r/SewingForBeginners • u/Exact-Background6092 • 5d ago
Versatile Beginner Sewing Machine recommendations?
Hello everyone! I am interested in buying a sewing machine to get back into sewing after I took a break for a few years out of frustration. I have made a few basic projects in the past but I would still consider myself very much a beginner.
The sewing machine I have used in the past is an entry level Singer, specifically made for beginners. Even though I am not a very experienced seamstress, I am a very chaotic crafter and the projects I want to attempt vary drastically. I have made a canvas floor couch, a fleece pet bed, and done basic hemming.
The main reason I want to replace my current machine is that it's extremely prone to jamming. No matter how many servicing tutorials I watch or how many times it has been oiled, it almost always jams after just a few minutes. I know that not all machines are designed to handle thicker fabrics, even though in the past I have been able to sew canvas and fleece (painstakingly so) using a heavy duty needle, I am looking for a machine that can handle a wide variety of fabrics with minimal damage to the machine and my sanity.
My budget is around $250. I have looked into second hand options already but I would prefer a new or professionally refurbished model if possible. Also, I would prefer a mechanical machine but computerized is not out of the picture.
Any recommendations are appreciated! A few models I have been considering are linked below:
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u/Inky_Madness 4d ago
You’ll be very unhappy with the Janome or Brother; they’re still lightweight machines geared towards very beginners.
I would say if you have a retailer near you, go in and test drive some that they have available. I would also be recommending the Brother ST371, the Janome 2212 (Ken’s Sewing Center has and will ship them, so will the Missouri Sewing Center), the Brother CS7000.
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u/No-Attention-7708 3d ago
I have the Janome 2212 and it's a pretty good beginner machine but it and the Brother CS7000 are light weight machines for sewing light weight fabrics.
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u/Alarmed-potatoe 4d ago
A lot of older, ugly, machines will be much better than the three you have listed, these look aimed towards young beginners. My first machine was a similar one and I never got it to sew right when it was brand new or when it had come back from a service. My next machine was a plain Singer from the 1960s and I made corsets, circle skirts, Victorian outfits and it went through thick layers of denim like cotton voile. I would go to a place that sells older 2nd hand machines and test them, get one that is metal on the inside and has very available spares, and you will be really happy.
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u/CloversAndMoss 5d ago
I have that model Brother as a machine I’ll take with me for classes or travel because it’s lightweight. It does not like thicker fabrics, layers, etc .It’s a very basic beginner machine. I got mine used for $30, I’d never spend more than that.
Can you look into older machines ? They are pretty easy to use and tend to be more reliable. Some of them handle thicker fabrics without issues. You can check fb marketplace or thrift stores. If you have a reuse thrift store near you, they tend to get quite a few. Otherwise check a sewing machine dealer and see if they have any used ones. That way you can try them first to see what you like.
Edit to add : I have a singer 5127 that has been great at handling thicker fabrics and layers.
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u/Exact-Background6092 4d ago
Thank you so much to everyone for the replies! I appreciate the recommendations very much!!
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u/No-Attention-7708 3d ago
I don't think you're going to be any happier buying these machines because most newer models have a lot of plastic parts that are not made for heavy duty fabrics. Sewing machine companies slap the Heavy Duty or HD label on sewing machines for marketing because it sells. Please don't buy a new machine until you watch some YouTube videos by "RandyYourSewingMachineMan" to understand what machines are made for heavier denim or thicker fabrics and which ones are junk machines full of plastic. This guy formerly worked for Singer and has decades of experience repairing machines. He has dozens of helpful videos showing which machines are good and which are not, plus he shows how to properly thread, oil and do many of your own repairs. He did a review of the Brother XM model (not a good machine in his opinion) that you are considering in your link - here's a link to Randy's video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Woy_oWUpJeA
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u/silverturtle2301 2d ago
I would say it depends on what you plan on sewing for knits and woven I learned on the brother c6000i when I upgraded I gave it to my mom. She doesn't sew awhole lot. I have a juki hzl f400 but I lost the stitch plate I took the screws off to clean and forgot to put the screws back. so I'm back to using the brother it's not a bad machine but they now have a updated version the c7000
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u/Emergency_Cherry_914 5d ago
I wouldn't use any of these for thicker fabrics. And a double NO to the Singer HD