DrupalWomenQ-#8098

What kind of sewing machine do you reccommend for a returning DIYer? I used to make my own clothes. Now I would like to brush-up on my skills…. Should I join a sewing class?

Thank you!

Cécile

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0 Answers

  1. Kanosha wrote on :

    Bernina is the best you can find a local dealer on their website..berninausa.com

    Reply
  2. shellyleer wrote on :

    I teach sewing and upholstery. Of course, for upholstery, I have two Consew industrial machines. However, when it comes to home machines, I always prefer vintage and I love Pfaff and old Singers from the 1970’s. They’re simple, made of all metal parts and the stitches are so uniform. When you hear some of the new machines running, they vibrate and rattle. Not the old machines.
    I’ve purchased a few off of ebay, but that was risky. I’ve gotten my best ones at Goodwill and Salvation Army by luck. I love it that you are a returning DIY-er. I’ve been one my whole life, and I’ve even built a business around it. Let me know what you get and where you take classes.

    Reply
  3. loeloe wrote on :

    For a basic sturdy and inexpensive machine, get a Viking 6440, refurbished. They never die, and are all mechanical, so no computer boards to fry on you. If you want to learn machine embroidery, but do not want to spend a lot, get a Viking #1 , and do not let them try to talk you into something fancy until you know what you really want to do. It is a little workhorse and you won’t want to part with it even after you get a fancier newer machine.

    If you live anywhere near me (Iowa) I would love to teach you to sew; I’ve been sewing for 46 years (yikes), and encourage everyone to know this skill.

    Reply
  4. pat atwell wrote on :

    I am sure by now you have a machine, just wanted to suggest that classes are so important, not just for learning to use your machine. But the knowledge of the other women in the class. I have a viking sewing machine and serger, and 2 Elna embroidery machines. I love them all. I think when purchasing a machine, its about what you want to do with it and the ease of the machine for you. Happy Stitching

    Reply
  5. shellie robin wrote on :

    I bought a Bernina that I love. Make sure you get the ability to do zig zag stitching — my favorite! And some sewing machine shops like offer sewing lessons. Good luck.

    Reply
  6. Kanosha wrote on :

    Only Bernina..the best..one of the best things I ever bought.

    Reply
  7. Kanosha wrote on :

    Hi Cecile…I just moved from Miami and have a lot of great recommendations for you…I bought a Bernina sewing machine entry level and best thing I ever did and now into quilting. You can buy a used one from a quilting store that carries the Bernina line.

    Reply
  8. maimoon naraine wrote on :

    My recommendation is to get a simple sewing machine. A brother is a good brand .My experience in teaching my daughter how to sew with a machine that has too many options is that there is more complications as to what to do when the machine don’t work. She encountered problems such as thread tangled in the bobin space, not threading the machine correctly.

    So I would say get a simple machine then get some classes so you can understand your machine and hopefully should you encounter problems you can able to trouble shoot it yourself or it can get very frustrating when trying to sew.

    Good Luck with your sewing project.

    Reply
    • Cécile Wheatley wrote on :

      Thank you mnaraine!

      Yes, you raise an excellent point! Hadn’t thought about that! I can always upgrade if my skills improve. Brother dioes make a very good machine, and seriously, I doubt I will ever get nearly as good as Karen!!! But she surely is an inspiration!!

      Again, thank you!

      Cécile

      Reply
    • Cyndi Parks wrote on :

      Ok I am really late to this thread, but I wanted to add that I have a Husqvarna that I LOVE. I would caution you about getting more machine than you need. There are so many awesome machines out there that do everything but cut the fabric! Just don’t pay for what you have no interest in using. Good luck and have great fun!

      Reply
    • Monika Weidenbach wrote on :

      I also wanted to brush up on my sewing skills after a looooong time and found that Threads magazine was very helpful. They have an online site and also a DVD that is called Teach Yourself to Sew that has all the basics you will ever need plus projects. I loved watching mine. I am freshly inspired and ready to create. I am partial to Singers also. Have fun!

      Reply
    • Cécile Wheatley wrote on :

      Hello Monika!!

      How terrific! I am certainly going to cxhewck it out as soon as I get home. I was just thinkg over lunch that I want to make myself a print jacket in red, white and black… I have the design in mind, I just have to find the pattern… simple, uncunstructed, and comfortable… I will keep you posted as to my progress and thank you for the pointer!

      Sincerely,

      Cécile

      Reply
  9. DawnMarie Helin wrote on :

    Yes, you should absolutely catch a sewing class! Try your local craft store, or better yet, take an adult education class at your local high school. You’ll meet tons of people who share your interest, and the instructers are likely to know which machine will best suit your type of sewing interests.

    Reply
    • Cécile Wheatley wrote on :

      I am definitely going to take a class… someone suggested going to the same place where I had my jacket made for my son’s wedding, and ask if they taught privately… Who knows? That may work. I can ask… And thank you for your suggestion! ! I will also chack Miami Dade College.

      Cécile

      Reply
    • Louise Fadness wrote on :

      I’m a bit late to this string, but I wanted to add that sewing techniques are constantly evolving. Machines are much smarter (like phones) and can do more than sew seams and buttonholes. Perhaps when you decide to purchase your new machine, ask the salesperson if classes are offered with the purchase. If not, check your library for resources in your community. And I think your own idea of going to a tailor for lessons might just do the trick. Just remember that professionals use machines not normally available to the layperson.

      Reply
    • Cécile Wheatley wrote on :

      Merci Corky!! Yes, you are right! Techniques evolve and so do textiles! The idea of getting lessons from a machine manufacturer is genius! Thank you so very much for your suggestions and I will keep you posted!!!

      Cécile

      Reply
  10. Sheree Fournerat wrote on :

    The sewing machines of today are both simpler and more complicated than ours were when we were young. You can change stitches with the push of a button and even download complex stitch designs. You don’t say what DIY projects you will be using the machine for, and that will be a big determining factor when choosing your machine. I’m partial to my Singer, since I have used one since I was 13, but my daughter prefers her Brother. Do you have a JoAnn’s near you? If so, they offer great classes and a wide variety of sewing machines of different brands. You can tell them what you want to use the machine for and have them show you the bells and whistles on each. Let me know what you end up with. Good luck and happy sewing.

    Reply
    • Cécile Wheatley wrote on :

      Hello!

      Yes there is a JoAnn in South Kendall. niot near me but it is doable… I just want to be able to say what Karen said: “I want that skirt in that green.” I have ahard time most of the time finding what I really would wear, and I love the idea of creating. But I need to update my technique and my “hardware.” Here is where the experts come in!!! Bernina is what Karen uses, but Karen has been sewing for a long, long time… Perhaps that is too sophisticated for my skill level. On the other hand, I rather spend the money now ona good machine that will allow me to grow. But I have quite a bit of homework to do. Thank you for your kind advice and if you can think of anything else that may help me, please write!!

      Cécile

      Reply
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