Recommend a good entry level sewing machine

[Great-Kazoo]

With some time on my hands and having clothing that will be needing alteration. Figure there's no time like now to learn on a machine. My hand sewing while nothing to write home about gets me by.

It's time to step up to a progressive press, so to speak, of the sewing world. Not looking to break the bank. Just an entry level unit to get my foot wet.

[Irving]

I use a Brother JX2517 from Walmart. It was $100 something. Great machine to get you going and should handle all your standard clothing requirements. Comes with a few bobbins, with more easily available at every fabric store; and the employees usually know which ones you need. Comes with a button hole, zig-zag, and one other foot. That bag I showed I made required sewing through more than one layer of the heaviest denim I could find at Hobby Lobby, AND a plastic backing at the same time. All I did was switch to a jeans needle.

That Brother machine is new enough and common enough that you can type the name into Youtube and find tutorials on how to wind and load bobbins, thread the needle, adjust tension, etc. It comes with instructions and an dish as well.

A sewing machine is like a press in that the functions are relatively universal. Once you get set up, if you decide to try a pattern to make some clothing, you can sometimes find a tutorial of that same pattern, and usually one of that same style.

Videos are key to learn how to assemble stuff the first time because you have to do it inside out.

[TheGrey]

If you are near any thrift stores, you can get a decent sewing machine for @$20.00. The metal ones (old Sears, Kenmore, Singers, etc) are the best.

Otherwise, I have had the most success with my Singer Curvy, which was about $100.00. You can get Singer-compatible products pretty cheap from Amazon. My Curvy sews easily through six layers of canvas without any problem.

Lots of handy Youtube videos, no matter which brand you go with.

[Great-Kazoo]

buy a used industrial machine off craigslist for $300 or less. You will be much happier. It will sew many layers of fabric. Chap thickness of leather etc. And be on a table so you can be organized and do it right. send me a link before you buy if you arent sure, many people think their machine is industrial just because its says it is. Im going to sell one soon, or I may keep it as a back up.

look for something like this. (not mine, but it will sew whatever you need)
http://denver.craigslist.org/for/5555721373.html

If you are near any thrift stores, you can get a decent sewing machine for @$20.00. The metal ones (old Sears, Kenmore, Singers, etc) are the best.

Otherwise, I have had the most success with my Singer Curvy, which was about $100.00. You can get Singer-compatible products pretty cheap from Amazon. My Curvy sews easily through six layers of canvas without any problem.

Lots of handy Youtube videos, no matter which brand you go with.

Between your post i'm leaning towards one of these. More so due to them having paperwork. I'm a sucker for documentation.
Choice between the two?

http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/fuo/5552419037.html

http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/app/5539790668.html

[Irving]

Just because it is old, doesn't mean it is good. I have an old Singer that looks just like those in the Craigslist photos, but it has nylon gears and I can't get the zig zag stitch to work.

[Great-Kazoo]

Just because it is old, doesn't mean it is good. I have an old Singer that looks just like those in the Craigslist photos, but it has nylon gears and I can't get the zig zag stitch to work.

Looser Error ?


Stu, for you anything before 2001 is old.

[Duman]

Juki

[gnihcraes]

Juki

yep. profession stuff ^ my neighbor makes all kinds of stuff with it. (auto/upholstery) Might be overkill for clothing though.

[Erni]

As Irv said, if it has teflon gears it will wear out, or they will crack. If buying used take some jeans fabric and fresh needles and run it to see if it hickups.
An industrial or heavy duty older machine will be the ticket. Harder to learn on with a clutch motor but can run large needles nad handle heavy fabric.

Here is one on CL
http://denver.craigslist.org/for/5552761672.html

Also heard that the new Singer Heavy Duty machines are ok, but can't vouch.

[Irving]

Here's mine.



I'm going to go against Chris on having a machine built into a table. That is ideal if you have a dedicated sewing room/area; and those machines are certainly better. However, just for learning and the occasional project or repair, a light weight machine that is easy to move and store away will serve you better. You could buy a nice beginner Brother or Singer, then make some money back selling it if you ever decide to jump in with both feet and get the big machine.