Sewing machines - Minis or full-size

[mikeoz]

I hate hand sewing (and am terrible at it) and have decided to break down and buy a sewing machine. I have no idea how use one, or what to look for when I buy one. I would only need it for sewing Mego custom clothing like jumpsuits, etc.
Questions:
1. How are the mini (under $30) sewing machines? Will they work for custom clothes?
2. What type of machine (relatively inexpensive) machine do you customizers recommend?


Thanks. Any help will be greatly appreciated

[JMC]

I don't know much about the mini machines but I would think it would be harder to manipulate the fabric. I use an old simplicity full-size machine and have had success with it. Hope my two cents helps.

[AAAAA]

full size multiple stitch machine /multi-speed
look a sears and see what they got

[fallensaviour]

I have a full size and to tell you the truth I use it very little for custom clothes.I find I can not sew small seams well shirts/pants cuffs and waists.I am sure others can I often find everything I do is by hand.
I have never used a mini machine but always wanted to try it out.

Full size machines often go on sale I wouldn't pay anymore than $60 for one.

[JediJaida]

Whatever you do, DON'T buy a mini! Those things jam, chew up fabric, the needles break, and the bobbin is often made of inferior plastic.

Get a full sized one, but don't get it online. Go to a local sewing center and check out their machines, and ask for a demo from the sales person.

Go for one of the simpler models, like a Singer Basic machine. They come with straight and zigzag stitches, a great warranty, and well made parts.

If you can score a vintage machine at a good price, do so. They often work better than the modern ones.

As to manipulating small bits of fabric, it is going to be a bit frustrating at first, like necklines and sleeve cuffs, etc. The trick to that is using water soluble stabilizer as you stitch. There are plenty of helpful videos on using that stuff on youtube, so I suggest you watch a few to get an idea as to what to do.

Good luck and let us know how it works out for you.

[Chippupperty]

full size is best!!

[Chippupperty]

Fallensaviour----I dont know others do seams but, I do the cuffs/waistline before sewing the two haves together--just my way!!

[fallensaviour]

Fallensaviour----I dont know others do seams but, I do the cuffs/waistline before sewing the two haves together--just my way!!

Yes that's the way I do it as well.I just find I still don't have much room to work with?

[JediJaida]

Hmmm. That's a bit tricky.

Oh, I know! I can't remember where I learned this tip from, so if anyone here is the original poster, LMK.

Here's the thing, as long as the sleeves aren't sewn to the body of the shirt, you can line them up close together and sew one continuous line of stitching, and simply clip the thread in between them.

Just make sure you use the water soluble stabilizer underneath the sleeves themselves; that way they won't get caught up in the feed dogs of the machine.

Then, once your cuffs are done, you can sew the sleeves to the body of the shirt.