What to look for in a Sewing Machine???

[bleedingheart]

For the past 10 years I have wanted to buy a sewing machine but haven't.

I used to sew before my kids were born but I used my mom's sewing machine.

I don't want to spend a ton of money but does anyone have any ideas or advice on machines.

[NMDemDist2]

1. make sure it has zig zag and the ability to hold a heavy needle

I don't sew much, but when I do it seems I ALWAYS need either a heavy needle or use the zig zag stitches

I bought one 10 years ago and while it admittedly doesn't get much use, I pulled it off the shelf before Xmas, stripped off the plastic bag "dust cover" and it works like a charm.

it's a Brother machine (I know the company and they make very good affordable units)

[bleedingheart]

3. good advice.

I recall that my mom's Singer would choke on heavy fabrics...

[Warpy]

17. Those are the two essentials

The rest depends on what kind of sewing you want to do. If you're going to make coats and outerwear, make sure the machine is sturdy enough (and the presser foot has an ajustment) to handle thick fabrics. If you want to do emboidery, then programmable stitches might be for you. If you do small machine quilts, then a machine that can handle heavy fabric is good. Zigzag stitch is essential for buttonholes and if it's got a button attachment, it's a plus, too.

I ended up with a Brother "Quilter's Friend" because I do mostly plain sewing (top stitching being the height of decorative ambition)and I do make my own coats, jackets, and occasional denim pants.

I did a fake fur coat on an old Singer Featherweight (1920 vintage), but it taxed the poor thing to the limit even after I'd "shaved" the fur off the seam allowances. Hence, the Quilter's Friend, which seems to handle nearly everything I throw under the presser foot.

[cally]

2. My Mom just bought my daughter a sewing machine

I had picked out one that she rejected. She was worried that some of the newer models had strange ways to thread the needle that seemed likely to fail. She wanted a machine that had basic stitches, was simple to use, and had a warranty. Also one that you could oil easily. She's sewn her entire life. I have the machine that she got on her wedding day.

[bleedingheart]

4. what is the difference between a serger and just a sewing machine?

my mom just had a sewing machine....

I loved sewing and for years have gone to my mom's to sew...but it is terribly inconvenient....

[cally]

5. I can ask my Mom tomorrow but

my understanding is that sergers make store like stiches. Look inside some knits and see the stitches. It's like a wrap around the two fabrics instead on the in and out the sewing machines do. My Mom has both. I think you want a sewing machine unless you are more specialized.

[bleedingheart]

6. cool...I was thinking that based on what I read on some other

sites but they look so simple...that I thought..perhaps that is what I need.

[eleny]

7. I purchased a serger last year

It's not an expensive one. A little more complicated to thread but they do make those nice stitches for knits, fleece and such and then cut the excess off at the same time. Take a class from where you buy it and you'll be better off. I didn't do that but plan on taking a class as soon as I can. Spending just a little more from a sewing store may get you good customer service. So, take your time and visit some in your area if you have them. I did that when I bought a regular sewing machine and I'm very happy with the people. They always help me when I need it.

You'll have to purchase different thread for a serger. But it's not necessarily very costly.

[fortyfeetunder]

9. A serger cuts and sews at the same time

A serger is like a sewing machine, but it has two other features --
allows you to trim the fabric and providing a loop stitch for a stronger seam. They are absolutely wonderful when sewing knits and fancy fabrics. Some fancier models will do chain stitching, and additional feet will provide other features.

Here are the details:

The lower end sergers require some mechanical aptitude (and patience) in learning how to thread the machine (loopers and needles) in an exact sequence. The other factor is learning how to tweak the needle and looper tension depending on the fabric. It's not that difficult to do once you get the hang of it.

Once you learn how to serge, it cuts out up to about 50% of your sewing time. I will never buy a swimsuit again once I learned how to serge one. I do mostly craft things but I've made clothes, some warm water diving gear, and household stuff with my sergers.

The higher end models like Babylock will automatically thread the machine, but they are at least $1000. The computerized models are about the same, but you can find good used ones at a sewing machine shop.

Hope this helps!!!

[China_cat]

16. A serger has an overlock

and, for the most part is used with two needles. It also trims the seam as you sew. Great for doing rolled hems, too. Wonderful for materials that ravel badly. For very heavy materials...and, conversely, for the lightest ones, too.

BUT...you cannot do all your sewing on a serger. Since it trims seams, you can't do things like turn corners without cutting your material. You can't topstitch, you can't straight stitch, you can't do buttonholes.

A serger is a nice thing to have. Absolutely essential if you're doing a lot of sewing, sewing funky materials (you can serge the edges before you sew a flat seam), etc. It's an adjunct to the sewing machine, not a replacement.

[Love Bug]

8. A one-step buttonhole function

Most sewing machines nowadays come with zig-zag, straight, double-needle and probably a few fancy stitches. When looking for a new machine, I recommend you find one with a one-step buttonhole function. Most of the low-end machines have a 4-step function, which takes some real practice to make a buttonhole that doesn't look home made. I would also stick with a name brand, like Singer, New Home, Pfaff, etc. because bobbins will be easy to find and other accessories, such as pressure feet, will also be easy to find. Unless you're going to be using the machine A LOT, you really don't need a computerized model, because those are very expensive. You can get a decent machine for $200-300, easy. A serger is a special sewing machine that sews, trims, and overstitches the seams all at the same time. They are very handy (I have one), but can't do things like inserting zippers or making buttonholes, so you really need a sewing machine to use with a serger.

[Longhorn]

10. I've had a Sears Kenmore for nearly 30 years and it still works great.

I've had it cleaned and oiled maybe twice since I got it. I do agree that an automatic buttonhole feature would be nice. Mine uses plastic cams for some decorative stitches but I have rarely used them. I've never had trouble finding accessories that fit it.

Have fun sewing! This discussion makes me want to go look at patterns! :D

[BamaGirl]

11. My Kenmore is 20 years old

Unfortunately it has been in storage a few years and came out needing repairs. Hopefully, I can get it fixed!

[bleedingheart]

12. update

I bought a Viking after reading the info here, I found one that does button holes and a variety of different stitches that I can use to mend and sew.

I have been playing with it all day so far...

[NMDemDist2]

13. FUN!! and congrats....

i'll look forward to pictures of your projects :)

[DemBones DemBones]

14. I like my Viking a lot and think you'll like yours, too.

It's great to be able to wind bobbins without unthreading the machine and I also like the drop-in bobbin feature. Of course I also enjoy having all the decorative stitches and letters available and easy to use.

I also have three OLD Singers, two of them Featherweights, and they are great machines, too, but simpler. Very sturdy.

Happy sewing!

[fortyfeetunder]

15. Have fun

and get creative!