Sewing Machines?

I have a vintage Kenmore 1320 machine. I scored it at a garage sale a couple years ago for $40 still in the cabinet and working perfectly, with a manual and everything. It can only do like, four or five different stitches, but I'm not a very hardcore sewer so I don't need anything more. Has sewn through like, three layers of terrycloth with a bunch of flannel, which hella surprised me. My mom has some Shark brand machine or something, and I don't really use it (neither does she) so I can't compare it to that or anything.

You can always go on Amazon and pick a price range and do some research and skim through some reviews. That's what I do before buying anything I'm somewhat unsure of.

I have 2 Brother machines and 3 Singer machines. One of them is from 1914 and is hand wound and sews just about everything. Heck I've sewn leather and boat sails on it.

I like Brother and Singer because the parts are interchangeable and they are not too expensive to repair. I've had very little problems with mine over the years and I sew a lot.

They are reasonably priced too. I stay clear of any with electronic read outs. The more complex the machine the more likely something will go wrong. I usually go for a machine with a removable bed for sleeve sewing.

Work out how often you will be using it and what kind of sewing you will be doing. There's a big difference between repairing a seam and making a full garment so your choice will dictated by your needs. A lot of the modern machines are made for the 'occasional' sewer and plastic based. Older machines tend to be made of metal to last.

I recently got a second hand machine in brilliant condition for £30. It's worth looking at reconditioned ones for value. Check that you can get parts easily though.

a pink kenmore that my mom got me, I do alot of heming on mine

I have three machines at home - My baby a brother 4000D - I love it - it does everything except cook the tea (but it will embroider a picture of it if I really want lol!) I have an old vintage singer sewing machine - it black with all of the gorgeous gilded patterns and a hand wheel. Plus one i bought when i was a student that is just bog standard ( just incase my brother is being serviced) PAHA! just realised how funny that sounded lol! I would recommend that if you are serious about sewing to get an overlocker - i think americans call them sergers? I love my over locker as it hides and bad cutting plus finishes of the edges and prevents fraying.


At school there are Janome's (the cheapest possible as it is cheaper to replace than repair them due to the amount of use they get!) Plus 2 janome metal ms225 i think the model is. I only just got them for my year 11's as the key stage 3 ones are not suitable for their exam work really. We also have a janome embroidery machine.

i have a singer promise 1409
i just started sewing last year and i got the machine during black friday at target for $60 (its like $90 now)
greatest $60 i spent!!
its really great for beginner sewers!!

I have a Kenmore (Sears) machine that I received as a gift more years ago than I care to admit (more than 10, less than 20!!). I do mostly craft projects and bags. I love to make bags. It's pretty basic, has all the stitches anyone could need. It's simple. In every way.

I have a Kenmore (Sears) machine that I received as a gift more years ago than I care to admit (more than 10, less than 20!!). I do mostly craft projects and bags. I love to make bags. It's pretty basic, has all the stitches anyone could need. It's simple. In every way.

wow! Thanks so much for all the replies!!!!
I will definitely have to do some more looking, I'm hoping to find a great second hand machine somewhere :/

I think a serger will be a great idea... One more thing I have to look into! haha! Thank you all again! This was really a lot of help

Segers come with 3 or 4 threads and there are loads on the market. They all pretty much work the same way thought. Cutting and stitching as they go

I have a Janone New Home machine and I really love it, I picked it up a couple of months ago from a Sewing Machine Shop near me for £47. If there was a fire, I would rescue my husband then this machine!

oh go to goodwill i found a good sewing machine that still works and it's a singer sewing machine!!! :3 (my fav!) but most of the sewing machines that wind up at goodwill (or any other donation shops like value village, garage sales) work perfectly fine and whats the point of buying a new one if there some that still work :3

I have a Sears Kenmore I bought new more than 30 yrs. ago. I've sewn a million miles (and back) on it. Never had a problem w/ it. Still sews like brand new. I got a new Singer Serger for Christmas & am learning lotsa new stuff. Never to old to learn something new!

Oh, and if your looking at a used machine, watch for signs of rust. If the inner workings get rusty it can really mess up a good machine. And it's almost impossible to get the tension set right. I'd suggest an inexpensive new one.

sometimes its better to get a new one, but you can get a great older model too