InfiniteNothing

I sometimes need to sew things where normal hand stitch just won't cut it. Any economical sewing machines out there? Anyone know if the handy stitch is any good?

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oblongmelon

get a plane old singer sewing machine-they run about 120 bucks-you dont need the kind with tons of fancy stitches-unless you plan on doing some embroidering or quilting.

InfiniteNothing

Well $120 is actually pretty steep right now (poor college student). But just for my own edification, where are sewing machines sold? Sears?

What's the standard stich? this bad boy does a double lock stitch.

Edit: Google to the rescue lockstitch is more common and beats the handystitch's chain stitch. I think I may go with the overstock machine.

Airencracken

what do you need to sew?

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oblongmelon

you can pick up some pretty decent AND CHEAP machines at WALMART-I know that they have one called Simplicity Sew Precious Sewing Machine, Model SWSP2 which is your basic BASIC stuff for like 50 bucks..that would be perfect for you for just fixing rips,tears..it has assorted stitch lengths, reverse stitching and zig zag stitch..what more do you need????? (ok it has a fairly femmy name-but HEY-IT'S SEWING)SEE IT HERE

here is a link for a machine with more assorted stitches.Upgraded Model

molecularfire

If you have the space and your neighbors/roommates can live with the sound, go to a sewing supply store and buy a used sewing machine. The Singers are fine. However, I wouldn't bother with the overlock or coverstitch machines. Also, some of those machines have a fabric cutting option which in unexperienced hands will do you more harm than goodl. I would just go with a straight forward single needle for your sewing needs. Make sure that you get one that can also go in reverse (great if you want to overdo a stitch line for strength). Where do you live by the way? If you live around the LA area, I can give you more specific information on places to get cheap used sewing machines.

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InfiniteNothing

Good info OB. It seems obvious now that Walmart would have a good knowledge of cheap sewing machines.

Molec:
I live in SD by UCSD. Look under avatar.


Well, I tore a hole in my duvet cover and I tried doing it by hand but it came out. Also some of the button holes on the same cover are torn. Perhaps it would be cheaper to get a new duvet. There's a couple other things around the house too.

oblongmelon

zig zag stitch is good for fixing holes in some things

Airencracken

Aha I see. Sewing can be frustrating.

oblongmelon

Quote:

Well, I tore a hole in my duvet cover and I tried doing it by hand but it came out. Also some of the button holes on the same cover are torn. Perhaps it would be cheaper to get a new duvet. There's a couple other things around the house too.

FYI-to sew something like a whole in your duvet cover..losen the seam from the closest edge near the hole. UNDER the surface of the cover-place a piece of material that resembles the color/colors of the duvet..try to get the a machine with a drop arm if you can-if not-try to slide the top layer of the duvet-plus the added piece of material under the presser foot without including the stuffing of the duvet-use the zig zag stitch with matching thread(to the color of the duvet)to zig zag over the entire hole-this will bind the material underneath to the top layer of the duvet it won't be as noticable as you think-do NOT sew just around the edges of the hole-sew the ENTIRE hole.

johnnymk

Today's Sears ad has a $39.99 sewing machine for $19.99. I have no clue whether it is any good, though.

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donnar

wal-mart off areo drive has some decent priced ones, if you just need a few things fixed you could go to tailor, I have a nice sewing maching which cost some money but I am also use mine very often or try to at least. Check out wal-mart and remember stay away form $1 fabric please

Donna

Karen

You may not need a sewing maching after all, there is this sewing tape that sells for $2 a roll. YOu put a piece of the tape between two sheets of cloth, iron it and it stays together. You can even wash it in the washing machine.

I have a friend who made pillowcases with it, no needles or strings. it's called 'stitch wizard' or something like that... Best to go to a craft or cloth store and ask some of the ladies. I've seen it at target too.

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InfiniteNothing

Thank you for the last 4 posts.
I just got a new comforter. I went to Overstock and got a nice navy 230TC damask duvet for like $40. Then I got matching nice light blue 300 thread count sateen sheets for like $40. I love the sheets and the duvet is nice. Everything is very wrinkly though.
This will be a nice thread to shove people's heads into when they bring this up again and we yell at them "HRB".