This post contains no interesting stories just a desperate plea into the ether. Help!!!! I need a sewing machine and up until last night I was just putting the thought of it out of my head till some fictitious future time when we could afford one. But last night I got a letter from the government which basically read like this:
“Oops, we have been reviewing our records and have realised that we have been stealing your money all year long, here, have it all back” which was such and amazingly cool thing to happen in November especially just after the cat smashed another plate on the floor.
I have had a quick look at manufacturers catalogues and basically all of them say the same thing “Every single model we make is the best machine in the whole world and you should definitely buy it” no surprise there really. So what I am after is an honest opinion from actual sewing people. What have you used? what was good or bad about it?, basically what sewing machine should I buy?????
The only helpful suggestion I have gotten so far is from Eli my 6yr old son who has recommended the Singer Traditional 2250 “because it has an S on it”
So if you feel like you have a more qualified recommendation than Eli’s one Please, Please leave a comment. After wanting one for so long I don’t want to buy a lemon.
Thanks Heaps.
I have a Bernina Activa 230 with a couple of upgrades (most importantly a brighter light)and love it. They are kinda pricey though which is why it was my engagement “ring”. I had a Singer (don’t remember the model) for years, and it was pretty nice. Take your time though. Go to some stores where they’ll let you try the machines out that way you really know what you’re getting. Also buy one from a real live store if you can. They usually offer support beyond the purchase, and some even offer classes (mine came with free classes). As far as a particular model that all depends on what you want to do with it. And, definitely get something that has the capacity to grow with you. That way when your skills increase you don’t outgrow it. Like mine has lots of different feet and accessory options that I can add and use later if I want. Most importantly, though, go try some different models on for size. It’ll be fun! Can’t wait to see what you pick.
The only thing that you NEED in a sewing machine is straight stitch and zigzag. Everything else is in the category of “nice, but negotiable”. Almost everything now will come with a programmed blind hem stitch which is the other one I use all the time.
We’ve got an ancient Janome (25+ years maybe?) which does the job, and a couple of years ago I found a PFAFF 7570 (the computerised one.) on ebay for a BARGAIN. You’re welcome to come around and give them a test drive if you want.
Luxuries in the Pfaff I really do love: Integrated Dual Feed, which is very useful when sewing slippery/tricky fabric or for patchwork, the ‘bobbin low’ warning light, and the integrated needle threader. I’ve never had a major problem with threading needles, but in low light it is a godsend.
Hope that helps!
Wow thanks for your speedy and very detailed reply guys. I mainly want to be able to make clothes for the kids, I keep finding adorable patterns on the internets and being naturally over confident in my own abilities I am sure I could make them if I only had a sewing machine. I don’t think I’ll ever have the time to get into quilting so no need for one of those types but I do make dress up clothes and toys so it needs enough guts to handle a few different fabrics.
The classes sound good I’ll have to look into that here. I get a little nervous around sales staff but I guess I’ll have to swallow my fears and ask for assistance a the shops.
Yep, if you’re going into a shop, make sure to mention about kids clothes. If that’s your main focus, you’ll need something sturdy and no-frills that has a motor with enough grunt to go through a few layers of denim.
Think about hemming jeans etc – there are going to be places along the seams where you’re going through about 8 layers. (When you do so, be sure to use actual denim needles. I busted a packet and a half of regular needles on my last denim project before I did the sensible thing!)
Cheers,
SJK.
Lizz got a Brother BM-2600. She got it on Sale last year from spotlight – they often have good sales.(make sure you become a member to get good discounts). She said its a basic machine but easy to use etc. I think Brother is ment to be a good brand.
I’ve got a Brother machine (about 10yrs old)it’s great, the features I like the most, one step button hole, one step bobbin threading (no messing around trying to catch the pesky thread) and has a clear lid on the bobbin so you can see how low it is getting (fantastic!). Luxury I would like blanket stitch (think you would too) most of the modern brothers have it. And I’d like an automatic thread cutter.
The shop outside spotlight is having a bit of a pre-christmas Brother (and other) sale at the mo. Raien just bought a new machine on the weekend and was really happy with their un-biased opinion and the after sales service – lessons etc.
Have fun!
Hi Sarah,
I have an awesome, awesome sewing machine.
It is super simple, but also has the more complex stuff which I may or may not use one day.
It is a Husqvarna – I have a friend who is a seamstress and she recommended the brand. It is so easy to thread and only takes about 2 minutes to set up and get going.
It was around the $400 price mark and we got it for a wedding present 5 yrs ago.
I have a needle in a tupperware box with some cotton reels of different colours, this rarely gets used, I think the last time I saw the box out of the draw was when Pete was digging a spliter out of his hand……..sorry not much help here. Don’t think you need mine by the looks of all the comments….Good Luck and I’ll be sending down my pattern and fabric for my new frock!!!! LOL