Which sewing machine to hem pants and other basics?

Question

Hi. I just want to hem some pants for myself (jeans, cords, kakis, etc.) and for the kids (pant hems, and patches), and other simple items. What kind of features do I really need? Will a $75 machine from Sears do the job?

Answer 1

The $75 new machine may work out for a few years, but what you're describing is often better dealt with by a used machine at that price point.



http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm



What I want for beginners in sewing:



- a machine that doesn't scare you

- a machine that isn't balky (cheap new machines are often very

balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable --

just too frustrating to learn on!)

- very good straight stitch

- good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy)

- a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you

- adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric

handling issues)

- accessory presser feet that don't cost an arm and a leg

(machines that use a "short shank foot" typically handle

generic presser feet pretty well. Some brands of machines use

proprietary or very expensive presser feet)



If the budget stretches far enough:



- blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches

- triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications)

- a couple of decorative stitches (you won't use them nearly as

much as you think)

- electronic machine because of the needle position control and

because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at

slow sewing speeds -- mechanical machines often will stall at

slow speeds.





Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them

to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used

machines you can afford. You'll get a far better machine buying

used than new, and a good dealer is worth their weight in sewing

machine needles when you get a machine problem -- often they can

talk you through the problem over the phone. While you're trying

things out, try a couple of machines (sewing only, not combo

sewing-embroidery) over your price limit, just so you can see

what the difference in stitch quality and ease of use might be.

You may find you want to go for the used Cadillac. Or you might

want the new basic Chevy. Might as well try both out.



Suggested reading: John Giordano's The Sewing Machine Book

(especially for used machines), Carol Ahles' Fine Machine Sewing

(especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg

Hazen's Owner's Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting

Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public

library.



Used brands I'd particularly look for: Elna, Bernina,

Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota



New "bargain brand" I'd probably pick: Janome (who also does

Kenmore).

Answer 2

You don't need any 'features' for what you want to do. You only need straight stitch and zigzag. Zigzag is especially useful for mending, and just about any machine made in the last 50 years will have it. The cheap new machines aren't as good as an older machine for heavy fabrics like denim, and the price should be similar. I strongly recommend going to a sewing machine repair/dealer place, and checking out their used machines. They'll be in good running order, and the store won't sell anything they aren't confident of.



If you're inclined at all to DIY or have someone like that at home, you could look for a machine at a thrift store or garage sale, or even on freecycle as I did. If it will turn over easily by hand, if when plugged in it doesn't make any horrible noises, it should be fairly easy to get it running well yourself. Get one with a manual if at all possible. I have just recently gotten 2 machines for free that weren't running when I got them and a couple of hours basic maintenance with very few tools and a little sewing machine oil got both of them running nicely, and all I ever did with a sewing machine until a month ago was sew with it. There's quite a bit of info available on the net, including basic maintenance procedures and manuals for just about every machine ever made. The older machines are all metal, they last forever if treated reasonably well, and are simple to fix, as a rule. The newer ones have plastic parts which break.



A basic tune-up and clean might cost you $80 or so at a repair place.



I probably told you more than you wanted to know! Excuse me, please. I just got my second free machine running and I'm feeling very good about it.

Answer 3

I've heard you can look up on this website for free stuff people are giving away. I forgot the name of the website but you can look up "free stuff" or "free sewing machine" and possibly include your city or state (to keep the search from being narrowed too much). Also you can try ebay, craigslist, maybe amazon, or one of the retail or sewing machine stores locally. A person working in a local sewing shop will know more about what they are selling. And if you are thinking about using a local retail store, you can look online at different stores and read other people's reviews to make sure you are not getting a dud or one that is too difficult to use. Also some of the retail stores have their sites set to where you can adjust the search to a specific cost range, a specific brand, and other things...

Answer 4

sewing machine hem pants basics