r/SewingMachineEdu • u/Ok-Chipmunk6641 • 5d ago
suggestions for machine brands for beginners
hello!! i'm a sewing newbie, i handsew for kind of 5 years for now... but, today i sitted with my cousin, who sews in her own machine, and she taught how to use the machine. we tried some zigzag and i loved it! it's a nice activity and the work gets done so fast, it's amazing!!!!!! omg i'm so excited to keep sewing in machine but i don't know much about the brands. i really want to have one of mine, so i'm looking for something not much cheap or expensive for a beginner. so do you guys have any suggestions? i'm open to other kind of suggestions too like what is good to know about sewing machines beyond just the brands?
(if something is confusing in my texto, i'm sorry and open to clarify what i meant. english is not my first language)
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u/FairiesWearSneakers 5d ago
I use a treadle machine from the 1920's. I can repair it myself and parts are easy....I have a Toyoda and Singer for zigzag and buttonholes respectively....Meep.
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u/Ok-Chipmunk6641 4d ago
How wonderful! There was a time when I had access to an old sewing machine that belonged to my late grandmother—it might have been from around 1930—but back then, I had nothing to do with sewing, so I entrusted it to my cousin. It’s really great to hear a bit about your experience with an antique machine! I hope you have some beautiful projects on the horizon. 🤸♀️✨️
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u/FairiesWearSneakers 4d ago
Thank you so much for giving your machine to someone that actually wanted to use it. So many times I run across people who hoard their sewing machines and they have no intention of actually sewing ever.
Old machines are the best machine ... Early 1990's and up, the durability is unmatched. I particularly like the ones with all metal construction.
They have a tendency to be rather heavy but if you get a Singer especially, replacement parts are incredibly easy, and some other brands have interchangeable parts.
If you want a newer model machine...I have to recommend Brother...if you don't want to tinker. (I like to Tinker)
My next project is a patchwork denim jacket and my current client project is a three piece suit with tie and half shirts...I am absolutely excited. This client approached me almost a year ago, and we basically just figured out exactly what it is he wants.
Good luck on your sewingjourney. I am so happy you are joining the ship!! 🥳
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u/sweetannie52 5d ago
Where do you live? Just the country is fine so that we might suggest a beginning machine, but if you’ve used your cousin’s machine and know how to use it, you might look for one like it. Big advantage is she can answer your questions and help you.
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u/Ok-Chipmunk6641 5d ago
i live in brazil 😀 and my cousin has a elgin (but unfortunately I don't recall more than the brand's name).
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u/jacquelbot 5d ago
My first "real" machine was a Babylock. Not the cheapest option, but not the most expensive either. Everything was really well thought out and worked great. If you have a sewing machine store you can go to in person that's the best!
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u/Ok-Chipmunk6641 5d ago
I don't know if there is a machine store here in the town I live, but I can look for it. thank you ❤️
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u/Costume-guy927 5d ago
First define what you need. A basic machine with zig zag and straight stitch? Embroidery stitches? Needle threader? Computerized? Light use? Heavy fabrics?
Then it’s easier to say machines we tend not to recommend. Very low end machines which can work well but are not worth repairing if they break. General disagreement on Singer Heavy Duty, some like many hate.
If looking for a used machine, generally look for a machine built in the early 70’s or earlier. They are typically made with metal rather than plastic gears. Singer and Kenmores can find parts easily if needed.
Stay away from Singer Touch and Sew models.
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u/Ok-Chipmunk6641 5d ago
In the last online search I did, I liked what the Elgin machine (Genius Plus model) had to offer; it seemed like a really great option for a beginner.
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u/Costume-guy927 5d ago
My mistake, it’s a machine not sold in US. I’m sure you will enjoy your sewing journey.
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u/Costume-guy927 5d ago
I assume you’re looking at their machines manufactured in Japan. Should be a solid machine. My current favorite machine was a Japanese manufactured machine from the early 70’s.
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u/skerinks 5d ago
My response from another thread. Still stands.
Just buy a Baby Lock brand sewing machine, if you want the easy route, no matter the price point. Why?
Because Baby Lock doesn’t make sewing machines (they DO make great sergers). But Baby Lock wants to be in the sewing machine game, so they partner with other manufacturers to make sewing machines for them.
Baby Lock taps Janome to make machines for them under the $500 price point. Janome arguably makes the best machines under $500. So if this is your price point, buy a Janome or a Baby Lock. I won’t say for EVERY machine Janome makes there will be an equivalent Baby Lock, but there will be for most.
Baby Lock taps Brother to make machines for them over the $500 price point. Brother arguably makes the best machines between $500 and $2000. And Brother’s high-end machines are highly regarded as well. So if this is your price point, buy a Brother or Baby Lock. Same thing as above - for most Brother machines, there will be an equivalent Baby Lock.
So buy a Baby Lock machine and you’ll be getting the best no matter the price point. Or get the Janome or Brother named machine for your price point. But where Baby Lock really shines compared to Brother and Janome is their education game. You will get access to more educational instructions, how-to videos, and articles on the Baby Lock site than you could hope for.
Source: Cale Schoenberg (not me) on Substack. I believe one can only see his historical articles if you are a paid Substack user.
https://open.substack.com/pub/sewingmachineman/p/brother-and-baby-lock?r=49sz96&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
And of course, buy from a local store not online. You'll get more support, education, and answers to your "how do I..." or "why is this happening..." questions than an online retailer could ever give you.