Shopping for a sewing machine.

[novice quilter]

Ok here's the deal. I would like to buy a new sewing machine. It is a very over whelming task. There are so many types and brands. So I was wondering if all you MSQC forum members could help me out. Tell me what brand and type of sewing machine you have. Why did you choose this particular machine. I also want to know what you like about it, what it does that you could not do without and also if there is something you don't like about it or wish that it could do but doesn't do. So can you help me? I am looking forward to reading your advise.

[shell.scraps]

Re: Shopping for a sewing machine.

I have a brother. I would purchase another brother if buying another machine. things I want on my next machine that I currently don't have:

Independent Bobbin winding system
Quick-Set Bobbin
Automatic Needle Threading System
Needle Up/Needle Down Programmable
Thread Sensors
Automatic Upper Thread Tension
Thread Cutter Button
Automatic Height Adjust
Presser Foot Leveling
Automatic Presser Foot Lifter

[jrchapman]

Re: Shopping for a sewing machine.

I have a Pfaff sewing machine which is very reliable and great for dressmaking but not so good at quilting. I steal my mum's Husqvarna Sapphire quilting machine which is AMAZING. It does all of the things Shell has mentioned and more. More than I know what to do with but it is designed for quilters so does everything simply and easily.

I have no idea how much it cost though. Probably a lot more than my basic Pfaff!

[DanielaK]

Re: Shopping for a sewing machine.

Congrats on looking for a new machine. It is very overwhelming. I have a HT2008 Janome. I love it. It is comparable to the the new DC2010. It has 50 stitches and I am able to quilt with both a darning foot(dropping the feed) and walking foot, that I bought additional. Very easy to use and program stitches. In the past I always had a basic straight/zigzag stitch machine. The point to your purchase and what you want to choose is "What will you be making with you new machine" That is the question that no one really asks when you are shopping. Those sales people are looking to sell, sell, sell.

So what do you want to make and where do you want to grow with your machine.


Ok, to be honest I have 3 sewing machines, an embroidery machine and a serger( the last two were given to me) I have NEVER used the serger and do not know how(sort of afraid of it) I do like the EM, it is a very basic model.
I over use my Janome ( is that a dedication...lol), I have only had it put up for one weekend in the 18 months I have had it.

Good luck!

[Rosie]

Re: Shopping for a sewing machine.

I'm glad you asked this. I'm wondering the same thing. Right now I'm using my mother's Pfaff but it's pretty basic. I want to get a new one so my mother can have her's back. (her's doesn't even have a blanket stitch ) Obviously the super expensive machines are going to be amazing but I don't know if I want to pay thousands for a machine. What would everyone recommend as the best value? I want the biggest bang for my buck - hence my addiction to the daily deal. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[toggpine]

Re: Shopping for a sewing machine.

Excellent advice on knowing what you want to use it for and where you want to go with your new machine. That will help keep your eye on the right model. I opted to stay out of the electronic sector for this machine purchase. I may end up there at some point, but since I am still not comfortable with this computer, I opted to not make my sewing machine smarter than me too.
I have a Bernina Bernette 80e. It wasn't cheap, but it wasn't the most expensive either. It has quite a few stitches (20+) and a one step button hole thingie. I planned on sewing clothes as well as quilts. I like that it has the zigzag, and stitch length adjustment. I would like a better thread spool holder on the top, but it isn't horrible. It doesn't have a very deep throat for a big, bulky quilt to fit in. I do have a walking foot, but it is made by BabyLock and it think it is a bit off. It is very tedious to use. I am trying to get a daring foot for it, but the dealer called me tonight to let me know that I may have to buy an "after market" foot for it since it looks like Bernina does not make the darning foot for it, even though they say they did. Check that out before you buy. Other than that I am pretty happy with it.

I also have a serger. I love it. At the very least I use it with the "cheap house brand" thread to run a narrow serge down the raw edges of the fabric before I wash it. It is great for clothes, costumes, and the initial seam of quilt bindings. I know some ladies who sew their quilt blocks with it. I am not that confident in my quilting yet! It makes a snazzy rolled edge for flannel and hems. The foot that came with the machine has a slot to feed in elastic for a casing, and a spot to put in fishing line or wire to stiffen a hem edge or make your own wire-edged ribbon. (Excellent for Tinkerbelle's underskirt!) I also have a ruffling foot that takes the pain out of making frilly stuff. I haven't mastered that yet. I did ask for a "lesson" book for Christmas. It will teach me how to get the most from my serger one hands-on lesson at a time. DanielaK I hope that you become friends with your serger. (Most of them have a feature that you can lock down the trimmer until you get used to using it.)

[WillQuiltforChoc]

Re: Shopping for a sewing machine.

I have a Bernina 440QE. I love it! It has a stitch regulator...they call it a BSR. It makes machine quilting a dream.

Before I bought my machine, I drove all over town and test drove everything that I could. I learned alot about machines. I also found that I really liked the store that I bought from as well. It's important that you like the place you will be bringing your machine back to for service. Good luck with your purchase!

[debinmalaga]

Re: Shopping for a sewing machine.

What a great question. I've been quilting for two years and still consider myself a beginner. I have a basic Brother machine which actually works fine, but I keep looking at the Singer Confidence Quilter at Joann's. Anyone have one or know someone who loves or hates it? The price is much more my ballpark ($300 on sale, $399 regular price) than most of the other quilting sewing machines. I know that you "get what you pay for" but I'm not sure I need the bells and whistles that come with the higher prices.

Deb

P.S. I found this site a week or so ago and LOVE it. I made a table runner from the tube quilting tutorial and peek at the web site every day!

[novice quilter]

Re: Shopping for a sewing machine.

Deb, I looked on line at the machine you mentioned I can see why you are considering it. I am still looking. Thank you everyone for the advice.

[novice quilter]

Re: Shopping for a sewing machine.

Well I did it! I bought a new sewing machine. After much consideration I bought a Janome QC 6260. It has everything I need. I got it for half price which makes the purchase extremely SWEET! I haven't got to play with it much because of the Christmas season being so busy. But look out after Christmas............... Thank you everyone for all of your good advice. By the way if you live in Northwest MO. The St. Joseph Sewing Center, Inc. in St. Joseph MO has really nice people there! That is where I got my machine. Anyway thanks again for helping me with this! You guys are great.

[stitchywoman]

Re: Shopping for a sewing machine.

I bought my Janome from the sewing center probably 10 years ago and it's still amazing! I love it! but there are some great new features out there right now for sewing machines! And embroidery machines, drool :P And your Janome QC 6260 sounds wonderful! Post a picture of your new baby for us! I love a good seing machine!

Sew happy for you!

[emailjeanie]

Re: Shopping for a sewing machine.

What a great question. I've been quilting for two years and still consider myself a beginner. I have a basic Brother machine which actually works fine, but I keep looking at the Singer Confidence Quilter at Joann's. Anyone have one or know someone who loves or hates it? The price is much more my ballpark ($300 on sale, $399 regular price) than most of the other quilting sewing machines. I know that you "get what you pay for" but I'm not sure I need the bells and whistles that come with the higher prices.

I have the Confidence 7470 and a Futura-350. I wish I had the confidence quilter for the special platform it comes with. I love both machines, and really use the heck outta each model. I use my 7470 for when I'm sewing on the road. In fact, I also bought a 7470 for my youngest SD. She loves hers (she hasn't ventured into quilting yet). When things settle down, I'm going to have hubby build me a platform for both machines, so I can feed my quilts better. But the tree quilts have been made on both machines -- start to finish.

[stitchywoman]

Re: Shopping for a sewing machine.

The tree quilts?