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!
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