Beginner here - Sewing Machine Recommendations

Hello everyone!

I've suddenly taken an interest in sewing, even tho I haven't touched a sewing machine in years! I have only a very basic knowledge, but plan to attend some sort of sewing classes.

I have about $500 to spend on a machine...does anyone have any recommendations? Particular brand? What to look out for? What to avoid? Oh, and do I need an overlocker?

At the moment I am interested in making baby blankets, burp cloths, etc. But may branch out into something more involved like bags and clothes down the track.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

TIA :D

I don't know if I am going to be of much help, I have only every had a sewing machine that I inherited from an Auntie which did forward and back, straight and zigzag!

Having said that it was an awesome little workhorse. I have been sewing since a child and have completed many projects on it from clothes to home furnishings. I have recently begun quilting too. I don't even know the brand it is so obscure. The point is, a simple machine is a good place to start to get the hang of the basics. I am a fan of old school machines though, they just feel so sturdy and reliable. I hate the plastic feel of cheap new ones!

Recently I decided to 'upgrade' and bought a 1960's Janome Memory Craft on ebay for under $100. It was such a great buy and I have thoroughly enjoyed some of the little benefits of a better machine such as push button reverse ;). Maybe ebay is a good place to start with a cheap old machine to get you going before you work out what you want to spend your $500 on?? It will get you sewing!

Re: overlockers. No, strictly speaking you don't need one. I have survived 20 years sewing without one and just done a zigzag or used pinking shears where necessary.

I did recently get one - again on ebay from the same woman I got the Janome. I only got it because it was available from the same seller - ease of pickup - and meant I was getting a machine and overlocker for less than $150. It certainly has been nice, but still not "necessary" for my sewing. I am planning on making some baby wipes and I think It will come in handy for those though.

Hopefully someone else will have some more up to date advice about machines out there... otherwise, maybe you could pop into a store for demos or visit a service store for a chat about reconditioned models?

Thank you jackrose, I wasn't really sure what an overlocker did! :redface: I prolly won't need one then :)

I must say I agree with not liking the plastic-y machines these days! I prefer an older one with knobs and stuff, not a computerised one. Anyhoo, I might go to the local sewing centre and have a chat with them.

Thanks for your help! :)

Well at least you are armed with more info now so if the sewing center try to tell you that you need a $1500 overlocker you can tell them no thanks!

Good luck, glad I could offer some help. Let me know how you go!