https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:18:44 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sewing-machine-recommendations#post-2903289 Fri, 22 Nov 2019 13:29:30 +0000 catgirl 2903289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaBear87: The machine I am looking at has 60 built in stitches and 7 styles of 1-step auto-size buttonholes. It comes with 8 sewing and quilting feet. </p> <p>@helloperidot: :grin: Thanks!</p> <p>@newlypregnantlady: Thanks for your thoughts! Sounds like it has some quirks but overall a good choice. I already do a lot of hand sewing and other similar things, so I do a lot of marking, pinning, and ironing. But it is crazy how much of a project is the prep work! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sewing-machine-recommendations#post-2903283 Fri, 22 Nov 2019 13:07:57 +0000 Sams Mom 2903283@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@newlypregnantlady: knits are terrible no matter what machine you have. Using a walking foot or serger and a ball point needle helps tremendously. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sewing-machine-recommendations#post-2903270 Fri, 22 Nov 2019 11:40:55 +0000 newlypregnantlady 2903270@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i have this machine and it’s totally fine as a beginner! I actually got it on Black Friday maybe six years ago. And it still works. It’s loud and doesn’t do well with many layers of medium to heavy weight fabric. And I don’t think fabric feeds very smoothly through it and that makes sewing elastic very difficult. I also struggle with knits and I’ve been wondering if the machine may be the reason (though this could be me. I’ve looked at tons of tips and tutorials and my knits always look super homemade).</p> <p>But I haven’t had major issues with it. It still works fine. I’ve never struggled with major tension issues. Threading the machine is easy. Never had bobbin problems. As a learner machine I don’t regret the purchase at all. I also tend to buy high quality thread because I know I have a cheap machine and it helps keep things sewing smoothly. </p> <p>I actually bought it to try and figure out if I liked sewing. And I do. But I also learned that the actual sewing is a very small part of sewing! (So much time is pinning and ironing and cutting). Definitely invest in a good iron if you buy a sewing machine. Also make sure you’ve got lots of hand sewing supplies because a lot of garments and things are hand-finished. I didn’t realize that when I started sewing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sewing-machine-recommendations#post-2903170 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:56:32 +0000 helloperidot 2903170@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Get the Brother. I've had mine for over 10 years and it will have to be pried from my cold dead hands. 😂 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sewing-machine-recommendations#post-2903076 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 09:16:37 +0000 lindseykaye 2903076@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catgirl: I think they've replaced it (maybe a couple times over) with similar machines. So pretty much any Brother 17-stich will likely be almost the same as what I have. Not sure if it does button holes though! Full retail these seem to be around the $80-$100 range but I would keep an eye out for Black Friday deals. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sewing-machine-recommendations#post-2903074 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 08:15:35 +0000 MamaBear87 2903074@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A brother is a great option. They use the same motor and most parts in all their machines so they hold up well even if you buy the cheaper entry models. </p> <p>I would go with something that has several stitch options and that can do automatic buttonholes. That's my most hated task and mine does auto ones and it's so nice</p> <p>Not sure if the one you mentioned does buttonholes but I know lots of people who love it </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sewing-machine-recommendations#post-2903072 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 06:29:32 +0000 catgirl 2903072@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sams Mom: I have heard great things about Husqvarna machines - but most of them are out of budget! They do have a few lower price machines but the reviews aren't great. </p> <p>@lindseykaye: That model looks like it has been discontinued but great to hear it has worked well for you! And I do love the idea of getting something that isn't too heavy since I will have to put it away when not using it.</p> <p>@winter_wonder: I have been checking FB marketplace and craigslist but haven't seen much yet. But I do plan to keep looking! </p> <p>@LemonJack: So glad you have liked it! Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sewing-machine-recommendations#post-2903071 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 06:15:54 +0000 LemonJack 2903071@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catgirl: I’ve had the machine you’re looking at for almost 10 years and I like it a lot. I bought it as a beginner and it was a great machine to learn on. I don’t see much right now, but that’s still the machine I use when I do. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sewing-machine-recommendations#post-2903060 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 22:30:19 +0000 winter_wonder 2903060@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another option is to check FB for sale groups. There are many good quality machines for sale on there. I got a vintage Kenmore about $15 about 10 years ago and it works great! I think the parts from old machines are a bit sturdier (less plastic). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sewing-machine-recommendations#post-2903021 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 16:23:01 +0000 lindseykaye 2903021@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I bought myself a Brother sewing machine at WalMart through a black friday deal a few years ago and have been really happy. I don't use it too often, but it's reliable and easy to use. Looked it up quick and I think it's the JX-2517, 17-stitch. I got it for around $50.<br /> 17 stich options is really all I think I'll ever need and it's a nice compact size so it's not too bulky or heavy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sewing-machine-recommendations#post-2903015 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 15:52:52 +0000 Sams Mom 2903015@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a Husqvarna Viking Emerald 183/185? I can't remember the number. I got it from my grandma, but I have no idea how much it was. I love it, it has more than average stitch options but isn't so overwhelming that is hard to use for basic things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sewing-machine-recommendations#post-2903012 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 15:40:44 +0000 brownepiano 2903012@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oooo. I'm just following and bumping this up. I have a hand me down machine from my mom but it hangs up all the time and makes me hate doing even simple hemming jobs. I'd love to get a newer one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sewing-machine-recommendations#post-2902974 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 11:40:20 +0000 catgirl 2902974@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm really wanting to get a sewing machine. I learned how to sew as a kid and did it quite a bit but haven't done it in many, many years. I'm looking for a good machine for a beginner but that I won't "outgrow" too quickly. I don't want to regret getting something too basic but don't want to get something that is too challenging in the beginning. Hoping to spend $150 but possibly up to $200.</p> <p>I have looking at the Brother CS6000i. Any thoughts on that one?</p> <p>Would love any of your recommendations! Thanks! </p>