto my foot) and the only thing that happened was I broke the bobbin winder off. (I glued it back on, no word yet if it's fixed because I haven't had to use it since I glued it back on lol.)

I am hard on machines and I could never get a Singer to work for me. My last machine was a different Brother and it had bobbin case issues but this one has been great to use. I will never not have a computerized machine again. I'm spoiled now. I got mine on eBay from a sewing machine & vacuum store, but I know that Cmeon said that there are some "damaged packaging" ones on Amazon right now for pretty cheap.

[shortcake2675]

Amazon emailed me to let me know the CS6000i is marked down to 151.45.

www.amazon.com/dp/B000JQM1DE/ref=pe_216480_24275770_pe_epc_dt1

[mrscarroll61007]

I just got a Janome and I LOVE it. I had a Singer before and I killed it. Like beyond repair all the plastic melted inside from so much use. My recommendation would be to go to a sewing machine store and talk to them there and let them help you figure out what kind of machine will best suit your needs. I paid around $400 for my machine but I get the first service for free and I know this machine will last forever with the right kind of servicing.