happinessbears

Hi everyone! So I am looking for a new sewing machine!! I'm looking at Janome and Bernina right now and if price didn't matter, I'd totally go for a Bernina. But I have a sad budget of $300 - $400 and I won't be able to get a Bernina with that! Apparently Bernina doesn't list their prices online!, SO does anyone know how much each Bernina model costs? And if you own them, are you satisfied with it and think its worth the money? I'm also considering getting a used Bernina. Do you guys think a used Bernina would still be better than a new Janome? Thanks so much!
PS- I know many people tell me that the money will totally be worth it in the long run, but even though I plan to go into designing and using my sewing machine forever, my parents won't allow me to get a more expensive one. They keep saying I should just upgrade later! So I also have to convince them!! Help! Oh and also, this will be a birthday present for me!

Nanamoms

Maybe go to a local Bernina dealer and test drive some used ones? Get a feel for how they sew and the prices???

I just bought a entry level Janome for my DGD for $89.00. Haven't really sewn on it yet but I understand from my dealer that Janome is a good entry level machine.

Also Brother makes some great machines in your price range.

calla

I have a Janome, the gem from 12 yrs ago. Not too many hours on it.......I purchased it because it was light weight, however it has few bells and whistles. And now it is very noisy.................I also have a Bernina 230 and it is super. The stitches are even, has + features, I am lucky to have it. If you go to garage sales you seldom see a Viking, or a Bernina for sale..........ask yourself why.................they are keepers................that is why. I also have Vikings........I don't mean to brag...........one way to purchase one is with one of those 0% credit cards................also having a supportative dealer is most important. calla

Jim's Gem

I bought my Bernina on E-Bay about 6 years ago. I love this machine. Very well built. It would have cost me over $5,400 new and got it for $2,700. I have not looked on there in a long time but it might be worth your while to just check what the prices are on E-Bay.

misskira

I feel like I got the most for my money ($500 budget) by going with the brother pc420 prw model from amazon for $400. It has lots of features, works great for both quilting and garment sewing and is easy to use. It came with tons of feet and really is a lot of machine for the price. I have a young family and a limited budget. I don't need a top of the line machine to sew, and feel liked can upgrade when my budget allows it if needed. As a mom I don't have time to go to classes so use YouTube and forums to learn things anyways, so the dealer support didn't seem necessary for me at my price point.

Good luck!

BellaBoo

I bought a used Bernina 1260 with all the accessories, one owner, hardly used for $450. I kept a watch for several years to find this machine at a good price and good condition. Most Bernina dealers do not have many used Berninas under $1000. Some other brand dealers may take one for trade and sell them cheaper to get them out of the shop. I would buy a new Janome at your price range.

Skyangel

I've bought 4 used Berninas and they were totally worth the money. I sold the first 2, upgrading each time. The 3rd one I still love, my 440QEE sewing/embroidery machine I paid $2500 for. I recently bought a 910 on craigslist for $300 to keep as a backup machine. It is the little sister of the 930 (one of the best Berninas ever made, and still very sought after) but the 910 is basic with no decorative stitches. It is however, very smooth and solid. However, with your budget, you might more variety in your stitches. I think a Janome is probably the best in an entry-level machine. I agree that you should probably wait and upgrade to one later - after you decide what features you really want and need - if you are going to make it your career.

Sienna's GiGi

Your budget is not sad. There is a machine out there somewhere that you will be sooo happy with. Does it have to be a Bernina? There are many great machines out there in your price range with cool features. You could get more for your money getting something else new with a longer life and a warranty. Good luck.

Mitch's mom

Your parents are being cautious. Stick to your budget and show them that you are very serious about sewing for a career, go to design school and maybe when you graduate they will be able to gift you with a Bernina. Trust me - most of us did not start out with even a used Bernina, we used whatever was handed down or we could afford and upgraded over a course of years to get to the point of being able to afford (without guilt) our dream machines, whether Bernina or another brand. Patience is one of the virtues you learn by sewing.

Dolphyngyrl

I agree with the brother idea, there are a lot of nice higher end brothers in your range
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Limite...dp/B000XE3FGO/
This one gets good reviews and I hear sews through denim no problem