Free Embroidery Designs

overstock.com They have a good selection, plus free shiping
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Ask your local sewing machine dealers about what they’ve got in used machines.

http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm

What I want for beginners in sewing:

– a machine that doesn’t scare you
– a machine that isn’t balky (cheap new machines are often very
balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable —
just too frustrating to learn on!)
– very good straight stitch
– good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy)
– a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you
– adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric
handling issues)
– accessory presser feet that don’t cost an arm and a leg
(machines that use a "short shank foot" typically handle
generic presser feet pretty well. Some brands of machines use
proprietary or very expensive presser feet)

If the budget stretches far enough:

– blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches
– triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications)
– a couple of decorative stitches (you won’t use them nearly as
much as you think)
– electronic machine because of the needle position control and
because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at
slow sewing speeds — mechanical machines often will stall at
slow speeds.

Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them
to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used
machines you can afford. You’ll get a far better machine buying
used than new, and a good dealer is worth their weight in sewing
machine needles when you get a machine problem — often they can
talk you through the problem over the phone. While you’re trying
things out, try a couple of machines (sewing only, not combo
sewing-embroidery) over your price limit, just so you can see
what the difference in stitch quality and ease of use might be.
You may find you want to go for the used Cadillac. Or you might
want the new basic Chevy. Might as well try both out.

Suggested reading: John Giordano’s The Sewing Machine Book
(especially for used machines), Carol Ahles’ Fine Machine Sewing
(especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg
Hazen’s Owner’s Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting
Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public
library.

Used brands I’d particularly look for: Elna, Bernina,
Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota

New "bargain brand" I’d probably pick: Janome (who also does
Kenmore).

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50 years of sewing; amateur sewing machine mender

If you’re new to machine sewing, this may not be the best approach for you, but if you have some experience with machines, you can frequently find good used Singers, Kenmores, etc., at garage sales and thrift shops for $40 or less. You can also look on craigslist, freecycle and cheapcycle for free or inexpensive machines. Also, on all three of those sites, you can post that you’re looking for a free or low-cost machine.
If you don’t have the time or experience for that approach, check with local dealers for used machines.
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I would check the want ads in your local papers to find if anyone has one for sale. I got two of mine that way, and spent very little. Often the donated ones at places like Goodwill or not in good working order. When someone takes the time and effort to list an item in the paper it’s generally in good shape. Good luck.
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All the above answers are great, but I would like to add, that when I worked for Fabricland in Canada, the best deals, advice and conditioned machines came from a local repairman who repaired machines from his home basement. He did it as a hobby, but the business just kept pouring in. If you can find someone like that, and most likely the best recommendations would come from your local fabric store, then I believe you will find one of the best deals there.
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Walmart,sewing machine repair shops, ebay.
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First of all, I would like to warn you off of the ‘small’ sewing machines….you know the teeny tiny ones, or handheld ones. They never work right! That being said, I got a new singer simple at walmart for $100, nothing fancy pants, but it still has alot of different stitches and other features =)
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