Help choosing a sewing machine?

11 years ago

I would like to surprise my wife with a new sewing machine. She's been sewing and embroidery for about 5 years. Her current machine is made by Brother and is a sewing & embroidery combo.

I have no clue where to start. I can get a great deal on any of these brands, so I'd like to go with one of them: Singer, Viking, Husqvarna, or Pfaff.

The main features that she wants is: Computerized embroidery, self threading, and computerized stitching.

Any suggestions on what I should go with? Thanks!!

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Comments (6)

mary_c_gw
11 years ago
Do yourself and her a favor and present her with card stating you will take her shopping for her dream machine. Make it a date. Test drive all of them.

She might possibly like you picking a machine for her - but I'll tell you what, LOL, my DH knows better.

Many machines have similar, if not the same features, but I prefer one over the other. Neither is right or wrong, and many are high quality machines. I just PREFER one over the other. For example, my best friend swears by her Bernina - and I hate it. I love my Pfaff. It's a very personal decision.

And by the way, ALL embroidery machines are computerized (it's just how they work), and all embroidery machines also have decorative stitches pre-programmed into them. I do not find threading any of them difficult, but some have a needle threader which is a boon and a blessing.
msmeow
11 years ago
I agree with Mary - let her pick the one she wants! I would never attempt to buy my hubby a power tool (unless he told me very specifically which one to get), likewise he would never pick out a sewing machine for me. There are too many variables! LOL Even if two machines have the same features, there will probably be some reason why she would like one and not the other. It may even boil down to which dealer she feels more comfortable with.

Donna
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What weights of leather and vinyl are you planning to sew? My commercial walking foot is a Consew. Easy for me to maintain. I did pay to have it downgeared by 25% as I had no need for the max speed. I paid $500 about 15 years ago and it was 2-3 years old. I could sell it today for more than what I paid. Try to locate the person who could service the machine you buy. I was in the DC-NYC corridor area and was able to find a person who regularly made "house calls" to various businesses servicing thier sewing machines. My machine is a floor model and not what you would want to heft into a van for servicing. In my current area, I have been unable to locate anyone who provides in the home or business service. On the other hand, there may be a machine out there that is a portable model that you could clamp onto a base table. It would probably be Chinese made, for, despite what so many believe, really have been the leaders in compact sewing machines. When we lived in China, I wanted to bring one of their sergers home, as it was simplicity and efficiency superb, unlike any of my non-Chinese made sergers. Am not familiar with your mentioned brands. Please do look for a walking foot machine. I have a 1938 Singer 31-15 (non-walking foot), that is wonderful for standard leathers, but not polished or glazed. Vinyl is a challenge. Take pieces of your materials with you as you check out machines. Try to locate folks in your area who have the machines and get their feed back. Good luck.
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I'm familiar with the Husqvarna Viking line which should be accommodate much of your wishes. The latest issue of the HV Epic or its sister Pfaff machine (don't know the model name) both have larger throats, but they won't be taller. They're large and aren't the kind you put away each time you use it. Also,be prepared for sticker shock. Best idea is to visit local major sewing machine brand dealers to test drive machines and sometimes they have good promotions or decent prices on 2nd hand machines. I would stay out of Walmart if you want a sturdy, dependable machine.
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cooksnsews
11 years ago
The three brands you mention (Viking IS Husqvarna) are all owned by the same holding company, and every day there is more similarity between models of the various lines. I would say that the Singers tend to be the lower end models, but I couldn't say between the others which is the high end. All are made in Asia these days.
Meredith2021
11 years ago
Those brands are a bit iffy to be honest. Why do you want to replace the Brother? Did it break or do you just want to upgrade? What is your price range? I'll include the link for a machine that may be a good upgrade, and can make a better recommendation with a few more details!

Here is a link that might be useful: Brother embroidery sewing machine
BettyGreen
11 years ago
Go with either Brother or Singer. They are both popular choices.
SurjeetSingh
11 years ago
Glad it was helpful! You won't find a ton of stuff on the blog yet. Right now I'm loading up on all the boring basics - weekly sewing and embroidery lessons with lots of fun projects will start in January.

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Help choosing a sewing machine?

Comments (6)

mary_c_gw

msmeow

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