I don't know how to sew, but I am learning so I'm a beginner. I want to start designing handbags and am looking for a great beginner sewing machine for a good price (no more than 200 dollars) that will help me to start. Any suggestions?
Website links would be nice.
For most handbag fabrics, you're looking for power, and I can't think of a new $200 machine that will give that to you. You'd be far better off with a good used machine. Be sure, when you're shopping, to bring samples of the sorts of materials you want to sew.
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: Janome (who also does
Kenmore).
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Hi, future handbag designer extraordinaire!
The best way to find the machine that is right for you is to go to as many dealers as you can find.
Ask if they have a machine within your budget and do they have sewing lessons.
They will give you a demo and let you try your hand at running the machine.
A brand new machine will come with a manufacturer's warranty and a free "introduction to the machine" lesson. There is normally a charge for any other lessons.
You may get a better machine if you purchase a gently used machine that the dealer knows (sold it and serviced it). It should have a limited warranty from the dealer.
Major brands (Bernina, Husqvarna/Viking, Babylock, Brother & Janome) do not normally advertise their suggested price.
But, some of these companies have certain models that are sold in fabric stores. There is no support, the machines are just merchandise.
You can get the prices on-line for Kenmore (Sears & K-Mart) and Brother models that are sold at (Walmart, Costco and Allbrands). These machines come with the manufacturer's warranty and that's it.
Stay away from any Singer built after 1965 - the company is no longer up to the standard they once held so high.
Best wishes for finding a good machine and for much success in your future business adventure.
PJ
You're going to need a sturdy machine, like the answer above me points out, handbags often involve heavy fabric and lots of layers. Depending on your materials, you may also want to invest in a leather needle and a good zipper foot.
Luckily, $200 is plenty for a good beginner machine. I'm kind of partial to Brother sewing machines personally but you might find another brand has the features you want. Check your local yellow pages for a sewing machine shop. They tend to have better service, and you won't just be standing in the aisle wondering what to get, like you would at Target or a place like that.
If you are going to be doing bags you will probably be using heavier fabric and at times, several layers. I would go with the best basic model you can afford. Start with one that does straight stitching, has a reverse, has zig zag and does buttonholes. Check with your local sewing machine store. Most have good used machines people have used to trade in for new ones.
Great!!
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