small sewing machine
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Floral Patterned Small Sewing Machine Tote Carry Bag $18.75 |
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SMALL SMARTEK SEWING MACHINE WITH PEDAL NEW $0.99 |
Where can I find an inexpensive sewing machine?
I am looking for a small sewing machine that I can use to do repairs (hems and such) and sew small items like cat toys. I don't want anything really fancy or expensive, but I DO want it to work well! Does anyone have any recommendations?
Ask your local sewing machine dealers about what they've got in used machines.
http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm
What I want for beginners in sewing:
- a machine that doesn't scare you
- a machine that isn't balky (cheap new machines are often very
balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable --
just too frustrating to learn on!)
- very good straight stitch
- good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy)
- a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you
- adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric
handling issues)
- accessory presser feet that don't cost an arm and a leg
(machines that use a "short shank foot" typically handle
generic presser feet pretty well. Some brands of machines use
proprietary or very expensive presser feet)
If the budget stretches far enough:
- blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches
- triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications)
- a couple of decorative stitches (you won't use them nearly as
much as you think)
- electronic machine because of the needle position control and
because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at
slow sewing speeds -- mechanical machines often will stall at
slow speeds.
Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them
to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used
machines you can afford. You'll get a far better machine buying
used than new, and a good dealer is worth their weight in sewing
machine needles when you get a machine problem -- often they can
talk you through the problem over the phone. While you're trying
things out, try a couple of machines (sewing only, not combo
sewing-embroidery) over your price limit, just so you can see
what the difference in stitch quality and ease of use might be.
You may find you want to go for the used Cadillac. Or you might
want the new basic Chevy. Might as well try both out.
Suggested reading: John Giordano's The Sewing Machine Book
(especially for used machines), Carol Ahles' Fine Machine Sewing
(especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg
Hazen's Owner's Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting
Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public
library.
Used brands I'd particularly look for: Elna, Bernina,
Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota
New "bargain brand" I'd probably pick: Janome (who also does
Kenmore).
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Microplane 34007 Kitchen Cut-Protection Glove $8.95 Accident protection for the prudent. The Microplane Cut Resistant Glove allows for safer food preparation with its uniquely constructed, machine washable, light weight and comfortable design. Made from man-made fibers, the ""one size fits most"" glove molds quickly to fit either hand. We recommend that you use this glove for all your food preparation requiring sharp tools. Keep in mind that you st... |
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Omega 4000 Stainless-Steel 1/3-HP Continuous Pulp-Ejection Juicer $169.99 Drink your vitamins and minerals in their most natural form and enjoy the health benefits and instant energy of pure juice. This machine is easy to use, easy to maintain and built to provide years of service. If you operate an inn or bed and breakfast, your guests will love the luxury of freshly squeezed juice and you will love the convenience. Leftover pulp is fabulous compost for your garden and... |
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Nostalgia Electrics ICS-100 Electric Ice Cream Sandwich Maker $22.84 Now you can turn your kitchen into an old-fashioned ice cream parlor with unique and delicious ice cream sandwiches made from scratch! The quick-cooking grill makes perfectly shaped round and rectangular cookies. Translucent ice cream sandwich molds open on both ends and have large, easy-to-grip handles. Enjoy creating different flavors and varieties - you may even use your Ice Cream Sandwich Make... |
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Power Bright VC1000W Voltage Transformer 1000 Watt Step Up/Down 110 Volt - 220 Volt $59.75 This is a voltage converter or transformer that can be used as a step up transformer in 110/120 volt countries or as a step down transformer in 220/230/240 volt countries. This heavy duty voltage transformer can be used for continuous duty. It will convert voltages of 220-240 volts to 110-120 and will also convert voltages from 110-120 to 220-240 volts.... |
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Non-Slip Rubber Pad Will Hold Almost Anything In Place (Pkg/36) $14.05 This 3" round disc of 1/16" non-slip rubber has a myriad of uses. The tiny treads on the bottom keep objects in place even when they are on a tilt. Peel off the backing paper and apply the disc to most any object. Even if the bottom of your object is not perfectly flat the flexibility and strong adhesive will hold the disc in place. The material can easily be cut and applied to the bottom of coast... |
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Sylvania 18200 (15T7DC/BL 120V) ... |
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Belkin SurgeCube Surge Protector, 1-Outlet Home Series $4.29 Belkin 1-Socket Wall Mount Surge Suppressor F9H100-CW Surge Suppressors... |
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Metro Vacuum MDV-1BA DataVac Pro 4.5-AMP Computer Vac/Blower $56.99 Now The Best Computer Cleaning System Cleans Laser Printers & Copiers Too! Today, you can't be in business if your computer is out of business. One minute piece of lint, dust, hair, debris or paper shred can stop your computer cold. That means undone projects, fractured schedules and costly downtime. But now there's DataVac®, the world's best computer cleaning systems. High-powered and specially ... |
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Floral Patterned Small Sewing Machine Tote Carry Bag $18.75 |
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SMALL SMARTEK SEWING MACHINE WITH PEDAL NEW $0.99 |
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10 ORGAN Sew Machine Needles DBx1 Size 20+ Small Shank $3.50 |
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[SM#01] DIY Fabric Pin (Sewing Machine Use) $8.99 |
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EASY-STITCH Small & Portable Sewing Machine, XUC! $29.99 |
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New Small Sewing Machine/Serger Lt. Brown Vinyl Tote Carry Bag $18.75 |
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SINGLE NEEDLE SEWING MACHINE BOBBIN WINDER SMALL WHEEL $16.00 |
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Mini 2-Speed Sewing Machine New Michley Sew Small Compact Home Stitch Control $34.45 |
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Small Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Metal Oil Can $25.00 |
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New Small Sewing Machine/Serger Lt. Brown Vinyl Tote Carry Bag $20.75 |
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KENMORE SEWING MACHINE LIGHT BULB 15 watt 5/8' BASE SMALL GLASS FROSTED MANY $11.75 |
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6 KENMORE SEWING MACHINE LIGHT BULB 15 watt 5/8' SMALL CLEAR GLASS FITS MANY $11.75 |
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SINGER SEWING MACHINE MODEL 327 SINGER SMALL SIDE COVER $10.95 |
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White Sewing Machine Nice Has A Small Hairline Crack In The Box Only A Inch Long $38.00 |
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Mini 2-Speed Sewing Machine Sew Small Compact Home Stitch Control $19.99 |
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Mini 2-Speed Sewing Machine Sew Small Compact Home Stitch Control $19.99 |
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Mini 2-Speed Sewing Machine Sew Small Compact Home Stitch Control $19.99 |
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FOR SMALL SEWING WORK NEW IN BOX STYLE ELEMENTS SEW MACHINE WITH 100 ACCESSORIES $22.49 |
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ORIGINAL SINGER 221 SEWING MACHINE LARGE & SMALL SCREWDRIVER SET (WAR ERA BLACK) $17.50 |
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Sewing Machine Light Bulbs Bayonet Push In Or Screw In 15W 240V Appliances $5.16 |
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Sewing Machine Light Bulbs Bayonet Push In Or Screw In 15W 240V Appliances $5.16 |
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Singer Sewing Machine Touch and sew Small Front Badge ..Very Good Condition $4.99 |
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SEWEASY portable Sewing Machine crafts Sew easy small mini battery cordless wh $19.99 |
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Salton SM-1 Mini Sewing Machine $12.49 |
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Small Home Folding Craft Sewing Machine Table Cabinet Mobile Desk, White $179.95 |
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WOW EXCeLLENT CLEAN SINGER SM-14C SEWING MACHINE & CASE $135.99 |
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Enduro-Pro SM600 Industrial Sewing Machine Energy Saving Servo Motor $185.00 |
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Enduro-Pro SM600 Industrial Sewing Machine Energy Saving Servo Motor $185.00 |
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WHITE ROTARY FR2609804 SEWING MACHINE GREIST SMALL NARROW HEMMER $12.00 |
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WHITE ROTARY FR2609804 SEWING MACHINE GREIST SMALL HEMMER $12.00 |
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Floral Patterned Small Sewing Machine Tote Carry Bag $20.95 |
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EZ Sewing Machine Built-In Stitch Patterns Compact Small Craft Dorm Novice $102.99 |
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SMALL SEWING MACHINE 5 FOLDER SET (1/8" TO 1/2")#FOLDER $34.90 |
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Sewing Machine 5 Groove Pin Tuck Foot Brother Janome Sears Others small grooves $8.00 |
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SINGLE NEEDLE SEWING MACHINE SMALL ROLLER FOOT 12264 $6.50 |
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SINGER SEWING MACHINE OWNERS MANUAL MODEL SM14 REPRINT $15.00 |
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2 KENMORE SEWING MACHINE LIGHT BULB 15 watt 5/8' BASE SMALL GLASS FITS MANY $4.75 |
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SINGLE NEEDLE SEWING MACHINE SMALL ROLLER FOOT 12264 $17.62 |
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SEWING MACHINE SMALL SCREW DRIVER SET SINGER KENMORE WHITE $4.75 |
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JUKI DDL- 5550 SEWING MACHINE NEEDLE BAR SMALL SHANK $8.00 |
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Brother SE 400 SE 350 6800 Small Embroidery Hoop SA431 $34.99 |
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Brother ULT 2001 2002 2003 Small Embroidery Hoop SA426 $34.99 |
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Stretch Sewing Machine Belt Singer, Small 10"-13" $4.95 |
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Singer Sewing Machine Small Rubber Bobbin Winder Ring $2.54 |
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100 Small Shank Sewing Machine Needles JUKI DDL-555 $16.00 |
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100 Small Shank Sewing Machine Needles JUKI DDL-555 $16.00 |
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100 Small Shank Sewing Machine Needles JUKI DDL-555 $16.00 |
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100 Small Shank Sewing Machine Needles JUKI DDL-555 $16.00 |
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100 Small Shank Sewing Machine Needles JUKI DDL-555 $16.00 |
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MORSE DIAL O MATIC SEWING MACHINE TWO SMALL HEMMER $10.45 |
Sewing Machine Basics 2, part 2/3 - Pivoting while sewing