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Advice needed on which sewing machine to buy

18 years ago

I really need advice on which sewing machine to buy for my home decorating projects. I make drapes, blinds, tablecloths, etc. and need something which is inexpensive yet which will take the heavy duty stuff. I only need straight stitch and zig zag, and a couple of different feet including the zipper one.

Thanks.

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Comments (2)

User
18 years ago
After checking out machines for a few years, I have decided to keep my very old Elna SU and buy a cheapo for when I need some extra fancy stitches. My Elna SU hates lint, but sews like a dream and is very quiet.

I figured that the cheapo will last one or two years and cost about $100. When it totally brakes, I'll just get a different cheap one. If I spend about $75.00 per year - that's not bad. My friends have spent $1,200. to $5,000. - sure it will last many years, but I'm not comfortable spending that kind of money and then worrying about the machine.

If I drop a cheapo, I'll cry, but if I dropped an expensive machine, I'd end up at the therapist - and that would be more money. teehee

Just try all the machines you can afford - then jump in. Good luck.
kathi_mdgd
18 years ago
LOL at Monica, those 1200.00 to 5000.00 dollar machines aren't without problems either.

Go to a dealer and check out used and refurbished machines.That way you may be able to get a high end one but for a fraction of the cost.Just like buying a used car.

A lot of folks buy off ebay,but i wouldn't,that to me is taking too much of a chance.I'd rather go to a store.That way if it doesn't work or you have problems with it,you can take it back.

Check out several brand b4 you make up your mind,and take along your own fabric to test drive them.
Good Luck
kathi
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I always research before I buy too. When I was getting ready to buy my embroidery machine I saw the Brothers in WalMart much cheaper than the older model Brother I wanted to buy. At the same time DH was looking for a small riding lawn mower. John Deere is popular here and are sold all over, but like the Brother machines, the prices, and the warranty vary. We found out that many of the internal components in inexpensive machines aren't replaceable, and are made with cheaper materials. Even though they carry the name they are sold as 'throw aways' and don't last as long as the higher end machines. I have read so many complaints about the WalMart Brother machines and my older, but higher end model works great. So I would ask questions and research any prodeuct you buy. $300 may not be a lot of money to some, but it is if it only lasts a few months!!! Rosa
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I agree with the others,let her pick out her own.I know this because dh bought me a new machine almost 10 years ago and i still havn't learned how to use all the bells and whistles.I was working full time when he got it,and i knew nothing about computor,and still don't know much.LOL Anyway,i couldn't take the lessons at first because of conflicting work schedules.Then when i retired i did go take the lessons,but they made no sense to me as i still didn't know the computor,and the teacher moved along tooooooooo fast for a beginner.We went back a couple of times,and dh even went along,figuring he could learn and then teach me,well you guessed it,he couldn't follow the teacher either,so i still havn't learned all the stuff about it. It's the viking Rose,so i just use the cards for embroidery.Works for me. Kathi
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Regarding using the local "sew and vac" shop: Depends on your dealer. One of my Pfaff dealers regularly had an industrial Pfaff machine or two in his shop, brand new, sometimes a used machine. Not a heavy-duty home machine, a real industrial machine, mounted on a factory work table. This dealer regularly supplied industrial machines to customers with home businesses. If your local Janome, Pfaff, Juki, etc. dealer does not have experience with industrial machines, then that may not be the shop you want to work with. There are some vendors online (such as All Brands) that supply industrial machines, but you lose the chance to get personalized training, if that's important to you. I've read about scam artists on eBay who buy inexpensive home machines, with heavy-looking cases for maybe $100, slap a few stickers on them that say "Industrial Heavy Duty" then sell them for up to $1000. Research and know what you are looking for. Here's a link to straight stitch industrial machines on the All Brands web site, which shows a nice selection. CMC Here is a link that might be useful: Industrial straight stitch - All Brands.
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If your machine can’t be saved, and soot may well have damaged the innards - consider purchasing a Brother. I now make my living as a seamstress, sewing several hours a day, seven days a week. I’ve owned a 70’s Kenmore, upgraded to a 70’s Bernina, then purchased a new Bernina two years ago. Also have an older Viking. When my newish Bernina lost it’s timing last month, I knew it was time for a replacement. Upon the recommendations of my trusted sewing machine repairman, I bought a Brother Simplicity. This machine may be more expensive than you need, they offer several less expensive models with similar features - yet they are all great machines. Threading the machines is easy, all the locations are numbered, so even a novice can’t goof it up. It also has an automatic needle threader and buttonhole program. I’ve been loving working with this machine every day!
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