Sewing Sewing Machine Questions, Reviews, Recommendations, Opinions

Oh my goodness, I still have my Pink and Gray Remington, it's from the 50's.
Now I sew with computerized Kenmore's and Vikings

 

I was using a White Jeans Machine, but it needs some work done... and I've never been completely happy with it.

After researching online, I recently found myself a Necchi Supernova BU from the 50s. Very heavy duty machine with straight, zigzag, and a some embroidery stitches. For 100 dollars it came with tons of feet, cams, accessories, original manuals, a cabinet and bench, and even the old owner's left over sewing supplies. It has two speed settings, so I can set it on Min speed to be able to have lots of control for small seams and turns while using my foot pedal. It'll do 8 layers of denim with heavy thread, and it can sew the delicates too. I haven't tried the buttonhole cam yet, but it has that as well as instructions to do buttonholes on the machine manually with the buttonhole foot.

I'll probably get the White fixed later for the few useful stretch stitches it has, but the Necchi is much nicer to sew on, imho. So quiet and smooth.

 

Mine is a New Home. Actually, it isn't even mine, it's my mum's, and I have no idea what model it is or anything. It just says New Home on the side of it
It does the job though, whatever it is xD

 

Mine is Brother SQ 9000 Computerized Sewing Machine

I just bought it from ebay last month....but right now, I have not use it, cause I never use sewing machine before.

With 80 built-in stitches, 120 stitch functions, eight styles of 1-step auto-size buttonholes and a built-in font for basic monogramming this machine does it all—and then some!

well, it sounds good for beginner.

 

I have two actually.

Three years ago DH bought me a Husqkvarna Rose which does embroidery, etc. I wanted to make doll clothing and he figured I might as well have something good. At the time it was just traded in and still basically new. With all the embroidery, computer software, etc, it was around $2800. They have really gone down in price now though and there are other makes of Husqkvarna. Previously I had a Singer and it was the pits! Couldn't even thread the thing. I love my Rose and wouldn't use anything else really. It was well worth the investment. It will even do finishing of seams just like a serger.

I also have a Brother Disney embroidery machine. We bought it for DD so she could have her own machine and leave my Rose alone, lol. I like to use it also because we are such Disney fans and it is the only machine that does Disney embroidery. I can definitely tell a difference in quality between the Rose and the Brother, but if you didn't want to spend a lot of money, the Brother would still work fine. Embroidery is cool, but if you don't see yourself doing a lot of it, it isn't necessary.

 

I have a Bernina 1090, I believe. It's an older computerized model--almost 20 years old now. I really like it. It does have a lot of decorative stitches but I rarely use them. What I do use are the many different feet available. There's a foot for everything! If there is a Bernina sewing center in your town it's worth it to check them out. They usually have lots of classes and teach you how to use the machine and all the different feet. The right foot for the job makes sewing so much easier.

 

awww, i need to show you my sewing machine. it's Łucznik, a most popular company making sewing machines here in Poland, and it's all covered in butterflies pattern ♥

 

lol, I actually have a sewing machine that my grandmother bought (she was a seamstress) in the early 60's - it is a workhorse and I wouldn't part with it for the world. I recently purchased a low end Janome serger which is awesome, but I haven't gotten much experience with it yet.

 

There's one of these in my house as well. I don't use it very often, but it's been fairly reliable when I have. The lack of option feet kills me though. It's also rather slow. Still it's not a bad machine for the price. And it is far easier to travel with than my other machine.

I use a Janome TB12 for the bulk of my work. It's excessively noisy and has absolutely no computer frills, but it's build like a rock and can sew through faux fur all day without having a panic attack (though it will need to be cleaned). My particular love for it comes from the fact that 1/4 in seams run over both feed dogs, which is unspeakably helpful for keeping the seam straight.

 

im not sure what model i have, id have to go look but its good for sewing, but when it comes to denim or jean fabric its not so great, i reccomend getting one that can sew through denim without a problem, and i mean more that one layer of denim .
go for something that can get the job done, you dont wanna buy something and then realize you need a better sewing machine

 

I also have a Janome 6600P and it is fabulous and love the speed control button

 

I have a Singer 28K Hand Crank Sewing Machine.

It's really beautiful. Looks like this one.

http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/KatePages/Resources/machinegallery/28inbox.JPG

http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/KatePages/Resources/machinegallery/withtable.JPG

http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/KatePages/Resources/machinegallery/back.JPG

Singer have a database so you can date your machine from the serial number on it so I know that mine was made in 1940 in Kilbowie, Clydebank, Scotland.

My mum had a similar one when I was a child and I never got on with my electric machine so when I saw this one in a local charity shop I had to have it. It weighs a ton and nearly gave me a hernia carrying it to my car!!

It even still has the green Singer tin box with the accessories in it.

 

At school we have the Bernina 1008S. As for at home, I am hoping to get a basic Babylock for Christmas

 

Right now Im using singer, but I cant remember the model number

 

I have an old Pfaff 1222... it's an iron workhorse and has done really well for me. I've done delicate silks to 6 layers of denim.

 

I have a Brother CE-4000 computerized model too and it's pretty darned good. Once of these days I want to get myself an industrial machine too since they will sew through pretty much anything which mean I can do some leather work for both myself and the dolls

 

I've got a PFAFF a 30 years old one and she's always great. I wanted to have a new one and the seller recommands me to keep mine!!!! ; )
I think that you can find good ones in second hand market.

 

I use basic Janome (JA525), it is for the beginner and it is easy to use ! She going more straight than my older sewing machine ! Inexpensive : Less than 100 usd ^^ !

 

I have got a Husqvarna Viking Designer SE, it's a great machine you can sew everything on it.
The machine does great embroidery too. I just love this machine, it's the best ever for me.

 

I have a Singer Quantum 9920. Bought last year after my first Singer Melody died after 17.5 years.
Too many stiches to use. But I tried every one of them.

 

I was given a basic Toyota Jeans sewing machine for my birthday last year. It is very basic but it's mine The main reasoning behind it is that it will handle sewing with canvas (which I do for making corsets and whatnot). My boyfriend however has a Brother machine (I can't remember the exact make off the top of my head) and I would highly recommend getting a Brother as a starting machine. They're pretty easy to learn and have a few features on them that make regular sewing such a breeze!

 

I have an old white brand sewing machine my mom got at a grage sale for me for basicly nothing, it cam with the original case, original manual ( a life saver!) and it weighs 40 lb xD

it's pretty basic straight and zigzag, and it can be temperamental with the tension but once you set it it's great!
its main flaw is that it can only do zigzags up to 4mm wide any bigger and it starts skipping like crazy D: i should take it to get repaired but i don't think it's worth it OTL

 

I use a Brother sewing machine, I'm not sure as to which model it is, as it was handed down to me from my mother, and from her mother to her so it's pretty old. XD it works pretty well, but gets kinda clogged up after a while in the running grippers. there's a tiny piece broken off of it where the thread needs to go through, but it still works. I would definitely recommend a Brother sewing machine, or a serger for that matter.

 

Brother and Singer are probably the most popular brands, at least, they're the main brands I see in stores and whatnot >3>;

I myself have a Singer "Simple" I'd been through maybe two other sewing machines before we found my Singer on sale for $99 :
It can handle my horrid sewing skills D: I've lost count at the number of times I've accidentally had thread jams because, yes, I'm that bad XD;;

 

Hello! looking into getting a machine. I found a secondhand, but in good condition Husqvarna Viking Model 3610 and was wonderinf if this was a good model to start with? I've done some hand sewing on and off but it's been awhile since i've done anything in earnest.

 

Umber the Kid - I'd sell my eyeteeth for a Viking. They're very good. A lot of Jo-Anns sell new and refurbished Vikings so if you need anything (presser feet, bobbins...) or have issues they may be able to help you. Not sure about the features of that specific model but by and large I've heard only good things about Vikings.
I have a Singer Esteem, about 4.5 years old. It works ok but can be a bit temperamental. Also I don't feel like it's quite as durable as the old Singer I learned on (that one still had metal gears!). It's fine on cotton broadcloth, lightweight stuff but once you get to denim it starts balking. Since I would really like to learn corsetry (I sew costumes as a hobby) I'm kind of wary about trying to sew the heavy canvas I'd use for the base on my machine. I also wish I could figure out the buttonholer - I hate buttonholes. It just doesn't seem very intuitive to me.

 

Oh, your Singer is a rare beauty! I have my grandmother's that looks very similar. I believe they call them "Featherweights" in spite of the fact they do weigh almost a ton.

Thank you so much for the info about Singer's database...I'm going to drag mine out of storage and check her heritage.

Right now I have a Brother Disney and it's very nice....but I'm so tired of Mickey Mouse, LOL

 

Oh, your Singer is a rare beauty! I have my grandmother's that looks very similar. I believe they call them "Featherweights" in spite of the fact they do weigh almost a ton.

Thank you so much for the info about Singer's database...I'm going to drag mine out of storage and check her heritage.

Right now I have a Brother Disney and it's very nice....but I'm so tired of Mickey Mouse, LOL

 

Thanks, Kitty! I went through the thread and saw how many people were getting these machines so I figured i'd be getting a good brand.

 

I've always sewn a lot, and since hubby and I have a clothing business, that's really a lot! Between the two of us we have 12 machines. The one I sew with most is my 47 year old Necchi. It's had very little servicing over its lifetime, and hardly has a day go by that I don't spend a few hours using it. My serger is also a Necchi, but if I had my druthers, I'd get one like I got my husband, a Babylock that serges fast, has great settings, and THREADS ITSELF!
For traveling, a 1951 Singer Featherweight is my first choice.
My embroidery machines are both Babylock. Old for an electronic, but they both work.

 

I use a brother CS-6000i. Easy to use and works well for the projects I work on :-) Highly recommended for first-time users!! I'm still discovering so many cool stitches and capabilities of this machine X-D

 

I have a Brother CE-5000 (Runway edition =p)
They aren't too great, but they don't cost much and really are perfect for a beginner.
This is my beginner machine I've yet to upgrade, well technically I did upgrade from a 4000 to a 5000.... lolol
if you can call it an upgrade, it's exactly the same machine.
I've broken 2 brothers, so this is my third one. I've had it for a couple of yrs now.
The first two I broke doing some heavy duty sewing of jeans and faux leather. They can handle it you just gota go slow and be realllly careful.
^_^
I want to get something better, but I really don't know what and I haven't looked into it either, bu it's interesting seeing what everyone has here. It might help me decide on a new one.
I was recently donated a serger though by my neighbor and that thing is AWESOME! I don't really know how to use it to well yet, but the seam finishing I"ve been doing with it is just .
XD

 

A "NM 210" from AEG, got it from my Mom last Christmas

Former i used her Machine from Privileg, a horrible thing..
but i like my new one

 

Sigh... I so envy you right now... I really want a serger too!!! They're so expensive (T_T)

 

They really are, I inherited an older one, it's reallly loud and cranky. xD
But I"m so thankful.

You should try free-cycle in your area, sometimes I come across people posting on sewing machine giveaways, You could always post your looking for a serger and you might get lucky.
^_^

 

I've got a Kenmore 1822 and I love it. It's great for basic sewing and I haven't had any issues over the year and a half I've owned it.

 

i just recently bought a Singer Tradition 2295 model i think. Its quite cool XD and easy to use ^^

 

Buying a Necchi 534FB i'll let you know if it's any good.

 

I recently bought the same machine and I absolutely love it - and I've been sewing on and off for most of my life. With the CS-6000i I particularly love the slow speed setting which makes sewing armholes and necklines on dolls' clothes so much easier. I used to have to unpick them so many times with my old White machine which only had the one speed setting. And I'm so pleased with all the attachments available for the Brother. Their 1/4 inch foot makes sewing seams a dream.

 

I have a Husquvarna Optima 150 that my mum rescued from my old highschool when she left (she used to teach there). His name is Stitches. Stitches isn't the best sewing machine for dolly clothes, as he likes to eat small pieces of sewing. But he does just fine on reasonable sized seams, and people sized clothing, so it works fine for me! I hand stitch any areas that I think he will eat before I try, as there is more than a 90% chance that he will eat what I am doing.

 

I use Brother, but I want to buy another one.
Live without overstitching machine is not live

 

Dodona, I love the CS-6000i too! It's pretty easy to use, and as you said, I love the different speed settings and how you can slide the knob to have just the speed you want. I do find that the machines sometimes eats fine fabric, especially if I start sewing from the edge, but apart from that, it's easy to change the foots and I love the different settings and stitches that it has >_<

 

I use a Brother NS-40, before I was using a really old Singer that was my mom's (the tension kept messing up which is why she got the Brother). The serger/overlock settings are the best, imo.

 

Arella: On the problem of the CS-6000i eating fine fabric, I found a wonderful solution (which would also apply to any other brand of sewing machine that does the same thing) - Solvy Water Soluble Stabilizer. It's very thin and doesn't look like it would help much, but it does! When sewing from the edge of a fabric I lay the first inch or so over a larger piece of Solvy and then sew away. Or if I'm sewing armholes or something similar I lay the whole seam over a piece of Solvy, then when I'm finished I just tear the stablizer away. It rips easier than any of the tear-away stabilizers plus it doesn't cause any skipped stitches. In addition, if you're using a zig-zag or overcast or any other fancy edge stitch you can still use the Solvy. Just rip away what's visible and then dissolve the rest in a little water. So far it's worked like a dream for me, even on the most delicate of fabrics. :-)

 

Dodona, thanks for the tip! Will definitely have to pick one up my next trip to the fabric store and try it out!

 

i have a Singer CXL which i love, its one of the early computerised machine..i bought it new for a small fortune (approx $3k) about 15yrs ago and its been just brilliant, i also a Janome 4 thread overlocker plus a 1960's singer in its own fold out table
i dream over owning a Singer 221k featherweight with its carry case one day ( there are only a couple of Singer vintage machines that are actually correctly called Featherweight the 221 and the 222.. they are very light weight and small compared to the other vintage singers ... and cost a small fortune if you can find them..well at least in Australia >.< )

 

I've owned a Kenmore 19233 for more then a year and its been working fine. (My Brother 6000 which I mentioned I owned earlier in the thread more then 2 years ago needed repairs and I decided the cost of repair wasn't worth the cost of the machine) I'm glad I bought the Kenmore even though I sew less....sewing isn't the stressfest it could be with the brother. (And it handles knits so much better!)

 

I have a Shark 60 Stitch. I've had it for 4 years, my mom got if for me for Christmas. It has never broken down on me, I hope it never does.... The only complaint I have is that the needle comes down too close to the metal plate and causes it to snap. I've have gone through countless amounts of needles. >.>

 

At the end of 2009, I went to the store to buy a new pedal for my 25 years old Bernette (from Bernina) and came back home with a catalog from Brother.
The same day, I went back to the store and bought a Brother Innovis 30.
I'm very glad of it but don't have much time to sew at the moment.

 

I got a Husqvarna 320, it wroks perfectly all kinds of different stitches and also sews thick leather very good.

 

I have a Brother (don't know the model # off hand) machine that I got for a b-day gift like 7 years ago, and my Jenome MYLock305 that I for for a Xmas gift one year.

 

I use a euro pro denim machine. with a few different sizes of needles it works really well, sometimes it munches fabric though.... which can be really irritating when your trying to work with a fabric that can't take it :\
However usually i can get through a project just fine ^^

 

Howdy there!
I sell and service sewing machines for a living. I also teach classes in my store to instruct new users!

So here's my two cents' worth about machines, as they relate to this hobby:

First of all, it's always worth it to buy from a reputable dealership. No matter what brand you want, it's always better to get the machine from people who will teach you how it works and how to troubleshoot. Personally, I'm a big fan of the Babylock and Bernina machines. I own both brands, as well as several vintage machines and a recent model simple Janome.

Secondly, you really do get what you pay for. If you spend less than $100 on a machine from a random department store, be prepared for it to fail you at some point. I hate to bad-mouth any brand but I'll tell you what our lead tech says about one brand in particular: Don't buy a EuroPro, unless it's intended to be disposable.

Thirdly, accessories! It's so worth it to invest in additional feet and accessories!! There's a hemmer foot out there that folds up the edge and holds it that way so that you can stitch a straight line and make a sweet, tiny hem. There's a foot that lets you sew down ribbons or trim or yarn to make awesome textures. You can get feet that help you make an overlock stitch that doesn't crunch up the seam allowance. I can go on for hours.

For doll making, I'd also investigate investing in a "straight stitch plate" that goes on your machine over the feed dogs. This will prevent delicate fabrics from being "Sucked down" into the nether regions of your machine.

Embroidery:
OMG YOU GUYS! Embroidery is super fun and really easy!
Er. Once you know what you're doing...
The short and sweet version is: Use embroidery stabilizer (like interfacing, but special) under everything you embroider, and make sure it goes to the edges of the hoop. For dolly stuff, look for smaller designs. Free designs from the internet might not stitch out very well; pay for good designs.
I love to embroider doll stuff. My embroidery machine is an older Babylock with a 4x4 inch field. This is perfect for miniature things!

 

Brother machines are great quality whether you're a serious seamstress or a beginner, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. When I worked for a company that made safety equipment for the military and recreation stuff for families, those are the brand of machines that I used. My grandmother also has one for personal use that she's had since the 50s, so they definitely last. Between Brother and Singer, those are my two personal favorites to work with.

Everyone's tastes are different but I agree with what some have posted before, you get what you pay for. >___>; Don't buy a cheap machine just because it's cheap...it's best to do research beforehand to see what machine suits what you're looking to do. Pricey machines don't always equal quality either though. You can usually do the same things with a machine that has 20 different stitches as someone who has 120, not that I know anyone who uses all those different stitches anyways.

 

My favourite sewing machine is a 1970's Singer Stylist. It works great.
My backup machine is a newer Singer Prelude. Not as quiet as the old one, but it serves its purpose.
I prefer my old machine because it's metal, reliable, and quiet, even though it's not "pretty"

My problem is in the serger department though. My serger is also a Singer, but it doesn't do tiny edges, which are important to me considering who we are sewing for
I just was wondering if anyone here has a serger that does tiny stitches, maybe 2mm wide, and if they can tell me of a brand and model that would do that, which hopefully doesn't cost $800

 

I have a Janome DC 4030 and I really love it.

Unfortunately, I had to quit the sewing classes I was following last year, but I use it a lot to fix clothes and I am hoping to start making things for my Yukino-chan.

 

White is also a good brand name sewing machine. My first "real" machine was a white and I used it for years before I started having a trouble with it. I now own a Brother and I like it a lot too. It is a sewing/embroidery machine.

I try to get my Machines for places like Viking Sewing Galleries. They sell good machines and they also come with great warranties. Both my machines came from there and so far, they have been great!

 

I'm a fan of Singers myself. My mom taught me to sew when I was in middle school on her old avocado-green Singer from the 70's or 80's. It didn't even have a foot pedal; it had a knee bar! I own a Singer Confidence now that I love! Easy to use and easy maintenance. Even my roommate, who doesn't sew much, can use it easily. And as far as price, I bought a model from my local sewing store that had been the in-store tester. Since it was "used", it was a really good price!

 

I have a 19 year old Pfaff - it was NOT cheap but it certainly has been worth the money - I've used it to sew professionally.
My mother had a Kenmore which I grew up using - it lasted 30 years before dying. Also, my own first sewing machine was a Singer (the kind w/the drop in bobbin) - I picked out the same brand as that used in my Home Ec class That machine lasted a good 25 years.
It is important to get the machines serviced. I'm having problems w/my Pfaff right now simply because the dealership here closed & I'm having problems finding a place to take it for a cleaning/tune up! I may switch it out to a Viking Husquavarna simply because there IS a dealership here!
Also, the fancier embroidery machines w/all the computerized gadgets don't really appeal to me - too many things to break & the embroidery is too thick. My machine has a lot of stitches, tho - I've probably used maybe half of them over the years. I would not have gotten this one if it hadn't been on sale because there are only about 25 stitches that I feel I really need (mine has about 150).

 

I used to have a Singer something or other that I got cheaply at the fabric store, on sale. It was nice to start off and learn with, but after some ten months of light use, I had burnt out the motor and the tension system. The repair shop near me considered it a POS and wouldn't touch it (after it sat on their "to be repaired" shelf for some three months first, grr), and I ended up investing in a Husqvarna Viking. Mine's not anything really fancy, it's just the Emerald 116, so everything is manual, but I adore it. It's going on ten or so months of weekly heavy use, and so long as I have the correct needle in, it tends to go through just about anything with no problem. Any problems I've had have been my own forgetfulness, and usually only take two seconds to fix once I've figured out what I'm doing. I do need to find some colorful picture-filled book on how to use each stitch. I had the included class but I get a little lost as to how to get the best use out of it.