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what is a good sewing machines for a beginner to start designing dresses?

im 16, just graduated and going into fashion design and i want to know what the best sewing machine to use for making dresses. i want it to be easy to use, but have all the right and needed features, and nothing to pricey

Public Comments

1. Honestly, the newer sewing machines just aren't made to last. They're packed with features, easy to use, but if you use one regularly you'll have to replace it every year or two. I went through two Brother machines in three years with only moderate use before going to a sewing machine shop and spending $300 for a Singer machine from 1962. It has all the stitch patterns I need, isn't any more challenging to use than the contemporary ones, but the parts are metal, rather than plastic, so they don't wear out. It's worth considering an older machine. Here's a link to some reviews, though, which may help you: http://www.consumersearch.com/sewing-machines
2. Are you going to design school? If so, you'll have access to industrial machines, and you probably won't use your own home machine for much more than buttonholes and maybe blindhems once you have learned to use an industrial. They're so much faster and the stitching tends to be of higher quality because of the excellent presser foot pressure. Some background reading for you: http://www.fashion-incubator.com/category/machines-equipment/ If, however, you do not know how to sew now and are trying to play catchup before starting school (a distinct possibility -- people who come in not knowing the rudiments of sewing often lag the rest of the class severely), then here's my standard beginner sewing machine advice: Take a look at Kate Dicey's essay on choosing sewing machines at http://www.katedicey.co.uk (and take a look around at her site... there are a lot of nice little tutorials there!). The FAQ she refers to is at http://preview.tinyurl.com/l5rzu6 now. What I want for beginners in sewing: - a machine that doesn't scare you - a machine that isn't balky (cheap new machines are often very balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable -- just too frustrating to learn on!) - very good straight stitch - good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy) - a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you - adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric handling issues) - accessory presser feet that don't cost an arm and a leg (machines that use a "short shank foot" typically handle generic presser feet pretty well. Some brands of machines use proprietary or very expensive presser feet) If the budget stretches far enough: - blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches - triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications) - a couple of decorative stitches (you won't use them nearly as much as you think) - electronic machine because of the needle position control and because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at slow sewing speeds -- mechanical machines often will stall at slow speeds. Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used machines you can afford. You'll get a far better machine at a specific price buying used than new and a good dealer is worth their weight in sewing machine needles when you get a machine problem -- often they can talk you through the problem over the phone. While you're trying things out, try a couple of machines (sewing only, not combo sewing-embroidery) over your price limit, just so you can see what the difference in stitch quality and ease of use might be. You may find you want to go for the used Cadillac. Or you might want the new basic Chevy. Might as well try both out. Suggested reading: John Giordano's The Sewing Machine Book (especially for used machines), Carol Ahles' Fine Machine Sewing (especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg Hazen's Owner's Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public library. Used brands I'd particularly look for: Elna, Bernina, Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota New "bargain brand" I'd probably pick, if new, decent and budget was my choice: Janome (who also does Kenmore). If you're willing to spend the money, you might consider the Juki TL98Q, a straight stitch only machine meant for quilters but which will take standard industrial feet and folders and isn't quite so intimidating as the older industrials that seemed to have only two speeds: off and zoom.