Hey, everyone! Excellent news! So, my friend Jen has decided to take up sewing. Hurrah! Another one converted to the wonderful world of sewing. I met Jen when I was at school in February, she’s a wardrobe stylist and professional shopper, so of course we hit it off! And now she’s going to learn to sew.
But first, she needs to buy her very first sewing machine!
Since I sew a lot, she’s asked me what kind of sewing machine she should get, and where to find one. Now, you’d think I would have a good answer to this question, since I sew so much! The funny thing is that I don’t. I feel like I’m too far past being a beginner to remember what she’ll need! My machine is way fancier and does way more functions than a beginner needs. In fact, it probably looks overwhelming to a beginner, all those wacky stitches and extra machine feet.
This is mine – I love it! It’s pink. And it sews very nicely. It never lets me down! It does four different types of buttonholes, all of which I avoid using, but are still there when bound buttonholes just won’t do. It has a threading lever, or it did until I broke it over the summer. (I miss it, and still pull down the threading-handle to try to use it every time I change thread!) It does cool things like ‘leave the needle down every time you stop’ – which is a good function if you’re sewing something unruly. You can shift needle position from right to left, and gives you the option of 76 different stitches.
I feel a bit like a sewing machine snob looking at basic, entry-level, lower-priced sewing machines since I love mine and all its fancy functions. (Even if for most projects, I rarely use more than just a basic straight stitch!) I’m of the mindset that you buy the best you can afford, when it comes to tools. And fabric. Otherwise, you’ll be really frustrated when your projects don’t turn out nicely, and blame yourself when it could be the bargain-bin fabric acting up or the machine that’s never going to form nice, even stitches. Reliability is the most important thing for me. I want to know that when I turn to my sewing machine, it’s going to be there for me. Maybe that’s just me!
Did you know you can buy sewing machines at Canadian Tire? Walmart? Does $69.99 get you a decent sewing machine to learn on, or is she better off to spend a bit more? For some reason, and maybe it’s the sewing snob in me, I feel like I want my sewing machine to come from a sewing-machine store. Somewhere where the salespeople actually sew, and can help you find something that suits your needs. Both my serger and sewing machine are from sewing machine stores. (Serger is from Mason Sewing Machine in Vancouver, sewing machine is from Laura’s Fashion Fabrics in White Rock. Laura’s Fabrics will give you unlimited free lessons on how to use it, if you buy your machine there!) Does price matter, or do they all do basically do the same thing? How much does a decent, reliable machine cost? Does it really matter where you buy your machine from?
How about functions on a very first sewing machine? I feel like she needs to be able to sew straight stitches, zigzag, and a decent buttonhole. (Otherwise she’ll never want to sew anything with buttons. I have a pretty decent buttonhole-function on my machine and I still dislike sewing them!) Are there any other functions that are essential to getting started?
So I’m wondering if you guys could help me (and Jen) out. (She doesn’t know I’m writing about her and her sewing machine search today, surprise surprise!) What sewing machine functions does Jen, the beginner, absolutely need? Do you have a recommendation for a good beginner sewing machine? (Any types or models she should stay away from?) What was your first sewing machine like? Have you bought a beginner-level sewing machine here in Vancouver recently?
I’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas and suggestions for Jen’s first sewing machine (and anyone else who’s in the market for one). Thanks so much in advance!
Hi
My first sewing machine was a Jones built around 1910 in England. It’s very basic and just sews forwards and backwards but is a joy to use. No buttonholes, zig zag or anything more fancy. My parents bought it for me for Christmas when I was 10 and It’s still in use nearly 40 years later. I have a much more sophisticated electronic machine but prefer using the Jones manual because its easier to control. Also it’s very pretty; black with gold decoration on a wooden base. You can pick up machines of a similar age on eBay for next to nothing (often just the price of collecting them)
Jane
I bought my very first sewing machine, a brother, at walmart for like 70 bucks. It worked great and was nice and simple for learning. It’s nice cause if she turns out not like sewing she didn’t invest too much money into it. Once i got a little more advanced I got a much nicer brother from costco around 500 dollar that also did embroidery. I love this machine. It has the bells and whistles like yours but is much cheaper. It’s light weight and portable. We don’t have a lot of money so it made it so I could sew without breaking the bank. Over all i love Brother machines if you need cheap but still reliable they are good. Now my singer serger is another thing its annoying its constantly having problems and over all i wish I’d bought the brother serger instead. I still love having a serger but seriously this thing is a monster.
I just picked up a new-old machine today, actually, from the local ancient-fellow-who-repairs-sewing-machines-in-a-funny-old-shop. He had perfectly decent 60s-80s era Singer machines for $80 or $90, metal body machines with straight stitch, zig zag, and sometimes all sorts of fancy functions – already refurbished and ready to go. If someone is just starting out sewing (or is looking to upgrade a low end machine), an older, sturdy machine could be the way to go. Buying locally from a little sewing machine or sew and vac shop can get you a decent machine quite inexpensively – whereas it’s hard to buy a decent new machine for less than $300.
I ended up dropping $150 on a lovely 1950s Slant-o-Matic (401A) that has an impeccably straight straight-stitch and a ton of other options for zig-zag and decorative stitches (especially if I track down more of the attachments and pieces for the machine), which is an extraordinarily fancy machine for its time, but something simpler would probably do pretty well for a lot of beginning sewists.
Of course, I suppose my perspective is a little skewed. My first loyalty is to historical sewing, and I really enjoy hand-sewing, so I don’t really care if I have a machine that can do blind hems or buttonholes – I’d rather do hems and buttonholes by hand, because I’m fussy like that. I’d much rather wrangle these things slowly by hand than do and re-do them on a machine. But if you’re not looking for something super high tech, a local shop and an old machine might be the way to go!
Oh, I have a Singer 401A too! It’s a lovely machine which I originally bought (for $100.00) because it reminded me of my mother’s Singer 500, a later machine.
–C.B,
Growing up I used my mum’s super fancy Singer Touch-tronic. It was everything that I wanted when I got my own machine. She ended up purchasing me a great Kenmore. Was good for getting back in the swing of sewing again. But all the manual controls drive me batty, as what I first learned on was very computer assisted. So when my husband recommend we get me a new machine for Christmas (what a doll!) I was elated. Of course I had to consult with mum, who gave me very sage advice for purchasing a machine. Hers is about 30 years old. And still going. I wanted the same. Don’t just look at what you presently know how to do or will do in the immediate future, but look at what you can do and learn long term. Growing into q machine is better than growing out of one. My local Viking dealer is a mess, and I exchanged 3 times before I ended up with my dream machine. After that, I will always recommend buying a machine to grow in to if it is going to be a frequent hobby. :)
My first sewing machine was a Bernina purchased by mother in 1963. She bought it to do mending- lol. Everytime my grandmother came over, she was elected! When I left home, I was allowed to take it with me. I took sewing in Gr 8 & along with a wonderful neighbour named Molly McKnight, I learned how to do alot & became a lover of sewing.
My old Bernina worked hard for me and made many things, from baby clothes to high fashion to household necessities. I still have her but she’s tired. I bought a brand new Pfaff but my old Bernina wll always be my favourite!
I have two older singers- probably from between the 60s-80s which i love. They are basic but can zigzag and one can do buttonholes, what more does one need, even a more advanced sewer? I would never buy a new machine as i think the older ones are much prettier and also more sturdy…and cheap! Although, having said that someone gave me (!) a newish bernina recently and I do love the silence of it, and the nifty thread cutter.
My first machine was the singer simple.
It has every basic function you need, and it’s cheap.
I’d love to know what way your friend went. I am about to buy “my” first machine, after almost 20 years away from sewing. I grew up using my mum’s Elna, which when she got it was the best on the market. It was mid 60s, but boy did it have bells and whistles!
I went looking here in Japan and was shocked by how flimsy the plastic machines are nowadays. I missed my heavy, solid, metal Elna.
One thing the assistant told me was to buy a machine that weighs at least 6kg (14/15 lb). Unless you plan do do quilting, embroidery or patchwork, I think all you need are at least two types of zigzag, straight stitching (look for something with a good feed and that can handle a variety of fabric with ease – wispy chiffons, heavy demins and knits – and the rest is personal choice. I want a machine with a wide table option since I cannot fit a dedicated sewing table in here and only having a free arm is difficult if sewing large pieces of or heavy fabric. I am looking at Janome Agneau D’or y707, which I can get half price on sale – though at $550-odd, it is a lot more than the $300 I first set as my budget. I am also looking at the RS7250 (not sure if Janome does these models outside Japan), which is closer to my budget, but still a decent looking machine. I just wish I could find someone who actually knows more about these machines than me – and I don’t know much! LOL seriously, if you are going to work in a fabric shop or appliance store in that section learn about your products people!
My first machine was a basic 200.00 model bought new from Sears. Easy to thread and operate for a beginner. I then purchased a Janome for close to 500.00 and that is still my main machine. It is one of the early computerized models. I’m not super impressed with the newer computerized ones since I don’t embroider, and I don’t use more than 4-5 stitches. Instead I took a step back and purchased a lovely old Kemore 1318 for under 50.00 from Craigslist. All metal, and runs smooth as anything. I couldn’t ask for more in a second machine (it only has 8 stitches- but they are perfect stitches). I also have a gift of a vintage in -cabinet Eldredge (singer clone) machine. Stitches immaculately. A well-maintained older machine can easily be a great and inexpensive purchase for a new sewer. Sometimes the very best, is not the very newest. Going to a good sewing center and trying machines both older refurbished and new is what I would recommend.
My suggestion is go to local shop and get a used older model that is tried and true, and then the seamstress can have a workhorse to count on, plus she can look forward to getting her ‘dream machine’ later on. Good for the enviornment, good for the pocketbook.
Hi all,
I am a beginner from Brazil, and I will have to disagree with you all. When I was looking for my first (and so far, the only one) sewing machine, I didn’t want this entry level, simple, straight stitch only machine. I love gadgets, and having a better machine, with lots of different stitches and feet options was my choice. I bought this Brother CS6000i at Wal-Mart, and I am loving it! In one year I am already sewing clothes for myself and my dogs, I am selling handmade handbags, sewing heavier fabrics, leather, vinyl, laminates, you name it! I bought LOTS of different feet for my machine, and I now own a collection of more than 20 of them. It seems a lot, but I really use most of them. I also bought a ruffler, but it’s a very scary looking piece of equipment, so I didn’t have the time and the courage to try it yet.
I learnt a lot last year, I have to confess that I am a little bi obsessed with sewing right now, it was something that I always wanted to learn, but I finally had the time to do it properly. And part of the fun is to improve your skills, use more advanced functions of your machine, try different decorative stitches, and find different uses to several feet.
So, my conclusion is, don’t buy the simplest, beginner, entry level machine. Get a better one, that won’t cost too much anyway (I paid USD150 for mine, which I think was a bargain!) and you will be encouraged to try new things, learn faster, and get better results all the time, which is another incentive to keep going…
My next step? A serger….
Best Regards to all of you
Tatiana
I bought my first sewing machine (my Mother’s day gift actually), at Walmart for $195. Its called the Singer Fashionista. I did my research beforehand because I’m a beginner sewer, and I think what I love the most on this machine, besides all the neat stitches, is the automatic tension. That’s what has stopped me from sewing all these years on a machine, I think because I’m self-taught and never knew how to properly use a machine, this has made learning to sew much easier! Very easy to understand machine with little hassle, I love it and highly recommend it for beginners, plus it’s not too expensive :) Thanks!
I vote for the vintage ones. Mine is from the early 1980s. Everything was all metal then and it didn’t tend to break. A lot of the cheaper, newer ones are all plastic -including the parts. Plastic parts can break down and can be costly to fix. I suggest your friend look for a sewing machine repair place that might have a few – or even go on kijiji. This way, the sewing machine is less than $100 and she can re-sell it if she finds sewing is not for her.
Honestly? I sew all my own clothes. I was given a basic Singer about 20 years ago and that’s what I use. I’ve occasionally thought about getting another machine, but this is what I need in a sewing machine to make good garments:
* Straight stitch
* Zig-zag
* Buttonhole foot
* Reverse stitch
I never, ever use any of the other fancy stitches. I don’t do machine embroidery, so I don’t need that.
I do own a serger and I like it, but to be honest, I do most of my sewing on Old Faithful. I think that most of the bells and whistles are pointless, and I say this as someone who has sewn everything from wardrobe SWAPS to Elizabethan corsets on the thing.
A good, basic machine is all one needs.
I learned how to sew on an ancient Singer from the 1940s that’s bolted to a table. It only goes in one direction and does not do a reverse stitch, so I do agree, a good basic machine is all one needs when starting out.