Sewing Machine Comparisons

 I have been asked so many times for advise for buying a sewing machine.  So I thought I would share with you my thoughts and hope that it may help some of you.

When I was 10 or 12, my grandma was so sweet and wanted to buy me my own sewing machine that she found at a sewing machine sale at a hotel in town.  They raved about how great the sewing machine was and all the wonderful things that it could do.  I am sad to say, but it actually really sucked!  I ended up going crazy and got rid of it.  That started my search for good machines.

I have a couple sewing machines right now.  One is a Singer that I found on Ebay when I was newly married and didn't have much money.  I found out after I had it for a couple months that the button hole feature stopped working.  I love this machine though when I teach sewing lessons.  It is a great machine for basic needs, and not complicated with lots of buttons or dials.  My other machine that I just got, is a Bernina.  I really love this brand of machines.

I see so many sewing machines out there that are under $100 brand new.  I really don't recommend these machines.  Every time I have helped anyone who has bought one of these, we end up fighting the sewing machine more than sewing.  They are truly basic, and when you don't know what you need to do to fix a problem, your machine can cause a ton of trouble for you.  You are getting what you pay for.

There is a local shop here in my town that carries good sewing machines.  I would suggest checking local in your area first.  This shop that is close to me sells used sewing machines at great prices.  A couple years ago, I almost bought a used Bernina Sewing Machine for $170.  Which is a fabulous cost.  It was only a few years old, used by a school that needed to update.  I also used to have a Husqvarna sewing machine.  It was wonderful!  My sister now has it, and it is at least 20 years old.  It sews just as smooth today as it did when we first got it.  The only problem with going with brands like these, is the cost.  Again, you get what you pay for.  These machines usually come with quite a few extras, and the motors are very strong.

When I tell people about the expensive machines, they get a little nervous about the cost. So, I thought I would do some research and show you which sewing machines I would buy if I were a beginner sewer!  I found 2 affordable sewing machines on Amazon that would be good for a beginner.

 

Brother Project Runway Electric Sewing Machine

Features of this machine are - 

• 50 built-in utility, decorative and heirloom stitches, each with multiple stitch functions.
• Sew fleece, elastic and other stretchy fabrics with the built-in stretch stitches.
• One-step bobbin replacement with quick set drop-in bobbin.
• Embellish or join quilt blocks with the built-in quilting stitches.

PRICE: $123.11on Amazon

SINGER 5500 Fashion Mate Sewing Machine

Features of this machine are - 

• automatic needle threader for easy threading
• Stitch width and length are set at the optimum setting but are fully adjustable for special projects
• 100 built-in stitches including 6 fully automatic 1-step buttonholes, 1 endless buttonhole for custom sizing and over 70 decorative stitches
• Automatic tension feature keeps stitches balanced regardless of fabric type
• Free accessories include select presser feet, bobbins and needles, Includes extension table and hard-sided cover

 PRICE: $299.95 on Amazon

 

If I were to choose between these two machines, I would choose the Singer sewing Machine.  It offers more, and personally think it is a better brand than Brother.

 

Features that I love and can't live without in my sewing machine are - 

• the more stitch choices the better!!
• a working 1 step button hole
• needle up down option (great for pivoting around corners)
• Front loading bobbin (It's what I learned on, and I feel off when I use a top loading bobbin)
• Long stitch length
• bobbin thread sensor (I don't think this is found on the cheaper machines, I'm not sure thought)
• Offers a lot of light

I hope this helps.  I am sure I may think of more thoughts later.  And I hope these are not just jumbled for you.  Unfortunately most thoughts out of my head are very jumbled!!  If you have any thought of sewing machines, please leave your comments!  I'd love to know what your favorite sewing machine is?