Sewing Machines

By request I am going to tackle this topic.  I have to admit that I am not a sewing machine expert but I know what I like and I know what makes a good basic machine.  Currently I own three different machines one is a digital special edition project runway brother, I love this machine as it has alot of different stitches and comes with many different tools.  This machine is a tad finicky in that you must do things in a specific order or you get an error read out on the digital screen.  But once you get used to it the machine has great stitches and sews very smoothly.  A machine that is comparable to mine is the Brother 60-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine, CS-6000i.  This machine is about the same price that I paid for my project runway edition it will cost about 170.00  (I am looking at walmart and also hancock for prices on machines I am sure that amazon or ebay might have different prices on machines), this might be a bit high if you are just looking for a machine to do everyday repairs but if you want to get into sewing more then I recommend looking at a machine that has more features such as this one.  Other machines that are nice in this same price range are the Brother 50-Stitch Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine, CE5500PRW (this machine is also similar to mine however, it has less stitches then mine and is set up a tad bit different), this machine is about 150.00.  Another great machine that can be bought in this same category is a singer, (my mother owns a Singer), Singer is a great brand the machines I have used also have great stitches and are fairly user friendly.  If anyone is interested in a singer brand I can put up some recommendations for those as well but for now lets move on and look at a basic machine.


For your basic machine you will want to look for a few things.  I recommend that your machine have a switch to adjust needle position, a dial or button to change your type of stitch, and a dial or button to adjust the length/width of your stitch.  All machines will have a reverse button and there should also be a button/knob used to adjust the tension of the machine.   A basic machine with these features should not cost you a terribly large amount of money. I would as I mentioned above stick with a good brand Brother is a good brand and so is Singer, my surger is a Janome this brand came highly recommended by the specialists at Hancock fabrics (they said that this is the only brand of machine that is built entirely in the same factory or rather all the parts are made my Janome I believe is the case, you will not find this in other machines according to the information I was provided), a Janome will be slightly more expensive so if you want the feature of a machine that is completely manufactored by the same company than you could go this route.  However, I do not feel this is a necessary feature if you want your machine for simple projects or for repairing clothing.  My basic machine cost me under 50 dollars but I must tell you I got it on sale during black Friday, so don't expect to find one that cheap unless of course you hit an awesome sale.  A few basic machines that I have found that I like are: 

• Brother 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine, XL-2600i
• Brother Limited Edition Project Runway 20-Stitch Function Sewing Machine, LS2250PRW
• Singer Simple 23-Stitch Sewing Machine 2263
• Brother 10-Stitch Portable Sewing Machine, LS-2125i
• Janome RE1706 Sewing Machine (this is a nice machine but it runs about 100)
• Singer Inspiration Basic 5-Stitch Sewing Machine(this machine is about 150.00 but is a pretty easy use machine if you want that, I personally for a basic beginner machine would keep it under 100.

I want to state that I am not endorsing any specific brand or stores, these are just the places I have shopped for my machines in the past and would shop there again. The types of machines I just listed I choose because I would be happy as a beginner using any of these machines.  If you don't like the machines I listed and are looking for a basic machine just take with you the basic components that would make for a good first machine:

• A free arm ( I find this to be very helpful)
• Adjustable length and width for stitches
• Adjustable needle position
• A variety of stitches to include a straight stitch, a zig zag and a button hole
• Adjustable thread tension
• I didn't mention this above but look for an easy load bobbin some older models make loading the bobbin a tad difficult. 
• You also want the machine to come with necessary tools, and a few interchangeable presser feet

I hope this is helpful!