Sewing Machine For Sale

Can anyone please suggest me what type of sewing machine I should buy?

I can sew (intermediate) but never used machines in USA. I am planing to buy Janome or Singer. I would like to buy machine which will stitch different types of fabrics from satin – denim, and it will have SOME embroidery functionality for small household decoration. Please suggest. Thanks!

Public Comments

1. I'd suggest you go to www,joann.com and use their store locator button to see if you have a JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts store near you. They somethimes have excellent sales on sewing machines. They carry several different lines, and always have a person there who can explain the different machines to you. Go there and ask. They'll be glad to help.
2. Take the time to visit several stores which sell machines. Let them demonstrate each of the functions you want on the machine. If they offer classes, take them because it will make your sewing experience even better. Also use the proper accessories such as needles and thread.
3. I'd probably buy Janome before Singer, but I'm not terribly fond of either one. Sewing machines are pretty much sewing machines, so I don't anticipate you having much trouble adjusting to a machine sold in the US. In fact, you may find a machine here you're used to working on, just with a different power supply. I'm not sure what you want for "embroidery functionality" -- do you want a combination machine capable of doing computerized embroidery, or do you want decorative stitches like rows of greek keys or such? (You know that any machine is capable of free motion embroidery, right?) Start here: http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm Then here's my standard advice 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 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: Janome (who also does Kenmore). FWIW, my main machine is a midline electronic Viking, about 12 years old, and it's worked flawlessly. I'm glad my husband talked me into it, as it definitely is a big step up from a mechanical machine.
4. I have the Viking Sapphire 830 and it is awesome! It sews like a dream. It is very user friendly. Good Luck, Charisse
5. I have used the Janome 8000 for a number of years and have had good results with it. It has a lot of decorative stitches as well as embroidery. I am now thinking about upgrading and have looked at several The Baby Lock Esante has all the features you are speaking of but it can be a little pricey but I'm finding that "pricey" seems to be a standard on a lot of the machines. So, my suggestion is to go look and test them out. What I'm finding is it all boils down to what you are willing to pay. The Brother Duetta also has all the features you are looking for as well as the Bernina Artista.
6. Well I just purchase a Baby lock, Ellgante2 and it embroidery, quilt and sew and I really like it. Go and check it out a dealer or go to Baby lock.com. It is costly but will be worth it
7. I have a Janome and I just love it. A friend of mine has a Singer and she is ready to throw it out. It is not user friendly at all. Take the time to shop around and see what is out there. They are all different and priced according to needs. Just see what you want and then consider the cost. Marge
8. I looked long and hard for mine and I am quite satisfied with my choice: Brother Innovis 1200. Brother and Babylock are made by the same company, but Brother is less expensive. (Check out the way they look...they are identical, I think the Innovis 1200 is the exact same machine as the Babylock Ellure Plus). Brother is a good deal less expensive with the same functions. Sounds like you know what you want. The 1200 has a great embroidery function to it. If you get Embird with it (the embroidery program) the world is your oyster for hundreds of dollars less. You can make up your own stitches, too. There are oodles of decorative and utility stitches that come with the machine, and three monograms included. I found my Brother to be as tough as my Pfaff, even more rugged! I sew corsets sometimes and that fabric is very tightly woven. The Brother performed like a champ. On light fabrics, it does great. All you have to remember is to use the right needle and you can do anything. I also found that I didn't need the Pfaff IDT with the Brother. I don't have a problem with uneven feeding of fabric. Just don't. So, I am not affiliated with Brother, I am just very pleased with my purchase because it is a durable machine, which can do a blazing amount of different things, and was inexpensive compared to machines of the same caliber. At least it is something to investigate. Best of luck to you. In any case, be sure you get enough machine. It is a delightful thing to go around looking for your dream machine.
9. You want tp stay away from Singer Machines because they went bankrupt couple of years ago and they don't make the machines anymore like in the good old days. I myself has a babylock which I luv it's so user friendly. Just don't get a Singer.