I have been wanting to purchase a sewing machine so that I can make simple play clothes for my dd. I am a novice sewer (my mother was a seamstress). Anyone have recommendations on what I should look for as far as features and cost?
Thank you much!
I see you're in Arlington Heights, but you might consider a trip into the city to the Singer outlet on Irving Park Road - just west of Cicero. I've never been in, but drive by it all the time and I believe they have a big inventory. Plus, they give sewing lessons. I'm almost positive it's Singer...but you could probably google "sewing outlet irving park road" and find it. Good luck!
L.,
Chicago
I would suggest a Viking, Pfaff, Bernina or Elna. Like the other poster said, a used one is a good idea (so long as it is a good brand). I have a top-of-the-line Elna that I got in 1981, and it has sewn beautifully for all these years.
Hi there - I'd really suggest buying a decent used machine - brand names like Pfaff, Elna, etc. The salesperson where I went - Suburban Sew & Vac in Lisle told me some women trade in their machines every year just to get the "new" model.
Linda Z's in Arlington Heights is a HUGE sewing store (sells new & used) and has a super knowledgeable staff. They'll let you "test" sew on their many floor models. I think a couple times of year, there are Sewing Expos that afterwards you can buy the machines used in classes for a really good discount.
When I first started sewing, I purchased a cheap ($199?) machine figuring all I was doing was sewing a straight line (I do/did quilting) so I certainly didn't need an expensive machine with lots of fancy buttons, etc. My experience was that I spent more time fiddling with the darn machine trying to get the tension set up correctly than I ever did sewing!
My next machine was a new Pfaff (about $799 - didn't know about used machines!) that was a dream, set the tension automatically - sewed smooth as a dream and a workhorse on all kinds of fabrics from sheers to upholstry (I now make leather throw pillows!). That machine is currently on loan to my stepmother who is quilting her heart out on it. I had a bug to do machine embroidery so I splurged on a used Brother sewing/embroidery that I now use when I can!
I'm rambling, but if you have any questions I can answer, let me know!
J.
I have a new machine I purchased many years ago...i don't know how to use it...I would be more than willing to sell it to you..It's not a major brand..I bought it at Aldi some time ago but I was unable to get it to work since I have no clue what i was doing. Let me know if you might be intrested
I would start with a simple sewing machine. I have been sewing since I was 9 years old. My mother and grandmother helped me on sewing. I had my first machine at nine it was a very simple machine. zig-zag, and great button holes. A machine like this should cost about $100.00 dollars. Once you really start sewing
maybe get yourself a serger!!!!
I have a Brother PS-2200 machine which I love. I would recommend since you are in Arlington Heights to go to Linda Z's sewing center (I believe in Mt Prospect)or Harlem Sewing Center (Harlem/Irving in Chicago. The staff will be able to help you pick out a model that will fit what you want it to do. I would suggest getting a model that does button holes.
S.
My thought too was Linda Z. They are very nice and knowledgeable. Another idea would be to go to Joann Fabrics in A.H. They have a whole department. I am sure you can test the machines there as well. Try both places, ask questions, use the machines, etc.
I'm not too familiar with some of the machine recommendations that have been mentioned (the Elna for instance), but the Viking and I believe the Bernina, can be quite costly. Just my opinion, but because you're a novice, don't spend ALOT of money. Do you know if you even LIKE to sew??? Brothers are very good machines for the money you spend, and I've had some very good Whites as well.
From my own experience, however, test the weight of the machines that you are considering. When I went to buy my first machine many years ago, all I was looking for was cost. I bought a very light-weight machine, and it hopped all over my sewing table. So... make sure it's heavy enough not to hop! But then, there are also some non-skid pads out there that may have helped with that.
i have a genome and i love it. i am a novice sewer too. mine is an older machine from my mom. but it is great!
I bought a Viking at JoAnn Fabrics in Arlington Heights. It was the Madison machine and it is simple but does what I need it to do. The Viking salespeople are very knowledgeable there and they can direct you to the best machine. Good luck!
