Liss asked:
My friends and I are wanting to design some of our own clothes, but I don’t have a sewing machine, other than my grandma’s that I MIGHT be able to borrow, but it’s ancient, and the controls are SOO confusing. How much would a simple, yet good quality sewing machine be? And where could I find one?
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6 responses so far ↓
1 missnaula // Oct 3, 2009 at 1:08 am
Sewing Machine
You can get a sewing machine for starting as low as $80, but probably closer to $100. Walmart of Sears!!
2 tonymsts // Oct 3, 2009 at 8:30 am
Embroidery Machines
check out Costco.com you can get a aw some computerized machine for under 200.00.
3 bertk // Oct 3, 2009 at 8:40 am
Sewing Machine
If there is a chance you can use your grandma’s sewing machine then go for it! Odds are that her “ancient” machine is made far better than most low- and mid-priced machines out there today. If she lets you borrow it then ask for a lesson in what the controls do. You may find that they are easily understood once explained. (Stitch length, stitch width, and possibly stitch selection are the most likely controls you are seeing.)
If you want to buy a machine I would recommend going to the local stores that sell sewing machines (look in the phone directory or ask at the fabric store) and ask about the machines that have been traded in. You can also check for a Craigslist or Freecycle in your area.
I would much rather have a better quality used machine than a cheap new one.
If there are several of you then maybe you can pool your money for a better machine than you can get on your own. Having a good machine can make all the difference in enjoying the process of designing your own clothes or giving up in frustration.
Sewing is a great way to make your own unique look. Good luck and have fun!
4 lisa z // Oct 5, 2009 at 8:47 am
Embroidery Machines
There are other community sites besides Craigslist and Freecycle that offers things for free, ours is Hand2HandTopekaKansas. I use to use my Mother’s old machine, it was easy to use and took care of the simple craft projects. However, if you’re designing clothes, then you might want to look into taking Serging lessons. The finish on the clothes is like store bought, they don’t have that ‘homemade’ look and the edges don’t unravel. The machine can get really expensive, but it would be worth it if you’re making clothes. Maybe you can get one on lay-a-way, or suggest it for your birthday or Christmas. You might want to try your local Mom-n-Pop repair stores to buy one at a lower cost to you. It’s better to get a 4 spool Serger rather than a 3 spool one. As far as the zipper and buttons, take those to Grandma’s house. You’re going to need her experience anyway, and then she will see how serious you are about sewing and perhaps loan you her machine at times. Happy sewing!
5 kay // Oct 7, 2009 at 1:32 am
sewing machine software
6 Rick // Oct 9, 2009 at 10:01 am
Sewing Machines
Hi, I am a sewing machine tech and collector. I would not advise anyone to buy a cheap plastic machine from any MegaMart type store. especially if you might be sewing denim regularly. There are so many older machines soooo much better for little costs. Take a look at your local Craigslist.org or thrift shop, yard sales etc. and find yourself a machine that is pre-1980. Most of these machines have steel gears and parts that are not about to break from everyday use. Many are fine machines. Vikings, Pfaffs, Elnas and Berninas are examples of higher end machines but Kenmores, Singers and others are probably easier to find. Normally a good used machine where nothing is broken can be found for under $50.00 then just figure in another $50 to $75 to have it thoroughly gone through (cleaned, oiled and adjusted) by a sewing machine repair guy. Most sewing machine dealers have one or just check your Yellow Pages. Usually a technician will always know where or have used machines available or advise you on what to look for. A top of the line used machine from many years ago is so much better (and maybe heavier) than new cheap ones.
And no, a nice used basic sewing machine is not hard to use at all. If you find one without a manual its easy to get a manual by just searching here on line for 10 -15 dollars.
Good luck to you. Now start looking and you will see many good machines.
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