Hi, I'm looking to get my first sewing machine. I've sewn a few things like pillow cases,curtains, and hems but I've never had my own sewing machine before. I don't know exactly what features to look for so I need suggestions on brand/features that are good to have. Also, I would like it to have monogramming capabilities.
Thank you for your help
Go to a sewing store and see what they have. They can point you in the right direction. I haven't checked lately but some of the machines that do monogramming tend to be the top of the line ones which cost more than most cars I've owned. If budget is an issue, it's better to buy a good solid basic machine which will last, even though it doesn't have all the features you might want. Cheaper machines with lots of features tend to be not as well made. Start simple for a first machine.
Some machines have small letters (generally not over 1/4" wide) built in for monogramming. Otherwise you're talking free motion embroidery (which I've done) or computerized embroidery (which I don't do). Many people who do computerized embroidery have found it beneficial to have an embroidery only machine instead of a combination sewing/embroidery machine -- they can sew on the sewing machine while waiting for a design to stitch out, and a pair of machines can be less than the cost of a "do everything" machine.
Any sewing machine can be used for free motion embroidery, btw-- the operator controls the design. Here's an industrial free motion machine being used by a real master of the art: http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/tvt...
(there's more information that may be useful here: http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/th_... )
As far as sewing machines, here's my standard advice for beginners: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).
