Good Sewing Machines ?

[jfitzflynn]

I have some beginning/intermediate experience in costuming (Jedi garb mostly) and I am looking to move into Trek Uniforms using patterns which means I need to get a sewing machine. The thing is, I'm not sure what kind to get. Any advice? My price range is between $150 and $300.

I'm not really well trained on a sewing machine but I have used them a lot in the past. So i want one that's fairly easy to use, durable, but not too fancy (I don't think I need it to hook up to my computer or anything).

Thanks guys, I really appreciate any advice you have.

Joe

 

[Fetthunter]

I use a Singer that I bought at Walmart in 2002 for $168. It does everything you'd expect a sewing machine to do, plus has a free arm, button hole function, and can do 24 types of stitches. Cheap enough, name brand, and easy to get parts for (light bulbs, needles, etc.). thumbsup

Some time back I was making and selling Boba Fett capes, Boba, Biker Scout, and Snowtrooper hip pouches, Boba spats, and other various costume parts here in the Junkyard and on TDH. All of those items were sewn with that Singer mentioned above.


Good luck!

 

[jadedskies]

I have a Kenmore basic model that I absolutely love. After 10 years of being beaten and abused, nothing has ever broken.

I also have the Viking Designer I, a Brother 2002D which are high end embroidery-sewing machines ($2000-8000 machines) but I have to say that my $225 Sears Kenmore model is what I use most. I raspberry computer electronics sometimes; I love my machines, but when you spend more time screwing around with the darned thing, the basic is the bestest!

I hope I havent scared you. Basic machines are the bomb. Walmart and even your fabric stores carry the basics. But like Fetthunter said, find one you can easily find parts for (bulbs, needles, thread!)

Jen

 

[Darth Mule]

I agree that basic is the best, although my basic machine is an all mechanical bernina that I paid $700.00 for.

My suggestion is to look into older model sewing machines. Look on craigslist or your local classified ads. Try to find an older, all or mostly metal model. Singer was great when they were metal, not so much anymore. You couldn't pay me to take one. Same with Kenmore. When they were metal they were good, now that they're plastic, they aren't.

Second hand also gives you opportunities to find great deals on some of the higher end machines like Viking, Pfaff, or Bernina (although if you do find an older metal singer, you're doing really well).

Something else to look for is stitch variety. You want your machine to do buttonholes of course. Outside of that, you pretty much just need a straight stitch and a zig-zag with adjustable length and width. No need for 24 different types of stitches. You'll never use them. I don't and I'm a professional costumer.

I would also point out that unless you have an industrial machine, finding thread, needles, and bulbs shouldn't be a problem. Only certain machines like Singer use specialized needles that only work in that model. Many of them use the universal needles. You won;t have a problem finding either. As for thread, it's pretty much interchangeable.

If you do go second hand, remember that it would be a good idea to take it in for servicing immediately after purchase. Just for preventative maintenance.

Of course, not to knock Fetthunter's machine or anything. If you don't sew heavily, and don't plan to, these are fine alternatives and some models are probably better than others (the newer singer I had was junk). The Cheapo Brothers are highly recommended for a knockaround machine in professional circles.

 

[Guri]

I have had a few machines over the years... My Bernina Bernette has served me well, but I also love my new Tailor.

The Tailor I love because it is so easy to thread, especially the bobbin! It is a brand used by schools in home economics and was built for ease of use. It can sew through vinyl and leather with little problem - where as my Bernetta tends to break needles if I go through too much fabric.

For beginners, I'd go to a place where they sell machines and ask for a sewing class quality that is easy to thread. They are built to stand a lot of sewing by people who don't know what they are doing and will be very rough on the machines.

 

[DaddyfromNaboo]

... It can sew through vinyl and leather with little problem - where as my Bernetta tends to break needles if I go through too much fabric.
...

Something that really drives me mad about the cheap machine I have to use at the moment.
My (mom´s) old singer tends to tear the thread when I want to use thicker material, plus I can´t get a teflon foot for it because it´s too old.

I really recommend buying a brand model, nothing too fancy, but with a wide range of accessories available.

Michael

 

[Cleverlilminx]

I'll echo some of what Darth Mule said, maybe a used high end machine might be a good idea. I started sewing with a cheap $100 Brother sewing machine from Walmart and it was horrible. I had nothing but problems with that machine. I upgraded to a Bernina Activa 131 and I tell you the difference between a good machine and a bad machine is like night and day.

Craig's List is also a good place to start looking for used machines.

If you really want a new machine, go to a store that offers sewing lessons with the purchase of a new machine. You'll get free lessons on how to use your machine and that is always a good thing.

 

[Drago Lordist]

I've got a Singer: Quantum XL-100 from the early 90's that has served me faithfully for around 15 years. if you can find one on ebay in good condition, I would recommend it.

 

[Darth Mule]

Another good place to look for machines is at thrift stores. We have a local christian thrift store that is overflowing with nice, old, all-metal models of sewing machines. Most come with their own table (not industrial, but the old school, mounted in a table domestics).

 

[vaderdarth]

Still got a Kenmore which I've used for over 16 years. Still works like it's new.

 

[twistedxknights]

I myself been looking at sewing machines lately and have found that the singer commercial grade ones can do all if not most of what u need for costuming and is able to handle multiple layers of "bottom weight" fabric.