I know this thread exists

[dikman]

Wiz's sticky that Chuck linked to is THE starting point. There's a lot to digest in there so you will likely have to read it several times (I had to!). As Dwight said we also need to know what you want to sew/make as that helps determine the most suitable machine for your needs. 

One piece of advice, you may come across mention of the Chinese shoe patcher in various posts and on youtube. These are inexpensive and will sew leather BUT in your situation don't buy one, they are not for the inexperienced (or for the faint-of-heart).

[AlainaZ]

I encourage beginners to get a simple but quality used machine, which sometimes means an initial outlay of money. My reasoning is that if you get a cheap machine, you won't know whether problems are you or the machine and you'll be more likely to get discouraged and sew less (nevermind all the hours wasted cursing the machine). I say this from experience!

The great thing about used industrials is that they keep their value. If you pay $800 for it, you'll get $800 back even if you've been using it for ten solid years. 

Personally, I think a Juki is worth the higher price. They are great machines, and most importantly, you can easily get parts for them. I'm so tired of trying to get parts for the Singers I work with! Half the time they send me something that doesn't even fit properly because they discontinued the parts ages ago.

Every model Juki I've used has been excellent, so get whatever is available to you that is suited to your needs (probably a walking foot?)

 

[toxo]

12 hours ago, EricaJane said:

I apologize for starting a new thread for an existing topic; I can't find a post that discusses sewing machines for beginners that won't break the bank (I promise I have searched the site extensively and must be doing something wrong).  I'm hoping someone can tag or direct me to the right thread? 

Thanks so much!

Buying a sewing machine can't be just about money. If on a really strict budget you must think about something to get you by until you can afford the right machine for you. If you can spend some money that's when the headache starts because there are so many points to consider.

If sewing leather you really want a walking foot machine. Maybe a cylinder arm with a flatbed attachment, maybe one with a narrow bed if doing tight gussets. servo motor for slower speeds. Reverse? If sewing thick leather the size of thread/needle/power could be important. Auto oiling could be very nice but probably won't find it on cheaper machines. type of presser foot should be thought about because some brands use PF that are cheapish and some that are expensive.

When we have some idea about what you want to sew this information will be refined and targeted toward a more practical machine. Good luck.