Cheap Sewing Machines?

[holliewould]

I just bought a Brother machine. It is mainly plastic and weighs 16lbs. So far nothing has broke on it and as a beginner works fine. I got it on ebay for 53 bucks free shipping. I'll use it to get experience and such. For now it's OK but I don't see it being used as for an avid sewer. I'm a newbie so until I know I'll like sewing and be able to understand it, this cheapie will serve its purpose. Maybe the cheapie is worth it to begin with?

 

[speckledhen]

Some fabulous friends bought me a Brother 6000i computerized sewing machine. I have machine phobia and never used my old Kenmore I had--it'd run away with me. I love the Brother and have seen them at Walmart for a decent price. Yes, the bobbins are plastic and you must use the type made for it, but I've pieced quilts with it just fine and will never be able to use all the features it has.

 

[bel]

I got a referb kenmore online (ebay) for about 1/3 what sears charged, decent machines (I think Janome makes them?) has a lot of settings.

But I use this one more:

(please ignore the bald doll, only pic I have of the machine)
its a 3/4 size Janome, and its a decent basic machine. Its not light/ cheap feeling, but its not as big and bulky as my other machines. I think you can get ones without Hello Kitty from sears and places that sell Janome (I just got this one because it was a good deal, usualy they are $100 but it was $60) only complaint is no zipper foot, thats when I get the kenmore out, also its size is not ideal for polar fleece but for most fabrics its fine.

 

[BBK]

I used to sew all of the time...I was into crafts, making dolls and things...For like 10 yrs. I bought a Brother machine from Walmarts and just figured when it dies, it dies...Well, that was 1988 and i still have it and it still works....

it's probably full of lint right now, and that might be the reason its still going...LOL

If you're only going to use here and there, i would just get a cheapy....IMO... if you want it to do fancy things, then you'll have to invest more...

good luck
melinda

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Mine is a $99 Walmart Special---Brother. Nothing fancy. straight stitch and zigzag but that's all I need for making quilts and some clothes. 10+years old and still going strong.

 

[holliewould]

Quote:
That's exactly what I just got on ebay.

 

[sewchick]

I like the janome line the best. I have tried most all the brands. I have a lot of machines and by far the jamome is the best for me. I invested a good sized amount on the one I have because I need the fancy stitches and I use it daily. I have had this one for about a year and no problems yet. Not a one. I go though other brands in about a half a year or so. I am very hard on my machines. Janome seems to be Priscilla proof!! They do have lower end models at a fair price. A couple of my class members have them and love theirs too. I had one of the singer models that lasted two days. Granted it was a "cheap model" but it could have at least lasted a month....The older models are much better. I had a couple of featherweights and like them however they were too sluggish. Good luck.

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
I agree. I love my Janome. Many (not all) of the Kenmores are actually made by Janome. Check out Sears. Sometimes they clearance out the old models real cheap.

 

[saddina]

I love the hello kitty sewing machine! never used it, but love the look... off to ebay!

 

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
I'm with you there! I love my Janomes. I have 3 of them ... one to take to workshops, one to quilt on, and one is an embroidery machine. I think they are well worth the investment, and will last! However, the bad thing is ...... they keep coming up with new updated machines, and then you want to trade in for it!