I am looking to buy my first sewing machine. I am taking lessons in April and though it is not required that you have your own sewing machine, I would like to get one so I can take it to lessons and learn how to use it. I don't want anything really cheap or really expensive. I am looking for something that does the basics but also that I can grow with as I learn more. Any suggestions?
Thanks!

Yes. Go to a store that sells and services sewing machines and see what they have in your price range. You'll be able to test different machines, and they can advise you. If this is your first machine, your best bet is to go with a basic model with straight and zig-zag. Learning to use those well will take you a while, and there's really very little except embroidery and possibly sewing with some knits that you can't do with those 2 stitches. You might want to make sure that you get a machine that comes with different feet, or for which extra feet are inexpensive, and check out buttonhole capabilities on the machine. Once you know what kind of sewing you're really going to do, you can trade in that starter machine and get one with more bells and whistles if you like. Don't let the age of a machine bother you. I have a couple of 50 year old machines that sew beautifully. A cheap new machine won't do that, and is more likely to break.

I’ve started making my own clothes recently (mainly reconstructing old clothes), but I don’t have a sewing machine so I’ve been having to do it all by hand. What is a good, basic sewing machine that can speed things up a bit? I want to not only continue reconstructing clothes, but possibly making jackets, dresses, shirts, etc. from scratch. So it needs to be able to handle some more heavy-duty projects, too.

If you’re on a budget, I highly recommend a used machine. Even a straight stitcher from the thrift store or the back of someone’s closet will do well for you if you’re working entirely with wovens. You *can* sew knits with a straight stitcher, but it takes some special techniques.

Here’s my standard advice for beginners in need of sewing machines:

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).

I have a little sewing experience because I'm taking a class in school. I'm looking to sew a bunch of different clothes patterns. I want a pretty nice sewing machine, nothing too cheap, but nothing TOO expensive! I really love to make dresses and will probably make a lot of them along with shirts and skirts, etc. I am still learning many different things about sewing . Please help recommend me to some good sewing machines. Thank you.

All dealers sell good brands of sewing machines, or they would not be in business.

Make a list of what features you would want on a sewing machine.

Great buttonhole maker, adjustable needle position are two of mine.

Include the type of sewing you would like to do – for quilting, you want a walking foot and 1/4" foot.

For garment making – a easy to adjust blind hem foot and zipper foot.

Include your budget when making the list.

Visit as many sewing machine dealers as you can. If you are a minor, take a parent or guardian.

Try out as many machines you can at as many dealers as you can.

Take notes.

Buy the machine you like best from the dealer you like best – you may be visiting them again and you want someone you can rely on for help and assistance if needed.

The dealer will give you at least one free lesson in using the machine. Many dealers offer additional classes, if interested.

I just sewed my first thing on my sewing machine. My question is what are you supposed to do with all of the loose ends from where you cut the 2 threads? I made an apron (simple enough) and where you sew on the ties, there are quite a few hanging threads. I am afraid that if i cut them off, that the seam will unravel. What is the proper thing to do when finishing a seam on a sewing machine?

When you get to the end of the seam, sew backwards about a half an inch. Then you can clip your hanging threads. I've seen sewers who tape a small bag close to the machine so they can toss those clipped tails in there.

I have decided to start sewing, but i need some tips and some good brands of sewing machines for starters. Please Help!

I'm hooked on Brother sewing machines. They start at around $100 and go up from there. I've owned several brands over the years, and found that Brothers are very reliable and the easiest to learn.

My advice is to start with something simple, like a pillow case, tablecloth, or apron. Get to know your machine and how to cut fabric and sew a nice straight line. Once you're confident with that, look for patterns marked "easy". Simplicity makes a line called "It's so easy" for adult and kids clothing, and accssories like tote bags and purses, that are great for beginners.

Here's a couple of good sites with tips for beginning sewers;

http://sewing.about.com/od/beginner1/bb/sewing101.htm

http://sewing.about.com/od/beginner1/Beginners.htm

You can learn a LOT from those two sites.

I am then unable to make a stitch. Can someone that has the sewing genie, please help me on how make the sewing genie work?

if the top thread is coming out of the needle , make sure the needle is up at its highest point & there is about 3 inches of thread from the needle before you start to sew.I dont have a sewing Genie so hope this works for you.

Would like to get a sewing machine for crafts as well as sewing curtains and such. Need advise.

I bought a Janome from HSN and it is a terrific machine. I made curtains for my living room and everyone thought I bought them. I've owned 2 different Singers, and one White. I like the Janome best of all.

I am hoping to get recommendations on a good sewing machine for heavy duty sewing. Something in between a home machine and an industrial as I am not ready to commit to a huge industrial machine but I sew much more then what a standard home machine can handle. For example heavy fabrics such as canvas, upholstery weight, or denim and I sew for 5plus hours per day.

Great machines for this is to find an old Singer (black ones) from 1940′s and 50′s. One of the best if not the best is a Singer 201. Along with this one is a Singer 15-91. These are heavy household machines that have a built in motor (no belt drive). All gear to gear drive and you cannot hurt them. Almost any machine with the proper TNT (Thread, Needle and Tension) can sew heavy materials just not for very long. These two types can sew heavy all day, every day.
I always buy these when I see them. Service them (restore) and resell them. Feel free to email me if you want to buy one. About a hundred dollars. I’ll ad links so you can look at some. Page through my pics you will see a 15-91 and a 201. Others are eBay machines. I have them for sale for much less. I am a sewing machine tech and collector.

Hi, I m planning to purchase a portable sewing machine.Can anyone suggest which is the best one functionally and wat wud be its cost(approx.).I need a sewing machine for jest small purposes like altering my dresses, stitching cusion covers, stitching borders, and other alteration works. I want to know is it worth purchasing a portable one.
Where can i get a portable sewing machine in pune(india)

Portable home sewing machines are every bit as versatile as cabinet machines in the same class, and should be able to handle the tasks you’ve outlined. However, the hand-held machines are pretty worthless– an office stapler would do as well. Maybe better.

The brands of Indian machines I’ve seen advertized are not familiar to me, but here’s my standard suggestions for beginners buying a machine:

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).

I've taken sewing classes in high school before and I'd like to actually dabble a little in making and alternating some of my things. What is the best sewing machine for me and why?

Sewing machines are an investment. You can get really inexpensive machines but you do get what you pay for.

If you plan on doing very simple sewing and nothing more, you could get by with a machine from a box store. However, I strongly recommed going to a sewing machine dealer because of the fact that they specialize in sewing machines and sell machines that they can stand behind…Walmart may have good prices but do they have any kind of support for you if you have questions on how to use your machine? Is there someone there to show you if you threaded it wrong or you have problems winding a bobbin? Customer support is very important to me.

A good machine will allow you to sew more than just a few seams now and again. If you think that you might be interested in quilting, clothng construction, home decore, you will need to think about a machine around $300-$400.

Look for specific things while you look. When you look at the bobbins, check to make sure the bobbin is a full rotary bobbin. You want to avoid an ocillating bobbin…the bobbin that rocks back and forth. The wear and tear on the back and forth motion will cause the machine to wear out sooner than later. A full rotary bobbin is one that goes in a circle and will last longer.

Don't worry about plastic parts on the outside. Be more aware of the mechanics of the machine. Are there metal parts where metal parts are necessary? There are new teflon type bobbin casings that are designed so the owner no longer needs to oil the machine..it's not to be cheap, it's to improve the workings of the machine without relying on owners to oil. (You'd be surprised how few sewers remember to keep their machine oiled!)

Listen to how the machine sounds when it is sewing. Does it have a smooth sound or is it loud and clunky. As you listen to various machines you will hear differences!

Look at buttonholes. How easy are they to do? Do they turn out nice?

Can it sew denim? Can it hem a pair of jeans easily or does it chug and struggle over the seams? The other test would be how well it sews on slippery fabric, knit fabrics etc.

The amount of stitches are not nearly as important on the ability of the machine to sew and sew well.