First Sewing machine

[Fitzriley]

I am looking to buy my 10 year old daughter her first sewing machine for Christmas. I have not sewn in years, but think I can show her how to pin and cut a basic pattern and put together a few simple items. She is fairly creative and would love to learn to sew. I am looking at Sears for a Singer. Does anyone have any tips for me on features I must have and those we can live without? It looks like I can get a pretty good machine for under $200 with all the sales going on. Drop in bobbins and easy threading needles are fairly standard. Not sure about the rest.

Thanks all you sewers!

Joan

 

[cissy]

The only thing I might add would be a buttonhole attachment if it's not included. Some machines come with a number of decorative stitch attachments, but I personally think they are not worth having.

Whatever you get, I'm sure she'll have lots of fun.

 

[SueDonJ]

I've been sewing for a long, long time and am fortunate enough to be able to work out of my home now on bridal fashions.

The first suggestion for a new seamstress (sewers are where the nasty water lives!) is to stay away from any machine that's advertised as perfect for new beginners. Sounds crazy, sure, but a good basic machine can last at least ten years and your daughter should be able to expand her skills over time without worrying about outgrowing the machine. Those "beginner" machines are inexpensive for a reason.

For a different reason, stay away from the most-expensive models, too. They're a marketer's dream, a seamstresses nightmare. They're priced as they are because of the multitude of features, most of which go unused by even the most experienced seamstresses. A fairly recent trend by the companies is to incorporate intricate embroidery features, but I don't recommend those machines either. The basic zigzag stitches should cover any embroidery embellishments; any more detailed work really requires a dedicated embroidery machine. Same thing with sewing machines that incorporate serger/overlock capability, it's simply too many features that don't work correctly; if she becomes proficient you can consider investing in a dedicated serger/overlock machine 3 or 4 years down the road.

You'll want these features: a straight stitch with easy shortening/lengthening, 4-7 different zigzag stitches with easy stitch-widening and -lengthening for both knit fabrics and embellishment, at least 2 buttonhole options for different weight fabrics, an automatic tension that can be manually adjusted, and several presser feet attachments for inserting different types of zippers and guiding different fabrics. I can't think of any machine line which doesn't offer all of these.

Singer used to be my favorite line when there were independent dealers, but not anymore. I found when I went looking to replace my machine last spring that the bodies of the new models are just too haphazardly put together and some of the parts that should be metal are now plastic. I searched around and ultimately bought a Husqvarna Viking model because of the machine's durability and the company's good name - the warranty and repair services are almost an extension of the machine itself. Also, you should consider the ease of acquiring accessories and replacement items (needles, presser feet, belts, etc.) - the machine is no good at all if it's sitting on the table with a broken needle and you don't know where to find one.

Ah, I'm writing a book, sorry. The last suggestion I have is, research your local fabric stores (not chains) and consider a gift certificate to one of them for your daughter. Then take her there after Christmas so that she can sit at the different models and get a feel for which one fits her best. The sales staff (if they're interested in educating a seamstress and not only the dollar) should provide invaluable advice and direct you and your daughter to a machine that will give her years of pleasure. Once you purchase the machine, the local shop will most likely offer classroom instruction - take them up on whatever they offer.

If you find that the only machines which will fit your budget are those you can find in Sears or Walmart, etc. at Christmas sale prices, I'd go with a Brother model before a Singer. If the choice is $200 or no machine, I'd take the machine and a good instruction book every time! It's a dying art and I love to see little girls become enthusiastic about it.

 

[Fitzriley]

Susan,

Thanks so much for the education. That was a terrific response with a lot of really great information. I will print your response and take it with me shopping to the nearest fabric store!

 

[Emily]

My husband buys commercials machines for his business (contract embroiderer 20 yrs). When I needed a straight stitch and a serger, he bought both New Home (previously Janome) machines. I've had them for several years and they are wonderful. There is a huge difference between these machines and the machine that I grew up with and the one I owned previously.

Now that my older girls are married and making dresses/crafts, they have New Home machines as well and use them often.

You may have a local store in your area that carries them so you and your daughter can try before you buy.

 

[MuranoJo]

Agree, get a good starter model without too many bells & whistles. I have to tell ya, though, I absolutely love my older serger and wouldn't settle for the so-called 'serger-type' stitches on sewing machines. For someone who wants to work with knits, sports clothes like fleece, and at the same time roll a hem on a delicate fabric, it is a wonderful solution. But I really think you need both machines.

Serging can handle most everything but bust darts and tight places very effectively if you know the tricks, but you still need a good, solid back-up sewing machine for those tight spaces and quick repairs, buttonholes, etc. Plus, serging offers many very creative techniques.

I'd get her a solid mid-level machine and go from there. BTW, I own Bernina sewing and serging machines, plus a Brother sewing machine.

 

[bobby]

Try a used machine from Craigslist for less money. You could actually test a local seller's machine. Upgrade if she becomes a sewer. Locally I find no where to buy material except stores that converted to craft/quilting shops, and I like to see/feel fabric so sending for many samples by mail order would be tiresome. When you add in the cost of patterns, zippers, thread, buttons and materials, it is hard to beat sale clothing at stores. I mostly used my 30 year old machine for mending or pot holders, aprons, etc., but not garments anymore. (No grandkids yet.)

 

[SueDonJ]

My husband buys commercials machines for his business (contract embroiderer 20 yrs). When I needed a straight stitch and a serger, he bought both New Home (previously Janome) machines. I've had them for several years and they are wonderful. There is a huge difference between these machines and the machine that I grew up with and the one I owned previously.

Now that my older girls are married and making dresses/crafts, they have New Home machines as well and use them often.

You may have a local store in your area that carries them so you and your daughter can try before you buy.

New Home is another good product, two of my sisters converted from Singers years ago.

Did your husband bring home industrial machines for you, Emily? They are absolute workhorses for things like drapery and upholstery sewing.

 

[northwoodsgal]

I would be inclined to go the Craigslist route too. It isn't as exciting as buying one from the store but you should be able to get more value for the dollar. If she really takes to sewing, she can pick out a new machine in a few years. It's amazing how emotionally attached we can get to our machines.

I've owned a Viking sewing machine for 25 years and have been happy with it. I don't sew as much as I use to but, now that my kids are older, should be able to do more with it. I don't have a serger yet and was hoping to buy one this Christmas. I've been looking at Pfaff and Viking machines. A basic 4 thread model can be had for about $400. Any thoughts on whether I should just spend a little more and get a 5 thread machine instead?

 

[SueDonJ]

Agree, get a good starter model without too many bells & whistles. I have to tell ya, though, I absolutely love my older serger and wouldn't settle for the so-called 'serger-type' stitches on sewing machines. For someone who wants to work with knits, sports clothes like fleece, and at the same time roll a hem on a delicate fabric, it is a wonderful solution. But I really think you need both machines.

Serging can handle most everything but bust darts and tight places very effectively if you know the tricks, but you still need a good, solid back-up sewing machine for those tight spaces and quick repairs, buttonholes, etc. Plus, serging offers many very creative techniques.

I'd get her a solid mid-level machine and go from there. BTW, I own Bernina sewing and serging machines, plus a Brother sewing machine.

Yep, Bernina is another good name!

Sergers are wonderful, as are blind-hemmers. But I think a beginner who is investing in only one machine should start with a sewing machine that doesn't have those added (inferior to the dedicated machines) features, learn the basics of construction and technique, and then add new machines as the skills develop.

 

[SueDonJ]

Try a used machine from Craigslist for less money. You could actually test a local seller's machine. Upgrade if she becomes a sewer. Locally I find no where to buy material except stores that converted to craft/quilting shops, and I like to see/feel fabric so sending for many samples by mail order would be tiresome. When you add in the cost of patterns, zippers, thread, buttons and materials, it is hard to beat sale clothing at stores. I mostly used my 30 year old machine for mending or pot holders, aprons, etc., but not garments anymore. (No grandkids yet.)

The only reason I'd shy away from a used machine is because warranties and service plans don't transfer to a new owner. Learning to use a new machine can be very frustrating especially for a beginner; it's nice to know that the dealer can expertly correct things like jammed bobbins and offset tensions. I've seen a lot of people simply walk away from the effort much too soon.

I agree completely, Bobby, sewing sure isn't the bargain that it used to be. Between the price increases, the favorite local fabric shop closings and the chain stores moving away from clothing construction and toward craft items, I wonder about the future for us seamstresses. Like you say, the mail-order and online sources require patience for dealing with swatches and other samples.

<edited>
Let me add, though, so that we don't discourage a beginner before she even starts, the chain stores (like JoAnn's) do stock enough of a basic fabric variety to suit most seamstress' needs. And when you develop a need for specialty items, like bridal satins or beads for example, the few months time invested in finding a reputable mail-order or online source and inspecting their swatch offerings will be well worth it.

 

[SueDonJ]

... I've owned a Viking sewing machine for 25 years and have been happy with it. I don't sew as much as I use to but, now that my kids are older, should be able to do more with it. I don't have a serger yet and was hoping to buy one this Christmas. I've been looking at Pfaff and Viking machines. A basic 4 thread model can be had for about $400. Any thoughts on whether I should just spend a little more and get a 5 thread machine instead?

I've always used 3/4-convertible thread Kenmore models which suit all of my purposes for garment construction and craft items, so each time one wears out (about every 8 years, I find) I replace it with a similar model. It's so convenient to order needles and knives directly from the Sears that's five minutes away! But the 5-thread models offer much more in the way of embellishment, don't they? I think sitting down for a demonstration of each might be in order, then you can decide according to your needs.

 

[SueDonJ]

Susan,

Thanks so much for the education. That was a terrific response with a lot of really great information. I will print your response and take it with me shopping to the nearest fabric store!

You're welcome. It looks like between all of us we agree that Singer isn't what it used to be, but you should have no problem finding something to fit your budget among any of the model lines mentioned in this thread. Happy hunting!

 

[Sandy VDH]

BTW, I own Bernina sewing and serging machines, plus a Brother sewing machine.

I would second Bernina as a great machine. But usually on the higher end of prices. My mother is a seamstress and finally retired her 55 year old Bernina and replaced it with her backup portable 20 year old Bernina. This is from someone who used to sew 5 - 6 days a week. Finally at 83 she has slowed down but still sews about once a week.

My mom loves her serger as well.

 

[BarCol]

Bernina - all the way

Another vote for the Bernina machines - an older machine would be my preference via either Craigslist or Ebay - I would look for models like the 1005 or 1000 - good basic entry level machines - but the key are the Bernina feet - which make life so much easier. The only other thing I would add is make sure there is a dealer near you that services the machine if possible - in my experience (seamstress for many years, former fabric store owner and teacher of ski and outerwear construction, and just finished supporting the local high school production of Kiss me Kate) a local dealer you can call and who will service the machine is terrific.

 

[Fitzriley]

All great answers, I will check and see what is out there on Craig's list. I do remember when I was sewing as a teenager you could buy patterns and material at Caldor's or the local fabric store, They are all gone now so the next step will be to locate that stuff.

Okay, from a novice, what is a serger?

 

[Patri]

I got my first sewing machine in 1977 as a college graduation present. Still have it. It works great. Maybe the newer models aren't as hardy, but I have no reason to get a replacement.
I wonder how people function without a sewing machine. Pay someone for simple repairs or throw out the clothes?

 

[MuranoJo]

All great answers, I will check and see what is out there on Craig's list. I do remember when I was sewing as a teenager you could buy patterns and material at Caldor's or the local fabric store, They are all gone now so the next step will be to locate that stuff.

Okay, from a novice, what is a serger?

Here's the best way I can explain this late just before a holiday. :rofl:

What are you wearing? I would bet in 90% of viewers, if you turn your shirt sleeve inside out at the cuff and look closely along the seam going up your arm, you will see a very nice, professionally closed seam, with threads wrapping around all the seams. If you see nice finished seams, with threads wrapping around the exterior fabric of the seams, those are serged seams. Serging is a machine process of cutting and wrapping seams in one swoop. It really neatens up finished seams and makes them professional and clean, like ready-to-wear. Plus it is FAST. Once you get the gist, you can whip out projects pronto and they look as professional as store-purchased items. A few winters ago for Xmas, I made bathrobes for my sister's entire family with fleece--never used the sewing machine--it was a fast and fabulous gift.

This is so hard to describe, but you should just go into a sewing machine shop over the holidays and have them give you a demo...you will become addicted. I have made some incredible, very creative home decor items that were just a blast to make and probably should have won some sort of creative stitchery award for how they turned out. As sewing, it is/can be a very creative outlet.