Low-End Sewing Machine Recommendation
#41
There's an important piece of information missing: does your DIL already know how to sew?
If she does, there are plenty of good recommendations in this thread.
But if she doesn't already know how to sew, I think your son should buy her the machine at a shop that includes lessons.
Buying a machine at a big box store or online could turn out to be "Penny wise, pound foolish" if she'll have to pay for lessons. Not to mention some shops don't like to give lessons on a brand of machine they don't carry. There's also service and annual "checkups" to consider.
Do they live close enough for you to give her lessons, if needed?
If she does, there are plenty of good recommendations in this thread.
But if she doesn't already know how to sew, I think your son should buy her the machine at a shop that includes lessons.
Buying a machine at a big box store or online could turn out to be "Penny wise, pound foolish" if she'll have to pay for lessons. Not to mention some shops don't like to give lessons on a brand of machine they don't carry. There's also service and annual "checkups" to consider.
Do they live close enough for you to give her lessons, if needed?
My son wants to get a sewing machine for his wife for her birthday. He asked me for a recommendation and I don't think I can help him. It's been awhile since I've been machine shopping. But I said I knew who would be able to help! QB!
He doesn't want anything fancy and would like to stay in the $100-$300 range. Is that even possible? I guess I'm looking for personal experience with a low-end, reliable machine. I used to have a Kenmore that I loved! But I don't know the quality of them now or even if they're around anymore.
Thank you for your help.
He doesn't want anything fancy and would like to stay in the $100-$300 range. Is that even possible? I guess I'm looking for personal experience with a low-end, reliable machine. I used to have a Kenmore that I loved! But I don't know the quality of them now or even if they're around anymore.
Thank you for your help.
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 559
Because I love to sew and have sewn for many years, I would sew on most any machine that performed well either new or used.
Its difficult to recommend a machine without more information.
if you google sewing machines between $100 to $300 you will probably get many options including eBay and Amazon.
just mentioning it at quilt groups or church friends might turn up a real bargain.
on the plus side of shopping on line...if the machine is not too heavy...it is pure delightful to have it delivered to your door.
Its difficult to recommend a machine without more information.
if you google sewing machines between $100 to $300 you will probably get many options including eBay and Amazon.
just mentioning it at quilt groups or church friends might turn up a real bargain.
on the plus side of shopping on line...if the machine is not too heavy...it is pure delightful to have it delivered to your door.
#44
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Posts: 7,695
He doesn't want anything fancy and would like to stay in the $100-$300 range. Is that even possible? I guess I'm looking for personal experience with a low-end, reliable machine. I used to have a Kenmore that I loved! But I don't know the quality of them now or even if they're around anymore. [QUOTE]
Walmart usually has at least three models of Brother machines. 12 years ago, I bought the mid-range priced one ($150) and have sewed on it for quilts, clothes, dolls, drapes, etc. and it still works just fine. The biggest problem you have with the lower end Brother machines is that they vibrate alot. I stopped the vibration by putting two old mouse pads under it. Nice and quiet. I think I spent abot $10 buy a "walking foot" for machine quilting. Remember to oil as directed, and she should be quite happy. The three levels at Walmart tend to only differ in the number of fancy stitches they do. Mine does not do letters, but she might like that. I have been using Brother machines for many years, because #1. It is a heavy duty workhorse. #2.The users manuals have lots of pictures and are easy to understand and a good way to learn about the machine sewing world. #3. I do alot of sewing on different materials, and would not want to use my big fancy (expensive) quilting machine (also a Brother) to make canvas floor covers, hem jeans, etc. (I spent way too much on it, since it is computerized, to risk sending it to the sewing machine repair shop). Who knows what that would cost!?) If I did send it to the shop, what would I do everyday until it came home? Cry, that is what I would do. Lol! Good luck.
Walmart usually has at least three models of Brother machines. 12 years ago, I bought the mid-range priced one ($150) and have sewed on it for quilts, clothes, dolls, drapes, etc. and it still works just fine. The biggest problem you have with the lower end Brother machines is that they vibrate alot. I stopped the vibration by putting two old mouse pads under it. Nice and quiet. I think I spent abot $10 buy a "walking foot" for machine quilting. Remember to oil as directed, and she should be quite happy. The three levels at Walmart tend to only differ in the number of fancy stitches they do. Mine does not do letters, but she might like that. I have been using Brother machines for many years, because #1. It is a heavy duty workhorse. #2.The users manuals have lots of pictures and are easy to understand and a good way to learn about the machine sewing world. #3. I do alot of sewing on different materials, and would not want to use my big fancy (expensive) quilting machine (also a Brother) to make canvas floor covers, hem jeans, etc. (I spent way too much on it, since it is computerized, to risk sending it to the sewing machine repair shop). Who knows what that would cost!?) If I did send it to the shop, what would I do everyday until it came home? Cry, that is what I would do. Lol! Good luck.
#45
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 8,139
Get a Brother machine. I've had 4 and love them all. After 6 years of hard use, one broke when it fell out of the car while we were traveling - not my happiest moment! The manuals with the Brother machines are wonderful and don't assume that you already know everything there is to know about sewing and sewing machines.
I can't say enough good things about the Brother machines I own.
One hint - if your son can find a sewing machine that cuts the thread, it is worth it. I don't know how I ever sewed without having that feature!
I can't say enough good things about the Brother machines I own.
One hint - if your son can find a sewing machine that cuts the thread, it is worth it. I don't know how I ever sewed without having that feature!
#46
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Tallmadge, OH
Posts: 5,120
#47
My Project Runway Brother that I purchased at my local quilt shop has been a honey of a machine. I paid around $300, if I remember right. It is easy to load the bobbin, easy to set up, the tension self adjusts, and it never needs to be oiled. And it is lightweight enough to carry to any classes I wish to attend. I use it for piecing and it has a 1/4" quilt setting built in. I hand quilt, so did not need a machine heavy enough to handle that. I think it would be a great beginner machine. Have had it for four years now, and never had a problem.
#48
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 3,667
I had a Brother CS6000i, bought it from Amazon, and it's a pretty good lil machine
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Featur...sewing+machine
I then moved up to the Brother PC-420, also bought from Amazon. I was pleasantly surprised at all of the high end features it has for the price. Though it runs about $370. But it has a knee lifter and auto thread cut...two things I'd never had that now I can't imagine not having
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-PC420P...sewing+machine
I've since bought a Janome 7700, as I do a lot of quilting, and it has a large harp.
But I wanted to post about the 2 Brother machines.
Kif
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Featur...sewing+machine
I then moved up to the Brother PC-420, also bought from Amazon. I was pleasantly surprised at all of the high end features it has for the price. Though it runs about $370. But it has a knee lifter and auto thread cut...two things I'd never had that now I can't imagine not having
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-PC420P...sewing+machine
I've since bought a Janome 7700, as I do a lot of quilting, and it has a large harp.
But I wanted to post about the 2 Brother machines.
Kif
#50
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For all the responses! I'm going to summarize what you all suggested and send it off to my son. He's going to be happy to have so much guidance. I so appreciate all the suggestions and comments you all took the time to send
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