My Little Beast

Purchasing a Sewing Machine

In the coming weeks, I will guide you on how to obtain a sewing machine, and how to set up a sewing area.  Let’s first look at obtaining a sewing machine and ways to save money in doing so.

You do not need a top-of-the-line sewing machine, nor does your machine need to be expensive.  In fact, if you’ve never owned a machine, it is best to buy something that is inexpensive and simple to use.  The least amount of bells and whistles will be less distracting and less intimidating.  Try to select a machine that uses knobs and dials to change settings rather than push buttons.  This reduces the chances that you will have issues with maintenance problems. 

The easy way to nab yourself a great little sewing machine is to go to your nearest Walmart or Target and pick up a very inexpensive sewing machine (See below for other places to get a machine). A basic sewing machine, purchased new, will usually come pre-packaged with a few extra bobbins, an instruction booklet, and a few other little nifty items like a lint brush for cleaning your machine.  I use a simple Brother LX3125E (that comes with three different fashion faces or skins).  It’s a great little machine, however, it is not as quiet as I’d like—but is sews like a beast. 

Choosing a machine is a personal choice.  There are a lot of things to consider.  They come in various sizes and colors.  Prices tend to coincide with the fancy stitches they can create.  They also vary in how solid they are.  I would advise to stay away from very light weight sewing machines as those tend to bounce around on your table top.  Also, you can choose from a portable machine (which is great is you plan to take your machine to sewing classes or retreats) or a cabinet model (which is usually

This is what you should look for:

• Dial settings (rather than electronic button settings)
• Simple stitch capabilities (straight and zig zag stitching; buttonhole stitching)
• A solid build (not too light weight)
• A size that you like

There are many places to get a great machine.  You probably can get a lot more machine for your money if you are a great bargain hunter and have some patience.  The following are just some of the possible resources for a great deal:

Bartering

Why has bartering gone out of fashion?  I love to barter for goods and services.  It is the best way to keep your cash.  You can list a service (such as gardening, yard work, cooking, etc.) in exchange for a great sewing machine.  Remember to stay safe online.  Also keep in mind that you will need to check into your state laws regarding taxes when you barter for goods and services.

Newspaper Ads

Scavenge your newspaper, especially on Sunday.  You can wheel and deal with people who place newspaper ads because they typically want to really, really get rid of stuff if they have placed an ad like this. 

Quilt Guilds

Your local quilt guild is filled with people who own lots of really nice machines!  Since most guild members are top notch quilters, they often like to have updated and high quality machines, which means a great bargain for you.  You can get information on your local quilt guild through an online search, from your public library, or local fabric shops.  Quilt guilds typically have a newsletter with ads posted with machines for sale.  Your best bet is to contact the president of the quilt guilt for information.

Garage Sales

Although garage sale finds are “hit or miss,” this is the most inexpensive way to go.  You really just have to keep looking.  I have seen very nice, expensive machines with its accompanying cabinet go for less than $40!  Always ask the homeowner to kindly allow you to plug the machine in to make sure it works.  Most people are happy to do that for you.  Ask for any parts and accessories, and the user manual that accompanies the machine. You can typically bargain some, using the excuse that you will need to get the machine serviced (which you should anyway).  Keep in mind that if you purchase a machine in a cabinet, you will not be able to bring it to sewing classes.  However, I find these types of machines to be more sturdy and durable.

Friends/Aunts/Grandmothers, etc.

Your first stop shopping should start at home!  Ask your relatives.  Most often than not, someone in your family has a great machine sitting somewhere in the back of a closet, probably still in the box, probably still new.  Ask, ask, ask.  It may just land you a freebie!

Sewing Machine Repair Shops

Contact your local sewing machine repair shops for discounted machines. People sometimes drop their machines off for service, have them serviced, and leave them there.  Some repair shops also sell machines as a side line.  I purchased an $800 serger for $250 because someone purchased it, didn’t have the patience to learn to thread it, and returned it.  It was brand new!

Thrifty Newspapers

If you have a “thrifty newspaper” in your area, pick one up to see if there are hot ads.  These papers are usually free, although it might be worth your wild to invest in one for the opportunity to grab a bargain machine.

Estate Sales

Estate sales are a great way to get a good, solid machine for pennies on the dollar.  You will probably pay more for a machine at an estate sale than you would at a garage sale; however, it is still a great bargain for your money.

Once you locate a machine, and especially if you purchase it used, make sure to ask for all the parts that accompany the machine, including the owner’s manual.  It should come with a straight stitch foot and zigzag stitch foot.  If there is no zigzag foot, don’t fret—these are fairly cheap to purchase separately.  If your machine does not come with an owner’s manual, do a search online for your machine type.  You can usually find a PDF version free.  If you are unable to find one, contact the maker of your machine and ask for a complimentary copy.  You can also contact your local sewing machine repair shop and they can advise you where to find one.  You might even be able to get one free in exchange for a maintenance visit for your machine.   If that doesn’t work, you can usually purchase one online.  It is well worth the cost because you will need it.  Try to exhaust all your free possibilities first.

A note about maintenance:  Unless you purchase new, always have your machine serviced by a professional.  Your service technician will oil your machine, adjust your timing, and check to see that all the parts are clean and in good working order.  Just like a great mechanic, you need a great sewing machine tech. 

Please email me with any questions.  Good luck in your sewing machine purchase quest!