I love to sew and have been using the same machine for forty plus years. It doesn't do fancy stuff, but I'm not fancy. A few years ago I came across a hand crank Singer sewing machine. It didn't have a needle or an instruction book, but I fell in love with it.
After I got my "treasure" home, I found my hand crank sewing machine uses the same needles as the new ones. (I purchased the needles at the Dollar Store!) The manual is free on the Singer site.
This hand crank machine locks the stitches better than my trusty forty year old, sews through multiple layers of fabric without missing a stitch. Best of all, I can sew outside or at a civil war reenactment. I have made several friends while they sat and watched me sew. Yes, I let them crank if they ask!
Next time you see a machine for sale, give it a try, you might be surprised at how much pleasure you will receive. Oh, I paid $35.00 for mine in an antique store.
By Tedebear from San Jose CA
This page contains the following solutions.
A few weeks ago I told you about my new Brother sewing machine. I just noticed something wonderful about it. I can't believe I didn't see this before.
Need a general purpose sewing machine for making repairs? Yard sales are an excellent source. They generally ask $20-$25.00 and can be bargained down too! By Syd
I just recently bought a Brother Project Runway sewing machine. It is computerized, has 80 stitches, automatic needle threader and many other features.
If your sewing machine is beyond repair, it may be time to buy a new one. This Brother sewing machine is easy to use and jam resistant.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I'm considering buying a used Singer Tiny Serger Sewing Machine and want some feedback from anyone who has used this machine. I'm completely ignorant about serging and want to know if this machine can be used to shorten T-shirts and leave them with a smooth hem the way they were before. Any other hints about serging also appreciated. Thanks.
I have used a regular serger. I do not know how to make it the way it was before with a serger. In order to make that stitch you would have to make a blind hem and I don't know if that is possible with any serger. The serger will finish the edge so that it is stable and will not unravel but then you will have to put the hem in it.
DON'T go with the Singer Tiny Serger!!! It is very hard to thread. It is very frustrating to say the least. I bought one for my daughter and finally gave up. I let her use my New Home Serger...much easier. The Singer Tiny Serger to me is a waste of money....sorry
Don't waste your money. Save that money and put toward a good serger. That is not for serious sewers. I didn't know what serging was until I bought a real one after buying a tiny serger.
got my Tiny Serger yesterday and its a bad! It only has one needle serging and yes its hard to thread so im gonna sell it back on ebay where i got it and get me a really good singer.
It's frustrating! Don't waste your time! I agree with Cindy, this is for a kid, which will never work. Please don't buy one! I'm sorry that I ever purchased one. I've been working on it for almost a year and still I haven't got it. And then they want to sell you a separate instruction manual, the nerve of them! They knew it was never going to work anyways. It was just a gimmick.
Wow!!! what a great site!! I too was going to buy a tiny serger on ebay. But after reading everyones feedbacks. I am going to take the money plung and just buy a regular one.
Thanks for answering her question!!!! it helped me out too!!!!
In the old days, the main purpose of a serger was to finish the raw edges of a garment. Nowadays, the newer model of sergers provide most more!
Yes, you can use the serger to shorten a t-shirt but it is NOT a one step process without a cover-hem feature. If your serger has this feature, you can hem and serger at the same time (either a twin or triple needles top stitching, just like most knit garments you find in the store). It takes practice and patience.
If you don't have a cover-hem feature, then you will have to serger the raw edge of the t-shirt after you cut it, fold to the desired hem and using a twin needle and finish the hem using your sewing machine. If your sewing machine doesn't take twin needle, then you'll have to sew 2 straight lines. I hope it made sense.
I bought 2 on shopgoodwill.com and neither one works. I have followed the rules of threading and still the thing doesn't work. I would suggest buying a good one at the store. Why spend money on used merchandise and maybe it will work and maybe it won't.
I just bought one of these tiny sergers off craigslist to give it a try and so far I'm really disappointed. I had read a lot of really good reviews from people so i was really excited to start some sewing projects. I got ithe machine threaded without too much trouble but I can not get the tension adjusted correctly and I've put at least 2 hours into that. It looks right but then when you turn the fabric over you can pull the seam apart. I think I'm going to give up and just get a regular sewing machine.
Some one gave me a Tiny Serger for my grandchildren, and it didn't work very well, so my husband took it apart.
I would consider buying the Tiny Serger for a toy but not to do what you want accomplished. Brother and baby lock have inexpensive machines that are easy to get your finished edge. But as Cindy mentioned, a regular sewing machine would have to do your blind finished hem.
I have used one for years, but have consistently had trouble with having to rethread it during using. It ONLY finishes seams; does not cut them, or hem at all! I'm looking to buy a "real" serger now!
I love this machine! I don't do anything fancy with it and that's what you should get this machine for... the threading isn't as bad as people make it out to be. It's a bit of a temperamental machine, so you have to learn how IT wants to be used, not how it "should" be used. Like all sewing machines they have their own quirks. I've used different sewing machines for years and this was my first serger.
This Machine is great for your first Serger. I would never suggest replacing another machine that had 4or5 threads. It just doesn't do the same thing.
After buying this machine (of course I bought it on ebay so it was cheep) Read the manual! It'll be so much easier to work with after you understand how it works. Then, after you have done a few trial tests and know how to thread it with the included thread, go out and buy a 2x4 about a foot long. Put three pegs perpendicular to the broad face of the board about 1.5in apart to hold three large serger threads. Then place this at an angle (so the tops of the pegs are pointing to the thread guides.
Buy that nice cheap serger thread instead of the expensive every day use thread that fits on the serger. Like I said, I got it cheap, it does very simple work and it's so easy to put away! I love this machine!
I know this is late in finding this post, but want to respond anyway. I just bought a Singer Tiny Serger at an Estate sale for $7.00. I thought what the heck it's worth trying. It had everything with it including the book, so I was really lucky. After reading the manual I started threading it as was shown. This was my first experience with a serger, but I have had many other sewing machines, so threading wasn't that confusing. To my delightful surprise it worked, first try. For simple edging this will work great, but for something fancy I'd probably go with another machine. The stitches were even, yet widely spaced. Nothing you could use to edge a napkin or anything. For me this is great for my purpose. Of course now I may want another one so hubby beware! Hope this helps someone.
My daughter wants to make her own clothing and I want to get a her a sewing machine for her birthday. Any sewers out there have any recommendations of what sewing machine to get her and reasonably inexpensive way to get one?
Thanks, Carol.You may want to see if www.freecycle.org is up and running close to where you live. If there is one near you or that you would be willing to drive to the area that has one-- you can ask for a free sewing machine. www.freecycle.org has people asking for, and giving away things all the time. If there isn't one close to you --you can start one.
There may also be a thirft store in your area where you could post a want ad for a sewing machine.
I recently bought a almost new sewing machine at a thrift store. The only problem, the cord and foot feed was lost during a move, so got it for 10.00.
I checked with the manufacture and was able to purchase a new cord and foot feed for 40.00.
You might keep your eyes out at garage sales. Sometimes if you ask, they also would sell you a sewing machine reasonable
I just bought a sewing machine last week and had looked at a Kenmore and a White both on sale for about $100. Both were very basic with straight and zig zag stitches. My stepmom recommended the White. She had one for 30 years that she loved. The white is also metal and the Kenmore is plastic.
I bought the White and I'm loving it. I also do very basic sewing so I don't need much. But make sure you decide first whether or not you want a machine in a cabinet, in a built in case or free-standing (no case). Mine is the latter and I love the flexibility since I don't have a room for sewing or space for a cabinet model. I can use it on the kitchen table where the best light is and put it aside during dinner.
But I would check around for older models as suggested above. I've had some great machines that were about 1950's-1960's. Very reliable. I got our vacuum years ago used at a vacuum/sewing repair place. Maybe they have used sewing machines for a bargain price.
Good luck.
I have an old Singer that I dearly love. Whatever kind you get, make sure that it has a button holer. She might not need it right away, but it really comes in handy later. Sewing machine & vacuum repair shops usually have a good selection of used ones, and they have just been serviced too. Otherwise, I would recommend Wal-mart for a new one. Good luck! Barb
Go to your local sewing machine repair shop...they have machines people trade in or don't pick up after the repairs have been done...I recommend an older machine to the new Plastic machines. These will do the job but for the same price to get an older well made one from a repair shop or a sewing machine dealer.
Lois
Also, check your newspaper or place an ad in the freebies papers under the want ads. I am not sure if you have the Nickel Saver there, but you can place any item for sale up to $500 value items I believe and you can place want ads for free. I think you have to renew it each week, but its free. They are usually a free paper you can pick up in front of grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants by the real estate booklets. You would be amazed at how many people use these. You may even find someone trying to sell a machine in there.
Look for estate sales. Many decades ago, no self respecting woman would be caught without a sewing machine, or 2, or 3 , or a half dozen. And she would rather die than part with her sewing machines.
Every estate sale I have been to has had at least one, usually many. These days most estate sales are just garage sales run directly from the home of the deceased. Most are "make an offer", or priced at garage sale prices. I routinely see expensive machines in excellent condition for 20 to 50 dollars.
Hi there. How old is she? I bought a Janome 140M for my daughter who is 8 and it's perfect for learning on. They do a "Hello Kitty" version in Target if you are in the USA!
I'd suggest a Singer 120 stitch sewing machine which is easy to use and costs around $200. You can find it on Amazon.com. If you are looking for more ideas, then check the http://www.sewingmachinereviewer... for reviews and recommendations...
I suggest to get a Singer. We are a Singer family. My grand mother & mother had Singers. I've always had one. I've worn out several doing sewing for the family & others. The last one I got has buttons to touch, very easy to use. I got it on sale. I'm very proud of it, good luck.
At the local sewing center, where they repair machines and take them in trade, they can steer you to the best used models they have in stock. These have been repaired and reconditioned and are generally an excellent bargain. On her recommendation, I got a 10 year old Kenmore for $100 that has been a real bargain - ask for the mechanical not the electronic models because they last longer and are easier to repair. Unfortunately, the salesperson told me, some of the old, well-known names are now made cheaply.
I have had a PFAFF for over 35 years. They are jam proof & last forever, great machines. Like the other person said, you could try the sewing center & buy a used & reconditioned one. I had a 1222E for about 30 years & gave it to a friend & got an electronic one. New they are expensive, but my old one is still going strong for my friend. Never was in the shop once.When I researched machines, I found out that PFAFF can b used by anyone & not break or jam. I had young kids. I wanted them to b able to use it & I didn't want to worry about my machine...great, great machines!
I ordered a Janome HD 3000 sewing machine from Walmart World. They sent me a Janome New Home HD3000. Is it the same machine or is one an older model?
This is the link to the Janome HD 3000 from the Janome website: janome.com/
Please share your ideas about what sewing machine model to buy and where for a newcomer to sewing. Also, I have gone to a few stores and the price of fabric is very daunting. I am on a fixed budget so any suggestions would be appreciated.
Right now, the only place I have purchased some fabric was from a flea market. The retail stores are just too expensive for me to try since I am a novice. Thanks for your help!I kind of went thru the same thing recently. Altho I've been sewing for close to 50 yrs, I wasn't what you'd call expert; I was just using my machine to repair blankets, etc. & for very basic clothing alterations such as hem shortening, etc. Well, my 40-yr-old Singer died recently--and a machine that old can not be repaired a lot of the time because they can no longer get parts--and so had to shop for a new machine. What I learned was 1) Singer is no longer as good a brand as they used to be (and of course, what brand is, sigh); 2) If you go with a real basic, beginners type machine such as some that Brother, for instance, makes, you may not be getting some of the features you want. For instance, my old dead Singer would do reverse stitching--good idea to do when you start & finish a seam because it reinforces the seam--and it would handle slightly heavy-duty fabric such as denim, like jeans, and a thicker blanket or bedspread. Well, a lot of the simple, beginner-level machines that I looked at like the Brother do not do reverse stitching or can handle even slightly heavy-duty fabric like denim, etc. So since I've been a Singer user for so long, I bought their Talent 3321 machine becuz it would do the reverse-stitching & could handle denim, etc. Well, I hated it; it was so darn complicated to thread, use, etc., I couldn't stand it. So I got rid of it & got a Baby Lock BL9 (about $150); it does everything I want but is not hard to thread or use. There may be some other brands out there that are easy to use but yet will do what you want (I think Jenome might be one?), but this is the one I finally ended up with & I love it. Good luck & I hope you find something you like; 1 of those real basic machines that don't cost very much might be just fine for you; it's just that if you're wanting to do even slightly heavy fabric like your jeans or something, you won't be able to.
Janome makes several 'entry level' machines that are very beginner friendly - lol, this is coming from a vintage Singer repair tech and sewing teacher:) Personally I love my Talent 3321 but it can be a bit fiddly. Still, I do recommend it for advanced beginners as it has some really fab features at a very reasonable price.
The most important thing in purchasing a first-time machine is to be sure you're buying one with a 'top drop-in' bobbin system! Nothing puts a new sewer off faster than that ultra-frustrating side or front load bobbin system that seems to think all sewers have eight arms - to load the blasted thing correctly you have to pull out a teeny lever on the case at the same time you're holding your wrist and arm at an awkward angle to fit it into the machine...save yourself and be sure to buy a machine with a bobbin that loads from the top of the machine just in front of the needle area. Janome calls this 'jam proof' and they're right, it generally is!
For fabric - I live in the UK where our second hand and thrift stores are called charity shops (because most are operated by charities like British Heart, British Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc) - and I find the absolute best fabrics in the charity shops! Men's shirts, fleece winter clothing, women's skirts, blouses, dresses, even bed bed sheets and blankets - all of these items can be carefully unpicked and the resulting fabric lengths used for new projects. And the buttons and zips saved for reuse as well! I find a lot of gorgeous vintage fabrics in those shops - and you will too:)
Thank you Lynn, I will definitely look for the machine you recommended. It is rather daunting because of so many models to choose from which is why I posted the question trusting someone like you would respond. I did recently find a store in Florida called Hobby Lobby and I will soon be going there. They posted a coupon for 40% off one item, so I will get some material (cotton blend approx. $4 a yard) for a first time project I want to try. I have been going to quite a few flea markets but haven't find any material there, strange huh? They had loads of other craft supplies, but not material. I should be able to afford the machine you recommended next month, so I will definitely keep searching for that one. I can't handle complicated machines and directions and there are so many out there like that. It's chancey to buy someone else's machine posted at a swap site as they could be junk or not run properly and I am definitely not advanced enough to be able to tell right away whether or not it's a good purchase. I will learn to sew because I have too. So many of the clothes out there are constrictive and due to a back injury I have, I really need loose flowing tops, etc. which are usually too expensive for me to get. I hope to be able to make a couple things soon even if I do it by hand. It will be fun to have new clothes I made myself. Thanks again for your post.
I just bought the Singer handheld sewing machine from Walmart. I've put rechargeable batteries in it. Well, it won't turn on! This is the second one I have bought that has done this. The first one came on and worked for 4 seconds. This one won't even come on.
Am I using the wrong batteries?
By Amber L.
It's probably not you. Sometimes retailers are shipped a 'bad lot' meaning that particular job lot is dodgy. The problem could be anything from a faulty wire caused by human/machine error on the production line to one or more of the components having been manufactured incorrectly long before ever reaching the production line.
Unfortunately this happens a lot with mass produced items destined for the discount big-box stores because the whole marketing scheme from the retailer's professional buyer to maker (and all the little guys in-between supplying components) is designed for one thing only - making money. There is no quality control, there is no interest in making a quality product. They just want the most money for the least quality.
Take the handheld back to Walmart where CustomerService will tag it and throw it in a bin to go to Big Lots or to be recalled - yes, if enough numbers of a faulty product are returned most retailers will pull the product and very discretely post a notice they're recalling/exchanging.
And if you really need a handheld sewing machine, find a local Singer (or other maker) sewing centre and buy from them. Well worth the extra money because those handhelds will have been built to a higher standard - because the retailer's professional buyers have insisted on a quality item up to their brand standard.
Personally, if you've found a need for a handheld machine, you probably really need an inexpensive starter full size sewing machine. Singer makes several ranging in price from $99 to $350 (£69-£250). Janome and Brother also sell good quality entry level machines.
*The important thing if buying a 'real' sewing machine is to be sure to purchase a 'top drop-in bobbin' machine, the side and front loads will put you off sewing nearly for life because it's so hard to seat the side and front load bobbins.
**Don't waste your time with one of those 'mini' machines. You can get some performance from them, and they are great for someone who already knows how to sew and is trying to teach a total newbie or child but otherwise they are frustrating and tend to break soon after coming into your home.
Not worth it, but make sure the batteries are put in correctly. I burned mine up by having the batteries in wrong. I wish they would devise a better way of marking the direction for battery placement. The symbols are so hard to see.
Where is the best place to buy a biomass pellet machine?
Scott from Lynn, MA
I would sort of back track the pellets from your local source of pellets by asking him who is the guy he buys his pellets from. Then contact that source and find out where he bought his machine if he has one. Keep back tracking and you will find out where to buy a machine.
Try to find a trade publication for recycling? waste management? and see if any are listed there. Or Google it.
There are a number of reasons to purchase a vintage sewing machine even if you already have a newer model. The older machines were typically built to last for generations. Check the machine for broken or missing parts and run down a list of typical functions, such as does the wheel turn, before deciding. This page contains advice for choosing a vintage sewing machine.
