Machine for a beginner

With that budget, a good well-maintained USED machine would be a good choice. For instance, I am still using my 1961 Singer 401A every day.

Several members "here" contributed to a "What Sewing Machine Should I Buy FAQ" several years ago. I have a copy on my site:

Keep in mind that a new CHEAP machine will in all likelihood cause such frustration that neither one of you will learn to love sewing. JMHO,

I saw an old Bernina at the Thrift Shop yesterday for $ 65. It was an industrial setup - big foot pedal tightens the belt ; knee lever to raise the foot ; 12 built-in stiches ; - seemed to work OK. ... tempting - but I just don't need one. I like my old Elna Star series SU machines. < early 1970's vintage >

I've bought two at Thrift Stores for ~ $ 30. John T.

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There is a Chinese import being sold in the U.S. Unfortunately, dealers report that it usually takes three units to get one treadle base, due to the poor quality of the iron and resultant high breakage. The machine they sell with the base is highly decorated, but the colors are brash and unlike the original Singer and White machines.

But, there are still many good American-made treadles and sewing machines to be had if the shopper has patience. Some of these are now over 100 years old, and still going strong. I have four myself, since I gave one to one of my sons. Mine are all straight-stitch machines, except for one chain stitcher, but there are some machines with zigzag stitches that can be treadled. However, if all you have is straight stitch and you want to sew knits, you can use the old Stretch & Sew instructions.

A good, sound machine, but I've got you beat: a White Family Rotary that I bought for $10 when the 400 series were still available, but had been moved to the back of the shop.

Our mechanic loved the 400s, but I never had a customer who could appreciate them -- one customer stated firmly that he wanted to spend as much money as possible!

The Family Rotary has been going about a century, and never asks for anything but an occasional drop of oil. The leather drive belt went brittle a year or so back and I replaced it with one of the new-fangled plastic belts the Amish use.

(I didn't know what a bargain I was getting when I bought the FR -- the store manager threatened to landfill it, and I just couldn't stand the thought. It was years before I learned how to treadle and found out what I had.)

But you really, really don't want a new treadle machine. Building one properly would cost about the same as the highest-end electronic machine, and I've never heard of any corporation doing it.

The picture doesn't blow up quite enough to see what sort of machine it is. Really nice-looking base, though. It looks as though they have salvaged the moving parts from antique treadles -- I hope it was only from machines that had already been trashed.

It is a Necchi 6010 set up for treadle use. I just sold the Last Necchi to a gal in Australia just last Month set up for treadle. Necchi in the US is out of business, at least for now.

Janome is making a machine for treadles now. It's the Janome 712T and retails for $249. It has several different stitches, including a buttonhole.

Thanks for letting us know. Barbara in FL

For basic work an old second hand zigzag would do fine. Better would be a good brand of used zigzag. Both would cost way less than 150.

NT

Maybe, but for a well maintained and serviced machine from a shop with a limited warrantee they usually cost more, and the service and warrantee are worth the extra IMHO.

There are several Singer 401As on eBay right now. Bids range from $22.01 (with several days to run) to "Buy it Now" of $400.

What is the difference between a "second hand zigzag" and "used zigzag"? ;->

Probably about 35? around here used sound manky second hand sounds a bit more cared for .LOL

Claire in Montréal France.

Thanks, that explains it very well. ;->

Look for 'pre-loved': that implies very well cared for by one previous owner.

However, it could just be advertising hype. :-} Hands on test drive would be highly recommended.

Absolutely!

And something that LOOKS tatty might have been well used but also well cared for...

Old machines can look terrible but still work fine. And often do.

NT