Sewing machine rec

[shortcake2675]

I sew on a 1971 Bernina 730 Record. My first machine was a vintage Brother. I love my old machines with their levers and dials and no computers.

But I have pretty simple needs for my sewing machine. I want an infinitely adjustable width zigzag, an adjustable position needle, and it would be great if my next machine had stretch stitches. Yet, I’m not that upset that my 730 doesn’t.

My advice is go to a sewing machine store (independent or branded) and sew on some machines. You’ll get an idea for what sort of machine you like. And figure out what your budget is. A used machine might fit the bill and get you a nicer machine in budget.

I don’t have a lot of experience with specific modern models, so hopefully someone might come in and provide that.

Good luck and welcome to the dark side.

[mrspez07]

Everything shortcake said.

My Janome is around 15 years old and going strong, it was my “starter” machine. It is pretty basic but also has more stitches than I use, and it has also quilted 6-8 quilts with no problem.
I’ve been hearing positive things about brother brand recently as a good starter machine.

ETA: I think the Janome was around $400 when I bought it.

[oregonpachey]

I am a novice sewer and I adore my Brother. I think DH spent $150 on it?

[dragon's breath]

I agree a Brother would be a great starting machine, especially for smaller projects. If you plan to make quilts (larger than lap size), the throat is just too small. But, it's an easy machine to learn, has some fun stitches, and sews through the smaller stuff great (pillow cases, shirts, pj pants, purses, etc).

I have the "Laura Ashley" version. I've taken it to quilting classes, my quilting group, and even traveled with it on a plane since it's nice and lightweight.

Even if you do decide you want to get into quilting later, it's good to have as a piecing machine.

The only issue I've had is that sometimes the bobbin thread doesn't go in right (there is a plastic guide that sometimes prevents it from getting in there right). Once I figured out what was going on (my thread was just creating an absolute mess every now and then), I just made sure to guide it in with my finger and give a little tug to make sure the tension was right.

I've only been sewing and quilting for 2 1/2 years, and I love it.

[oregonpachey]

Dec 28, 2018 23:45:39 GMT -5 al dente said:

Thank you so much everyone! I ended up getting a brother machine for Christmas 😊
I haven’t taken it out of the box yet, but started following some sewing groups on Facebook and am so excited to get started! I think this may be a dangerous hobby though haha I already have so many things I want to make.

Which one did you get?

[shortcake2675]

It’s been the cheap favorite for many many years!! That’s a good machine and on my list for a buttonholer if I see it for an amazing deal.