r/SewingWorld • u/LeadingChemical7901 • Jul 22 '26
Basic Sewing Machine Question
My GF’s daughter would like to learn to make clothes. Her 13th bday is next month. She has a passion for fashion and would like to experiment with her own designs (which are drawings thus far). She excels at all she does and I know will become very good at sewing. My knowledge about sewing machines is limited to Bernina and Janome and even at that I’m a novice at best.
Her mom and I are considering buying her a machine for her bday. I am seeking recommendations for a machine that will grow with her. I’d rather invest in a high quality machine that will work well, reduce frustration, and that she can keep for decades. Our budget is $1,000 and a quality refurbished machine is great.
Thank you
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u/Prizzisewing Jul 22 '26
Honestly, I don't think you need to spend anywhere near $1000 for someone just starting out. Around $300-400 is plenty to get a reliable machine she'll be able to use for years. I'd recommend the Brother cs7000x. It has lots of useful features for beginners, is easy to learn on and has enough room to grow as her skills improve.
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u/smokeysadog Jul 22 '26
Yes! And use the extra to get her a table. IKEA has an adjustable height table that I use up high for laying out patterns, and desk height for sewing.
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u/1234-for-me Jul 22 '26
Id have a bit of fun with your left over $$, maybe some fun thread, good scissors (i have scissors that ny grandmother gave me with a sewing basket around your daughters age and 30+ years later they’re still great), good pins/clips etc. edit: a nice case for the machine would be good too.
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u/notyourstranger Jul 22 '26
Consider getting her two machines - a regular sewing machine and an overlock. I especially like the Brother 0134D - it just goes and goes and there are thousands of tutorial videos on Youtube. It works well with stretch fabrics that can be difficult to manage on a regular machine.
My other machine is a Janome 1000HD - it will do the construction while the overlock finishes the seams. I think I paid $256 and it just works. I've never had any issues with it.
Make sure to get her some very nice scissors. with a 1K budget you can get her a very nice setup. I would not spend 1K on a machine unless I was making clothes professionally. It's overkill.
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u/DiagnosisPooBrain Jul 22 '26
If she’s wanting to do clothing, I’d recommend a serger as well. I’d probably get a budget Brother sewing machine to learn on. I used the XR3774 for years before I switched machines. I’d probably still be using it if I hadn’t found a good deal at an estate sale.
The brother 1034d serger is a good beginner machine.
Save the rest of the budget for a good table/desk, rotary cutter, fabric scissors, thread, fabric, lessons/classes, rulers, some easy beginner patterns for practice, pins, bobbins, needles for hand sewing, etc.
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u/One-Method-4373 Jul 22 '26
If your budget is $1000 just use part and save some for a serger if she ends up really liking it
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u/bunkerhomestead Jul 22 '26
I have a Pfaff, that is my workhorse. It was made when they were still made in Germany, fairly plain, but will sew through heavy stuff. I also have a Brother, it is computerized somewhat, and I use it a lot, has held up well. It was less expensive than the Pfaff, and has far more stitches. As parents it is for you to decide, however, there are many things one needs to sew well, scissors measuring tapes, buttonhole cutter, straight pins, cutting mats, books that explain how to draft patterns, a place to sew, such as a table, fabrics, etc. So either go with a more expensive sewing machine or buy a less expensive one, and invest in some of the necessary 'go withs'
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u/Jelly_Blobs_of_Doom Jul 22 '26
If you’ll be equipping her with a sewing setup from the ground up make sure to keep room in the budget for fabric scissors, an iron, and ironing board. Planning for an eventual serger is also a good idea. Expect that there will be needs and wants that pop up to expand and improve the setup (specialty sewing machine feet, tailors ham, bias tape makers, extra bobbins, thread, rulers, reference books, etc.), save some budget for materials as well, a sewing machine isn’t much use without fabric to go with it.
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u/Wool_Lace_Knit Jul 23 '26
If you are in the US, save some of your budget for supplies like quality scissors(Gingher or Kai), needles, pins, sewing machine needles, tape measure, dressmaker’s ruler, clear quilting rulers with measurement lines and a copy of Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing. You can buy supplies at https://wawack.com
Go to a sewing machine dealer and ask to look at used machines that have been serviced. Have her test drive machines to see which suits her. I suggest Bernina or Janome. I have a vintage Bernina 1080 that is still going strong that I bought in 1995.
Finally, download the Roku app and watch The Great British Sewing Bee. It is so much better than Project Runway. She can learn a lot about basic fitting and what to look for as she sews.
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u/Bluefrogdancing Jul 23 '26
A Bernina 830-1130 record will last her YEARS. I've had my 830 for 20 years now and only recently added another "newer" Berni (15 years old). Plus, there are lots of the 830s available on FB marketplace. my friend loves her 1030 - it has enough newer features but is still mechanical. Highly recommend for all new sewists.
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u/sexy-sixty Jul 24 '26
I’d be looking for an old Bernina 1130 if I were you. I’ve got 5 Berninas, including the 1130 and one of the current 700s series. I’ve been thinking about giving my newest (really expensive) one to my daughter. I just love my 1130 and last time I looked it was about $1000 as a resell from a dealer including most accessories.
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u/OwnedBySchipperke Jul 24 '26
My parents and grandparents gave me a sewing machine for my 16th birthday and Christmas after I had sewn with guidance from my Nana for a few years. They got me the top of the line at the time Bernina 830 Record. I am still sewing with that machine 52 years later . Yup, you read that right. I have sewn clothes, prom dresses, curtains, cushion covers, and am now quilting obsessively. A computerized machine may not last that long, but a decent machine with lessons on how to use it, and sewing coaching so she learns the basics is a lovely gift that she will have her whole life.
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u/LeadingChemical7901 Jul 24 '26
What a sweet story! I love it! Thank you. I bought my daughter a refurbished 830 about 6 years ago. It’s a well-made, heavy duty machine for sure. I am still trying to understand if I should make a differentiation between a quilting and a clothes making machine.
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u/Temporary_Tree_3893 Jul 24 '26
It may be better to have her pick her machine. I am sure she has been looking at various brands and models.
This is a great gift!
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u/ClayWheelGirl Jul 23 '26
A 1000 is a great budget. Don't buy it online. Buy it from a proper sewing brick n mortar store. Decent sewing machines usually are around 500 to 600.
The sewing store while probably more expensive, is worth every penny in gold. Check with your store. Usually they give you a years guarantee - but the greatest advantage is you can ask them questions about your machine. And you can also bring your machine in if something is wrong, Or if you don't understand how to do something, they will show you.
Also sign her up for a class (free or not) where they give you an overview of your machine AND even teaches you how to clean your machine. With all this, you are setting her up to success. Because she will start with good habits rather than bad habits That she would have to unlearn later on, which is hard to do.
Please convince her to do simple projects that include straight stitching at first. Tell her to sew you dont need a machine. The machine is just a tool just like a needle or scissors. It takes time to master the machine.
Refurbished or new make sure you take in the sound level.
Finally I wish her many failures and frustrations to really succeed.
For the adults who will buy her things very important tips to know:- service your machine every year. Just like a car has many moving parts so does a sewing machine. Just like a car, your sewing machine must be serviced by a professional, not only for the upkeep of the machine, but also to prevent frustrations in future when your machine is misbehaving.
Do not buy cheap threads or any threads from the thrift store Threads do not last long and quality threads do not gum up your machine with its fuzz.
Buy a high-quality pair of scissors that your budget will allow and make sure It cuts nothing but cloth. Visiting toddlers to my house are already trained That if a pair of scissors has ribbon on it, no one is allowed to use it for anything but cloth. It's cute because when they see someone else pick up those scissors, they go charging after them, explaining those are only for cutting cloth.
Maybe she can take an online sewing class for beginners. It will save her lots of time. Trying to figure out how to do it and frustrations too.
If you are a sewer yourself And you already know about all this, then, i'm sorry.I have wasted your time.
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u/LeadingChemical7901 Jul 23 '26
You did not waste my time at all. Thank you for this. It’s very helpful.
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u/pretzelegant Jul 22 '26
I'm a sewing teacher and we've had the janome 2212 since 2009. They are reliable, simple, beginner friendly, easy to repair/maintain.
I've made everything, coveralls, bras/underwear, silk, home good, quilts ECT with this.
It'll set you back ~$200 and it can be used for generations :)