Temple55 Posted December 21, 2019 Share Posted December 21, 2019 Hello, I'm hoping to start a scout trooper build next year. I figured the first thing to do though, is source a good sewing machine. Does anyone have any advice on what to look for? What makes a good machine from a bad one? My budget also isn't that great right now, so I can't really spring for a $200 -$400 machine. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BikerScout007 Posted December 21, 2019 Share Posted December 21, 2019 17 minutes ago, Temple55 said: Hello, I'm hoping to start a scout trooper build next year. I figured the first thing to do though, is source a good sewing machine. Does anyone have any advice on what to look for? What makes a good machine from a bad one? My budget also isn't that great right now, so I can't really spring for a $200 -$400 machine. Thanks in advance! I'm sure a lot of people will weigh in on this one and I am far from an expert on sewing. But this is the machine I bought almost 6 years ago when I started on this crazy journey and it has served me well ever since: https://www.amazon.com/Brother-Quilting-Stitches-Auto-Size-Buttonholes/dp/B000JQM1DE/ref=sxin_0_ac_d_pm?ac_md=4-1-QmV0d2VlbiAkMTI1IGFuZCAkMjAw-ac_d_pm&keywords=brother+sewing+machine&pd_rd_i=B000JQM1DE&pd_rd_r=03aab64e-c9e3-4733-a505-283013aa61de&pd_rd_w=q6JV3&pd_rd_wg=jErUT&pf_rd_p=aba5dc0d-7593-4752-a14d-357ecc5c98cc&pf_rd_r=7VG58P6FG00T3Y8KAE0T&psc=1&qid=1576889115 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stroker Posted December 21, 2019 Share Posted December 21, 2019 34 minutes ago, BikerScout007 said: I'm sure a lot of people will weigh in on this one and I am far from an expert on sewing. But this is the machine I bought almost 6 years ago when I started on this crazy journey and it has served me well ever since: https://www.amazon.com/Brother-Quilting-Stitches-Auto-Size-Buttonholes/dp/B000JQM1DE/ref=sxin_0_ac_d_pm?ac_md=4-1-QmV0d2VlbiAkMTI1IGFuZCAkMjAw-ac_d_pm&keywords=brother+sewing+machine&pd_rd_i=B000JQM1DE&pd_rd_r=03aab64e-c9e3-4733-a505-283013aa61de&pd_rd_w=q6JV3&pd_rd_wg=jErUT&pf_rd_p=aba5dc0d-7593-4752-a14d-357ecc5c98cc&pf_rd_r=7VG58P6FG00T3Y8KAE0T&psc=1&qid=1576889115 I have the same one. It's also the machine I used to learn how to sew. It's worth every penny! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oneredstar Posted December 21, 2019 Share Posted December 21, 2019 Check thrift stores. I often find a sewing machine there. There's the usual classifieds, Craigslist, offerup, etc. Don't overlook local sewing/fabric stores. Some will have sewing classes, or groups to help new people. As far as what makes a good sewing machine? One that keeps time and tension. You can find with a little looking, the old cast iron framed singers from the 1920's complete with cabinet for $50. They were made at a time when things were made to last, they are hardy, simple and they made so dang many of them they are still not a rare item 100 years later. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmmtoastyboy Posted December 21, 2019 Share Posted December 21, 2019 I use a singer traditional. I bought it for my military uniforms years before the 501st. Used it for all my scout soft stuff and my snowie duster. I think you can accomplish the scout with a straight and zigzag stich. Its on sale at joann. https://www.joann.com/singer-2277-tradition-sewing-machine/10855880.html#start=1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenyone Posted December 22, 2019 Share Posted December 22, 2019 I got by with a sub $100 Brother LX3817 refurb machine from Amazon. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmorja Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 Just be sure it has enough power to sew through leather and vinyl otherwise you will break your needles, and there are needles that are made for leather. They are a little more expensive but worth not breaking so many. I have a Bernina. It was pricy but I have been able to sew through leather, foam, and Vinyl. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pituitor Posted January 6, 2020 Share Posted January 6, 2020 I'm hoping to put together my first suit this year, just picked up a Brother GX37 from the local pawn shop for $50. If you have any near you they might be a good place to look on a budget. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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