I have a Singer sewing machine that I inherited from my mother. She bought it in 1966, and it was considered quite fancy for its time. I’ve been using it a lot lately (I’m recovering a chair and have plans to do more) and its flaws have become quite apparent to me. I’m thinking of getting a new one.
Do you have a sewing machine? What kind? How much was it? Do you recommend it?
Thanks.
I need a new sewing machine too. I want one that I can feed a picture for embroidery.
I don’t sew much. I have one I bought at Joann Fabrics. Do they still sell sewing machines, because, if so, you can go there and give them a whirl.
I saw them there but they have all kinds of machines. I used to have a basic one.
I have four sewing machines–a new Pfaff, a 17 year old Bernina and two Singer Featherweights, one that belonged to my mother and one I found at an estate sale. I also have a serger.
Get the best sewing machine you can afford–and don’t expect them to be cheap. There is a world of difference between a machine you can buy at a discount store for $179 and one that sells for much more. You’re looking for a good motor and flawless mechanics. With new machines, for example, tension problems are pretty much nonexistent. The better your machine works, the more time and effort you can devote to whatever you’re making.
It’s important to think about whether you will want to do a significant amount of embroidery. There is a big difference in price between machines that do hoop embroidery and machines that don’t have that capability. Embroidery is not something I’m particularly interested in so I chose not to spend the money to get it.
@Wellspring, thanks. I have no interest in embroidery. The machine I’m using has a problem with the bobbin about every fifth seam, and it’s getting tiresome. How much should I expect to spend on a good but basic machine? And what brand is considered tippy top??
Which brand is better? My last sewing machine cost either $59 or $179, it last more than 20 years. I think when we moved I gave it away. But I’m willing to pay more, but not sure how much more.
You could first try getting your machine cleaned and tuned up–that would cost, depending on where you are,about $90. Many irritating problems with machines can be addressed with cleaning and tune up. However, many places that offer sewing machine repair send them somewhere else to be fixed so you’re looking at being without a machine for a month or so. If you can find a place that does it on-site the turn around will be faster.
A good solid machine without bells, whistles and embroidery will go for $600-$700, in my opinion. YMMV. I spent considerably more than that but I sew all the time and it’s worth it to me to have good tools. I wouldn’t say one brand is superior to another–they’re all making good machines. The differences are in the capability of the machines and the knowledge of the people selling it to you.
VH…what do you plan to do with this machine? If it’s only straight stitching, that is different than if you want more bells and whistles.
Is there a used sewing machine place near you? There used to be one here which had great refurbished sewing machines.
I had Singer, not sure if I bought at Costco or not, but it’s not worth tuning up. I want more bells and whistles, a play thing. I did do a lot of sewing with the old Singer but not sure how much when I retire. I’m thinking of setting in a small business of sewing pictures of birds and what’s not from my garden, mostly on canvas. Maybe an online shop, who knows?
So that’s the unknown.
There is a tendency, especially among women, to think that we don’t need or deserve the best possible tools to do whatever we are trying to do. I have observed that when men have decided to do whatever, fix the car, build a doghouse, mow the lawn, they will often go out and buy the best possible nail gun, cordless drill, lawn mower. And they hardly ever say, “Well, it cost a lot of money, but it will last me the rest of my life. I’ll never have to buy another whatever it is.” But it’s pretty common to hear women saying that about sewing machines.
If you can afford it, get a good one. Even if you think you just need it for making a specific project, if you have the right tools you may move on to other projects. You’re allowed to have fun sewing, it doesn’t have to all practical.
My mother was a professional seamstress and she swore by Pfaff or Bernina.
Do you have a nearby store that sells sewing machines (usually with vacuum cleaners)? It would help a lot for you to try out the sewing machines. There are tons of good brands (they are expensive) but they all have their own ways of doing things: Viking, Janome, Pfaff, Babylock, Singer, Brother, Bernina
To be honest? I picked my last sewing machine based on how easy I found it to thread and fill the bobbin, rather than the number of stitches or bells and whistles. Unless you really know sewing machines, I wouldn’t just buy online based on features and price. I also say, don’t go cheap. You can usually find used or pre-owned sewing machines at a reasonable price.
I learned to sew at my mother’s knee and was pretty darn good at it. In my early 20s, I made a lot of my clothes. Then I moved up in the world, into a more corporate wardrobe, and I pretty much stopped sewing. Also got too busy, what with full-time work, children, and a long commute. Now that I’m semi-retired, I’ve started reupholstering this chair and did spring for the good staple gun and air compressor, and finally bought a pair of very good fabric shears. I’m remembering how much I enjoy sewing. I can spend two or three hours working on the chair and enjoy the process – but put me in the garden for two or three hours, or give me some carpentry task for two or three hours, and I’m miserable! So I have decided I’m going to continue sewing different projects. There is a This End Up couch and loveseat that need new cushions – no upholstery, just new cushions – that I’m eyeing, and I’m about to make a pillow out of a needlepoint that I finished a year or so ago, and I want to make some toss pillows to match the chair I’m reupholstering, and I also need some nightgowns but can’t find what I want, and one day I hope to have grandbabies I can sew for. So I expect this will continue for a while, and then one of my DILs can get the sewing machine when I’m gone.
ETA: There is a store nearby that sells sewing machines and that, according to their website, also provides free unlimited training on the machine, permits trade-ins of your old machine, and will take back your new machine within 12 months for any reason if it’s not satisfactory. Sounds like a good place to start.
VeryHappy, those old Singers were really built to last. I would strongly consider taking the machine in to be repaired, cleaned, lubricated. The problem you are having is VERY likely fixable. Seems much more sensible than spending megabucks on a new machine, especially since you aren’t interested in embroidery and all that fancy computerized stuff.
@momcat2 has a very good point. I have a 65 year old 301A Singer and it’s been my workhorse for 35 years. I got a newer machine five years ago because I wanted the zigzag stitch. I stayed with a mechanical sewing machines instead of a computerized one.
I have a babylock. Absolutely love it. I forgot how much I paid for it but it wasn’t expensive.
I sew everything when I had time, almost like @very happy.
In the past, I made curtains, slipcovers, dining seat covers, clothes for sure.i want to take up quilting but I need to find a way to sell them otherwise I don’t have storage for them.
Fixing your old machine or buying a used machine are both good options. I’m just saying if you have an interest in sewing and you enjoy it and can afford it, it’s okay to buy a new high quality machine. It really is. You don’t have to rationalize it or justify it, just enjoy it.
I agree that buying from a dealer that offers ongoing one on one support is the way to go.
My Pfaff has three lights instead of one. It has an automatic needle threader. It lock stitches and cuts the thread automatically. It warns me when the bobbin is about to run out. If I lift the presser foot to check on my stitching, it automatically lowers it when I start to sew again. It picks up the bobbin thread automatically. All of these are gifts that keep on giving.
Veryhappy, as a quick fix you might try changing your needle.
I need something that helps me with old age eyesight, just like my Ford Explorer helps with rear view camera for backing out and infrared sensor for blind spots, so I can focus on driving.