Are cheap sewing machines usable?

[Renee]

I find myself in the position of needing to make curtains and pillow covers. Has anyone bought and/or used a cheap (like under $100) sewing machine? I don't have the space or desire for an expensive one, but I don't want to waste my money on a cheap one either if it is going to be a pain in the ass. I have a little (very little, really) experience using my mothers high-end sewing machine, so I know the basic operation. I don't need to sew button holes or make elaborate stitches. Thanks!

[twickster]

**pulls up chair and awaits answer**

I've been wanting to get one that can do a simple straight stitch, for mending, making pillows, etc. -- didn't think to ask if it was a good idea.

Not a handheld -- something like this (http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?dp=F2C20202E6021253E39363938357E373637373136313&stk_code=stesp402), maybe.

[WhyNot]

I got a pretty basic portable on eBay for around $100. Great little machine. Has a dozen or so pretty stiches, but no embrodery or anything that fancy. I've had it for 5 years, use it in frantic bursts of creativity and then let it sit abandoned for months. I have not taken it in for yearly checkups or oilings like I'm supposed to, but it's still fine.

In short, I abuse the hell out of it and treat it shamefully, but it's been a faithful little machine nonetheless. I'm ditching the expensive cabinet housed machine my MIL gave me in favor of keeping my little cheapie.

It's a Brother XL-3022, if that helps you in your search.

[Cowgirl Jules]

Before I upgraded, I had a Kenmore that was about in that price range, and it always worked just fine. I learned to quilt on that machine; it was fine for straight piecing, but I wouldn't have wanted to try to stuff a whole quilt sandwich under there.

I think where you might run into problems would be working with the thicker upholstery fabrics. A cheaper machine might not have the horsepower to get through the thick stuff. What about looking for a used one, that might be a higher quality while still in your price range?

[gotpasswords]

From our experience,

White is pure shyte
Bought a Brother? Get another for spare parts

Go to your local sewing machine repair shops and let 'em know what you want. The old Singer Touch & Sews are some good sturdy machines that just keep on sewing, and you can probably get one for the price of a cheapie new machine that'll die in six weeks.

[Smashed Ice Cream]

I've been sewing since I was a little kid, as have my sisters. This thread showed up at an interesting time as we were all just discussing how we all use our cheap $100 Bicor (Brother, same thing, different name) machines all the time because of ease of use, and how damn sturdy they are, and they're all old. Mine's 10 years old, at least. I have a pretty decent Singer that I bought used for $300, and a *very* nice Husqy that my husband totally spoiled me with for way too much money. Of course, I use the good ones for important things, but I've had no problems with my Brother, and it definitely gets the most mileage.

I'd recommend one for what you're wanting to do. Plus, they have warranties (3-yr, I think), so you're covered if there's a problem. Like I said, I like mine, never had a problem.

[10 u us]

Yeah, the hand ones are crap. The stitch pulls right out because it's not fully looped.

[AuntiePam]

I've been using a reconditioned Brother that I paid $200 for, about four years ago. I've made 40+ quilt tops using it with no problems. It's a bit noisy, compared to the Berninas I see on the quilt shows, but I can deal with that.

[XaMcQ]

My Brother, from WalMart, was under $100.00 and I used it for curtains, bed covers, etc. It works great so long as you keep it clean and oiled.

[Buckler of Swashing]

Echoing twickster, does anyone have any experience with the little $25-$40 range of small machines?

Do they break/decline too fast to be useful? Too cheaply made to be in any way reliable?

[Cartooniverse]

Oh man, a rant in the making. My old machine died finally, and so I hiked off to the Mart of all Wal to purchase another one. After I convinced the saleslady that I was going to be the owner of the machine and primary user, things went ok.

I can't sew a pattern to save the Republic, but I use the machine around my house. My wife, she wouldn't be able to spin a bobbin for anything.

I chose a cheap machine. I got home. I set up to do what I needed to do, which was take gargantuan amounts of PolarTec fleece to make a long lap/footsie blanket for my Mom. She adored it.

I then went to use the machine a few days later, for the very task I use a sewing machine for 90% of the time: Sewing Velcro (r) onto seat belt type webbing. The machine was a disaster. I went back to the Mart of all Wal and asked the nice Polish lady in the sewing department.

I couldn't adjust the pressure on the foot at all. It was either Up or it was Down. The thread tore incessantly, because the pressure of the foot was so intense that the fabric/Velcro was pressed deeply against the spiky moving foot thingy underneath. ( I have no doubt but that that small part is NOT called the spiky moving foot thingy underneath, but that's what I came up with. So there. :p )

She and I examined the various machines. There were several different brand names and price points. Every single machine lacked a variable pressured foot. I was mortified, I tell you !! I had to go home and out of a small bit of aluminum tubing, fashion a small short spacer. I then taped this spacer into the gap at the underneath of the machine, thus stopping the foot lever from completely dropping into place. I went through perhaps 8 or 10 cuts, until I had one that allowed the fabric to feed along smoothly but not be TOO loose. Insanity.

I finished the projects that I had but now I actually dread the next.

Cartooniverse

[Sattua]

Expensive machines aren't a guarantee of good sewing. I have a Singer Quantum Futura and the damn thing "eats" its thread and fabric all. the. time. It has ruined its own tension mechanism. I avoid sewing because it's so traumatic.

[WhyNot]

...the spiky moving foot thingy underneath. ( I have no doubt but that that small part is NOT called the spiky moving foot thingy underneath, but that's what I came up with. So there. :p ) ...
Feed dogs.

Seriously, that's what they're called. :)

[Marlitharn]

**pulls up chair and awaits answer**

I've been wanting to get one that can do a simple straight stitch, for mending, making pillows, etc. -- didn't think to ask if it was a good idea.

Not a handheld -- something like this (http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?dp=F2C20202E6021253E39363938357E373637373136313&stk_code=stesp402), maybe.
I'm looking for a cheapie machine, too; my friends and I are gearing up for a massive sew-a-thon for RenFest costumes (I think at last count we had about 9 costumes to construct). That one looks good, but I have to wonder what's so impressive about a see-through bobbin cover that they felt the need to mention it twice. :D

[Cartooniverse]

Feed dogs !! Yes ! You're a god/goddess. ( Which are you? :) )

A see-through bobbin door? Man. That's a serious distraction. Me, I'd never want to see that magical thingy doing it's job, my eyes would wander and I'd wind up sewing my thumb to the velcro.

[Renee]

the very task I use a sewing machine for 90% of the time: Sewing Velcro (r) onto seat belt type webbing


um, why?

That one looks good, but I have to wonder what's so impressive about a see-through bobbin cover that they felt the need to mention it twice.

I thought the same thing. But that machine was kind of what I had in mind.

[WhyNot]

Feed dogs !! Yes ! You're a god/goddess. ( Which are you? :) )

I am a Goddess, thanks! :)

Velcro to seat belt straps, you say? I'm also curious as to what for. That's one task that sounds too heavy duty for my little cheapie, I have to admit. She gets a little sluggish with multiple layers of denim.

As for the $25-35 range, I've never tried one, but I'm very dubious. I wonder what sort of moving bits are plastic which should be properly metal, or what sort of horsepower the thing really has. If you're making 9 costumes, a $100 machine will add only $11 per piece to your working cost. I would do that, rather than spend $35, have it break (or work too slowly or something) and then have to chuck it and replace it with a $100 machine anyway.

OR, you could check with the sewing store near you and see if they'll rent you a machine for a week.

I have to wonder what's so impressive about a see-through bobbin cover that they felt the need to mention it twice.
A see through bobbin cover lets you check how much thread is on your bobbin without removing your fabric from the machine or taking anything apart. I give it a "meh" on my list of desirables. It'd be nice, but I've never had it, and I wouldn't trade anything else (like power, speed, durability) away for it.

[Cartooniverse]

Oh. I make replacement and custom-fitted straps for a camera/body harness and it uses velcro against thick 2" webbing for the straps.

A rental wouldn't work- I get calls out of the blue, someone frantically FedEx's me a huge box, I strip it apart, fix it, send it out fast.

I did solve the problem, it just annoyed me that a machine- a whole row of them, varying in cost from the $ 79.99 I paid to over $ 300.00, all had NO feed dog pressure adjustor. Hmph.

Yes. She is a Goddess. :p

[Renee]

Kenmore Ultra 17 stitch sewing machine (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8286141514&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_ReBay_Pr4_PcY_BID_Stores_IT)

It cost about $40 plus s/h.

It should be here in about a week. If anyone want's me to report on how it works, I will. Thanks for all the responses.

[WhyNot]

Kenmore Ultra 17 stitch sewing machine (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8286141514&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_ReBay_Pr4_PcY_BID_Stores_IT)

It cost about $40 plus s/h.

It should be here in about a week. If anyone want's me to report on how it works, I will. Thanks for all the responses.
Awwww....who's a cute widdle sewing machine? You are! You are! kitchee kitcheee goo!

*ahem*

:D

Yes, do let us know how it works out. Kenmore's got a good rep that goes way back.

[Cartooniverse]

Indeed. This nice man in a uniform said he was from Kenmore. Showed up at the door one day. Claimed he wanted to pet my feed dog.

I knew better. He was the Maytag Man.

:o

[Broomstick]

I have a Singer machine built in 1910. Treadle powered, not electric.

I love this machine.

Sews everything from gauze to leather, although you'll need different needles for each of those items.

Unfortunately, the thread tension screw is getting a little wonky. Then again, I'm less than half its age and I get a little wonky, too, sometimes. Eventually, I'll take it to Singer and see about getting it adjusted/fixed.

[monavis]

I taught sewing and have used many sewing machines, I have 2 sewing machines but non compare to an old pre-computerize Pfaff. If I could find a good used one I would buy it in an instant. Mine got so much use it had too much wear and I couldn't get a replacement part. One can sometimes find a good sewing machine at a garage sale for $5.00. I no longer do much sewing as my sight is not what it used to be. so buying a new one would not be worth itfor me.

Monavis

[gigi]

Awwww....who's a cute widdle sewing machine? You are! You are! kitchee kitcheee goo!Ditto--what a sweet little buddy. And definitely not over the top like this thing (http://allbrands.com/products/abp08907-1140.html).

[Cartooniverse]

Heh. I was expecting something more like this (http://www.schweizer-naehmaschinen.de/pix/masch2.jpg).

;)

[gigi]

Heh. I was expecting something more like this (http://www.schweizer-naehmaschinen.de/pix/masch2.jpg).

;)
Their website features a machine for butt seaming. tee hee

[Cartooniverse]

The Straight Dope- Where the Sorbonne meets Kindergarten at full speed. :D

[GythaOgg]

If you want to find a very good machine inexpensively, are not hung up on having a brand-new one, and are willing to do some legwork, try haunting some estate sales. I have friends who do a lot of sewing/craft/costuming work who obtain most of their supplies this way. One friend picked up an older Pfaff in beautiful condition with a complete set of accessories for about $50. I know another who got an older industrial Singer for about the same. It's worth trying.

[Lynn Bodoni]

Ditto--what a sweet little buddy. And definitely not over the top like this thing (http://allbrands.com/products/abp08907-1140.html). My eyes! Oh dear Og, my EYES!

[Cartooniverse]

We can take a hint. Where d'ya want that sent, Ma'am?

:D

[handsomeharry]

Kenmore Ultra 17 stitch sewing machine (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8286141514&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_ReBay_Pr4_PcY_BID_Stores_IT)

It cost about $40 plus s/h.

It should be here in about a week. If anyone want's me to report on how it works, I will. Thanks for all the responses.
respondez vous!
hh

[Hello Again]

A friend of mine has the Kenmore Mini Ultra and just luuuuvs it. In fact I just got one on her recommendation (thanks for the birthday present mom!).

I bought mine direct from Sears -- its on sale right now for $59 but with in-store pickup there's no shipping charge. So costwise it washes out more or less. Nice little machine for the price.

BTW, this model comes in several colors but for whatever reason it's always the baby blue that's on sale. Odd!

[conurepete]

My favorite machine is a mysterious dressmaker machine I got at a garage sale for $10. It has an unbelievable number of miles on it, and behaves very well, despite the fact that a small springy part of the thread tension unwound and shot off into the ether. It is nigh invunerable, and only has stitch size and zig-zag options.
I also have gotten 2 free machines: one 60+ years old metal monster from my Great Grandmother: it needs a new belt, but has an ominously powerful motor, and a treadle machine I can hardly wait to set up. I really like the heft and simplicity of the really old, really cheap machines. They are often durable. I appreciate fancy sergers and computer machines, but they take a lot of operator knowledge. Anyway, you can machine-embroider with any zig-zag machine if you want to.

[Renee]

Okay, update. I love the thing. It does exactly what I want, which is quite simple, and is a "real" sewing machine with standard threading procedures, bobins, etc. It is about 12" x 16" and weighs maybe 10 lbs. I hereby recomend it. I also recomend the e-bay seller I got it from, it arrived quickly and she was very helpful.