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So I have been looking on online for good sewing machines for me to piece on that way if I need to get my other sewing machine cleaned I can have a back up. I have looked at several but before ordering I would like to know if you have used these sewing machine's or know anything about them. I have read and researching them for a couple weeks know.
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XR9500...VV5HP4KX3EK68Y
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AKKPW3K?psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XR1355...sewing+machine
If you are only looking for a good straight stitch, I would skip all of those machines and purchase a vintage Singer in good working condition. Check your local Craigslist, E-Bay, and GoodWill stores. You should be able to pick up a machine for $50 or under that needs some cleaning, or a machine that is cleaned and ready to go for under $200 ... with a cabinet.
Models 15 & 15-91 are good strong machines that can sew a beautiful straight stitch. The 15-91 is gear driven (no belts) and providing you keep it in good working order (oiled and cleaned), it will go forever. It's a fairly large and heavy machine. Another fantastic full size Singer is the model 201. I wish I had a 201 in my collection.
The model 99 is a smaller (3/4 size) machine and is also a nice machine.
The 401 and 221 (featherweight) are smaller and lighter weight machines, but both sew a great straight stitch. The featherweights are harder to come by at reasonable prices - expect to pay upwards of $200. The bonus for both of these machines is the portability - easier to travel with.
May your stitches always be straight, your seams always lie flat, and your grain never be biased against you.
Sue
I totally agree with this. I have several 15-91's, 201's, featherweight's, 301's and they are all terrific at straight stitch sewing. They are also very easy to maintain and rarely need a repairman.Originally Posted by DogHouseMom
While I agree with DogHouseMom mostly, don't overlook vintage Japanese machines. I've got several 1950's Brother machines that will rival any Singer for stitch quality ( I have several Singers too) and can usually be found for less $$.
I can't really comment on the machines you're looking at, but for just a basic back up any of them might fit the bill.
Cari
I can tell you that I have a bunch of low end Brother machines and they are very good. I have the first one on your list and although I don't use it much in favor of a different low end Brother I am very pleased with all of them. I also collect and spruce up a few vintage machines. I have a featherweight, a 301, a 401, a very old red eye, a 15 without a motor that shares the treadle cabinet with the red eye, a 66 in a cabinet and a sew handy. The vintage ones took me years to collect. If you want something faster go for a Brother. If you have time to spare search out a vintage. It is easy to think you can just find a good vintage. And maybe you can. That has not been my experience. Good luck whichever way you go.
Alyce
Thank you Stitchnripper, I will defiantly looking in to buying the first one just wanted some incite and yes I would love the get vintage machines, but haven't been able to get one. The lady that I wanted to buy it from was too far away for me to buy it from her.
I have a Juki and Babylock Jane. Both straight stitch only. They are all I use and I love both of them. I have four other machines, these are my favorites.
Another Phyllis
This life is the only one you get - enjoy it before you lose it.
My old Pfaff makes a beautiful straight stitch! IDT is the way to go!
Absolutely! Get a machine with both upper and lower feed dogs. You'll never regret it. For years, Pfaff was the only brand of machine with them, now some others have top feed dogs built in (so you never need a walking foot, and top and bottom fabrics feed at the same rate. Thus, piecing points match!). I know Babylock makes some machines with top and bottom feed dogs built in, and some of the Janome machines have them as well. Not sure if there are others brands now. Just fyi, both my piecing machines have built in top feed dogs. The newer one is a Babylock and the other an older Pfaff. Once I experienced the joy of piecing with both feed dogs, there was no going back!
Although proponents of vintage machines have a low regard for the new machines....I will duck as machine parts come flying over my head....my feelings are get a NEW reasonably priced, good rep machine as a traveler or a backup or even the everyday go to machine.....vintage is for those who want to collect.......thought I really wanted a FW until I bought it...NOT!!!! Love my new plastic ones better!!!
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