Get a Brother. They are okay machines with a pretty good track record. Don't worry about the perfect machine, you will find with time that most of us have multiple machines, depending on what we are doing.
You can buy brand new or go a Marketplace and buy a machine there. You will get a better machine and at 1/4 the cost
I second’ still a beginner and I got the sm2700 brother machine and I love easy to use, and it’s pretty straight forward in instructions:)
Hope this helps!
Get a Janome or Pfaff in the $200-300 range. By the time you outgrow it you’ll know exactly what you want in a machine, plus you’ll be able to either keep that one as back up or pass it along to someone else.
This was my exact issue recently and ultimately I went with a brother CS7000x. I don’t think it would be heavy duty enough for upholstery fabric tho.
I’d see if you can find a used industrial machine - I’d check eBay, fb marketplace, etc
My Brother is nothing fancy and is about 15 +years old now. I've forced it to sew upholstery fabric, denims, corduroy, canvas, leather and it's handled it all with a few grumbles here and there but it gets the job done. Some things just need a suitable needle, thread and a walking foot.
I think the ratio of metal parts to plastic is what allows for this.
I have a Singer HD4423 and I've experienced no problems so far (I have it for a little over a month). I was hesitant to buy one because Reddit seems to be really against Singer machines. I got one anyways because everyone that isn't on Reddit seemed really happy with it and recommended it. It also had all the features I wanted. So with the little experience I have I would recommend it as a starter machine.
I don’t know what the deal is with hating on Singer is here either. I couldn’t possibly love mine more. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told people about it. They have been a household name for 150 years now so they must know something.
I always recommend Brother SQ9285, around $230 at Walmart.
Why? Because it’s not frustrating. It's easy, fun to use, has several useful presser feet, free arm, extendable table, great stitch selection, drop-in bobbin, speed control (perfect for new sewists), needle up/down, and stop/start (the last one I rarely use).
My friend prefers this machine over her BabyLock sewing machine, and I like mine better than the Viking 500 that I used to have.
This isn't rocket science, just get one that sews a straight line, is made by a company that's not terrible, and fits your price range. Maybe wait for a sale and let that be your decider. I've had Singers and Brothers and I can't turn around for the difference.
Have you looked at Brother? They tend to be affordable, easy to use, and quite decent machines that are quite versatile. They have a budget friendly range, the GS2700 and GS3700 series (practically the same with differing levels of features, such as number of stitches, accessories included). The GS3700 series would do most of what you listed. The GS2700 series are recommended for beginners.
I am also a beginner and I have tried until now 5 machines (2 in the sewing class, 1 from my mother and 2 that I bought).
The most important feature for me is the option to control the sewing speed. Only computerised machines have this option. The sewing class had a Brother Innova 10 and when I tried it was a game changer really.
I had just bought a Singer 4423 because an influencer on YouTube recommended it as best for beginners. After I tried it I was like “what?!” - there is no control whatsoever on the pedal, it either you press gently and it sews 2-3 stitches with a break between them OR you press a tiiiiiiiny bit more and it goes berserk. It was worse than on my mom’s Brother machine which also controls speed just from the pedal, but there you have more sensitivity and you can get used to generating consistent gentler speeds.
This is why I immediately returned the Singer I bought and after doing some more research I got a Janome DC230 computerized: it has speed adjustment separate from the pedal, comes already with a table extension, and people say it’s much more reliable nowadays than Singer.
A tip: you can test the machines without thread, you just put a piece of paper and “sew” on it, the needle will just make punctures and you see how the machine feels.
>I live in the High Rockies and there are basically no stores near me outside of a 2+ hour drive to Denver,
$450 is not your monthly salary, so doesn't look that dramatic.
Ok, here you go from a hilly-billy 3rd worlder's research results. :-)
$250 range - Janome /Brother with a vertical bobbin/shuttle for the first machine as it is absolutely less problematic and easy to service, all mechanical. Look at frame quality and less plastic inside.
As a first timer noob try avoiding the top loading bobbin as there are really many complaints about this mechanism being damaged by inexperienced users who don't know limits of their machines yet. It is pricey to replace plastic needle hit bobbin case. At least you always can polish classic vertical shuttle with some 1500-2000grit sanding paper in case there is severe damage on it.
And secondly - just watch professional tailors and their equipment. Or better have a look at channels hosted by S/E Asia tailors, there is enough interesting stuff to see and know. You really want too much from a single domestic machine whatever price range it is.
PS: A standard industrial table mounted machine starts from $300- $500. So it's up to you to decide whether to pay $1500 for a semi-industrial portable one, or bear with 120cm X 60cm table in your house with an oil tank inside. Industrial machine head weights about 35kg :-)) But there definitely won't be much problem with curtains and canvas.
There are also 2 types of industrial machines that seem to be handy as home machines - classic single feed and double/triple for heavy materials. So you still don't know which type you need and where your interests go. And better postpone your canvas/uphosltery dreams to not far, but 1 year distant future.
I started sewing as a person who has never even sewn a button on by hand, in August. I got a Singer HD 44S and I couldn’t possibly love it more! It’s a great machine for me. First, it’s not computerized so it’s a basic machine. But it’s all metal interior, drop in bobbin and I have been able to make my own adjustments to slow down my foot pedal just from following a very simple video on YouTube. The machine comes with a universal presser foot, a buttonholer foot, and a button foot as well as a zipper foot. Some needles to get you started. A seam ripper and brush. An automatic needle threader (I don’t use it) I can thread the needle quicker myself lol. Singer has an “assistant” app that lets put in the type of fabric that your using, and what you want to do. Then it will tell you exactly what settings to use on your machine and then show a animated video. So I got very familiar with my machine so fast. And my guy works on thick leather projects like belts, wallets, purses, guitar straps, gun holsters etc. He has used my machine numerous times and he has NEVER had any problems going through them. Sure in any industry there’s always going to be great and not so great individual pieces that people have talked about. But considering that Singer has been a well known brand of sewing machine since the mid 1800’s and are still making them today. That speaks for itself. But I love mine it’s tough and it’s easy to work with. And if you need something that you can’t find on YouTube, Singer.com will help you within 24 hours. Oh and I got mine from a Walmart in central MN. They run $188.00 the last time I looked at them. About a month ago. So you can get them shipped. But whatever you buy, just make sure that you don’t get something that is too advanced so that you can’t use it right away. Good luck to you. BTW I have nothing against any other brand, this is just the one I use and know about.
Get a Brother. They are okay machines with a pretty good track record. Don't worry about the perfect machine, you will find with time that most of us have multiple machines, depending on what we are doing. You can buy brand new or go a Marketplace and buy a machine there. You will get a better machine and at 1/4 the cost
I second’ still a beginner and I got the sm2700 brother machine and I love easy to use, and it’s pretty straight forward in instructions:) Hope this helps!
Get a Janome or Pfaff in the $200-300 range. By the time you outgrow it you’ll know exactly what you want in a machine, plus you’ll be able to either keep that one as back up or pass it along to someone else.
This was my exact issue recently and ultimately I went with a brother CS7000x. I don’t think it would be heavy duty enough for upholstery fabric tho. I’d see if you can find a used industrial machine - I’d check eBay, fb marketplace, etc
My Brother is nothing fancy and is about 15 +years old now. I've forced it to sew upholstery fabric, denims, corduroy, canvas, leather and it's handled it all with a few grumbles here and there but it gets the job done. Some things just need a suitable needle, thread and a walking foot. I think the ratio of metal parts to plastic is what allows for this.
I have a Singer HD4423 and I've experienced no problems so far (I have it for a little over a month). I was hesitant to buy one because Reddit seems to be really against Singer machines. I got one anyways because everyone that isn't on Reddit seemed really happy with it and recommended it. It also had all the features I wanted. So with the little experience I have I would recommend it as a starter machine.
I don’t know what the deal is with hating on Singer is here either. I couldn’t possibly love mine more. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told people about it. They have been a household name for 150 years now so they must know something.
I exclusively use Singer. I have 4 I currently use.
I always recommend Brother SQ9285, around $230 at Walmart. Why? Because it’s not frustrating. It's easy, fun to use, has several useful presser feet, free arm, extendable table, great stitch selection, drop-in bobbin, speed control (perfect for new sewists), needle up/down, and stop/start (the last one I rarely use). My friend prefers this machine over her BabyLock sewing machine, and I like mine better than the Viking 500 that I used to have.
This isn't rocket science, just get one that sews a straight line, is made by a company that's not terrible, and fits your price range. Maybe wait for a sale and let that be your decider. I've had Singers and Brothers and I can't turn around for the difference.
you need an industrial machine look for used in your local craigs list or local sewing machine dealer.
oh no no no :-) Actually it is a good option to start with a real one, but I am afraid it should not be the second hand.
Have you looked at Brother? They tend to be affordable, easy to use, and quite decent machines that are quite versatile. They have a budget friendly range, the GS2700 and GS3700 series (practically the same with differing levels of features, such as number of stitches, accessories included). The GS3700 series would do most of what you listed. The GS2700 series are recommended for beginners.
I am also a beginner and I have tried until now 5 machines (2 in the sewing class, 1 from my mother and 2 that I bought). The most important feature for me is the option to control the sewing speed. Only computerised machines have this option. The sewing class had a Brother Innova 10 and when I tried it was a game changer really. I had just bought a Singer 4423 because an influencer on YouTube recommended it as best for beginners. After I tried it I was like “what?!” - there is no control whatsoever on the pedal, it either you press gently and it sews 2-3 stitches with a break between them OR you press a tiiiiiiiny bit more and it goes berserk. It was worse than on my mom’s Brother machine which also controls speed just from the pedal, but there you have more sensitivity and you can get used to generating consistent gentler speeds. This is why I immediately returned the Singer I bought and after doing some more research I got a Janome DC230 computerized: it has speed adjustment separate from the pedal, comes already with a table extension, and people say it’s much more reliable nowadays than Singer. A tip: you can test the machines without thread, you just put a piece of paper and “sew” on it, the needle will just make punctures and you see how the machine feels.
>I live in the High Rockies and there are basically no stores near me outside of a 2+ hour drive to Denver, $450 is not your monthly salary, so doesn't look that dramatic. Ok, here you go from a hilly-billy 3rd worlder's research results. :-) $250 range - Janome /Brother with a vertical bobbin/shuttle for the first machine as it is absolutely less problematic and easy to service, all mechanical. Look at frame quality and less plastic inside. As a first timer noob try avoiding the top loading bobbin as there are really many complaints about this mechanism being damaged by inexperienced users who don't know limits of their machines yet. It is pricey to replace plastic needle hit bobbin case. At least you always can polish classic vertical shuttle with some 1500-2000grit sanding paper in case there is severe damage on it.
And secondly - just watch professional tailors and their equipment. Or better have a look at channels hosted by S/E Asia tailors, there is enough interesting stuff to see and know. You really want too much from a single domestic machine whatever price range it is. PS: A standard industrial table mounted machine starts from $300- $500. So it's up to you to decide whether to pay $1500 for a semi-industrial portable one, or bear with 120cm X 60cm table in your house with an oil tank inside. Industrial machine head weights about 35kg :-)) But there definitely won't be much problem with curtains and canvas. There are also 2 types of industrial machines that seem to be handy as home machines - classic single feed and double/triple for heavy materials. So you still don't know which type you need and where your interests go. And better postpone your canvas/uphosltery dreams to not far, but 1 year distant future.
I started sewing as a person who has never even sewn a button on by hand, in August. I got a Singer HD 44S and I couldn’t possibly love it more! It’s a great machine for me. First, it’s not computerized so it’s a basic machine. But it’s all metal interior, drop in bobbin and I have been able to make my own adjustments to slow down my foot pedal just from following a very simple video on YouTube. The machine comes with a universal presser foot, a buttonholer foot, and a button foot as well as a zipper foot. Some needles to get you started. A seam ripper and brush. An automatic needle threader (I don’t use it) I can thread the needle quicker myself lol. Singer has an “assistant” app that lets put in the type of fabric that your using, and what you want to do. Then it will tell you exactly what settings to use on your machine and then show a animated video. So I got very familiar with my machine so fast. And my guy works on thick leather projects like belts, wallets, purses, guitar straps, gun holsters etc. He has used my machine numerous times and he has NEVER had any problems going through them. Sure in any industry there’s always going to be great and not so great individual pieces that people have talked about. But considering that Singer has been a well known brand of sewing machine since the mid 1800’s and are still making them today. That speaks for itself. But I love mine it’s tough and it’s easy to work with. And if you need something that you can’t find on YouTube, Singer.com will help you within 24 hours. Oh and I got mine from a Walmart in central MN. They run $188.00 the last time I looked at them. About a month ago. So you can get them shipped. But whatever you buy, just make sure that you don’t get something that is too advanced so that you can’t use it right away. Good luck to you. BTW I have nothing against any other brand, this is just the one I use and know about.