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Post by ohiodreamer on May 8, 2018 13:21:04 GMT
I'm looking for some assistance in narrowing down what sewing machine I want.
I currently have a Singer from the 60's and a Kenmore of the same era. Neither are working well...Kenmore is closer to dead then working. Mom was over helping me sew a dress for DD. She has been offering to get me a machine for a few years now. I'm going to take her up on it as it has gotten to the point I don't sew things because I don't feel like spending hours fighting with the machines.
Here's where I could use help....where do I start? I do mostly simple sewing...but often repair jeans. So I need a machine that can handel double layer denim, minimally. I've always wanted to learn to quilt, so that might be worth considering. DH would love to be able to sew heavy weight nylon webbing....don't know if that is possible on home style machines.
Any suggestions on where to look, what to look for, what to avoid? No budget has been set, so for now let's not have that part of the equation. We can let that come into play once we have some a direction on where we are going.
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Post by Jolly on May 8, 2018 22:43:46 GMT
Depends on what you want and how much support you wish to have, along with what you want to spend. My wife gets by pretty well for the few things she does with a Brother that cost a bit over $100. My MIL sews a bit more, likes having a local shop for any service or classes she might need, and has been very happy with a mid-range Babylock (some Brothers and Babylock are identical inside). Some people prefer Janome.
Some folks that demand very good machines and don't mind paying for them buy Berninas or Vikings.
I think I would start out by looking at some Janome and Babylock machines, and see what you think. Both are generally sold by servicing dealers and both make good mid-level machines.
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2018 2:07:16 GMT
My day-to-day machine is a Bernina. It's reliable, the tension stays stable and it does a lot of donkey work. My previous machine was a basic Janome. I like them both for different reasons.
I like the Janome because it's uncomplicated and you can see the drop in bobbin (easier to know when it's about to run out). I like the slide bar to increase/decrease stitch size. It's my back-up machine.
When I wanted to replace it, I was mad keen for a Bernina. In hindsight, I would have chosen a machine with a wider throat, to fit more in for machine quilting. My Bernina is limited in that regard. The wider the throat the better. I'd also like a machine that sews in more directions without having to adjust the fabric.
If I had my time again, I'd go for a Juki straight stitch sewer - perhaps something like the TL-2010Q. It would probably fulfill all my needs in regards to piecing and machine quilting, and be more of an industrial machine able to cope with thicker, tougher fabrics. I'm not into fancy stitches/embroidery, so I don't need the bells and whistles (or extra $$) that you can get. I would use my Bernina for that because I'd still keep it as a back-up machine.
If I wanted a more domestic machine, I still like Janome as a brand, and would explore those models in preference to a Bernina.
I'd personally choose something less computerised because in my opinion it's easier to service yourself, or get done locally rather than having to be sent off to a dealer.
If you get into quilting, one thing I've found invaluable is being able to set it so the needle always stops in a down position. You won't regret that feature.
Do let us know what you decide to get - always interested to hear what machines people choose and why. 
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Post by mollymckee on May 9, 2018 5:36:41 GMT
I would see if I could find a old Bernina 830 or maybe a 730. Both are strong machines, and hard to hurt. I've made formals and horse blankets and almost any thing in between. They make a newer 830 that is computerized and expensive. You should get either one in good condition with all the feet for less than $300.00 be sure you get all the feet, they are expensive. They have all metal parts, except one, and if you need a new part it's about $25.00 and easy to fix yourself.
I have machine quilted on both the Berninas, but a larger throat makes it easier. I got a Janome with larger throat, a 6500P. It's computerized, plastic and metal, and is not free arm. I wouldn't want it for my only machine, unless all I want to do was quilt. I like the Janome, but I'll bet the older Berninas will be running long after the Janome dies. Janome makes many other good machines if you want a newer one, so does Bernina but the Berninas are really expensive. It depends on what your budget is. I would ovoid a lower priced machine from aWalmart or other large box store.
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Post by Maura on May 9, 2018 15:26:58 GMT
Don't get a cheap machine, such as what you find at Walmart. They are not made to go through anything heavy. If you get a used machine, you can find out how well they last and what they can do. I bought a Viking basic machine about 28 years ago. It worked great, sewed through leather. Lost that machine in a fire and bought a Pfaff fifteen years ago. The darn thing has no power. Before purchasing, sit down and really make it sing. Leather, four or more layers of fabric, etc.
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Post by adirondackgal on May 9, 2018 23:12:13 GMT
Are there any sewing centers in your area where you could try a good machine? I have had singer machines over the years. I have been sewing since I was age 10. Some were low cost-like you would buy at Walmart-just for basic sewing. I inherited my MILs mother's feather weight singer. I don't use it. I bought a Janome 9500MC 7 years ago. I wanted to do machine embroidery as our first grandchild was going to be born and I wanted to make special items for him. It is an awesome machine and I can quilt with it also. It was $1500 at the time but not the newest model. It works wonderful for me. I have cousins that only use Bernina but not embroidery. I wish you the best of luck in what you choose. Happy sewing!
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Post by my3boys on May 10, 2018 2:18:18 GMT
I concur on the vintage Bernina. The 730/830/930s are considered to be the best series of machines ever made, of any make. Real workhorses, they will go forever. I have a 930 I bought new almost 34 years ago. I might be buried with it.
Unless you are into machine embroidery and do a lot of free motion quilting, there really isn’t a need to buy one of the computerized machines, IMO. I piece a lot of quilts on my 930 and do some walking foot quilting as well, and it does a beautiful job on both. I even know people who embroider on the vintage machines, the only difference is you do it (yes it takes skill!) instead of the machine doing it for you!
The 930 has a basting stitch and a top stitch as well. Perfect for garment sewing!
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Post by adirondackgal on May 10, 2018 22:54:51 GMT
I agree that you don't have to buy a computerized machine or an embroidery machine. Yes, buy a vintage machine that will last a lifetime.
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Post by farmchix on May 12, 2018 13:06:00 GMT
Janome has some mid-level machines that would be perfect. They come with a lot of the feet you would need and purchasing more feet is far less expensive. I have a Janome that I love. I had a Bernina, but I gave it to my daughter-in-law. They are built well, There are a lot of dealers where you can get them serviced. Buying machines from a department store, Amazon, etc. may get you a slightly lower price, but, in my opinion, you need to have a dealer you can rely on who will stand by the service agreement. Having a quilt shop, longarm machines, and loaner machines, I can tell you that service after the sale is very important to me. |
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Post by ohiodreamer on May 24, 2018 0:47:58 GMT
Thanks all! I've never even heard of most of the brands you all mentioned!
I agree with you all, I don't need anything computerized. I have never embroidered on a machine and don't see myself ever doing so. Hadn't thought of throat size, will need to keep that in mind!
I'll sit down and research the suggestions and let you know the final decision
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Post by ohiodreamer on May 24, 2018 19:09:30 GMT
After looking I'm leaning towards the Janome HD 1000. The big selling point I see is it can sew leather, cotton web, and poly web. I don't know of any sewing machine dealers around other than Joann Fabrics (NOT my favorite store!). I don't know that it's is worth an extra $70 to me to go all the way to Joann's to get it versus Amazon. Has anyone ever seen or used one of these??
DH always has a project or two that he wants to sew 2 pieces of nylon web together...I always end up doing it by hand! So being able to find the correct needles and doing that on a machine is a huge bonus I didn't think of (my arthritis is starting to creep into my hands, so it's not as easy as it once was). Price is more then I wanted to spend.....but isn't it always, lol.
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Post by Jolly on May 24, 2018 20:55:41 GMT
After looking I'm leaning towards the Janome HD 1000. The big selling point I see is it can sew leather, cotton web, and poly web. I don't know of any sewing machine dealers around other than Joann Fabrics (NOT my favorite store!). I don't know that it's is worth an extra $70 to me to go all the way to Joann's to get it versus Amazon. Has anyone ever seen or used one of these?? DH always has a project or two that he wants to sew 2 pieces of nylon web together...I always end up doing it by hand! So being able to find the correct needles and doing that on a machine is a huge bonus I didn't think of (my arthritis is starting to creep into my hands, so it's not as easy as it once was). Price is more then I wanted to spend.....but isn't it always, lol. Did you try Janome's dealer look-up? www.janome.com/Should be more than just Joann's... |
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Post by ohiodreamer on May 24, 2018 23:07:57 GMT
Did you try Janome's dealer look-up? www.janome.com/Should be more than just Joann's... Yep, about an hour away for the next one (barring construction.....which literally has every way (3 highway routes) up there blocked, so more like 90+ mins). I'm not dedicated enough to deal with that major mess. We seem to be in a "dead zone" for sewing machine dealers....other then WalMart and Joann's. There is a quilting shop in town, I could look there. But last time I was in there prices of everything seemed high and I don't remember machines for sale. I get fabric from the Amish shops...again, no machines. |
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Post by mollymckee on May 25, 2018 2:47:07 GMT
Ken's Sewing Center in Muscle Shoal AL is reputable, I have bought three machines from them with good service and support. You don't get sewing lessons, you do save money. If you learn well from YouTube or Craftsy videos you don't need them. If you know someone who sews and can help you that works too. Ken's often has layaway machines on sale for what is owed, trade ins, and opened boxes(used once opened) on sale. Brubakers in New Holland, PA also has a good reputation but I have never bought a machine from them.
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Post by molliehuper on Sept 6, 2018 13:59:39 GMT
Hello! I agree that for a stable sewing it is better to buy a sewing machine of good quality so that it will last for several years, not for a couple of months. I'm using the Brother 1034DX 3/4 Serger bestsewingmachinesguide.com/. Multifunctional machine that can be used for both normal clothing and home decor. Functional, respectively, is also good. I like it, I have been using it for a long time and all that is required is a sewing machine. |
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Post by ann on Sept 20, 2018 4:42:38 GMT
I have a Janome Model 4119 purchased in 2005. I've used it for mending jeans, piecing quilts, making curtains and sewing clothing. Its not a top end machine, but has never given me any problems. Before that I had a Brother purchased in 1980 which is my backup machine. Prior to that a Kenmore new for Christmas 1965. Both the Brother and especially the Kenmore gave me fits with the thread locking in the upper tension which caused needles to break. Before those machines I had a Singer treadle which I have to say sewed the tightest seam of any machine I've ever used and I wish I still had it! Janome also makes a treadle head but you need your own cabinet to put it in...which I'd very much like to have and I do have a treadle cabinet.
For the sewing you plan to do I'd go for a sturdy machine without a lot of bells and whistles.
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