Sewing Machine For Sale

Any suggestions for simple and affordable sewing machines?

I've been wanting to do some sewing again. When I started years ago I used my grandmothers ancient sewing machine. I need suggestions for a good and affordable sewing machine that isn't to hard to use and doesn't require lots of special knowledge or take forever to get the hang of.

Public Comments

1. a Janome 3125 is what I use..it was about $70-80. I didn't read the book and it's my first new machine to own and it's pretty self-explanatory. I got it at Hancock Fabrics. They sell Brothers at Wal-mart that are about $60-70 that I have heard are pretty good machines for starters.
2. There's an old programming maxim: "Good - Fast - Cheap. Pick any two." You'll run into the same issues with sewing machines, too. Here's my standard beginner sewing machine rant... you sound like you're actually more of an intermediate sewing level, so if you were my friend and I was going machine shopping with you, I'd be urging you to try some of the midlevel electronic machines that I know to be sturdy and pretty carefree --- even as used machines. 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, if new and bargain was my choice: Janome (who also does Kenmore).