Saturday, October 12, 2013

Buying sewing machines in Manila


Obviously, if you want to learn to sew, you need a sewing machine.

There isn't a huge choice of brands for home sewing machines here in the Philippines. For home sewing you need one machine which will do pretty much everything for you: stitch seams, make buttonholes and finish everything off with a zig zag. These are the minimum requirements and they should at least come with a regular sewing foot, zipper foot and buttonhole foot. I also like machine which can do a 3 step zig-zag as that is useful for sewing on elastics.

If you buy industrial machines (which are widely available here), you would need one machine for each of those functions and it would cost you a heck of a lot more! That said, if you are sewing professionally, industrial machines do a much better job than household machines.

If you want to buy a new household machine, your only choice here in the Philippines is Brother or Singer. Brother usually carries 3 to 4 basic machines of varying price levels starting at P9,000. The cheaper ones come with standard stitches.  I usually recommend you get the one where you can adjust stitch width and stitch length manually, so you can adjust your zig-zag to whatever you are sewing, which is especially important if you want to start sewing jersey fabrics. They also carry a home serger/overlocker which is great for making anything out of jersey as well as finishing off seams in one go (they overlock and trim the edges at the same time) but at over P20,000 you have to do  a lot of sewing to make it work while. Brother has the advantage that they are available in most Automatic Centers, although if you have a particular model in mind, then call them first! Brother's Service centre is in The Fort which makes it easy if you live anywhere around there.

Singer has a website showing a wider choice of sewing machines, but I have never seen them sold retail except at their own outlets. You can call the importer MONTEVERDE SEWING MACHINE INC  tel 362.0712 or go down to the depths of Manila (somewhere behind Divisoria) to see the machines. Although their website says that they have an outlet in Makati now as well. I have not yet been there, so can't vouch for what is available there.

I don’t have a particular preference for either brand as I own both. It just depends on your budget and what you want the machine to be able to do. I never recommend you buy a machine from abroad, as chances are that they won’t be able to find the spare parts here. If you do, buy a basic machine and not an electronic one with all the bells and whistles as you definitely won't find spare parts or anyone to repair it if something goes wrong.

If you are on a budget, you can buy a machine in the second hand market down in Manila ( the Port Area, 13th Street off Anda Circle, opposite The Philippine Star). These machines sell for around P3000. They are usually from Japan and 100V so you will need a transformer and they rarely come with a manual! Again, I recommend staying away from any of the digital ones, as if something goes wrong, local mechanics won’t be able to fix them. And unless you do a lot of children’s clothes, you’ll never use all those fancy stitches anyway!

85 comments:

  1. Hi.. Mam, regarding sewing machines brand new and second hand you may want to consider us when it comes to quality and standard we sell refurbished/slightly used machines that comes with brand new table, motor and stand. For price Idea Hi-speed sewing machines ranged from 10k to 11k original machines, but we also have china machines for as low as 7.5k we have all kinds of sewing machines, we also sell Interlining VILENE of Freudenberg we are a sole distributor of VILENE.. We also have sewing threads that comes in 351 colors (Tkt. 120) 5000Y for price inquiry you may call at 0919-2777714 and look for Sherryl Serrano or you may visit our website www.firstsunglobalphils.webs.com for more products. I suggest that instead of buying in PORT AREA buy in a registered dealer and stable company where you can avail warranty and at the same time they can assist you in technical problems.

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  2. I just like sewing and i want to buy a sewing machine with a new and attractive brand. I think you have my choice. This blog is very helpful for me for buying an industrial sewing machine.

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  3. How about those mini sewing machine for starter? Are they good enough just to learn the basic sewing?

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    Replies
    1. Hi, Im selling my Misin Juki Sewing MAchine ,in Very Good condition , with 18 stitches, just need to use transformer , because it is 110 Volts. If you're interested , you can contact me at 09089658818, and 09055239688, I'm here in MAndaluyong Area.

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    2. Hi Ms. Julie, is the sewing machine still available? may pictures ka po and is this the same as what they call Juki (hi-speed) sewing machine? i live around mandaluyong

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  4. anyone knows where to buy a mini sewing machine less than 1k? message me please beverly.impang@facebook.com

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    Replies
    1. Mylene, I don't recommend those sewing machines as their motors are not strong enough to sew through multiple levels of cloth. If you really want to buy one, I suggest you test on at least 6 layers of a medium thickness fabric.

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    2. hey check lazada they offer less than 1k machines explore there

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  5. We have industrial sewing machine for as low as 7k.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ms Sheryl, I am looking for one. Please send me an email at maria_hycinth@hotmail.com. Where are you located? Thanks.

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  6. Hello! I'm planning to buy a sewing machine, is there any specific machine for making swimwears as I want to make swimwear and dresses

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    Replies
    1. There are very special industrial machines for sewing swimwear and you might need a few of them for the different processes involved (serger for side seam, special machine for sewing in elastic etc.). so if you plan on making a swimwear line to sell, then you definitely need the specialized machines and the sewers who can use them. If you are making just one suit for yourself, you can actually do it on a household machine which had a zig zag as well as a 3-step zig zag.

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  7. I am seeking to immediately hire a few good seamstresses age 25-50 years old for a clothing company I am establishing in Manila Philippines. Salary will be negotiable depending on experience and free lodging is available. If Interested, please text the word "sew" to me in msg at 09291605008. Thanks! Danny P.

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  8. im ken to buy 2 unit. rivero_martin@yahoo.com

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  9. Hi Ms. WeLoveSewing! I would like to know if you still hold classes for sewing? I am a beginner

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  10. Well, Brother sergers are on top I will say, you can read more here http://usemyreviews.com/serger-reviews-2014/

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  12. Hi im selling a second hand Janome sewing machine for only P5000 :)

    http://www.olx.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/64451376/Janome+sewing+Machine?referralKeywords=janome+sewing+machine&event=Search+Ranking,Position,1-2,2

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello. What model is this? Is it in good condition?

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    2. Hi, I'm selling my Misin Juki Portable Sewing MAchine, with 18 stitches, in very good conditon, just need to use a transformer it's 110 Volts. for 6,000, you can contact me at 09089658818 and 09055239688. I;m here in Mandaluyong, Manila.

      Delete
  13. Hi wanna buy a sewing machine coz i want to learn how to sew. There is so much at LAZADA.com but im not sure if it is the right sewing machine for me. They are electric comes with a pedal and it says "double stitch" or whatever. They cost around P700. Just want a sinple stitch as long as i can start

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Got mine at lazada with same price range and its not worth it. Just used it less than an hour and then becomes stably useless. Needle always bends. It cant feed from the thread of the lower bobbin. Manual is not as useful as it should be.

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  14. Hi , I hope you or somebody can help me with my problem. I have 2 sewing machines I have a Singer sewing machine from the US and its 110v . I use it with a transformer for so long then it suddenly slowdown it still working but it will take sometime to finish your project. the Brother sewing machine's problem is the foot press for the motor and I've went to the Brother showroom and they don't have that model anymore. Can You or anybody help me find somebody who can fix it. NOTE: THE PROBLEM WITH BROTHER 'S is THEY ARE SELLING SEWING MACHINE HERE WITH 220v but 50Hz THAT'S WHY IT USUALLY OVERHEAT HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES IT SHOULD ME 220v with 60Hz FOR YOUR MOTOR TO WORK EFFICIENTLY

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm selling my juki single high speed industrial sewing machine worth 16,000 and edging machine worth 3,000 in single package of 11,000 php .. Both are in good condition ..

    Just txt me at 09368251894 for interested buyer near taguig .. :) thanks and god bless

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  16. before i saw Ace hardware selling sewing machines at a low price but also seems good might go back and check them out

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    Replies
    1. Does ace hardware also sell needles for mini sewing machine? I just bought one from a garage sale without a needle on it.

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  17. sewing machines at ACE is not the machines to make dresses etc they're only toys.

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  18. I have around 10 sewing machines from switzerland. Is there anyone who can help me sell them? Pls contact me 09062165372 -bryan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I might be able to help you. Can you email me details (brand/photos etc) welovesewing@gmail.com

      Delete
  19. looking for second hand discomatic machine kanori@yahoo.com

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  20. I just got mine from Divisoria the other day but sad to say my sewing machine (worth P700) broke even before I could use it.
    I saw one from ACE HARDWARE too and it seems to be a good one but the thing is it's a little bit pricey (P3700).
    Right now I'm a little frustrated because of this. I need to finish my project before tuesday but I'm out of budget.
    Is there anyone here who can help me?
    I need one by tomorrow please.
    Xyre03102010@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can i buy needles for mini sewing machine in divisoria? I bought one from a garage sale without a needle on it.

      Delete
  21. Hi Ms. WeLoveSewing! I really want to learn how to sew and i want to make bags made with canvas or leather. Is there a special sewing machine I need to look for or a sewing machine with double stitch and zigzag will work for me? I am looking for a mini sewing machine because there's not enough space in our house for a large machine. Please let me know what specific tyoe of machine I need to buy that can sew canvas and leather well. Thank you!

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  22. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  23. Hi,

    The brother/singer sewing machines the basic ones,can they also used for sewing thick ones like jeans/pants?

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  24. hi im selling my juki hzl 12z sewing machine.. 7400.. 1week old.. inbox me for more info 09290976601 ..price still negotiable..

    ReplyDelete
  25. JUKI Single needle. Bought last Feb 2016 with 1 year warranty sa Taytay Rizal na shop.

    I can guarantee, machines are not used for more than 2 weeks and hindi lalagpas ng 5hrs/day.

    Sadly, my wife and I doesnt have much time to manage our small business and decided to sell the machines na lang.

    THIS IS GOOD AS BRAND NEW I GUARANTEE

    0949 994 0242

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  26. Guys im selling juki brand sewing machine with built in table 4k asking price fully working call me at 09277500929 if interested

    ReplyDelete
  27. Guys im selling juki brand sewing machine with built in table 4k asking price fully working call me at 09277500929 if interested

    ReplyDelete
  28. good day... meron po ako sewing machine/with table 9pcs, second hand. txt me 09282800266, 09063987052, (045) 606-1510.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,We have available items. Please see below items:

      Gemsy Interlock Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      HiLed Overlock Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      Juki Buttonhole Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      HiLed Buttonsew Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      HiLed Single Needle Sewing Machine 6 UNITS
      Gemsy Chain Stitch Sewing Machine 5 UNITS
      Brand DAYANG - Small Cutting Machine 1 UNIT
      Brand GEMSY Cutting Machine 1 UNIT
      SPRAY GUN RED ARROW 1 UNIT

      You could set a schedule for product viewing.
      Our office is located at 23rd St., Corner Railroad St., Harbour Center 2, South Harbour, Port Area Manila.
      We are near PPA and Manila Hotel.We are located at the back building of MMDA.

      Please free to contact me 09451164749 or email me kimberly_agregado@2go.com.ph

      Delete
  29. FOR SALE : A Swiss brand "ELNA"'s first sewing machine Grasshopper.
    *complete with case and in very good condition with the lights working etc. 5k neg. 09062165372 -bry / Metro Manila QC area

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hello, im interested to your ELNA sewing machine...you can reach me 0905 2201914, tnx

      Delete
  30. Hi, any recommendation for a good brand of machine for leathercraft/bags?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi i have a juki sewing machine that specializes on for leather materials and bags. You can contact me at 0905-475-0989.

      Delete
  31. Hi, I'm selling my Misin Juki Portable Sewing MAchine, with 18 stitches, in very good conditon, just need to use a transformer it's 110 Volts. for 6,000, you can contact me at 09089658818 and 09055239688. I;m here in Mandaluyong, Manila.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Looking for a brother puret 300 foot pedal controler .. message me #09362445980

    ReplyDelete
  33. Looking for a brother puret 300 foot pedal controler .. message me #09362445980

    ReplyDelete
  34. Looking for a brother puret 300 foot pedal controler .. message me #09362445980

    ReplyDelete
  35. Looking for a brother puret 300 foot pedal controler .. message me #09362445980

    ReplyDelete
  36. Looking for industrial 4 thread serger or edging machine, my budget is at 6k or more. Thanks, do text me at 09053909472

    ReplyDelete
  37. Looking for industrial 4 thread serger or edging machine, my budget is at 6k or more. Thanks, do text me at 09053909472

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can contact me at 0905-475-0989 for your industrial sewing and embroidery needs

      Delete
    2. Hi,We have available items. Please see below items:

      Gemsy Interlock Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      HiLed Overlock Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      Juki Buttonhole Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      HiLed Buttonsew Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      HiLed Single Needle Sewing Machine 6 UNITS
      Gemsy Chain Stitch Sewing Machine 5 UNITS
      Brand DAYANG - Small Cutting Machine 1 UNIT
      Brand GEMSY Cutting Machine 1 UNIT
      SPRAY GUN RED ARROW 1 UNIT

      You could set a schedule for product viewing.
      Our office is located at 23rd St., Corner Railroad St., Harbour Center 2, South Harbour, Port Area Manila.
      We are near PPA and Manila Hotel.We are located at the back building of MMDA.

      Please free to contact me 09451164749 or email me kimberly_agregado@2go.com.ph

      Delete
  38. Anyone know where to buy threads online?

    ReplyDelete
  39. Guys can I ask something is lazada.com sewing machine is good I really want to make sure it is good...

    ReplyDelete
  40. looking for a sewing machine. preffered to have embroidery functions. send me the photo in my facebook account: GAEL JN is my name. thanks

    ReplyDelete
  41. looking for JUKI sewing machine for upholstery brand new please. 09178823488

    ReplyDelete
  42. hi.. im new here, luckily i saw this conversation. im planning to buy a sewing machine and im planning to put up a dress shop especially gowns, what brand of sewing machine can you suggest to me for planning business. im hoping anyone can answer and help me to my decision.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Looking for a Brother sewing machine with the features you describe in your above blog - mainly for cushions, sheets, and basic clothing
    also zippers

    ReplyDelete
  44. we are interested to buy3 units cutting machines, 6 units stitching machines and 1 ultrasonic manual handling non woven attachment machine. if you have any suggestion for our requirements, we are glad to accept and study the idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can contact me at 0905-475-0989. I have the unit the you are looking for.

      Delete
    2. Hi,We have available items. Please see below items:

      Gemsy Interlock Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      HiLed Overlock Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      Juki Buttonhole Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      HiLed Buttonsew Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      HiLed Single Needle Sewing Machine 6 UNITS
      Gemsy Chain Stitch Sewing Machine 5 UNITS
      Brand DAYANG - Small Cutting Machine 1 UNIT
      Brand GEMSY Cutting Machine 1 UNIT
      SPRAY GUN RED ARROW 1 UNIT

      You could set a schedule for product viewing.
      Our office is located at 23rd St., Corner Railroad St., Harbour Center 2, South Harbour, Port Area Manila.
      We are near PPA and Manila Hotel.We are located at the back building of MMDA.

      Please free to contact me 09451164749 or email me kimberly_agregado@2go.com.ph

      Delete
  45. Most vintage sewing machines use the same parts -- presser feet, needles, bobbins, and bobbin cases -- as new machines. astore.amazon.com/best-sewing-machine-quilting-20astore

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thanks for the great stuffs on sewing machines here. Please check http://reviewkid.com/tag/brother-sewing-machine/ as well.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Where can i buy a con sew industrial sewing machine here?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,We have available items. Please see below items:

      Gemsy Interlock Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      HiLed Overlock Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      Juki Buttonhole Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      HiLed Buttonsew Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      HiLed Single Needle Sewing Machine 6 UNITS
      Gemsy Chain Stitch Sewing Machine 5 UNITS
      Brand DAYANG - Small Cutting Machine 1 UNIT
      Brand GEMSY Cutting Machine 1 UNIT
      SPRAY GUN RED ARROW 1 UNIT

      You could set a schedule for product viewing.
      Our office is located at 23rd St., Corner Railroad St., Harbour Center 2, South Harbour, Port Area Manila.
      We are near PPA and Manila Hotel.We are located at the back building of MMDA.

      Please free to contact me 09451164749 or email me kimberly_agregado@2go.com.ph

      Delete
  48. Hello,
    I am looking for good quality edging machine to start my small clothing line.i have no background in sewing, I just have a family friend seamstress to do the work. I hope to get some advice from you.

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Interested... I want to buy a sewing machine, can u help me where to buy

    ReplyDelete
  50. Interested... I want to buy a sewing machine, can u help me where to buy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,We have available items. Please see below items:

      Gemsy Interlock Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      HiLed Overlock Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      Juki Buttonhole Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      HiLed Buttonsew Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      HiLed Single Needle Sewing Machine 6 UNITS
      Gemsy Chain Stitch Sewing Machine 5 UNITS
      Brand DAYANG - Small Cutting Machine 1 UNIT
      Brand GEMSY Cutting Machine 1 UNIT
      SPRAY GUN RED ARROW 1 UNIT

      You could set a schedule for product viewing.
      Our office is located at 23rd St., Corner Railroad St., Harbour Center 2, South Harbour, Port Area Manila.
      We are near PPA and Manila Hotel.We are located at the back building of MMDA.

      Please free to contact me 09451164749 or email me kimberly_agregado@2go.com.ph

      Delete
  51. Selling brand new singer heavy duty 4432 for 17k
    for interested buyer please ocontact me on my phone # 09052055279 or email me at jessma.garbin@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. Looking for high speed embroidery sewing machine. Please call me at 09175908575. Second hand but in good working condition.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,We have available items. Please see below items:

      Gemsy Interlock Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      HiLed Overlock Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      Juki Buttonhole Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      HiLed Buttonsew Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
      HiLed Single Needle Sewing Machine 6 UNITS
      Gemsy Chain Stitch Sewing Machine 5 UNITS
      Brand DAYANG - Small Cutting Machine 1 UNIT
      Brand GEMSY Cutting Machine 1 UNIT
      SPRAY GUN RED ARROW 1 UNIT

      You could set a schedule for product viewing.
      Our office is located at 23rd St., Corner Railroad St., Harbour Center 2, South Harbour, Port Area Manila.
      We are near PPA and Manila Hotel.We are located at the back building of MMDA.

      Please free to contact me 09451164749 or email me kimberly_agregado@2go.com.ph

      Delete
  53. Looking for potential buyers of the following items.

    Gemsy Interlock Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
    HiLed Overlock Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
    Juki Buttonhole Sewing Machine 1 UNIT
    HiLed Buttonsew Sewing Machine 1 UNIT GOOD
    HiLed Single Needle Sewing Machine 6 UNITS
    Gemsy Chain Stitch Sewing Machine 5 UNITS
    Brand DAYANG  - Small Cutting Machine 1 UNIT
    Brand GEMSY Cutting Machine 1 UNIT
    SPRAY GUN RED ARROW 1 UNIT

    You could set a schedule for product viewing.
    Our office is located at 23rd St., Corner Railroad St., Harbour Center 2, South Harbour, Port Area Manila.
    We are near PPA and Manila Hotel.We are located at the back building of MMDA.

    Please free to contact me 09451164749 or email me kimberly_agregado@2go.com.ph

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hello. May I ask what will be your recommendation (brand, etc) for what sewing machine to use if I want to have lines like dresses, blouses, slacks, skirts and gowns? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Sewing machine plays a major role in women's life, by stitching their own creativity. When creativity is bought by your own why to depend on tailors and tailor shops usha sewing machine price in chennai with affordable price.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hey there is more informative notes in your blog, which is very useful to me. Form more details regarding sewing machine dealers in chennai visit this page. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete