Can you help me choose a sewing machine for my husband?

March 28, 2007 5:22 PM

Can you help me choose a sewing machine for my husband?

My husband is trying to start a puppet company, up until now he has been hand sewing everything, which not only takes him forever but also hurts his fingers, so I was hoping to buy him a sewing machine for his birthday. He’s mentioned that he wants one, but I want to surprise him. He sews a lot of heavy fabrics and furry fabrics and I am note sure what kind to look into. I was hoping to get one for less then $400. Please help.

posted by katkel to Home & Garden (6 answers total)

I bought a great Janome for $250 at a wonderful local sewing store. I would call those places first, as most offer free lessons on the machine which are invaluable. I'd bring a bunch of the fabrics he works with to whichever store is close by, and test it on a number of machines. They also would be the ones who could tell you if he needs to go with an industrial strength machine.

If he uses buttons a lot, I would invest in a machine with an automatic buttonholer. It makes that sooooo much easier.
posted by Salmonberry at 5:33 PM on March 28, 2007

Janome makes a good machine. I've heard good things about Kenmore also. I think Janome makes Kenmore sewing machines, at least they used to.

You may want to invest in a simple mechanical machine that can handle heavy fabrics. I have a simple mechanical (non-computerized) Pfaff -- no fancy needle threaders or embroidery stitches, but it sews heavy fabrics like a dream. I paid around 450, it was a floor model, barely used.

Check out sewing.patternreview.com for sewing machine reviews. It helped with my choice.
posted by LoriFLA at 5:48 PM on March 28, 2007 [1 favorite]

I think this is a totally awesome gift idea (and I have no actual product suggestions) but I would just throw out the idea to make sure that however perfect you think the machine you end with is for him and what he does -- make sure he can return it if need be, and don't be offended if he does. If he is depending on this machine for his livelihood, he will likely be really particular about the machine in ways that he may not even be able to anticipate until he has used it for a while. And that he may not be able to articulate if/when he does realize the machine is not right for him. or maybe I am just projecting my persona onto your husband...
posted by misterbrandt at 6:12 PM on March 28, 2007

I have this Husqvarna, and I like it. I do not use it for extremely heavy-duty sewing, but it can easily go through 6+ layers of denim. You might go to a JoAnn if there is one near you (or Hancock Fabrics, or whatever sewing/craft store that has machines) and ask the people who work there specifically in the sewing area. They are typically knowledgeable ladies who have been sewing all their lives and tend to know their products quite well.
posted by Medieval Maven at 6:13 PM on March 28, 2007

Not to be snarky, but this question has been asked and answered more than a few times.

In a nutshell, for your budget and requirements, you'll probably want to go for a high-quality (not a Jo-Ann Fabrics/ Walmart special) used machine from a reputable dealer. If he's thinking about using this as a business, he may want to go with an industrial machine (it also could be a tax write-off as well).
posted by dicaxpuella at 6:46 PM on March 28, 2007

The industrial machines I've looked at recently have all been rather large, as they are built-in to a table. These machines are continuously oiled rather like a car engine, so that is part of the bulk. This is a real advantage for smooth sewing.

Seriously consider whether any given new machine has more metal or plastic mechanical parts inside. An older machine in good condition may be a better deal, when the choice is between metal or plastic.
posted by Goofyy at 9:44 PM on March 28, 2007