Brother Sewing Machine Price
What kind of sewing machine should I buy for my mother?
Hi, I want to buy my mother a new sewing machine. She used to do a lot of sewing (20 years ago or so) and she really wants to get back into it. She has an older Kenmore from Sears that somewhat works but she is always saying she wants a new machine.
Is $200-$300 enough to get a decent machine, or is this completely unrealistic? Also, what brands should I look at? In my price range, I have seen quite a few Brother, Singer, and Kenmore machines. Are there any must-have features I should be looking for?
If this helps you answer my question, she would use it for everyday fixes and such, but she also says she wants to try making curtains and clothes.
$200-300 is a little iffy for a new machine — but there may be some really good sales on now and right after the holidays. However, please don’t buy your mom a machine… it’s a really personal choice as to what features she’s going to want and how she expects it to work. For instance, Berninas just feel backwards to me, but I’ve never met a Viking or Pfaff I couldn’t use immediately. Other people feel just the opposite. Wrap up a homemade gift certificate with a copy of Threads or Sew News magazine, or a package of sewing machine needles if you want to have something to unwrap for holidays.
Here’s my standard beginner sewing machine rant… most of the advice is applicable to you:
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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