I just recently started sewing but i’ve always had a passion for clothes. I’m looking for a sewing machine that will sew pretty much everything but with all the machines out there i’m just getting more and more confused. I need a machine that will sew stretch as well as non-stretch and will button hole as well as edge and allow me to put a zipper. Im not sure if one machine will do all or if i need two or three different kinds. I’m also slightly interested in embroidery.
I’ve been sewing for my daughters and other family members but my machine doesn’t have all the options i need so the finished product always seems to look unfinished or i’m very limited to what i can sew.
Can anyone please point me in the right direction of what machine i should be looking at?
Edited 7/30/2006 1:53 am ET by MielAraneta
Replies
Any good machine should be able to do the functions you mentioned. If by "edge" you mean to serge an edge, than you will need a seperate serger. I prefer Vikings, but that is just an opinion:)
mimi
ok thanks for the info......one more question....the machine that i have now gives me problems when trying to sew stretch is that normal....ive been trying all the setting but it still gives me problems, is it possible that not all machines sew stretch?
What kind of problems are you having with stretch fabrics? What is the fabric? Fleece? Poly? Swimsuit? Cotton lycra? etc. Are you using a needle for knits? The point goes betweeen the fibers instead of cutting them. You may need a longer stitch length or a zig zag. Some machines don't do as well as others.
If you are looking for a new machine, I suggest you go to the dealers in your area and bring along some fabric scraps to play with. I think a supportive dealer is one of the most important considerations. You can probably get free lessons on using the machine and it will probably prevent expensive repairs in the future.
Often we think the machine has a problem when it is just threaded wrong, needs a fresh needle, needs to be cleaned, the thread is old, maybe the fabric or thread is not right for the technique we are trying, you need to stabilize buttonholes,etc, etc, etc. I have known alot of people who have given up sewing because they just didn't have anyone to problem solve with. A common one is thread buildup between the bobbin and needleplate.
The new machines are wonderful. There is quite a variety in many price ranges. Some dealers will let you trade up if you do it within a year, etc.
I have three Husqvarna Vikings and love them dearly. My first machine was a Necchi when I was sixteen and it was incredible. Everyone has thier preferences and the only way to find yours is to get out there and drive drive drive....just like buying a car.
Tell the dealer what type of sewing you want to do. It may narrow it down. Unless you are like me, I like to try everything and expect my machine to be able to do it all.
Good luck in your endeavors. Remember to have fun. Mary
Any basic machine will do this and I would get a machine which does a one step buttonhole. They are so good and you end up with nice uniform buttonholes. If yyour sewing takes off you could then but a separate embroidery machine and serger . To buy a sewing and embroidery machine in one is very expensive and you may find that you dont fully use its capabilities . For the same money you could get a sewing machine , embroidery machine and serger . It really depends on your budget. i would also have look on Pattern Review .com as they have great reviews on sewing machines.
I have Elna and I love it. This is my second one. It does basically what you asked for and then I have one that embroideries. I would get another one but I know that it is just what you are used too. There are alot of good sewing machines out there. Bernina makes a good one to but is more expensive. Depends on what you are want it to do and how much you want to spend.
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