Burda Style For people who sew

I’m in Germany for a year abroad and missing my sewing a great deal! I want to buy a sewing machine to tide me over while I’m here – I won’t be able to take it back with me, so I’ll either freecycle it or sell it on ebay.

I’m wonderng whether or not I could get a mini sewing machine, as it’ll be cheaper – is it worth it or should I just fork out more for a normal sized sewing machine?

Sep 13, 2009, 03.20 PM by lenarrrd

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6 Posts

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  Sep 13, 2009, 09.48 PMby oscarthegrouch108

  sometimes you can find a good little “mini” machine as you put it. however i’ve noticed that the ones here in the US are poorly made and almost always have tension and stitching issues. if you can find one that doesn’t have those problems i would consider it.

  good luck!
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  Sep 14, 2009, 12.01 PMby sew4my3

  I agree with oscarthegrouch108, however you might try the craigslist in your area by going to: http://berlin.de.craigslist.de/ . You can often find quality sewing machines on here for minimum dollars.
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  Sep 15, 2009, 09.34 PMby sewmajesty

  I bought a mini sewing machine a while back when my normal machine broke. I can’t remember the manufacturer name, but it was alright for a while. I wouldn’t have even dreamed of sewing jersey or a thin fabric, but for thicker and stiffer fabrics, it was great. Also, there weren’t many stitch options, so I only used a straight stitches. I only made smaller things like bags and vests. I tried to make a dress and it broke on me, but, I break just about everything I buy at some point, so if you treat it with care, it might last longer. Oh yeah, I wouldn’t spend more than 25 bucks on one, I got mine for around 33 plus tax and suddenly saw them on sale everywhere for $19.99.
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  Sep 15, 2009, 09.40 PMby nehmah

  How about a “proper” child’s machine. I don’t mean a toy. I seriously considered purchasing a child’s sewing machine from Singer about 2 years ago. It was small enough to take with me if a buddy needed a quick repair. The only reason I didn’t; a friend gave me her Travel Mate. She had no desire to sew anything more than buttons on shorts and blouses. Bless her! ;) Cordially, Nehmah
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  Sep 16, 2009, 10.59 AMby katexxxxxx

  Look for a decent pre-loved machine. A friend recently picked up a nice older Husqvarna from ebay for about 40 euros…
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  Sep 18, 2009, 03.11 PMby lenarrrd

  Thanks for your advice :) I’ve had a look now on ebay for some machines, and found an old Singer Merritt machine from the 70s. App it’s in full working order and is on sale for 40 euros with free delivery – what do you guys think?