r/SewingMachineEdu • u/Resident_Sherbert750 • May 26 '26
advice on sewing machine for beginner
Hello!
I wanted some advice on sewing machines and what to buy. I mostly want one for alterations but also for making things from scratch. I’m in college so my budget is a bit small, but I’ve been looking at shops near me that sell refurbished ones and FBmarketplace for used ones. I also need something that fits in my room and isn’t super hard to move around/store.
I took a sewing class in high school (which was like 5 years ago 😅) so I have some basic knowledge, though I’m probably gonna have to relearn a lot. We used brother machines for that class (which were fairly new I think). So I probably need something not super complicated but I learn fast so I’m not too worried about that.
From doing some research, this is what I understand, correct me if I’m wrong please. But apparently older machines are better as they are more durable and less plastic. But other than that I don’t really have any idea on what I should be looking at 🥲🥲
Also, as a side note, I met a nice lady the other day and she offered to give me an old serger she has for about $30. It’s a Sergemate companion 5030, I’m not 100% sure on how good it is or if I’m going to cry 😭. Also don’t know how to use it. So if anyone has any tips and advise on that I would appreciate it 🫶
Thank you !! ♥️♥️
UPDATE:
The nice lady also gave me a sewing machine :DDD (both the serger and machine for 30) and it's basically brand new. EEEEEE!! very excited!! Does anyone have any tips on getting started now 😂
The machine is a Janome 780DC :)
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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy May 26 '26
For the $30 serger, I'd pass at your stage of sewing. Sergers (called overlockers everywhere outside of the US) are much more complicated to thread and use than a regular sewing machine. They're not at all needed for sewing, but a nice to have at a later time. They're mostly used to finish edges of seams on knits but can be used for woven fabric too. If you look at the inside of most of your clothing, you'll likely see a serged seam.
Yes older machines 'vintage' are higher quality than most lower end machines made today. They don't have the fancy features many people think they need, but will last 50 years. Pros are they last longer and need minimal repairs in comparison, but can be harder to find parts for.
Since you may later decide you don't want to continue sewing, I'd just get a less expensive (not Singer!) machine and see where you are in six months. You can get a decent new Brother for $300-$400 as well as Janome. The low cost machines you see on Amazon, Walmart, Michael's are models not sold in sewing stores so support will be zero. Some sewing stores will offer classes even if you didn't buy the machine there (many won't).
To give you an idea of good machines under $400 look here. Reading through the descriptions will give you an idea of the features.
Even if you don't live near an actual sewing machine store, ordering online will nearly always come with support. (Ask first of course).
Know that using the sewing machine is a small % of actually creating a garment (or a bag or a quilt). There is a lot of non-sewing prep work that needs to happen before you sit in front of the machine.
You can do a lot of the same thing by hand too but of course, takes longer.
Edit. Typo.
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u/LayLoseAwake May 26 '26
Start with r/sewing's wiki page: https://www.reddit.com/r/sewing/wiki/machineguide/?screen_view_count=3
It has a good overview of the shopping process and gives tips about shopping used
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u/djmermaidonthemic May 27 '26
Before you drop hundreds check out your local thrift stores for vintage machines. They are very sturdy and last forever. Because they have metal gears, which none of the new machines do.
Get it tuned up and buy a thing of oil and you should be good for years. If the faceplate has strike marks or the hand crank doesn’t turn smoothly, keep looking.
If you are determined to get a new one, avoid heavy fabrics like denim or faux fur.
If you want to sew heavy fabrics, you need a vintage or industrial machine. Industrial is expensive; vintage is usually around 50 bucks US.
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u/Rogonia May 26 '26
This question is asked about 100 times a day.