Machine Embroidery Supplies

Sewing Machines

Any suggestions for simple and affordable sewing machines?

I've been wanting to do some sewing again. When I started years ago I used my grandmothers ancient sewing machine. I need suggestions for a good and affordable sewing machine that isn't to hard to use and doesn't require lots of special knowledge or take forever to get the hang of.

There's an old programming maxim: "Good - Fast - Cheap. Pick any two." You'll run into the same issues with sewing machines, too.

Here's my standard beginner sewing machine rant... you sound like you're actually more of an intermediate sewing level, so if you were my friend and I was going machine shopping with you, I'd be urging you to try some of the midlevel electronic machines that I know to be sturdy and pretty carefree --- even as used machines.

http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm

What I want for beginners in sewing:

- a machine that doesn't scare you
- a machine that isn't balky (cheap new machines are often very
balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable --
just too frustrating to learn on!)
- very good straight stitch
- good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy)
- a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you
- adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric
handling issues)
- accessory presser feet that don't cost an arm and a leg
(machines that use a "short shank foot" typically handle
generic presser feet pretty well. Some brands of machines use
proprietary or very expensive presser feet)

If the budget stretches far enough:

- blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches
- triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications)
- a couple of decorative stitches (you won't use them nearly as
much as you think)
- electronic machine because of the needle position control and
because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at
slow sewing speeds -- mechanical machines often will stall at
slow speeds.

Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them
to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used
machines you can afford. You'll get a far better machine buying
used than new, and a good dealer is worth their weight in sewing
machine needles when you get a machine problem -- often they can
talk you through the problem over the phone. While you're trying
things out, try a couple of machines (sewing only, not combo
sewing-embroidery) over your price limit, just so you can see
what the difference in stitch quality and ease of use might be.
You may find you want to go for the used Cadillac. Or you might
want the new basic Chevy. Might as well try both out.

Suggested reading: John Giordano's The Sewing Machine Book
(especially for used machines), Carol Ahles' Fine Machine Sewing
(especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg
Hazen's Owner's Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting
Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public
library.

Used brands I'd particularly look for: Elna, Bernina,
Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota

New "bargain brand" I'd probably pick, if new and bargain was my choice: Janome (who also does Kenmore).

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

OESD Sewing Notions by Bayberrys Embroidery Machine Designs cd $31.03 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 2m

Double Circle Monogram Machine Embroidery Font Alphabet Designs 4 Sizes $4.95 Time Remaining: 5h 38m Buy It Now for only: $4.95

Chopin Script Machine Embroidery Font Alphabet 3 Sizes $2.95 Time Remaining: 5h 38m Buy It Now for only: $2.95

Scalloped Circle Monogram Machine Embroidery Font Alphabet Designs 4 Sizes $4.95 Time Remaining: 6h 55m Buy It Now for only: $4.95

Sew in Hoop Toy Garage Machine Embroidery Designs $5.99 Time Remaining: 7h 30m

Religious Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 7h 48m

Redwork Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES SEW $19.99 Time Remaining: 7h 48m

Mexican Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES HUS SEW $6.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 7h 51m

Lillies Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 7h 51m

Frogs 2 Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES HUS SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 7h 53m

Needle Kids Machine Embroidery Designs CD Sewing $9.95 Time Remaining: 10h 42m Buy It Now for only: $12.50

SEWING MACHINE EMBROIDERY MACHINE HUGE LOT OF 4 DESIGN CDS AWESOME LOOK $64.98 Time Remaining: 10h 48m Buy It Now for only: $74.99

Soccer Mom Applique Machine Embroidery Design 3 Sizes $2.95 Time Remaining: 11h 20m Buy It Now for only: $2.95

Football Mom Applique Machine Embroidery Design 3 Sizes $2.95 Time Remaining: 11h 22m Buy It Now for only: $2.95

Basketball Mom Applique Machine Embroidery Design 3 Sizes $2.95 Time Remaining: 11h 24m Buy It Now for only: $2.95

Baseball Mom Applique Machine Embroidery Design 3 Sizes $2.95 Time Remaining: 11h 26m Buy It Now for only: $2.95

4 Pack Sports Mom Applique Machine Embroidery Designs Baseball Soccer Football $9.95 Time Remaining: 11h 39m Buy It Now for only: $9.95

Cowboy Boot Applique Machine Embroidery Design 3 Sizes $2.95 Time Remaining: 13h 5m Buy It Now for only: $2.95

Cowboy Hat Applique Machine Embroidery Design 4 Sizes $2.95 Time Remaining: 13h 8m Buy It Now for only: $2.95

Tropical Font Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Formats Brother Husqvarna CD SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 13h 56m

Statue Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES HUS SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 13h 57m

Snowmen 2 Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES HUS $6.99 Time Remaining: 13h 57m

Office Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES HUS SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 14h 1m

Let it Snow Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES HUS $6.99 Time Remaining: 14h 2m

Celtic Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES HUS SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 14h 8m

Bowling Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES SHV SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 14h 9m

Chachie Machine Embroidery Font Alphabet Designs 3 Sizes $2.95 Time Remaining: 16h 56m Buy It Now for only: $2.95

Machine Embroidery Design CD and Book Sewing Book $3.99 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 16h 59m

Tropical Bahamas Machine Embroidery Designs Formats Brother Husqvarna CD SEW VIP $6.99 Time Remaining: 17h 9m

Roses Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES HUS SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 17h 27m

Penguin Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES HUS SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 17h 29m

Hawaii Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES HUS $6.99 Time Remaining: 17h 30m

Fish Font Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 17h 31m

Doves Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES HUS SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 17h 32m

Crazy Cats Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 17h 32m

Art Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES SEW SHV HUS $6.99 Time Remaining: 17h 37m

Chachie Applique Machine Embroidery Font Alphabet 4 Sizes $3.95 Time Remaining: 18h 46m Buy It Now for only: $3.95

Cute Bugs Machine Embroidery Designs FREE Font Brother Formats CD PES HUS SEW $0.99 Time Remaining: 22h 59m

Dance Font Machine Embroidery Designs on CD Brother Formats CD PES HUS SEW $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 23h 29m

Applique Cupcake Machine Embroidery Design 4 Sizes $2.95 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 39m Buy It Now for only: $2.95

Scan n Sew Scansoft Janome Memory Craft Sewing Machine Embroidery Designs $42.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 7h 13m

Scalloped Circle Applique Monogram Frames Machine Embroidery 9 Sizes $3.95 Time Remaining: 1d 9h 45m Buy It Now for only: $3.95

Alexander Machine Embroidery Font Alphabet Designs 3 Sizes $2.95 Time Remaining: 1d 10h 18m Buy It Now for only: $2.95

Harlow Machine Embroidery Font Alphabet 3 Sizes $2.95 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 40m Buy It Now for only: $2.95

Varsity Collegiate Applique Machine Embroidery Font Alphabet 4 Sizes $3.95 Time Remaining: 1d 18h Buy It Now for only: $3.95

WONDER THREAD GUIDE works on Pfaff Sewing Machines $19.95 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 4m Buy It Now for only: $19.95

WONDER THREAD GUIDE works on Bernina Sewing Machines $19.95 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 7m Buy It Now for only: $19.95

Puppy Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES HUS SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 7m

PASTA FONT Machine Embroidery Designs Brother 4 x 4 MANY Formats CD PES HUS SEW $0.99 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 59m

Pretty Dolls Machine Embroidery Designs Font Brother Janome Formats CD PES SEW $0.99 Time Remaining: 2d 28m

Redwork Animals Machine Embroidery Designs Brother 4 x 4 Formats CD PES HUS SEW $0.99 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 29m

Murray Machine Embroidery Font Alphabet 3 Sizes $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 3h 41m Buy It Now for only: $2.95

Sunbonnets Sewing Machine Embroidery Redwork Designs CD 10 designs in 4 sizes $16.00 Time Remaining: 2d 3h 46m

Lot of 2 Embroidery Hoops For Janome Sewing Machines With Templates $56.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 7h 7m

Tools of the Trade Machine Embroidery Designs Brother Many Formats PES HUS SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 2d 7h 43m

Skiing Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES HUS SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 2d 7h 45m

Celtic Font Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 2d 7h 54m

Black Cats Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 2d 7h 55m

Beauty Shop Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 2d 7h 55m

Bath Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES SEW SHV $6.99 Time Remaining: 2d 7h 55m

Baby 2 Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES SEW SHV $6.99 Time Remaining: 2d 7h 55m

Satin Sea Sillouettes Machine Embroidery Designs Brother Formats CD PES HUS SEW $0.99 Time Remaining: 2d 7h 59m

Peace Sign Applique Machine Embroidery Design 4 Sizes $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 8h 34m Buy It Now for only: $2.95

Machine Embroidery Font Package 10 Different Fonts 3 Sizes Each $19.95 Time Remaining: 2d 8h 42m Buy It Now for only: $19.95

Towel Topper Sewing Pattern with FIVE Coordinating Machine Embroidery Designs $14.95 Time Remaining: 2d 11h 57m Buy It Now for only: $14.95

Hawaii Machine Embroidery Designs Set II $6.99 Time Remaining: 2d 11h 58m Buy It Now for only: $6.99

Rocket Ship Spaceship Applique Machine Embroidery Design 3 Sizes $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 12h 20m Buy It Now for only: $2.95

By the Sea 2 Machine Embroidery Designs $6.99 Time Remaining: 2d 12h 25m Buy It Now for only: $6.99

Shoes Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES HUS SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 2d 13h 58m

Independence Day Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD $6.99 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 3m

Hats Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES HUS SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 3m

Christmas Dogs Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD SEW $6.99 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 7m

100+ Animal Machine Embroidery Designs Sets Brother Husqvarna Formats CD PES SEW $19.99 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 10m

Grafiti Sewing Machine Embroidery CD 22 designs 4x4 hoop 11 formats 11 Formats $4.99 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 48m

Skulls Sewing Machine Embroidery CD 20 designs 4x4 hoop 11 formats $4.99 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 48m

Monsters Galore Sewing Machine Embroidery Designs CD 50 Designs 11 Formats $9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 48m