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[bender]

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[I'm a red panda]

Personally, no. That is a piece of junk in my experience helping others. The tension is difficult to manage, and hemming heavy fabric will be difficult (jeans extremely hard!)

Joann's has a good deal on a brother Cs6000i which is a good starter machine. Jeans will still be hard, but not impossible.

[deborah]

Depends upon what you want to do. This would be an OK machine for someone who doesn't want to do anything but light stuff - jeans would be stretching it. I like some of the features, but it has a very small free arm length, so you would be struggling sewing anything that was big and bulky. I would recommend a secondhand machine, that comes with a warranty, and lessons from a real person. A sewing machine shop that willingly gives assistance to budding sewers is the main difference between people who sew and those who don't.

[Linea_Norway]

We were once given a small and old sewing machine from the 70-ies with orange flower decorations on it. It works very well and gives a lot less problems than my mother in law's new sewing machine. So maybe buying a very old second hand could be a cheap and smart option.

[Playing with Fire UK]

I'm a novice and I have a machine that didn't get great reviews. It is awesome.

For my level of skill, having ANY machine is so much better than having NO machine. To be able to sew quickly in neat even stitches (relative to my hand sewing) makes a huge difference. I can't do denim or leather or a really thick jacket, but I don't need to (I can fix jeans by hand if needed). If you can can sew on a button and follow a diagram and control a car with a gas pedal then you will be able to use a sewing machine.

For hemming pants then you will want either a hemming stitch or a zigzag stitch, and a good youtube video. For unraveled seams, take the clothes off as soon as possible after you notice the seam has gone, and sew further up than you think you need.

If you don't know how much you'll use it, I'd buy for price primarily. If you know someone who is upgrading to a better machine or can find a second hand one then great.

Also I've found that using bulldog clips is far quicker and better than pinning or tacking fabric before you put it onto the machine. Avoid massive packs of 100 different cottons on amazon or cheap stores; I bought one from a pound shop for an emergency repair when I was travelling (I'd do this again) and have been bought two by well meaning friends. The cotton isn't woven properly so the tension of the machine (and tension of hand sewing) will break it, repeatedly, and I will swear, and reload, and it will break again, and then I will throw them all away, and swear, and go and buy some proper thread.

I'm not a creative person, I mostly use sewing to fix or improve my existing clothes, I rarely do anything from scratch, so my machine will spend months in the cupboard between uses. It wouldn't have been worth it for me to spend more on an expensive machine.

@Linda Norway - I'm jealous, those are beautiful machines!

[Stashing Swiss-style]

I've been toying with the same idea.  I'm hopeless of sewing, apart from buttons, but, seriously, I need to up my game.  The curtains in the kids' playroom have no hem at all, I just cut the material and left it..... The curtains in the study are too long.... I have a small heap of clothes with seams that need attention..... I will look for a second hand one I think.

[pbkmaine]

I have had one similar to this for 4 years:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-17-Stitch-Sewing-Machine-JX2517/26805131

It works fine to sew curtains, pillows and tablecloths. Very lightweight and easy to get out and put away.

[Frankies Girl]

I learned to sew in my college's theater costume shop, and am on my second machine (first one fell off the table and was damaged too badly to fix). I bought it at Target in the actual store for $70 about 6 years ago (this seems to be exactly like mine). It is a Singer, has like 20-something stitch settings (I use maybe 4, but really just two consistently - straight stitch and zig zag) and is perfectly fine for anything I could possibly think of to use it for.

If you're just starting out, any basic sewing machine (think under $100) will work perfectly well. You want to check the reviews for the two biggies: simple, basic settings and easy to use. More features are not better when you're a beginner, it just ends up making you feel kind of confused (at least it did with me). My particular machine has a fiddly bobbin threading procedure, so I keep the quick start guide under the machine just in case I need to refer to it.

Basic hems are super easy to master with a little practice (scrap fabric and a seam ripper are essential purchases if you don't already have - practice and the ability to rip out the stitching if you make a mistake is pretty important). Sewing things together to make stuff, just a little more time and careful reading of patterns/instructions. I swear I learned how to use the sewing machine in like a day with an expert showing me how, so it might help to find someone that knows how to sew to show you some basics (there are classes sometimes - check at JoAnns for instance).


If you do buy stuff (fabric or notions) from JoAnns, then check for coupons. They run them ALL THE TIME and even have an app, and they also used to take competitor coupons (Michaels/Hobby Lobby). And they also take JoAnns coupons too. I have all their apps on my phone so I never purchase fabric and stuff for less than 20% off. ;)

[Cranky]

Sewing machine advice is hard, because good sewing machines are expensive, but you don't know if you will like sewing until after you've got a machine.

Generally, very inexpensive machines don't hold up well, but some do. I've got two inexpensive machines that I ordered out of the Nasco catalog for my classroom, and we've used them several years. One of them stopped working and I replaced the foot pedal assembly with a generic one, and it's chugged along every since. We're not doing anything too complicated with those machines, and they have been just fine.

But my own machine was a lot more expensive, and it was an investment. (My previous machine was a handmedown from a friend who upgraded.)

So I'd say it's fine to start with a machine like that, and then if you want to upgrade, look at used machines.

[Spork]

Warning: I don't sew, but my wife and most of her friends do.  Outside of highly specialized machines for quilting/surging... most of them have machines from the 1960s/1970s they've bought for damn near nothing on craigslist or found at estate sales.  These are bullet proof old machines that often come in a nice cabinet for $50-80.  They might need a tune up... so you'll either have to google how to do that or pay a little to have a shop look at it.

[NV Teacher]

I sew a lot. You will get a much much better machine if you watch yard sales, Craig's List, or thrift stores for an older model.  The new inexpensive machines are mostly junky plastic.  Older machines tend to be all metal and will provide much better stitching.  They need to be serviced every year or so and that costs $40-$60. 

[deborah]

I bought a very cheap machine when I started sewing. After a year of hard work it seized up while I was making a costume that needed to be finished that week, and was so junky that it couldn't be fixed (the sewing machine shops said it was notorious). However, I had that year of sewing with it, I learnt that sewing was something I wanted to be part of my life, and I had used it fairly constantly while it lasted. I also learnt what I wanted from a sewing machine, and what features I needed. This made the purchase of my next machine a lot easier. So, I think I did the right thing by buying a cheap piece of junk!

[KCalla]

That is a good analysis.  Sometimes it is better to try with a lower cost. What you learn from the initial "not forever" machine can help you save way more than what you spent on that first machine when the time comes to have to get a sewing machine for the long term

[I'm a red panda]

That is a good analysis.  Sometimes it is better to try with a lower cost. What you learn from the initial "not forever" machine can help you save way more than what you spent on that first machine when the time comes to have to get a sewing machine for the long term

Sometimes the cheap machine is so frustrating to use that it puts you off sewing at all. I've seen that way too many times when helping beginners.

[deborah]

The problem is that often an expensive machine puts off beginners too. I have taught number of people whose husband bought the most expensive machine, and when they came to my lessons, it was still sitting in its box in the original wrapping. These people were all so intimidated by the expense of and amount of technology in the machine that they hadn't been game to open the box. Many of them for over a year.

Get a simple machine to start with!

[Firehazard]

I had a 15 year old Brother that I paid $60 for when new.  Hated it, so hard to work with.  Upgraded early this year to the Brother CS6000i for $160 and the difference is night and day.  No complaints.  I am a casual sewer....mostly home decor items and hemming, mending, etc.  It's a way better machine than I expected for that money.

[I'm a red panda]

The problem is that often an expensive machine puts off beginners too. I have taught number of people whose husband bought the most expensive machine, and when they came to my lessons, it was still sitting in its box in the original wrapping. These people were all so intimidated by the expense of and amount of technology in the machine that they hadn't been game to open the box. Many of them for over a year.

Get a simple machine to start with!

Machines under $300 aren't expensive. Don't start with the $2000 machine. Or the $10,000 machine.

But unless you are buying vintage, really cheap machines tend to suck. They aren't well made, often causing issues with bobbins or feet, the tension is bad, the power is low, the speed is slow, they often vibrate, the harps are super small. It's frustrating.

[shelivesthedream]

IMHO the Bernina 1008 is *the* sewing machine. I am yearning for my current Janome to die so I can splash out.

[frooglepoodle]

IMHO the Bernina 1008 is *the* sewing machine. I am yearning for my current Janome to die so I can splash out.

I saved up and bought a Bernina 330 a few years ago. If I were to do it over again, I'd save up the extra money for a 1008 but Berninas are LOVELY machines.

OP: The downside to buying an inexpensive used machine is that it may not have been well maintained and might be a beast to work with.** If there are any sewing machine shops in your area, call and see if they carry any used machines. They will have checked the machine over and done a tune-up. My serger was $100 from a high end shop and runs just fine.


**Thinking of my old machine, which was so temperamental that it was easier to drive across town to my parents' home and borrow my mom's. It was donated when I bought the new one.

[goatmom]

OK - Now you have me browsing Bernina 1008.  LOL.  I have an old singer featherweight that I love and a Janome Memory Craft that is a workhorse and about 17 years old.  I love the older machines. 

[ltt]

I am, what one would consider to be, a "lightweight" when it comes to sewing.  My husband bought me one years ago--a Husqvarna.  I really like it.  I don't use it a lot, but when I need to hem things, it comes in very handy.  I want to use it more, but there's not a lot of time.

[letired]

I learned to do the basics on my Mom's 70's machine, so when I was looking for a machine, I was specifically looking for something that would handle heavier fabrics/denim repair as well as hers, so I ended up with a vintage Viking (the light green one!). I'm very happy with it, it handles just about everything like a champ and the tension and whatnot are very easy to manage. I was doing a sewing project with a friend who has the Singer Heavy Duty (or whatever it's called) and hers took about 3x as long to get setup and going as mine did. I have to confess though that sometimes I do look at the Bernina 1008 on ebay. Those are suuuuper nice machines!

[Sibley]

I got a singer 403 Slant-o-matic (love the name!), in cabinet, from Craigslist. It's from the 50s/60s, and works great for what I need. As my sewing skills progress and my projects get more ambitious, I suspect I'll get a serger at some point, but for now I'm fine.

[shelivesthedream]

While we're on sewing machine chat, has anyone ever used a treadle sewing machine? I see them pop up on Gumtree and Freegle and the like for peanuts from time to time, and wistfully think about how soothing it would be to sit there rhythmically pressing the treadle foot. BUT they're massive and a PITA to go and collect. Obviously it would never be my main sewing machine, but is it actually fun to use one? Would it be an enjoyable experience having one to play around on for a while, or would it be an endless source of tears and frustration?

[horsepoor]

Warning: I don't sew, but my wife and most of her friends do.  Outside of highly specialized machines for quilting/surging... most of them have machines from the 1960s/1970s they've bought for damn near nothing on craigslist or found at estate sales.  These are bullet proof old machines that often come in a nice cabinet for $50-80.  They might need a tune up... so you'll either have to google how to do that or pay a little to have a shop look at it.

Word.  There are plenty of little old ladies out there wanting to get rid of their sewing machines.  I bought an old Kenmore from the '60's that is made of steel after killing my plastic newer Singer machine.  The Kenmore was $40, and it came with the original cabinet, extra bobbins/feet and had just been serviced.  I make it do things like sew sheepskin to saddle pads and it is a champ.  Unless you want fancy computerized embroidery functions or whatever, this is the way to go, and you'll get your money back if you decide to sell later.

My mom and aunt were constantly finding quality old machines at thrift stores for like $10.

[I'm a red panda]

While we're on sewing machine chat, has anyone ever used a treadle sewing machine? I see them pop up on Gumtree and Freegle and the like for peanuts from time to time, and wistfully think about how soothing it would be to sit there rhythmically pressing the treadle foot. BUT they're massive and a PITA to go and collect. Obviously it would never be my main sewing machine, but is it actually fun to use one? Would it be an enjoyable experience having one to play around on for a while, or would it be an endless source of tears and frustration?

I have one and use it. It's fun, though if I'm treadling I prefer my spinning wheel.  I can even free motion quilt on it, it's all about getting the needle speed and hand speed to match.  It makes a decent straight stitch, though I suspect it needs servicing as it isn't nearly as nice as my computerized machine.

I'm actually wanting to get rid of mine, but I think I'm stuck with it until a family member dies (which is hopefully a very long time away, as he's quite young)- it's sentimental to him, but in my house.  I was excited to get it, as it's a beautiful machine, but when I got it, I found that the owner had chopped half the cabinet off to make it fit her home! So not exactly a display piece of furniture!

[Sibley]

...

I'm actually wanting to get rid of mine, but I think I'm stuck with it until a family member dies (which is hopefully a very long time away, as he's quite young)- it's sentimental to him, but in my house.  I was excited to get it, as it's a beautiful machine, but when I got it, I found that the owner had chopped half the cabinet off to make it fit her home! So not exactly a display piece of furniture!

Iowajes, I'm a huge fan of passing it on to the person for whom it's sentimental for. You don't want it - either said person who loves it takes it, or you can do whatever with it.

[Playing with Fire UK]

The problem is that often an expensive machine puts off beginners too. I have taught number of people whose husband bought the most expensive machine, and when they came to my lessons, it was still sitting in its box in the original wrapping. These people were all so intimidated by the expense of and amount of technology in the machine that they hadn't been game to open the box. Many of them for over a year.

Get a simple machine to start with!

Machines under $300 aren't expensive. Don't start with the $2000 machine. Or the $10,000 machine.

But unless you are buying vintage, really cheap machines tend to suck. They aren't well made, often causing issues with bobbins or feet, the tension is bad, the power is low, the speed is slow, they often vibrate, the harps are super small. It's frustrating.

I would be really interested to find out my thoughts about the same cheap machine that you described above. I.e. is it worse for you because you are used to a more expensive sleeker machine or is it so awful that I (novice, only used cheap machines but may have been lucky) would be unable to use it apart from to injure myself.

And would every novice's experience be the same?

When I go from my car to my SO's car, I can't help but thinking what a clunky piece of crap it is. I find it uncomfortable to drive long distances and the lack of an automatic lock a total pain. But this was MY CAR for FIVE YEARS. I thought it was great at the time.

[HipGnosis]

Thanks for the advice - I was wondering how capable it would be.  The reviews seem very positive though.

I see the Cs6000i is about $144, 2x the price of the cheap model I was looking at.  Is this the cheapest machine I should consider?

It was just on the TV news that 40% of reviews on Amazon are 'fake'.
Amazons response:  we'll limit the fake reviewers to 5 a day.  So that's 5/day/account, with no limit on accounts... 
I'm so anxious for another company to replace Amazon!!   

[I'm a red panda]

I would be really interested to find out my thoughts about the same cheap machine that you described above. I.e. is it worse for you because you are used to a more expensive sleeker machine or is it so awful that I (novice, only used cheap machines but may have been lucky) would be unable to use it apart from to injure myself.

And would every novice's experience be the same?

When I go from my car to my SO's car, I can't help but thinking what a clunky piece of crap it is. I find it uncomfortable to drive long distances and the lack of an automatic lock a total pain. But this was MY CAR for FIVE YEARS. I thought it was great at the time.

You won't injure yourself.  :)   I think I'm more likely to sew through my finger on my current machine than my old cheaper one- the old one didn't have enough power to get through the finger, the needle would break first. (Yes, that can happen. I've used metal cutters to clip a needle off a machine to take someone to the ER to have it removed.)  I think the biggest injury is a rotary cutter one, so machines won't matter there.

But you might find yourself frustrated when the bobbin thread keeps tangling in the hook race, when you have to hand crank to get it to go through multiple layers on a hem, when you get really bad drags when quilting with a walking foot, or when your feet snap themselves off. 

I've taught a lot of beginners- they are often frustrated by their machines because the machines don't always function nicely.  Most of the time they blame themselves for being poor sewers, or blame sewing for being too hard. But it's the machine's fault. They have a poor tool.

I've also owned several levels of machine: really cheap, inexpensive, expensive.  The really cheap machine sucked. But I had it for a long time. However, I thought I was a crappy sewer and was constantly unable to do things I wanted to do. Turns out, it likely wasn't just me. The inexpensive machine worked fine but had it's limits. The expensive machine is amazing (and on the lowest end of expensive, I can't believe how many people I know with a $10k machine!)

[deborah]

While we're on sewing machine chat, has anyone ever used a treadle sewing machine? I see them pop up on Gumtree and Freegle and the like for peanuts from time to time, and wistfully think about how soothing it would be to sit there rhythmically pressing the treadle foot. BUT they're massive and a PITA to go and collect. Obviously it would never be my main sewing machine, but is it actually fun to use one? Would it be an enjoyable experience having one to play around on for a while, or would it be an endless source of tears and frustration?

Treadle machines are really nice. They sew a better straight line than any of the modern machines (you look sometime at the samples in the sewing machine shop and you will find that the straight stitch wobbles on every machine). They can also sew through a wider range of fabrics (ultra heavy to ultralight).

[shelivesthedream]

While we're on sewing machine chat, has anyone ever used a treadle sewing machine? I see them pop up on Gumtree and Freegle and the like for peanuts from time to time, and wistfully think about how soothing it would be to sit there rhythmically pressing the treadle foot. BUT they're massive and a PITA to go and collect. Obviously it would never be my main sewing machine, but is it actually fun to use one? Would it be an enjoyable experience having one to play around on for a while, or would it be an endless source of tears and frustration?

Treadle machines are really nice. They sew a better straight line than any of the modern machines (you look sometime at the samples in the sewing machine shop and you will find that the straight stitch wobbles on every machine). They can also sew through a wider range of fabrics (ultra heavy to ultralight).