best sewing machine for a beginner?

Question

JaperMoon · Answer

Buying a Sewing Machine: I know it’s tempting to buy a cheaper sewing machine, I’ve already made this mistake twice. If you think you are going to stick with it, spend a little more, because you will find yourself wanting to upgrade in a year or two and then that initial $200 is kinda wasted.

Think about what it is you want to make and research based in that. For example i like to make button up shirts and i have a machine that is terrible at button holes - i messed up!

If you want to quilt, there are machines that are better for that.

If you do want to start with a cheaper machine, check Craigslist and FB marketplace for a good deal. I think its also commonly recommended to avoid the digital machines because they more expensive/difficult to get repaired.

Have fun!

amy · Answer

Janome New Home basic sewing machine: cannot beat the price $199. i have had this machine for about 4 years of casual sewing, recently ramping up and this does pretty much everything i’ve needed it to so far - except the foot doesn’t come up very high so i think it might tap out if i tried to sew through too many layers or too thick/heavy duty fabric

Loreal · Answer

Janome 423S: I got this model over a decade ago and it’s been able to handle everything I’ve thrown at it, including machine quilting.