Sewing machine recommendations wanted

[MYellowRose]

I want to buy a sewing machine. I don't want one that does embroidery as I can do that by hand if I want it done. I want it to make clothes and do some piecing for making quilts. It would be nice to have one that I could also use to do actual quilting on but I don't want to spend a fortune on one.
What do you have for a sewing machine and would you recommend it or if not why not?
I'm not a novice sewer, just very out of practice so I'm not familiar with the newer models. Last good one I owned was a New Home 3000 I believe and that was back in the mid 1980's.

[CarolAnn]

Hi, Rose - I think in the case of sewing machines, older is better! (Hmmmm....just like us ladies!) ;D

My old machine is a Sears that I got with a cabinet at Goodwill for under $20. It cost another $40 to have it cleaned and tuned up at a sewing machine shop - but it sews like a dream. It does only straight and zig-zag, but that's all I needed it for.

On the other hand, my friend's machine is a $275 model plastic piece of junk that hops around on her kitchen table. I wouldn't trade if she threw in $100, unless I thought I could get another oldie at Goodwill!

However, if you have your heart set on a new machine, I did find a website that compares different models. Hopefully others who have bought recently will also add their experiences!

http://www.consumersearch.com/www/house_and_home/sewing-machines/

[CarolAnn]

Oh yes - and a sewing machine shop (if you can find one!) is a great place to actually try out machines. Personally getting the feel of a machine is the best way to know if you'll enjoy using it!

[MYellowRose]

CarolAnn I'd be more than happy to buy one second hand if I thought it wouldn't cost a fortune to have it fixed if it didn't work. Right now I'm just getting ideas as to what others use and like or don't like. Later I'll keep an eye out on Craig's list and for yard and estate sales to see if I can find a decent one.

[packyderms_wife]

I have several old Singer sewing machines, two of which are gear driven instead of belt driven - allowing me to sew leather, heavy canvas duck etc.

I ALSO have three newer Janomes, I have a Janome 6500 which is my workhorse and I use about 95% of the time. I have a Janome 5124 my first new macine, and I use it for free arm sewing or straight sewing when I have my 6500 set up for anything special.

I also have a Janome Gem Gold (picked up for $25.00 at a yard sale) and I use this when I travel as one never knows when one will need a sewing machine. It weighs about six pounds.

Kimberly

[MNMOM]

When in sewing machine shops, ask about their used machines and try one out.

Used machines in these places have all been checked over before they offer them for sale. You can usually get some really good buys at places like these.

[MYellowRose]

MNMOM that's why I want to find that place I bought my New Home from. He sold both new and reconditioned machines and if memory serves me correct he had a lay away program, just what I need.

[leera]

Most of my machines are older than me!

I do have one newer Janome,I'm thinking it was made in the late 1970's or early 1980's.....

Both of my treadles were made before 1915,my gear driven Singer is a lot newer,and I have an old Singer that was a treadle someone put an after market motor on........

I also have an older Kenmore that was the sewing machine my Mother bought me when I moved out on my own.....

The older non computerized metal machines were made for the long haul and are much more repairable than the new all plastic machines.

[pcrowder]

I have a Riccar Model 1570 and absolutely love it! It has all metal workings, and you can fix/clean/tune it yourself! No more driving an hour each way to have it cleaned/tuned. I wanted something that would sew denim, repair Carhartt coats and sew leather, and it does it all. And, I've made baby quilts on it! It doesn't have fancy embroidery stitches, just a blanket stitch, stretch stitch, zig zag, straight, and a couple of mending stitches. I used to have an old Kenmore in the 1980's which I adored but wore out, and d/h bought me a brother (plastic workings) which never worked right since the day I got it. I've had Wards and other machines which never held the proper tension for more than a few seams. Most of the ones now days are all made in the Asian countries, and even a salesman at Sears told me that their Kenmore machines now are made at a different factory in a different country every year, depending on which country has the LOWEST BID! I bought my Riccar new, and absolutely have loved it since day 1. We are very rural, and I wanted something that I wouldn't have to have tuned up or serviced very often (if at all), because with the cost of fuel, we don't travel far unless we have to. This has definitely fit the bill! Riccar makes alot of different models, but I chose the one with no fancy settings, just a good RELIABLE machine, and that's what I got!
Hope this helps! :D

[pcrowder]

Oh yes, I forgot to mention that the owner's manuals for the Riccars are all online and are free to download! Every other machine that I've had, if you lost the manual, you had to order it and pay ALOT to get it!

[8kids4me]

Besides the already mentioned Goodwill/Salvation Army, you might try Craigslist.

I definitely second the idea of buying an old machine. Singers older than the 80's, Kenmores, Pfaff, etc. Those old machines are heavy, and may not have fancy stitches, but they were built to last. And have.

I have a Bernina(bought new in 91?) that has never needed work done on it. Though I love it, if I had to replace it, I would look for an old machine. Mine still costs the same now used as I paid new back then....so I wouldn't be able to replace it with the same model.

[MYellowRose]

Pccrowder is the Riccar an American brand? I've never heard of it before.

[MNMOM]

Besides the already mentioned Goodwill/Salvation Army, you might try Craigslist.

I definitely second the idea of buying an old machine. Singers older than the 80's, Kenmores, Pfaff, etc. Those old machines are heavy, and may not have fancy stitches, but they were built to last. And have.

I have a Bernina(bought new in 91?) that has never needed work done on it. Though I love it, if I had to replace it, I would look for an old machine. Mine still costs the same now used as I paid new back then....so I wouldn't be able to replace it with the same model.

I have a Bernina also and I really love it. Mine is the embroidery machine and I have made a lot of presents on it. Mine was purchased about 7 years ago.

[sawyerob]

If i was going to buy a home owner sewing machine, that i wanted to last the rest of my life, it would be a Pfaff. There walking "needle" design is second to none, and the shop i worked in had less problems with Pfaff than any other brand by far.

[MNMOM]

Are you talking, walking needle compared to a walking foot?

My best friend has a Pfaff and likes it very much.

My Bernina has been completely trouble free, and has done a ton of sewing.

I use to have a Viking and it was really a work horse, also trouble free. I gave it to my daughter when I got my Bernina.

[sawyerob]

Are you talking, walking needle compared to a walking foot?

My best friend has a Pfaff and likes it very *much. *

My Bernina has been completely trouble free, and has done a ton of sewing. *

I use to have a Viking and it was really a work horse, also trouble free. *I gave it to my daughter when I got my Bernina.

*I'm talking about a walking needle. *It pierces the fabric and advances it... unlike a walking foot that just squashes the fabric and advances it.

*With the fabric pierced, the layers can't slip...

*Bernina are good machines, the old manual Viking also are good, but getting very old now. *The middle years of Viking had too many electrical problems, and now days? *I don't know...

*Most brands like Singer, had good and bad years. *It's because they keep switching where they are made, and for the most part, aren't no way near in the class of a Pfaff, Bernina ect... *Sears and most other brands have the same problem Singer has...

*Make mine a Pfaff pleaseeee...

*SR

[pcrowder]

MyYellowRose:
I believe it is American made. It also uses standard needles and standard metal bobbins and a "generic" walking foot.
This is the model I have:
http://www.riccar.com/products/sewing-machines/utility/?prod=1570
They have a bunch of different models, but mine is known as a "utility" machine.
I don't know where you live, so here is the "where to buy" page to locate a dealer near you. http://www.riccar.com/where-to-buy/ I lived outside of Denver when I bought mine, and just happened upon this brand at a tiny sewing machine shop. I had gone in to try to find a cheap used machine right before Halloween because my old PLASTIC (ugh!) Brother refused to hold tension, and I needed to finish the costumes. I had never heard of Riccar either. From the website, I believe it is Riccar U.S.A., and if I remember, the salesman told me they were made in Chicago. I have also seen them up for sale (older models, though!) on EBay. Hope this helps! ;D

[pcrowder]

MyYellowRose: Let me clarify - it uses "standard" metal bobbins and needles you can find anywhere from WalMart to your local sewing store. I use singer needles most of the time, but if they're sold out, I use others. And the "generic" walking foot is one I bought at a quilting store that was sold to fit "any" short shank machine. Also - my machine will sew everything from the flimsiest nylon to 1/8" thich LEATHER. I repair Carhartt coats and also my son's leather saddle bags with it. It is truly a wonder. :D

[sawyerob]

Riccar is a Japanease company, and i believe all are still made in Japan...

SR

[mungsurfers]

"Riccars are all online and are free to download"

I got a really old Riccar from a missionary thrift store and need an manual but have not found the down-loadable ones for free. Can you advise me to where I can find them for free???

Thanks in advance....
Duranne<><

[Outlawswife]

Did you ever get a sewing machine? I'm new to the forum and decided to sign on so I could give you my answer.
I have a Sears from 1971. Those machines made before '72 are made with metal parts. I've NEVER had one bit of trouble with it! And believe me, it's gone 10000s of miles. Recently I bought a Janome 760. I use it for sewing crafts and small quilted items. I LOVE this machine! It has more bells and whistles, is quieter, and is a very solid machine. I part I really love is you can push a button and the needle always stops in the down position....this is SO helpful when you're piecing quilts!

good luck!

[crunchycon]

I have a Singer Touch and Sew II (model 770) that I received for my 19th birthday (30 years ago - you do the math) that I wouldn't trade for much. Just keeps going and going.

My mother had a Pfaff (lost in a house fire, alas), and it was a little jewel also. If I were to get a new machine, I'd get a Pfaff.

[theresehirko]

You want to try and find an older metal model. The newer sewing machines with all of the gadgets and computer hookup are made of plastic. I have an old singer, which does straight and zigzag stitch and maybe a buttonhole or two if you have a really steady hand. This is my main general sewing machine. I also used to make all of Michael's clothes when he was a little and I plan on sewing for the grandchildren once I'm out of school. I invested in a serger machine when Michael was a baby. This is a fabulous machine. It is great for knit fabrics and also for regular fabrics because it finishes the edges as it sews the seam. It's not a necessary machine, but it was a good investment when I did sewing every day. I also have a machine that I bought when I made my wedding dress. It's one of the computer compatible, does a million stitches machines. I have used it a total of about six times. Now I could see my self using it to decorate a piece of material with colored stitchery for play clothes for my grandchildren, but all in all, this was not one of my wisest purchase choices. About the only thing I am going to use it for in the future is to make pillowcase dresses for my granddaughters and stitch animals all over the pillowcases in different colored threads. My basic machine was a gift from my parents when I was 19 y/o. I am now 43 and it's still going strong.

[MYellowRose]

Guess I'll just have to see if I can find an older model though so far I haven't had any luck. Since I'm not in a hurry I'll just wait until I find what I want.
The one thing that bothers me about getting an older machine is whether or not I can still find parts for it if something should go wrong with it.

[theresehirko]

If you buy a singer you can order parts online. I do my own tune ups and repairs on my sewing machines. No problems so far.

[WRTN]

I bought my wife a Pfaff sewing machine about 20 years ago and she is still using it. Been a real good machine.

http://www.pfaffusa.com/

[mtwildflower]

I also have a New Home. I bought it used for $250 about 15 years ago and it is still going strong. I do try and get it tuned up, cleaned and repaired if there are any it needs at least every couple of years. Before that, I had an older Kenmore that I really liked...all metal parts, no computer. I traded it to someone for her old treadle sewing machine which I have never used, but ought to try.

If I wanted a fancy machine and had the $$$ to buy a new one, I'd get a Pfaff too. My mom has one and it's just great. LOVE the walking foot feature on it.

[leera]

Most of the older machines are easily repaired,esp. Kenmore,New Home,Viking,Singer........pretty much any older one.

If I have to take one in to be repaired,I talk directly to the repariman,and not to the ladies who run the sewing shop,they're useless........

Most recently I picked up an old Kenmore,the only thing I could find wrong with it was not the machine,but the carrying case was all busted up......it was getting thrown away.......sews great,and I've used it to fix and shorten a couple pairs of pants already.

Here's a pic of it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v239/leera/13.jpg

[MYellowRose]

pcrowder I tried the link to locate dealer near me and from what I can tell there are none. Not only that, when I put in my zip code it brought up a road I've never heard of so I don't know just where it thinks I live. When I entered the city and state it brought up a map of a portion of downtown near the Criminal Justice building and the courthouse. LOL Oh well, I'll keep looking and eventually I'll find something I like and can afford.

[pcrowder]

pcrowder I tried the link to locate dealer near me and from what I can tell there are none. *Not only that, when I put in my zip code it brought up a road I've never heard of so I don't know just where it thinks I live. *When I entered the city and state it brought up a map of a portion of downtown near the Criminal Justice building and the courthouse. LOL *Oh well, I'll keep looking and eventually I'll find something I like and can afford.


I wish you luck. I inherited my mom's older Kenmore model 158.850, and I actually got it to work the other day by just installing a new belt. She hasn't sewn in years, and it just started up like new! 'course it's all metal, and I agree with the posters who say get metal over plastic. I have NO faith in the plastic gears/parts inside. I've found that if they have a plastic outside, then they usually have a plastic inside too. This is the closest one I could find that is like my mom's: http://cgi.ebay.com/HEAVY-DUTY-1-2amp-KENMORE-52-Purple-SEWING-MACHINE-cams_W0QQitemZ110338588832QQihZ001QQcategoryZ3118Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Don't know how much you have to spare money-wise, but there are some nice deals on metal ones on EBay...Just search under Kenmore Sewing Machine, and there are quite a few, and some even have free shipping!
Good luck!!!!! Pat

[CarolAnn]

Rose - I think you've discovered a common problem - no sewing machine shops left! Often they did both vacuum cleaners and sewing machines & they're folding up like crazy. My boss sent me to a vac dealer here in Madison for a new cleaner for work - and they said business is GREAT - because the six other shops in town folded last year. *:'(

I think this may be a good business opportunity for some unemployed guy who's handy with machines - work out of his garage or a van & fix sewing machines, vacuum cleaners & sharpen knives & scissors!!

It's also getting harder to find fabric locally - I hope this trend soon reverses itself!!

[pcrowder]

.........It's also getting harder to find fabric locally - I hope this trend soon reverses itself!!

I've noticed the same thing - the Walmart (a 2 hr round trip!) is eliminating their sewing department, so the only other alternative (also a 2 hr round trip) is the local sewing/quilting store, but their fabrics run ~ $8.95/yard!!! :o So much for inexpensive fabric for utility quilts and kitchen curtains and cloth napkins! I guess I'll just have to expand my EBay shopping, but the shipping can get pretty expensive. It's too bad the closest thrift/second hand store is a 6 hr round trip from us! :'(

[CatherineID]

Let's get real here. Sewing machines aren't made like they were many years ago. Over a year ago, I bought my DD a Singer sewing machine from Target for $75. It is as good a sewing machine as the high-end Elna model my dad bought a few decades ago - which I used until DD tried to use it and stripped the innards. I replaced the Elna with a highly rated machine that cost under $300. Frankly, I like using my DD's machine better. Neither machine is computerized - which would up the price immensely.

Since you're proposing getting a sewing machine for light sewing (no making jeans, leather coats, etc) then I recommend a lower cost Singer or Brother with free-arm, zig-zag stitch and drop-feed-dogs (which you will use to do top quilting). Other than that, keep the needs sharp and enjoy.

[silvergramma]

first of all the older machines ,, heavier models are the best you can get.. they last longer... and i'd join quilt chat on the net.. good gals and guys in there .. there is a frame you can get for any sewing machine called the flynne or flynn frame that allows you to quilt with a regular sewing machiine... if you can get one with a top loading bobbin it would be your best bet.. for those kinds of projects.. changing bobbins is easier that way
but for hoop quilting on the machine without all the fuss.. try a few smaller projects first.. good luck and quilters cache is a must the patterns there are unbelievable and very printable

[silvergramma]

oops sorry forgot to tell you check out the thrift stores and garage sales you can get those good ones for 5-15 bucks and if it isnt ruined from humidity or neglect you can get them cleaned and tuned up for a good price ,,,find the ones with the cams.. for later projects and sometimes you can find the button holer attatchments in thrift stores for a machine you may already have i have 4 -5 dollar machines here with everything in working order..and dont order one from ebay or shopgoodwill. i made that mistake.. they packed the thing in peanuts and cardboard and when ups delivered it was crushed box and broken...