MistyMountain Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 I have sewing projects I been wanting to do but could not due to lack of a working sewing machine. Recently we went to a thing where the kids made things for various charities. Ds really liked helping out with sewing a blanket for NICU babies. The mom who had kids working on it said that if we were looking for a sewing machine that is easy to use and a kid could use to get one with automatic tension control and a slow speed setting. My budget is very limited. Is it better to get used or a cheapie brother or singer. Are some cheap ones better then others? Please help out with recommendations for a beginner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 (edited) With a minimal budget, I would look on Craig's List as opposed to buying a cheapo machine at a big box store. An old Singer or Kenmore would probably serve you well. Both my son and I learned to sew on my old Singer without automatic tension or speed control!* That said, I teach kids to sew on Janomes with the slow speed setting. It is lovely for beginners but these machines are more of an investment. *That old Singer is the one my parents gave me when I was 10. I have since replaced it for personal use with a model that has some modern conveniences, but the old Singer is still going decades later. Edited November 21, 2016 by Jane in NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elizabeth 2 Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 I have a 1964 Dressmaker I bought on Craig's list for $60. Best Craigslist experiencesever. Met a great couple. The woman worked as a designer in some of the fashion houses in NYC in the 60's after getting her degree in fashion design. ( and they ogled my newborn daughter.) i love this workhorse. It's easy to use, durable, and I can look up the directions online. I would never replace it with one from Walmart. They just don't hold up, as my mom sadly found out after her old singer died. This is also a good time to look as people replace their old equipment for crafts or as gifts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieSong Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 I would get a used reputable brand over a new, cheap one. Look on Craigslist, Facebook buy/sell pages, etc. Put the word out that you are looking for one. I know someone who bought an old Bernina (probably 50 yrs old) at a garage sale for $20, and it works great. Good luck! Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lailasmum Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 I really like my old Singer Starlet. I think if you can get an old working non-electronic machine then that can be a good option. I also have a modern machine. A singer heavy duty 4423 and I recommend that too. It's the best modern machine I've ever owned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
City Mouse Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 I agree with looking for a used machine. I use a 25 year old White sewing machine that my parents bought for me when I got married. Any time is has not worked properly, it is always due to user error. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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