Sewing machine question

[untonuggan]

Question.

My sewing machine is ancient and needs maintenance and I know this.

My father is embarking on an Ambitious Sewing Project, which fortunately my sister is mentoring him on because she has way more sewing experience than I do. (It involves making backpacking supplies himself. Just don't ask and roll with this one because he is doing it no matter what anyone says.)

He is looking for a sewing machine to do the project, but will probably not be doing much sewing after that. So, used would be good, or inexpensive but not one that is a pain in the ass to use.

Things the machine needs to do:

• Sew a straight stitch (both forwards and in reverse)
• Sew a zigzag stitch
• Sew thin slippery nylon fabric without flipping out and puckering, etc.

Also he is having a bit of a, "What brand? Where do I buy this machine?" Kind of moment. Being that I am the kind of person who is on a budget, I mentioned Costco having sales on sewing machines around the holidays. He was not sure if their machines would be of the best quality/be able to meet his needs.

Help? I am not sure there is One Right Answer, but any advice on brands/prices/locations to buy machines would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

[teapot_rabbit]

Most sewing machine stores sell refurbished machines that people have traded in, which could be a way for your father to get a higher quality machine for less money. I've also found that most sewing machine store employees are pretty helpful if you go to them with specific questions. Might be worth it to check out any sewing machine stores in your area - tell them exactly what you want, and they might be able to help.

Good luck to your dad! Is he sewing ultralight backpacking gear? My father and I go backpacking together, but with the exception of one cuben fiber rain cover for a pack (which technically we taped, not sewed) I've mostly decided to let the experts do the technical sewing. My time is better spent quilting. :P