good sewing mechine for a newbie

[dani_smith]

i am wanting to get my first sewing machine, and was wondering if anyone could tell me of models that are newbie friendly. all i want is a really basic machine, and one i figure that one out, and get better at sewing i want to get a more advanced one. i will most likely be getting a used one because money is tight, and i am just wanting one to learn on right now. thank you in advance.

[The Trousseau]

You could actually get a decent one at Sears for under $100.  I gave away my fancy one the last time I went to Mexico-- something about two ladies who needed a way to earn a living while taking care of a little boy with no arms or legs.  I thought they needed one more than I did. 

 

So, when I wanted one, I got the basic one that sews straight and zig zag.  It does everything I want it to and is heavy duty enough for me.  Not sure I will ever need a fancier one. 

 

 

[Tessa LeTaunt {★}]

I used to have this exact Brother, and hated it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's very basic and the was cheapest on the market, which is why I got it. Although it worked, I had to thread the bobbin manually which SUCKED! I ended up giving it to a friend, and bought a somewhat more expensive Singer similar to this one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It wasn't the cheapest sewing machine they carried, but it was the cheapest Singer brand machine sold at Walmart at the time. I love all the different stitch designs, and it doesn't give me any troubles at all. It was a little bit more of an investment, but would definitely be ideal for a beginner.

You could always hit up a sewing machine restoration shop and see what they suggest for a beginner machine. Chances are, they'll have a cheap solution for ya. =0]

[The Trousseau]

I went to craigslist and the first thing I saw was a brand new one for $40.  Wow.  That is where I would look first. 

[GlitzbyLindaJoyce.com]

I am a professional....I use a phaff 130... or 230 You can buy one on ebay for around $200.00. Then take it to a sewing machine shop and have it put in a powerstand for about $175-$200.. It will be the only machine you will ever need besides a serger.

You can adjust the speed by raising and lowering the motor in the powerstand table... It ia a heavy duty machine that will sew chiffon and eight layers of leather.. just by changing the needle size to suit the fabric. I don't like sewing on anything else. . You can buy all sorts of attachment to fit it. hemming feet, rufflers etc...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B_hyeIkNGI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ioigz0XrZk

[Jessica Fox]

I recently bought a Brother CS5055PRW.  It's digital, so it does a lot of the hard stuff for you.
It's SOOO user friendly; probably meant for someone who has never used a sewing machine.  It comes with a great guide book that not only tells you how to use the machine, but also how to achieve whatever or fix mistakes.  It also has little numbers next to each piece so you know EXACTLY what you're looking at.
My only issue with it (very minor) is that it's a limited edition Project Runway model and says so on the machine.  I just cover it up. 
I bought this with no knowledge of sewing machines whatsoever. Between the book and a class, I'm doing OK. 

[RL]

Just sew happens, My life long friend is a giant in the sewing business. I suggest "New Home" They have averything from newbie to proffessional.. Call Ken and ask him. He will give you full price when you want to upgrade, to a better machine. 408-295-6901 or Ray's sewing center on the net. Good Luck and keep them in stiches. Tell them Capt Buck sent you.