Sewers (as in, sewing machines)

[HiC]

Recommend a basic, reliable sewing machine.  Thank you. 

[cinderbella]

I'm sort of disappointed this isn't about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

No recommendation for you - I got a Brother(??) machine for Christmas two years ago and it's still at my mom's house for her to use because I'm dumb.

[dojo]

I've had two Janomes - the last one I bought was about $500 and had some nice features (needle threader, lower feed dogs with a switch etc.) Still very basic but never gives any trouble. The only real issue I find is that I can't sew through heavier thicker fabrics - four layers of denim doesn't make it through the machine. I'm not sure if this is machine-related or if it's because I lack skill.

[vanillacourage]

www.amazon.com/Brother-Feature-Rich-Built-In-Auto-Size-Buttonholes/dp/B000JQM1DE

[iheartbanjos]

I have a cheapo Brother sewing machine that my MIL bought me that is a good starter machine. I make cute dresses for my girls, baby gifts, and curtains. I have had more fun with that thing.

[verycontrary247]

I have an entry level Singer sewing machine. Was about $150 and does everything I need. I did buy a few additional feet for special projects but that's about it.

This is the newer version of it, pretty much the same thing but looks a little different.

www.joann.com/singer-curvytm-8763-sewing-machine/2458347.html#start=3

[HiC]

Thanks for the feedback!

[winecat]

I have a Janome too. It's so much better than a cheap Singer.

[adhdfashion]

Elna and Janome make some decent machines. A used Pfaff would be awesome little work horse to. A 1471 or 1475 are great .

[auntie]

IMO, Janome is the best entry level machine these days. Brother is OK.

Another option is a trade-in at a sewing machine store. I know Husqvarna will allow owners their full purchase price to upgrade to a more expensive model within a year which brings some very nice, late model machines into budget.

[auntie]

Mar 29, 2015 5:27:28 GMT -5 squirrelymom said:

I regularly use the cheap model Kennore that Sears carries. I think it's about $100. When my slightly nicer electronic machine screws up, I know I can depend on that one. I've had it about 10 years and have sewn miles on it.

How long ago did you buy this?

I learned to sew on their old loss leader machine. I used to suggest the basic Kenmore model to friends who asked for years. But I don't see them in the stores anymore. My local store carried Jenome mostly, with one ot two Singer and Brother options.

[auntie]

squirrelymom

Not sure how accurate or up to date this is-


www.erinsayssew.com/no-more-kenmore-sewing-machines/

[dojo]

Mar 28, 2015 22:47:31 GMT -5 verycontrary247 said:

I have an entry level Singer sewing machine. Was about $150 and does everything I need. I did buy a few additional feet for special projects but that's about it.

This is the newer version of it, pretty much the same thing but looks a little different.

www.joann.com/singer-curvytm-8763-sewing-machine/2458347.html#start=3

This is me too - I didn't realize that you can't just quilt on a machine with normal feet.  I think I've spent an extra $50 on speciality feet. 

[Deleted]

Mar 29, 2015 5:27:28 GMT -5 squirrelymom said:

I regularly use the cheap model Kennore that Sears carries. I think it's about $100. When my slightly nicer electronic machine screws up, I know I can depend on that one. I've had it about 10 years and have sewn miles on it.

This is what i have as well. My parents bought it for me in college (15 years ago :S)

[TrickyBob]

I use a brother quilting machine, it was $200. It is terrible for quilting due to not enough room in the right lol but it works wonderfully for everything else. I have an old singer from the 1940s or so, I think (it was my grandmas before my mom was born) and it is all metal. I love it but it needs a lot of work.

[poprocks]

I have a Brother CS 6000i and have been happy with it. I am a beginner but have made several doll and lap quilts, some girls' dresses, and various mendings.

[emoflamingo]

Mar 29, 2015 9:18:59 GMT -5 poprocks said:

I have a Brother CS 6000i and have been happy with it. I am a beginner but have made several doll and lap quilts, some girls' dresses, and various mendings.

This is what I have. I got it on eBay from a sewing machine "store" and have been pretty happy with it. I have killed one (I'm not sure what happened, I had used it for about 3 years though) and it was cheaper to just replace it, so I did.

I never could get Singers to work (including an old one my mom had and then a brand new one she had purchased) so I prefer Brother in general.

[pirate]

Mar 29, 2015 13:01:16 GMT -5 emoflamingo said:

Mar 29, 2015 9:18:59 GMT -5 poprocks said:

I have a Brother CS 6000i and have been happy with it. I am a beginner but have made several doll and lap quilts, some girls' dresses, and various mendings.

This is what I have. I got it on eBay from a sewing machine "store" and have been pretty happy with it. I have killed one (I'm not sure what happened, I had used it for about 3 years though) and it was cheaper to just replace it, so I did.

I never could get Singers to work (including an old one my mom had and then a brand new one she had purchased) so I prefer Brother in general.

This is what I have too!  Never used it for quilting but it holds up pretty well for all the random things I ask of it.  I've even sewed leather on it!  Amazon normally has it for about $150. 

[Deleted]

I've had a super cheap Brother from Wal-Mart for 15 years, no problems. I don't sew tons lately, but did see all the time for several years.

I would not recommend a new Singer. They have a poor reputation for quality in recent years.

Obviously there are many nicer machines depending on your budget.

[bab]

I have a cheapie Singer machine from Target but my ideal choice is a Pfaff with the dual feed dogs. My mom sews on a Pfaff it is a MUCH nicer experience. Everything lines up just right with no effort whatsoever.

[lintscreen]

I have a basic Brother Computerized sewing machine. It has everything I've ever needed for quilting, sewing bags, clothes, whatever. It has tons of stitch options that I don't even use. I bought it at Costco and it was on sale for about $135.00.

[5hole]

Another rec for the Brother cs6000i. For the features, it's a great deal

[adhdfashion]

If you go to a sew and vac store. You can pick up a used 1471 Pfaff for under $200. I have taught tons of kids/adults to sew on this model. It's idiot proof and easy-to-use.

[aprilsails]

Mar 29, 2015 5:33:48 GMT -5 auntie said:

Mar 29, 2015 5:27:28 GMT -5 squirrelymom said:

I regularly use the cheap model Kennore that Sears carries. I think it's about $100. When my slightly nicer electronic machine screws up, I know I can depend on that one. I've had it about 10 years and have sewn miles on it.

How long ago did you buy this?

I learned to sew on their old loss leader machine. I used to suggest the basic Kenmore model to friends who asked for years. But I don't see them in the stores anymore. My local store carried Jenome mostly, with one ot two Singer and Brother options.

Just an FYI - the Sears Kenmore machines are actually just rebranded base model Janome's.  They work great and can be had for a slightly better price than the equivalent Janome, although they are the exact same model for all intents and purposes.

I sewed for 2 years on a $200 Kenmore machine (wedding gift) and then updated to a serious quilting machine.  I made everything on that little thing.  It was amazing and is still working great for my sister.

[caddywompus]

I have a Sears Kenmore that I've been sewing on for MANY years. I've never had any problems with it, and I love the buttonhole maker attachment!

[nora2biz]

Mar 29, 2015 14:55:36 GMT -5 5hole said:

Another rec for the Brother cs6000i. For the features, it's a great deal

check these websites: embroiderymachineshq.com/brother-cs6000i-review/ and monogrammingmachineshq.com/brother-cs6000i-computerized-sewing-machine-reviews/ for features and reviews. Very good machine! I love it....

[CloudBee]

You really can't go wrong with anything made by Singer.

[Redpoppy]

I have a few Janome machines, from a kid one to high end quilting machines. They are all great with features appropriate to their cost. I had the Brother cs6000i but must have got a lemon. It was returned. My cheap one now is a Janome Jem Gold but it isn't a full size.

[Deleted]

I recently bought a Janome b/c my Singer was forever breaking on me. The shop owner said that they only recommend Janomes because they're one of the few brands that uses 99% metal machinery and fixtures. I noticed a HUGE difference between the base line Singer and base line Janome.

[snipsnsnails]

Ha, thank goodness this is a zombie thread, b/c I was about to tell you, HiC, I recommended some machines ages ago and you still hadn't bought it!