[emeraldlonewoulf]

For your first sewing machine, you can find cheap Singer and White machines (both dependable brands) all over the place in second hand shops, usually under $20. I have a singer out of the 70's that i paid 6 dollars for, and it does everything I need it to. Try it out at the store first, to make sure it functions properly, and if you are still concerned, take it to a sewing machine and vacuum place to have the innards cleaned. The fee for this plus the cost of the machine will still be far lower than a new machine would cost.Another advantage to some of these older machines, is that they are heavy enough to not move all over a flat surface, if you don't have a sewing machine table. You have to get fairly advanced before you need anything beyond a straight stitch and zig-zag, so all the new digitally programmed machines aren't really worth it for a beginner.

ALWAYS wash your fabric before you lay patterns and cut. Many new fabrics have sizing in them, it is kind of an anti-wrinkle/protective substance. You need to wash it out first, so the fabric behaves properly, and also so if it is going to shrink, it does it BEFORE the stitching holds it in place. I made this mistake once, being in a hurry, and it was the difference between a beautiful pillow sham before I washed it and a wrinkled, twisted up monstrosity afterward.

Pins and basting are your friend.

As with building anything, (because sewing is basically building something with fabric) measure twice (or three or four times), cut once.

Learn how to adjust thread tension! this will save you many hours of frustration!

Make sure the needle is facing the right way, is the right type, and the right size. Also make sure the bobbin is in the machine correctly, with the thread wound in the right direction. You can find manuals for specific machines all over the internet, if yours doesn't come with one.

Have fun!