Sewing Machine For Sale

Help me pick a Sewing Machine!?

Hey there! Alright. Im trying to choose a sewing machine that is heavy duty (can sew denim and heavy fabric), reasonably priced, long life time, doesn't break well, and simple to use. I;m planning to use this machine for simple project, altering, and mending. Since Black Friday is around the corner, I'm wondering if any stores around Fullerton, California would have a sale for good sewing machine. I can paid up to around $200. Any suggestion?

Public Comments

1. For $200 you are not going to get a great machine that is going to last a life time. That is a low price for a sewing machine. Try going to a sewing machine dealer and buying a used machine. You may be able to pick up a good machine at a good price. They will also give you free lessons on how to use your machine. Pfaff, Viking and Bernina are 3 brands that are the best. I have had my Viking for 15 years.
2. I have euro- pro denim sewing machine Model 1260DX I paid 125.00 dollars for it two years ago. I ordered it off the internet. the inside of this machine is made out of metal the outside is plastic, I like it you can sew denim and heavy fabric , it uses titan needles they are stronger than other sewing machine needles,but you can also use singer sewing machine needles too phyllis s.
3. The person who said you can't get a good sewing machine for 200 doesn't know what they're talking about. I strongly suggest you don't buy a new sewing machine. Vintage sewing machines (ones made of all metal) are durible and can last a lifetime. Singers, Kenmores, White, Brother, Viking.. are all great brands. I've had my viking since 1986 and my singer for 20 years. But in my opinion, any machine in good condition made of all metal is built to last. Plastic ones are not made to last more then 5 years. Repairing them is impossible and expensive and not worth it. You can get a good vintage metal heavy duty machine off ebay, garage sales, or goodwill stores. I live in Huntington Beach, CA so were practically neighbors. I don't know of any shops around here besides goodwill or salvation army that you can find a decent machine. Ebay is your best bet. Just look for an auction where they describe the features, have good seller feedback, and show pictures of what the machine can sew. Singer 500a or 401 were the best sewing machines in the world in its time. I own a 500a and I would sooner give up my first born then give up tthis machine. You can get one of those off ebay for under 200. Good luck!
4. You won't get a very good NEW machine for $200. As has been said so well, go to a sewing repair shop and pick up one of their trade-ins. You will get a FAR better machine, that has been serviced by professionals.
5. http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm 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 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).