Why Buy an Inexpensive Sewing Machine?

Hi Everyone,

When I go to a workshop as a teacher or participant, I sometimes have to bring along my sewing machine.  My main machines area bit heavy for lugging around…even with a nice rolling case.  After all,  you do have to lift it in and out of your car, up onto the workshop table, etc.

With all that lifting and so forth, I really don’t want to risk possible damage to an expensive sewing machine.  So….I bought an inexpensive sewing machine some time ago.

Another reason to have another machine is as a backup.  In January, my Juki and my Janome MC9000 went a bit crazy and needed some machine repair therapy.  (They’re much better and back home purring away.)  I mean, what are the chances that both machines would stop working at the same time?

If you are thinking of having a backup or travel machine, here are some tips for buying an inexpensive sewing machine:

1. Stay in budget–spend under $150 US.  That way, if disaster strikes and you drop it in the parking lot, it’s not the end of the world.
2. Look for something generic from Brother or Singer (in the US).   I find that if it has a fancy label like Project something or the other, you may be paying a bit extra for branding.
3. But don’t go toooo cheap!  Make sure it has the basics in this list.
4. Keep it light…in weight!!  That’s why I recommend a lower end machine. I can easily pick up this machine with one hand and carry it.  If you have any back issues, this is a good investment.   A refurbished upper end machine from a local shop might be a good buy but they tend to weigh quite a bit more.
5. Look for a machine that has a wide table included, not just the free arm.  Check the box and make sure.  You need the wider table for piecing and even basic quilting.
6. Look for a machine that has a quilting foot–1/4 inch foot–included.
7. Most machines in this price range will even include a walking foot and free motion foot!!  Yes, you can quilt on this machine.  Throat area will be small, but it’s perfect for smaller projects.
8. Don’t worry about embroidery or any fancy stitches.  For this machine, you’ll probably only use straight stitches and a zig-zag for satin stitches.  You might use a few other built in stitches now and then.

You’ll probably find these machines at places like Walmart  and Amazon.  Although, I would check with local quilt shops and sewing machine distributors for inexpensive machines like these.  But be careful, don’t let them upsell you a more expensive (and heavier ) machine.  You want something cheap, reliable and light weight.

I own a Brother SQ9000–advertised as a quilting machine.  Somehow, I lost the 1/4 inch foot, but Walmart had it for less than $9US.  You can still find this machine in some stores and online.  Singer makes a comparable machine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you can’t find this model, I saw this one at my local Walmart.  It cost a bit more but had good features.

One tip about sewing with these machines:  I noticed that they sew very quietly and smoothly on a good sturdy table.  But, if the workshop tables are light or a bit flimsy, you may have to sew at a lower speed.