Sewing machines

[IvyWitch]

I want to get a sewing machine to make some bags (little drawstring bags), but I don't want a normal sized one - it's just too big. Are the desktop machines (like this one) (http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PROFRAME&PROD_ID=657507) good quality?
I ask because the little ones I see always look so cheap and cheesy that I can't tell if it's going to break in two days or not..

[Myrica]

I have used a childerns machine till I was 12, then I got an old sewing machine (singer), I also have used some other machines. I even know how to use those antique ones.
I currently have an Elna machine, but the best ones are Singer, and Bernina.
They are a regular size, I would never recommend a small machine, because you need enough space to work on your machine (space around the needle).
Also, I think a machine shouldn't be light. It should weigh something and stand stable on your surface.

edit: The machine in the link looks not so great. I think you can only make straight stiches, and there is no weel on the right (probably it is replaced by the horizontal weel thing?). Looks like there are missing a lot of normal sewing machine components.
If it was microwave oven I would buy it :bigredgri no.. seriously... Go to a store and try some out. They should sound and feel good.

sorry my English vocabulary isn't big enough :sniffsnif can't explain like I want

[-Ember]

I think the most important question isn't is it good in a general sense, but is it good enough.


You will not find a small machine that does everything as well as a larger. But if all you want is straight stitches, it doesn't matter if that is the only stitch availible. And for small bags you won't need too much fabric space.

Still, try to find one locally to play with. It should have some weight/stability. See if you can find one by a respected brand.... not just "as seen on TV stuff". I haven't used one enough to know any to suggest (and only use my mother's larger one for the straight stitch anyway.)

[Shanti]

Well I am an devout sewer, for 22 years. From my experience with all different types of machines, the saying, 'you get what you pay for' is true. Those cheap little machines do not give a good, tight, strong stitch and they dont last long at all.
The department store machines, singer, and other name brand, regular sized, are good for average, occasional sewing. If your going to be sewing everyday, like I do, you want a higher quality machine like a Janome.
So depending on how often (occasional vrs everyday) and how long you plan to be sewing, months or years, you will get what you pay for. :)

[halfwaynowhere]

from my experience, those little machines tend to be shakey, the stitches aren't so great, and they are too limited... of course, for that price, it doesn't seem too bad for a beginner... you can learn to sew on it, and once you feel comfortable enough with it and get enough space for a regular sized one, you can always move up...

[IvyWitch]

What type of machine would you suggest for someone who doesn't do serious sewing, just stuff like pouches and bags (like, prayer bead and tarot card sized), and is without a whole lot of space to keep or use a large machine?

[Dawa Lhamo]

Well, this (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2519826) is the machine I have. I think it's good for a beginner; it doesn't do too many things, it's lightweight (but not too light that it'll tip over or anything), and it's done well by me. I've only made a few things with it: a cloak, a banner, and some shirts, but they've turned out pretty well. One of my roommates borrowed it to make several costumes for a class. My other roommate, who does costuming, uses the same machine.

In my opinion, the machine in the first post looks too cheap. I wouldn't trust it. I haven't been sewing for very long, but I don't know that it looks so good. BUT, if you don't mind that it might not work so well or that it might not be made to last, then go with what you need. If this is all you can afford right now, I'm not going to tell you not to get it. Though, if you can, I'd go with something a bit more well made.

YMMV.
Tashi delek!
Dawa Lhamo

[Myrica]

for making bags you need a stich to go over the edges of the fabric (a zig-zag alike, don't know english names fot stiches :( ).
I think you shouldn't try to get the cheapest machine you can find. Get one with 6-10 diffrent stiches, I have one with 8 diffrent stiches. You also should check if your machine respondes wel on the feet thing. If you push harder, that the machine reacts like it should. That it graduatly can gain or lose speed.
I have made drawstring bags on my machine, I don't think a one-stich budget machine will be good.