https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 26 Apr 2026 19:44:58 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1915144 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 18:51:48 +0000 Hoots 1915144@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My grandmother was a professional-level sewer and quilter. All of her machines were Pfaff. She got me the entry one (Pfaff Smart 160s) about 10 years ago as a Christmas gift. It's been awesome! My mother had an old singer for years. It worked well, but she also has a Pfaff now too that she loves. I did purchase the entry-level Brother at Target in a pinch 3 years ago (long story), but it was returned really quickly because it didn't really sew through even the thinnest cloth very well. It seems like some of the newer entry-level models that you can buy at the big box stores aren't as durable. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1915036 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 16:38:09 +0000 avivoca 1915036@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Leialou: Mine is pretty similar to that. It's a Singer Zig-Zag (I think the model is 416, but I'm not at home to check). I love that it has its own table, but right now it's my entryway table since its broken. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914983 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 15:38:58 +0000 MaryM 1914983@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also have a vintage Singer, my grandmother's from the 1950s (and still have the receipt!)</p> <p>Nothing beats it for sewing straight lines. But I'm pretty afraid to use it for anything other than basic darning. For the most part I keep it put away with my new machine on top of the closed sewing table. </p> <p>(similar to this) </p> [attach=4748/14/ndyuoy.400x300.SMMIVSM3.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914972 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 15:32:09 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 1914972@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: we might! Mine is a touch &amp; sew. I forgot the model number but I have a pic from Instagram. </p> [attach=1198/14/ndyudl.600x564.image.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914930 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 15:10:36 +0000 avivoca 1914930@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Leialou: I wonder if we have the same machine? I also have a Singer from the late '60's in a table. I wish mine still worked, but it's a beast to haul in to the shop. When I have a bigger car, I want to get it fixed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914929 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 15:09:34 +0000 avivoca 1914929@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boheme: Come to the dark side! You'll never look back once you have a Janome. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914882 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 14:36:31 +0000 babynumber1 1914882@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just taught myself to sew with the Brother LS2125i. It took me about a week to figure it out, but now I'm sewing away!</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Everyday-stitches-including-Buttonhole/dp/B000EOX28E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1414179381&#038;sr=8-1&#038;keywords=brother+ls2125i" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Everyday-stitches-including-Buttonhole/dp/B000EOX28E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1414179381&#038;sr=8-1&#038;keywords=brother+ls2125i</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914460 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 10:16:12 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 1914460@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've got a second hand Singer from the late 60s and it works great! The only issue I've had is the plastic button you need to move to wind the bobbin is brittle, so I need to have it replaced. That will cost me $50. My MIL got it for me at an estate sale in a table for less than $100. She got a ton of things with it like a button hole maker. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914458 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 10:12:59 +0000 MediaNaranja 1914458@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HappyBluebird: I have one similar to this, and I LOVE it!! I got it at Costco and it was right around $150. I'm a pretty novice sewer and this one has been great. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914456 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 10:10:13 +0000 MaryM 1914456@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Espion: I totally agree! I think it's all about knowing what you have and respecting what materials are appropriate </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914453 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 10:06:57 +0000 Boheme 1914453@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Brother! I am also coveting a Janome .... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914403 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:43:35 +0000 Espion 1914403@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think the biggest problem people have with cheaper (or even any) sewing machine is understanding that you cannot use the same needle, thread, and tension for everything. Understand tension, and you'll be able to sew on anything. (My machine is a Singer, more than five years old, and baaaaaare bones. No fancy features. And it gets the job done. I've sewn curtains, quilts, canvas tool rolls, and clothes.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914402 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:43:26 +0000 loveisstrange 1914402@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: Its definitely heavier duty, but it's basic features are similar or maybe even less than what a $100 model would have today. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914397 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:43:03 +0000 HappyBluebird 1914397@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. bird: @loveisstrange: It really is a great machine for learning and then the next steps beyond. I'm still learning so I don't know about making anything super difficult on it but I've made lots of things from clothes to quilts to stuffed toys. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914395 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:42:37 +0000 loveisstrange 1914395@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.KMM: I disagree... but Im really not going to argue with you about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914392 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:41:41 +0000 looch 1914392@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@loveisstrange: It is also probably better made than one you could buy now at the same pricepoint! I wonder if the guts of the machine are metal, versus plastic. That would make a huge difference in terms of longevity. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914385 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:38:27 +0000 MaryM 1914385@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm going to agree with @loveisstrange: </p> <p>The brother machine that I have appears to have the same functionality as the one you posted (it actually looks more like that one than like current brothers) and I think it was about $130 and I've it for 15 years. </p> <p>If you treat a machine well (keep it covered to keep dust out, oil it, clean it, etc.) I don't think it necessarily matters if you don't spend that much on it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914383 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:38:06 +0000 loveisstrange 1914383@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HappyBluebird: This is very similar to my new machine! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914380 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:37:46 +0000 Mrs.KMM 1914380@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@loveisstrange: Yeah - but what you could buy for $100 in 1989 would not cost $100 now. It isn't really comparing apples to apples. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914379 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:37:01 +0000 mrs. bird 1914379@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HappyBluebird: I have the same one and like it very much! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914374 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:36:06 +0000 loveisstrange 1914374@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.KMM: Ehhh, not necessarily. My current (Brother) machine was purchased for $100 at WalMart in 1989. My mom used it for 20+ years and Ive been using it for the rest. Its a completely adequate, although slightly outdated, machine. My mother has been sewing for 50 years and I have been sewing most of my life. My mom just bought me a new one for Christmas and Im going to pass my 80s Brother on to my BFF. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914373 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:35:46 +0000 MaryM 1914373@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also have a brother similar to what @HappyBluebird: posted. I got mine quite a few years ago so the exact model doesn't exist anymore.</p> <p>I started doing basic stuff on it, but have worked up to make kids clothes and quilts with it. I'd spend just a bit more over $100 if you plan to learn how to do more than just a simple hem. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914357 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:29:45 +0000 Mrs.KMM 1914357@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly, I'd pay a little more and get a better machine. You are going to outgrow the abilities of a $100 machine so quickly.</p> <p>I have a Janome Sewist 500. My mom bought it for me and she went to a specialty sewing machine shop to buy it. This is the kind of store with plenty of machines in the 5-figures - they know their stuff! They recommended the Janome Sewist 500 as a great beginner machine that you'll be able to grow with. I love it!</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Janome-Sewist-Machine-Built-In-Stitches/dp/B003AXXWAE" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Janome-Sewist-Machine-Built-In-Stitches/dp/B003AXXWAE</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914352 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:28:07 +0000 Mamaof2 1914352@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Brother!! Great starter machine and easy to use! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914350 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:27:59 +0000 loveisstrange 1914350@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Brother, FTW! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914344 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:26:08 +0000 photojane 1914344@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a cheapy Singer, and I really like it. I got it for my birthday 2 years ago, and have had zero issues with it. But, keep in mind, I'm a novice and I don't quilt. I actually just made Sadie's Halloween costume with it! It's a little over $100, but the price may go down as Christmas approaches:</p> <p><a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Singer-5400-Sew-Mate-60-Stitch-Sewing-Machine-5400/20573406" rel="nofollow">http://www.walmart.com/ip/Singer-5400-Sew-Mate-60-Stitch-Sewing-Machine-5400/20573406</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1914115 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 06:23:16 +0000 HappyBluebird 1914115@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is a little over $100 but it's what I have. I didn't know how to sew when I bought it and I've taught myself. It comes with 9 different feet and a table to attach for bigger projects. The walking foot alone is pretty expensive. (I broke mine and had to find a replacement, I'm sure I broke it doing something wrong) It's great for beginning sewing but has more advanced things too, like button holes, decorative stitching, etc. </p> <p>Heres the link.... <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000JQM1DE?pc_redir=1413928600&#038;robot_redir=1" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000JQM1DE?pc_redir=1413928600&#038;robot_redir=1</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1913665 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 19:57:56 +0000 Raindrop 1913665@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jetsa: @avivoca: Yeah being kind of into sewing for a few years... it was well known that singers went down hill recently... if you get an older one you are usually go to go. :)</p> <p>Go Janome! :) My new york friend swears by juke but I don't see that brand on the west coast. Most of my quilting friends use viking ... which is kind of pricey. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1913663 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 19:56:25 +0000 jetsa 1913663@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: yea its a newer model, I've had it 5 years or so. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-sew-recommend-a-cheap-sewing-machine#post-1913660 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 19:55:25 +0000 avivoca 1913660@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jetsa: the newer Singers are not that great quality-wise in my experience. I have a 1960's model that worked well until the motor went out. </p>