We spend a good portion of our time searching for sewing machines at thrift stores, antique shops, and flea markets. In the last year, we have found over 10 sewing machines, all for under $30. Usually, the machines we find are in poor condition aesthetically – dirty, smelly, and neglected. However, mechanically, these machines only have minor issues that cause them to be abandoned. The purpose of this blog post is not only to tell you more about our workshop but also to inspire you to go out and find a cheap, secondhand machine and start sewing. While Calvin and Michael have mechanical engineering degrees, our repairs to the machines are remarkably minor and often do not require tools other than a screwdriver. In fact, we have “fixed” machines while in the thrift store by, for example, simply assembling the bobbin mechanism correctly or reattaching a spring on the presser foot. Here is a brief overview of the machines we have in our Dregs workshop. At the end of this post, we will include a list of our top five tips for finding a cheap, but quality sewing machine.
The fleet
Singer HD6380M
Year: 2020
One of our main workhorses. This machine does it all.
Singer Merritt 3314C
Year: 1993
One of our main workhorses. This is only a straight/zigzag machine. Basic, but extremely reliable.
Singer Merritt 4562
Year: 1990s
A fancier version of the 3314C. We found and repaired this machine. Gifted it to a family member.
Singer Simple 3223R
Year: 2011-2023
A modern machine. This pink beauty is our travel machine/ twin needle machine.
Singer Merritt 4552
Year: 1990s
We use this machine for parts to service our other Singer Merritts.
Singer 1120
Year: 2000s
23 built in stitches, great beginner machine. We found and fixed this machine and gifted it to one of our friends.
Brother 1241
Year: ~1975
This built in machine has NO plastic components. A recent addition that has quickly become one of the main straight-stitch machines.
Brother VX-1120
Year: 1998
This was our first machine. Given to us by a family member. Unused now, we can’t let it go due to sentimental value.
Brother LX-3817
Year: 2020s
Another great beginner machine! This is the machine we teach people on. If a friend wants to sew with us, this is the machine they use.
Kenmore serger 385.16622400
Year: 1990s
Our main 3-thread serger machine.
Simplicity easy lock 880 serger
Year: 1980s
Our main 4-thread serger machine. This vintage machine is still going strong.
Top 5 tips for finding a cheap sewing machine
- Be patient. You need to shop and shop a lot. Typically, we visit our local thrift stores 1-3 times per week. New items arrive all the time, and the good ones don’t last. 80% of the time we go to the store, we walk away empty-handed.
- Go to multiple stores, in multiple cities. Traveling to other cities to diversify your search increases the chances of finding that special machine. Every time we go on a road trip, we find all the thrift stores along the way and shop at each one.
- Keep your eyes on the prize. If your goal is to find a sewing machine, go into the store and look for only sewing machines. Don’t get distracted with other purchases. It will save you time and money.
- Look past the dirt. Ugly machines are your best friend. Other people will look past these machines, but not you. If it is a quality brand, i.e., Singer, Brother, Janome, Babylock, Bernina, Juki, etc., it has a good chance of working.
- Test the machine in the store. Ask a salesperson to help you test the machine, plug it in, see if it runs. If it doesn’t run at all, we suggest you pass on it unless you have technical experience and time.
- Bonus tip: If you see a Juki or seger machine, buy it fast as these are some rare gems.
Dregs by C+M 
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