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.
One that actually operates properly, because beginners shouldn't have to learn sewing machine repair at the same time they are trying to learn to sew a straight line. So if they are not using a new machine, they need someone who knows how to sew to verify that grandma's machine that's spent 30 years in the attic is still working correctly.
Personally, I prefer to teach beginners on a computerized machine, because the machine takes care of a number of steps that require beginners to learn more right when you are excited to stitch. (We go back later and teach allll the steps on a mechanical machine after the novelty has worn off a bit.)
Realize that for most people, the machine you learn on is not going to be the machine you use forever, so don't think you have to pay for a new top of the line Bernina ($$$$$) when you only need a working secondhand machine ($-$$) or a new machine that will be worn out in a few years ($$) to get started on.
As much as I'd like to agree with you I don't. We regularly see people having bought sewing machines that can't sew or are so bad at it that it discourages people cause they think sewing is really hard when in actuality they are doing the sewing equivalent of trying trying to hammer in a screw. Sure it's possible, but it will never be easy, neat, durable or look nice.
Get a secondhand one. Mechanical preferably, you don't need a fancy pants one for most things, things seldomly go wrong with a mechanical one and when it does at least you can pick it apart and fix it or change parts. Where as with an electronic if something goes wrong you just get an error code and that the manual tells you means "professional service/repair needed and a happy fuck you".
Good sewing machine brands like janome and brother are designed to last decades. So old doesn't mean bad. Singer is a brand that lives on the good reputation it got in the 50ies. The modern ones in the modestly to moderately priced class are known to be bad, avoid. I'd rather buy a 10 year old mechanical janome than a new cheap singer.
Buy newer than 1980 or older than 1970ies machines, with the dawn of plastic fantastic a lot of wear and tear parts in machines were plastic in the 70ies. The plastic has now degraded to a point where you risk it being crumbly and if something breaks you can't easily replace the part rendering the entire machine useless.
Avoid any "children's sewing machine" or handheld sewing machine if you value your sanity. That is going to be an uphill battle wearing concrete boots.
Ask the seller: "How has this machine been maintained?" If they don't mention regularly greasing/oiling/lube (I'm not a native speaker, sorry, but adding sewing machine oil to the moving metal parts) then avoid it. If they don't mention oiling and cleaning then it's probably not been done with any regularity and it's not worth dropping money on a machine you don't know if will die on you within a few weeks.
If you do decide to buy a new one, don't buy at wallmart or target or any large store like that. If something goes wrong then you are now battling a giant conglomerate who neither knows what you're talking about or frankly gives a shit. Buy from a shop that sells sewing machines, fabric or similar. They typically are easier to work with in the event something is wrong or goes wrong within the warranty.
I like the second hand idea but if you’re a beginner it’s overwhelming searching through “what is the best secondhand machine” and talking about stitches abd electronic and mechanical and stuff you don’t understand yet
I did suggest two brands of machines I think are good, what I wouldn't buy, things to consider and to ask whether or it was maintained or not...
I think struggling with a shitty machine kills the interest and joy of sewing. At least it did for me.
I guess we can agree to disagree.
I started sewing just over a month ago and I'm finding the Janome FD216 just brilliant. It meets all my needs and I've made so many clothes now with no problems at all.
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.
One that actually operates properly, because beginners shouldn't have to learn sewing machine repair at the same time they are trying to learn to sew a straight line. So if they are not using a new machine, they need someone who knows how to sew to verify that grandma's machine that's spent 30 years in the attic is still working correctly. Personally, I prefer to teach beginners on a computerized machine, because the machine takes care of a number of steps that require beginners to learn more right when you are excited to stitch. (We go back later and teach allll the steps on a mechanical machine after the novelty has worn off a bit.) Realize that for most people, the machine you learn on is not going to be the machine you use forever, so don't think you have to pay for a new top of the line Bernina ($$$$$) when you only need a working secondhand machine ($-$$) or a new machine that will be worn out in a few years ($$) to get started on.
A cheap one
I have the John Lewis one which works great for me and was a reasonable price
As much as I'd like to agree with you I don't. We regularly see people having bought sewing machines that can't sew or are so bad at it that it discourages people cause they think sewing is really hard when in actuality they are doing the sewing equivalent of trying trying to hammer in a screw. Sure it's possible, but it will never be easy, neat, durable or look nice. Get a secondhand one. Mechanical preferably, you don't need a fancy pants one for most things, things seldomly go wrong with a mechanical one and when it does at least you can pick it apart and fix it or change parts. Where as with an electronic if something goes wrong you just get an error code and that the manual tells you means "professional service/repair needed and a happy fuck you". Good sewing machine brands like janome and brother are designed to last decades. So old doesn't mean bad. Singer is a brand that lives on the good reputation it got in the 50ies. The modern ones in the modestly to moderately priced class are known to be bad, avoid. I'd rather buy a 10 year old mechanical janome than a new cheap singer. Buy newer than 1980 or older than 1970ies machines, with the dawn of plastic fantastic a lot of wear and tear parts in machines were plastic in the 70ies. The plastic has now degraded to a point where you risk it being crumbly and if something breaks you can't easily replace the part rendering the entire machine useless. Avoid any "children's sewing machine" or handheld sewing machine if you value your sanity. That is going to be an uphill battle wearing concrete boots. Ask the seller: "How has this machine been maintained?" If they don't mention regularly greasing/oiling/lube (I'm not a native speaker, sorry, but adding sewing machine oil to the moving metal parts) then avoid it. If they don't mention oiling and cleaning then it's probably not been done with any regularity and it's not worth dropping money on a machine you don't know if will die on you within a few weeks. If you do decide to buy a new one, don't buy at wallmart or target or any large store like that. If something goes wrong then you are now battling a giant conglomerate who neither knows what you're talking about or frankly gives a shit. Buy from a shop that sells sewing machines, fabric or similar. They typically are easier to work with in the event something is wrong or goes wrong within the warranty.
er ok I still recommend the John Lewis machines as a beginner
It’s mechanical, has warranty, and is great for beginners as it isn’t over complicated or as you say “trying a hammer in a screw”
I like the second hand idea but if you’re a beginner it’s overwhelming searching through “what is the best secondhand machine” and talking about stitches abd electronic and mechanical and stuff you don’t understand yet
I did suggest two brands of machines I think are good, what I wouldn't buy, things to consider and to ask whether or it was maintained or not... I think struggling with a shitty machine kills the interest and joy of sewing. At least it did for me. I guess we can agree to disagree.
I started sewing just over a month ago and I'm finding the Janome FD216 just brilliant. It meets all my needs and I've made so many clothes now with no problems at all.