Sewing Machine for 13 Year Old

21 years ago

I am looking for suggestions for a sewing machine for a novice sewer.

My thirteen year old cousin loves to sew but does not have a sewing machine. Some family members decided to pitch in and buy her one for her Bat Mitzvah.

We are looking for a good simple machine without a lot of frills. We do like some extras like an automatic bobbin winder and a needle threader, but don't need things like embroidery cabpabilities. Our budget is $500.

Thank you for any suggestions.

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Comments (9)

minnie_tx
21 years ago
I got a nice one at Walmart for arouind $99. Different stitches and Reverse. the only thing I wish it had was "needle down" capabilities.
Islay_Corbel
21 years ago
Some of the fancy stitches are really nice to have if you can get them. She might like doing them round the hem of her jeans or skirts. Good luck hunting.
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Marina101
21 years ago
I am fourteen years old, and i have a Brother CS 6000t from Wal Mart. it has all the functions you might need, and some fancy stitches. No problems with it so far. I think that i got it for around $196.
ell_in_or
21 years ago
If you purchase the machine at a local dealer, as opposed to a big box store, your cousin will likely be able to take a free lesson or two on how to use her new machine. They can show her how to clean it and what specialty feet are available for it and how to use them.
ljwrar
Original Author
21 years ago
Thanks for the suggestions.

ell, I would love to buy it at a local dealer. My cousin lives in San Antonio and the rest of us live elsewhere. My parents will probably buy it in Houston and bring to her when I am there. I will probably have to figure out how to use it and give her a lesson.

Maybe we can buy it at a retailer with locations in both places. That way the San Antonio store can show her how to use it.
loganhogan
21 years ago
Since ya'll had a pretty large budget have you though about getting her 2 machines? A serger and basic machine. I've bought sergers (yes plural) from Sew Vac in College Station, Texas. I've been very pleased with them and that's where my Mother's embroidery machine came from. Sometimes they have combo deals offered on there website. Just an idea.
Susan In Bama
mary_c_gw
21 years ago
Get it where she lives, from a dealer who give lessons with the purchase. You don't have to buy an expensive machine to get the lessons.

These can be invaluable to the beginning sewer, not only for the skill they teach, but for networking with many other people with the same passion.
donnah
21 years ago
Also consider a used machine - a good dealer will have reconditioned machines that someone turned in for a fancier model and they can be a great bargain! The older machines are often built better. I agree that buying from a local dealer is the way to go.
User
21 years ago
Look for a previously high-end used machine at a local dealer.

They will give a couple of lessons, and the machines are of higher quality.

Pfaff and old Viking or Husqvarnas are build like tanks!