Thread: Best sewing machine for costumes?

What brand/model of machine do you guys recommend for costume making?

I want to do Lycra, mesh, chiffon, zippers, thick materials, so prefer a built-in serger.

It depends on how much money you want to spent. A basic sewing machine will do everything that you describe, if you want to sew through multiple layersof fabric I recomend getting an older second hand model. I went through a couple of those and they held up great for the abuse that I put them through!

Newer machines have a serger stitch, but you still have to cut the remaining fabric off by hand where a serger would use several threads and cut the fabric in the process. I never use a serger stitch for my costume projects, I find a roll hem foot to be far more useful for neatly finished edges on chiffon. n all the other seams I use a straight stitch and prevent fraying by using a zigzag on the edge.

ok so i should buy a serger machine and regular sewing machine?

Originally Posted by BooBah

ok so i should buy a serger machine and regular sewing machine?

Yes.

However, you CAN get by without a serger....but not a sewing machine.

A serger finishes hems beautifully...but remember....there are other seam techniques that will hold up (not as pretty).

Sergers are nice (I love mine) but I can live without it, if I had too; but you'd have to pry my sewing machine from my hands.

My mother has an amazing elna, that I so love. A little bit higher end, but a wonderful machine. I don't remember the exact model, or if it is still available, but I personally would look for an elna, based on my experience with hers.

hm thanks for the replies!

would anyone be able to link me to what type of hotfix machine i should get? there are so many types when i search i don't know what type is good.

also i can't tell- do those things actually put the stones on for you? or does it just deposit the glue?