BIRDSFeathered Friends

Who makes a “decent” sewing machine for a 11 year old girl to start out on?

What do I need to know about them, such as features?
Not a toy, but not a commercial type either. I have looked at store ads pn line, but really have no idea what does what. She has taken a sewing class at school and naturally wants one of her own.

Any ideas or info would be appreciated. Thank you.

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 at the same price, 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).

New “bargain brand” I’d probably pick, if new, decent and budget was my choice: Janome (who also does Kenmore).

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