I’m glad to see some people still sew! I had two old machines purchased in the mid-90s that I inherited. One was an Elna and one a Bernina. Sadly after sitting unused for years, the Elna won’t work anymore. I loved that machine. I brought it to be repaired but the owner of the shop said they don’t make the parts anymore and he can’t get them. There was some sort of computer module. I never liked the Bernina as much because it just wasn’t as user friendly for my beginner skills so I had given it away but now I really wish I kept it. To replace my Elna is over 1k. Maybe I’ll look into a used machine.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m glad this thread came up.
I have a Janome I bought many years ago probably late 90s. Used infrequently but was nice to have when the kids wanted a special Halloween costume or small project.
I got it out to stitch the hem of some pants and realized it wasn’t working well and needs service. The closest place I found that serviced sewing machines is more than 30 minutes away so for a hot minute I thought about buying a new machine, but realized that while there might be cheap machines on Amazon, they are garbage. My Janome is a solid build with metal parts. This thread confirmed it is best that I suck it up and bring it in for service and not buy a new one.

I wouldn't assume that a Janome from the late 90s is better than a new machine from a dealer. There are reasons to buy a new machine. New machines have features that old ones don't. If you are thinking about a new machine, I'd go to a dealer and try them out. See if newer features are something you are interested in.

What is this nonsense that you keep posting about new features? Are you the poster who posted that before? That's just nonsense.

The point of a sewing machine is to sew. For an entry-level machine you want a machine that sews reliably in a straight line and with a zigzag stitch. That's it. There's no new features that you're looking for in an entry level sewing machine.

Those who want new features are experienced at sewing and are willing to spend thousands of dollars on a machine, and even so, those features are probably rarely used. The absolute most important thing is to have a machine that works reliably and sews the normal stitches.

Try craigslist. It doesn't have to be new. I think the older machines are much better quality.

I found a Singer Rocketeer in a NYC dumpster
The previous owner was using the wrong bobbin spring and gave up. It was sewing realy messed up no matter what adjustments I made. I sleuthed out thru online channels that the tension spring was slightly the wrong shape, found the correct one and now it works great.
It has a larger motor than my first which was a singer featherweight and smoke would rise out of that motor with seams that were heavier than simple cotton.

There are lots of helpful maintenance websites and videos out there. Owning a sewing machine is good combo of home ec and shop skills for your child.

Anonymous wrote:I’m glad this thread came up.
I have a Janome I bought many years ago probably late 90s. Used infrequently but was nice to have when the kids wanted a special Halloween costume or small project.
I got it out to stitch the hem of some pants and realized it wasn’t working well and needs service. The closest place I found that serviced sewing machines is more than 30 minutes away so for a hot minute I thought about buying a new machine, but realized that while there might be cheap machines on Amazon, they are garbage. My Janome is a solid build with metal parts. This thread confirmed it is best that I suck it up and bring it in for service and not buy a new one.

I wouldn't assume that a Janome from the late 90s is better than a new machine from a dealer. There are reasons to buy a new machine. New machines have features that old ones don't. If you are thinking about a new machine, I'd go to a dealer and try them out. See if newer features are something you are interested in.

Craigslist has decent machines locally. There are also abandoned machines at sew and vac repair shops too. You will find older rock solid models via these venues.

My mother has 9 machines, mostly pre-1980s. The workhorses were the singers circa 1960s and older. Solidly made of metal and easy to get in there for maintenance.
Her first machine was a plastic Bernina. It was OK but quickly supplanted by the Singers.
The next are the Jukis with a motor the size of a small domestic farm animal. Could see thru several layers denim.
The baby locks had to be plastic made because they were a late 80s machine concept. Constantly maintenance problems with those.

I’m glad this thread came up.
I have a Janome I bought many years ago probably late 90s. Used infrequently but was nice to have when the kids wanted a special Halloween costume or small project.
I got it out to stitch the hem of some pants and realized it wasn’t working well and needs service. The closest place I found that serviced sewing machines is more than 30 minutes away so for a hot minute I thought about buying a new machine, but realized that while there might be cheap machines on Amazon, they are garbage. My Janome is a solid build with metal parts. This thread confirmed it is best that I suck it up and bring it in for service and not buy a new one.

Anonymous wrote:I did some research and Janome Arctic Crystsl easy sew anf Singer M1500 are under $150 and good enough with a warranty.

You will be throwing away money if you buy ine of those new.

I was given an early computerized Bernina and then gave away a metal Kenmore. I miss that machine so much.

Rarely use those fake embroidery stitches.

Note for budgeting: I paid around $130 the last several times I had various machines serviced.

It hard to be lucky with timing, but people give away goodsewing machines regularly.

I did some research and Janome Arctic Crystsl easy sew anf Singer M1500 are under $150 and good enough with a warranty.

Take the used machine in to get it serviced and cleaned up. That will help ensure success.

What kind of sewing is he interested in?

Fashion?

Cosplay costumes?

Sewing upholstery for his truck or boat?

Quilting?

Leather goods?


All of these can be done well with a basic older sewing machine.

If it is for cosplay, he will likely be working with spandex and knit based fabrics, plus metallic and plastic coated fabrics. If he is working with knits or metallic fabrics, he needs to make sure he gets the correct needles, or it wont matter how nice or junky his machine is. The wrong needle for the fabric is often the main reason why people think their sewing machine is junk or broken. Ballpoint for anything knit or stretchy, and a tiny drop of silicone sewers aide oil on the needle for metallic fabrics.

Anonymous wrote:Just say, "you make some good points. I'm willing to pay $200 and will drive you within a ten mile radius to get it. Show me the used ones you're interested in."

Make him do most of the work.

This

It's likely a new $200 sewing machine will be crap that will break in 6 months.

Anonymous wrote:Ok thank you everyone, I have two ppl I know who are giving away sewing machines so I’ll take them up on it first.
If it doesn’t work out I’ll ask DS to show me which one he wants to buy and I’ll drive and pay but he’ll have to test out the machine. I hope we don’t get scammed lol.
-OP

Since you won't be paying much, you aren't likely to be scammed. You can get an older Kenmore in decent shape for so little that you'll think you stole it and a lot of them are really good machines. Or if you /your son are handy, the old straight stitch machines are super easy to maintain, so you could go that way and get an attachment for zig zag and a buttonhole attachment which would allow you to do most basic sewing tasks. Just stick with the more common models, Singer 15, 66, 99,.201 and the like so that you'll nerve have trouble finding accessories and instructional videos. Also, don't pay too much.