thread: If you were buying a sewing machine for a newbie to the craft; what would you get?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Dec 2005
    4,840

    If you were buying a sewing machine for a newbie to the craft; what would you get?

    And why would you choose that particular machine.

    Ive decided to bite the bullet and asked for a sewing machine for my birthday so I can try my hand at quilting and maybe making some clothes for the kids (or whatever takes my fancy )

    Im happy to buy second hand but I have zero idea about good brands or models etc.

    Ta!

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Jun 2008
    946

    I would probably go with a Janome. I cant recall what their newest basic but good one is called, but it should retail for around $3 - 400 I think. You can get a good machine these days for a lot less than you used to.

    I have a Janome Mystyle (I dont think they make these anymore but the new one Im refering to is the update of it). Its made my wedding dress, quilts and so on.
    And when I was studying, the college brought the sewing class new machines, and got Janomes!
    I think its

    I only have needed mine serviced once in 11 years! (though it is due to go again )

    Goodluck and happy sewing.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Aug 2009
    in the victorian bush.
    286

    My husband bought one for me for my birthday, which is a brother one. the lady at the shop said that it is a very easy machine to use with basic functions and about 23 different stitching and easy button hole function.
    I love this machine. highly suggest getting one and then get in touch with spot light to do a course to learn how to use it properly.

    Have fun. I know i do

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Aug 2006
    On the other side of this screen!!!
    11,129

    If you want to quilt, make sure you get one that you can stop with the needle DOWN. Quilting is a nightmare without it!

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    ★ nor here nor there ★
    4,134

    I'm an ELNA Fan
    Got an Elna Sew fun for Christmas from all our families, Kepe an eye out on spotlight catalogues this month as there are always specials for Mothers Day!

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Jul 2007
    Colac, VIC
    744

    Truly A, the basic models are all really much for the muchness - you'll find some peeps swear by Brother, others by Janome etc, but at the entry level, there isn't a whole lot of difference. I literally have the cheapest machine that Spotlight had quite a few years ago... a... erm... *whispers*toyota*cough*, and you know what? It's absoloutely fine. I even like it. Imagine.

    The only thing I wish it had, in the bells & whisltes dept, is one-step buttonholes. I avoid buttonholes at all costs & think that would be so damn nifty!

    Have fun machine shopping & good luck with the sewing... you'll be addicted soon enough....

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Dec 2005
    5,951

    I have an Elna Sew Fun as well (well it's MIL's, she has left it here for me to 'borrow' ). I haven't done a great deal with it, but what I have done, it works without any problems.

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Sep 2005
    In the middle of nowhere
    9,362

    Totally agree with Queen Mab. Unless you are certain you'll love it, just get a cheapy to try it out. Spotters and Lincraft always have specials.
    My Janome died a couple of years ago and we couldn't afford lots to replace it so I bought a Brother for I think $150ish at Lincraft. It's done what I needed it to.

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Dec 2005
    4,840

    Hmm might take a run into spotlight tomorrow lol

    I guess I would prob sew clothes and quilt maybe. I dont mind buying a cheaper one and if in a few months Im liking what Im doing then trading up for a snazzier one via trade in + a few more $$$.

    The upside is cheaper I go, sooner I get it, sooner I can have a play around with it.