Cheap Sewing Machines?

[iread]

I am considering buying a cheap sewing machine to make a few projects that I need. I've seen the machines at Walmart that are less that $100 but I don't know if it would even be worth buying one of those--sometimes I know that cheaper isn't better. I suppose a used machine on Craig's list might be an option but I'm not sure of a good brand to look for. Do any of you have any advice?

 

[Southernbelle]

Check sew and vac type shops - they often have great deals.

I have a pre-1976 Singer (all metal gears) that is a workhorse and I bought it at a vacuum repair shop when I was 17 and it's working great 15 years later. Last time I went to our local sewing machine repair shop, they had several quality 2nd hand sewing machines for $50-$100. I found my exact same model for $95! I hate the cheapy ones from Walmart - they're cheaply made and not very sturdy. If you only want to repair a seam now and then, it would probably be fine, but if you plan on making quilts, I'd shop for a good machine.

 

[chickennurse]

I think your best bet if you don't have a lot to spend on a machine is to browse craigs list. I would know what you want and what you are buying. I would stay away from the cheaper brothers, had a couple over the years and they will just frustrate you. I would go with a singer(just my preference) and make sure you pick a model that can be repaired or serviced if needed. Don't pick a model out of date, though there are a lot of great older machines out there.

 

[popcornpuppy]

It's my opinion that sewing machines are alot like cars. You can get one one with all kinds of great features that you may never use or you can get something very simple and not as expensive to do a very basic job. As long as they are maintained with the proper care, they should last many years. I have 4 sewing machines at my house. I have a Kenmore that is very basic and have had it for 17 years. It does the jobs I need it to and still keeps on going. My husband has a Brother that does more than mine, and it works for his needs. (Yes, my husband likes to do crafts.) My daughters each have one that the very kind owner of the fabrac store gave them. They are older machines, I don't know the brand. She was going to throw them out and said my girls coulf have them to learn how to sew! Even though they are older machines, they still work great for learing and doing simple stiches.
The morale of the stoy is to find a machine that will do what you want and need, regardless of the name. If you treat the machine right, it will do what you need in return!

 

[Bantimna]

What I say is:
If it's well made and useful then go for it!
If it's poorly made and cheap thumbs down.

Just remeber it's not about who has the most expensive mechine but about the mechine which is right for you and saves you money and pay's for it's self in the long term

Either way enjoy sowing.

 

[DuckLady]

I agree with checking out the sew and vac shops.

Often they sell high end machines and people trade in the old ones. Because their work is so dependent on a good rep and repeat business, they will service those machines and make sure they are working. Many also will guarantee them for 6 months to a year.

I would rather pay a few dollars more and get something I know to be reliable than risk Craigslist. True you might be lucky, but you are also as likely to get a machine that needs service/repair and you will spend upward of $100 to get that done.

 

[ams3651]

if its something you are only going to use a couple times a year for simple sewing than it would probably be ok to get one of the cheap ones just dont expect it to last 10 years. If you plan to use it regularly, button holes, zippers, etc then I would look for a used one. And dont be put off if you find one from the 70's, Kenmores and Singers from that era are still very useful and last a long time. I have a kenmore from 1976 that I cant find a replacement pedal for and a 1970's Singer needing a simple screw, just a matter of finding someone to get the parts from. But they work just great. It all depends on what you want to do with it.

 

[Dawsonhall]

I have my mother's Necchi, I am sure she bought it before the "war" (WWII) and it still runs great - like a tank. I also, have a 1970's sears sewing machine that is still going strong.

 

[BarkerChickens]

I would try overstock.com and also consider refurbished. I really wanted the Kenmore 18221, which is actually made by Janome for Sears (and sold under the Kenmore name). Well, Janome sells the Kenmore models refurbished as the Janome brand name. It got the SAME exact sewing machine as a Janome refurbished sewing machine for $99!! LOVE IT!

 

[krzybo]

Quote:
My husband is a sewing machine mechanic with 39 years experience and he has a Singer, older model machine for sale now that would be cheaper than what you could get in a store. He gets used machines sometimes and services them and sells them. We are in Northeast GA and have a daughter in Greenville, SC and come up a lot. If you are interested and want more information, please pm me.

I hope it is OK to do this. If not, I'm sorry and you are welcome to delete the post. Just trying to help.