New or Used?

As tempting as that machine at Wal-Mart is, I would check around with any sewing machine repair shops and see if they have a used sewing machine at a price that is close to the one at Wal-mart. I saw that Singer machine at my Wal-Mart and I really don't recommend it as you would get extremely frustrated! I lucked out and found one that was over $200 and bought it for my daughter for Christmas last year. The biggest thing to take into consideration is that whatever machine has a manual with it so you can refer to it if you are having problems. The machines from a thrift shop almost always do NOT have a manual with them...it could lead to more frustration and the next thing you know you stop using the machine. A non computerized machine is a wonderful idea, but make sure that it has zig zag stitches and blind hems. I also prefer a machine that does automatic button holes. I got one on Ebay that has everything I wanted including the manual...and I got it for $99! Since you didn't say if you have any experience sewing, I would go for the new machine or one from a sewing machine dealer. With a dealer they will be more apt to stand behind their product and they will be more willing to help you because you may be likely to come in and buy a better machine in a year or two when you get more experience sewing. My first sewing machine was a 1947 Singer straight stitch. It would sew anything and I used it for years. I loved that machine, and was heart broken when my parents sold it at a yard sale! I have been sewing for 42 years and have had a lot of different machines from Brothers to Pfaff and I have found that the newer less expensive Singers aren't the kind of machine that you would really want. I hope this helps you a little bit.

A new sewing machine would be a smart purchase because there is a warranty with it for one thing. Another is that there is an owner's manual included that describes how to wind a bobbin, settings of different stitches, the uses of different feet, etc. If you purchase a used machine at a thrift shop, there may not be the owner's manual and accessories to go along with it. Most definitely there would not be a warranty included with the purchase of the sewing machine. Congratulations on deciding to purchase your first sewing machine and have fun!!

If you are a beginning sewer who is unfamiliar with sewing machines, I would recommend buying a new, inexpensive one because then if you have any problems with it, it will be under warrantee. Once you get the hang of operating a sewing machine and understand how they work, and want to replace your beginners' model then you could get a used, high-quality machine. You really don't need all that computerized stuff to be a good seamstress, anyway.

I believe that I would buy a used one from a thrift store.. I purchased a new one from Walmart about 8 years ago and haven't used it for 20 hours so far.. It was a waste of money, but I did think that I would use it more than I did.. I believe that I would try the used one and then if the desire was still there, go for the new one.. Good luck in whichever you choose..

I would say to start off with an inexpensive new one so that way you know that it will be in proper working order and under warranty if something is wrong with it. then later on when you learn more about the machines you would easily be able to check out a used machine and tell for sure if it is in working order and you are getting a good deal.

purchasing your first sewing machine is such an exciting time it did not go too well for me though the first two sewing machines that i had did not work and i had to take them both back to the store the one thing to remember when buying a sewing machine is that you get what you pay for the ones that i bought were new but they were cheap fifteen dollar ones i think a used one would work just as good as a new one i have heard that the brother sewing machines are really good (despite the few discussions about people having some problems with them) haha