what to look for in a sewing machine?

[Pinkbug]

One day when I go shopping... if I search for a sewing machine what kind of sewing machine I should look at? what options they have etc??

TIA!

[M&M'sMummy]

I would definately go for one that has 3 step zigzag, Ohter than that any machine will do. The one I used for 5mths was about 60yr old and did a great job!

If you want to do applique I would also recommend you get one you can adjust the stitch width AND length.

I would also recommend you get a Brand name as the cheap ones form Kmart, big-w and Aldi cannot be fixed if they break after the 12mths warranty as its all international parts and a sealed unit so now worth it.

You can pick up a janome for under $200 now

[Tubbychook]

When i went looking i wanted more stiches and i wanted a 1 step button hole i also just wanted something easy to use and new as mine was very old. i got a nice husqvarna for 299 which is great it has the 1 step BH and other functions as well as a needle threader. I was looking at the janome that was under 200 but it was basically the same as the machine i was upgrading from only differance was it was new. If you are going to end up making more then nappies then i say go with a machine with more functions. but if you want it just for the nappies and basic repairs then got for the basic janome because it is a great little machine. Go to a proper sewing machine shop and speak with them there they give you demos and if you tell them what you want to use it for and how much you want to spend they will dircet you to the right machine. You also end up getting free lessons on how to use your machine too. I am entitled to as many as i need in the first year of owning my machine.

I would deffinatly go with a brand name one though as not only are the cheaper ones harder to get fixed it can be hard to get the replacement items such as bobbins. I was looking at the $150 sewing machine at one of the major sewing / craft shops and they couldnt tell me if they stocked the right sized bobbins for it and they sold the machine. Might have been the sales person i got though in the end i decided not to go with that machine. You also tend to get a longer warrenty with the better brand machines i think janome have 2yrs and my husqvarna has 5yrs.


Good luck hope you get a great machine.

[SorenLorensen]

it really depends on what you want to sew.
TBH i love the old, solid, heavy as a truck ones.
i have just been given my nans one and it is great, very smooth and has everything i need.
my mum needed to buy a new one not that long ago becuase her other one broke (my fault :o ) becuaseshe does quilting she got one that came with everything to be able to do that.
you could prob go into a sewing shop and explain to the people what you want to sew and what you would like and they would head you in the right direction.

i love janome, i dont know why but i have 1 sewing machine of theirs and an overlocker and they never give me any trouble, and they were mum at one point and are over 10 years old