Recommendations for Quiet, Quality, Small Simple Machine???

**miriam** · 01-31-2015, 07:07 AM

Originally Posted by JustAbitCrazy

Instead of a Featherweight, I bought the Kenmore equivalent, which is the Model 1040, because it also does zigzag stitches. It weighs 20 lbs. inside the lovely rose embossed case, isn't super quiet, but not really noisy either. I'd say it's just average on a noise scale. But the motor is stronger than that of a Featherweight, too. It's an all metal, no frills workhorse, easy to self oil and maintain.

Good little machine, too.

**Weenween** · 01-31-2015, 05:39 AM

Originally Posted by DebD800

I have a Juki 2010Q that I use 90% of the time for piecing but I occasionally need a zig zag stitch. Can anyone recommend something small and lightweight that's quiet and has just a few different stitches, including stitch length and width adjustments? I'd prefer a non-computerized machine; something that's intuitive to use and of good quality. I was looking at the Juki HZL 27/29Zs, but another member (thank you!) told me theirs was a good machine but loud - so I'm still looking.

TIA,
DebD800

I have several older singers and they sew very quiet and really good zig-zag, I too also think the heavier the machine the quieter because the machines are so heavy the do not vibrate near as much as the newer ones. But with that being said I do not have a high dollar sewing machine either. That too might make a difference. I love my 9 singers lol and I have a few more that are not singers but sews really well.

**Grammahunt** · 01-31-2015, 06:52 AM

The most quiet delightful machine I have ever sewn on is a Featherweight. They can do the zig zags if you have the attachment but are set up as a straight stitch machine. I even have a 1/4" foot. The cost can be low (usually under $300 and sometimes only $100 or less) if you are willing to clean your own machine.

After my second back surgery I have a weight limit of 25# for the rest of my life--which I plan to be another 20-25 years! So I could take my own machine to classes I purchased a Singer Featherweight. Actually I bought three (a 1950 and two 1948's). I love them all. Since they are mechanical I can do all the maintenance on my own.

Just the other day I was piecing on my Viking Diamond and with every single patch I would think, "I wish I were sewing on my Featherweight". After about 6 pieces I realized all I had to do was set this little 11 pound beauty on the table and sew. They are simply a Joy! It is much quieter and smoother than the expensive machines by far.

Grammahunt

**oldtnquiltinglady** · 01-31-2015, 09:18 AM

I had this thought in mind last year when I went into a sewing machine store and asked for Quiet, Zig Zag, and Light--bought a Janome Sewist, and used it one time, then set it aside because I am so enamored with the work of my old Singers (FW, and 201, used almost daily); then last month decided I would give my Janome a "fair try" and attempted to do some piecing with it. Never again. It was so noisy that it gave me a headache. I figure because I have left it sitting for all these lonely months. It will be given to a grand kid for a birthday or Christmas soon--maybe a little too expensive for such ($350); but I won't be using it again, so I might as well. Beautiful stitches, nice wide zig zag if I wanted it, easily figured out 1/4" seam, no eating the beginning and ending pieces; just sayin'......

**miriam** · 01-31-2015, 11:21 AM

A guy just stopped by and bought a Singer 401 from me. He had a Janome with a fried mother board - new it was $350 to fix was $300. He was very frustrated with anything computerized. The Singer 401 is pretty quiet and fairly light weight and very versatile.

**Wintersewer** · 01-31-2015, 11:42 AM

A $350 computerized machine is on the lower end, quality wise. I'm in a position in life (old) that I can buy really good machines and mine have been in use for 15 plus years, so I have more than gotten my money's worth. Modern machines can do wonderful things, and to me they are worth the $$ and the shorter lifespan.

Originally Posted by miriam

A guy just stopped by and bought a Singer 401 from me. He had a Janome with a fried mother board - new it was $350 to fix was $300. He was very frustrated with anything computerized. The Singer 401 is pretty quiet and fairly light weight and very versatile.

**KenZ** · 01-31-2015, 12:21 PM

I must start by saying that I like the sound of smoothrunning sewing machines. The sound you hear from a running sewing machine canbe changed in many ways. Mechanical machines must be properly lubricated tosound properly. Sewing machines sound and run better sitting on a pad and notsitting directly on a desk or table setting up a vibration. Try using a foldedhand towel, heavy place mat or pad made from batting scraps. Pads can also bepurchased, like the one sold by Martelli. Martelli has a sales video thatexplains what a pad for a sewing machine does. Some machines have a sound that irritatesmany people and cannot be changed easily.

**Mariposa** · 01-31-2015, 12:24 PM

Perhaps a Singer 301A. Great machine, and you can learn to service it yourself.
Sew-classic.com has parts, oil, etc. Great service too. Not affiliated, just happy customer.

**Becky's Crafts** · 01-31-2015, 01:42 PM

I've had excellent luck with Brother machines. I have a very lightweight HS-2000 which is very quiet & small. I use it as my travel machine. I bought mine at AllBrands.com & they had excellent customer service!! Had my machine in hand 3 days after I ordered it! I was really impressed!! Check them out as they have many brands available.

**BerninaGirl** · 02-01-2015, 01:08 AM

A vintage Bernina will be heavy.

if you are looking light weight the Janome gem. 3/4 of my guilt group has one and swears by them.

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