Sewing Machine For Sale

what kind of sewing machine should you buy for someone who has never used one?

My sister wants a sewing machine for her b-day. She has never used one before and I am not sure what to get..I wanted to stay at or around $100.00 is it worth it to get one that cheap or would a gift cert. be a better option?

Public Comments

1. Whatever you decide, get a machine or a certificate at a place that offers free classes on how to use your new machine.
2. It/they may cost a little more than $100 but Sears, and Singer machines are good. They have a variety from beginner to professionals. One source for info is go to your local high school and speak to a Home Economic teacher. Another good source would be a Sewing machine repair shop. They would have used/rebuilt ones cheap. Or visit your local second hand/used stores. In the second hand stores where people donate them for tax they often work fine. You could try it out there first and/or take it to a repair shop and often they will check it out for free and advise you. Even if it needs some work done on it often it is only a matter of cleaning/oiling and minor adjustments. At one time I developed a business of "Fixing" machines and all they needed was oiling and adjustments.I have picked up many working for a moving company and people would just give/throw them away. They would be perfectly good working machines. But the fact that she has never used one makes no difference because she can buy a basic sewing book to learn on or often the high school, adult centers, and material stores have beginner classes.
3. Sears and White each make an easy-to-use machine, perfect for a beginner. Some stores offer classes and if it is possible, taking a beginner's class will set your sister up for a positive sewing experience. There are a lot of groups on the Internet for all levels of sewers, including beginners, that can help answer questions as a problem occurs. Giving your sister a gift certificate would give her the option to choose the machine that she wants. She might opt for a little bit better machine to allow her to grow into it.