I can't afford an expensive machine right now. But Walmart has two, one Brother, and one Singer. They are both pretty good straight stitch machines. Which one do you think would be the best to buy?

Brother. Singer's gotten a pretty bad rap lately...OR I'd look for a vintage machine...(my personal choice).

Thanks. After having a top of the line Viking, anything else will be hard to get used to. But at least it will let me sew up something.

I also would get a Brother.

I would get the Brother also. Bought a Singer at WM and always was a pain. Sold it and bought a vintage machine...well several!! LOL

Thanks, everyone.

i bought the Brother and am happy with it

I would find a sewing machine dealer or repair place and buy a good used one that the dealer will warranty &/or throw in some freebies with it.

Definitely the Brother!

I'd search your local Craigs List for a used, good machine and drag someone with you to pick it up:> You can usually find a quality, vintage machine in the $20-$50 range that will last forever.

I would get a vintage. You can pick up a nice used one really reasonable - 100 or less.

Yes it may not have the automatic threader and cutter as I see on the newer models.

I have decided not to buy another new sewing machine. I bought a Memory Craft 7000 when they came out in the 90's. My daughter wanted to know if I would give her my machine when I was finished with it. I told her I was never going to be finished using it. I went on eBay and found a 2nd one that was like new. I gave d. the machine I bought new. Then later I bought a 2nd one...identical. Now I have 2 of those New Home machines in my sewing room, along with an earlier model, the 6000.

some of the older machines are real work horses and unless you need or want all the fancy stitches, get yourself a good machine that is known to be reliable. I can understand why so many people on this board are crazy about the old machines. Mine was one of the first computerized machines and has served me well.

Consider buying a good used one...and ask around, the members here will tell you what they have that they love and would not part with.

June in Cincinnati

Brother, singers I have heard are just junk. I love my brother machines, none of them have ever given me any trouble. My MIL was sewing on my 17year old cheapo brother last week that I gave to her.

If I had to choose, I'd pick the Brother. I would only buy an older model Singer....

I would suggest checking out the Kenmore's at your local Sears if you have one. Their machines are really tough and very reasonable.

I would not hesitate to get the Brother. I sew on 3 dinky mechanical Brothers and they are all very obedient. they are not fussy with thread or cleaning the lint. they sew through anything.

The older Pfaffs are great machines. I use my 1986 Pfaff Creative 1471 all the time and would buy another one if I could find it. It is a real workhorse.

My Daughter bought a Brother, simple with an extension table. She has used it to make 10 or 12 quilts and has never been serviced and it just keeps working. She has had good luck with it.

I would opt for Brother.I have a Brother and find it a good machine.

I would get vintage also. Ann in TN

I bought a Brother at Walmart so I wouldn't have to take my machine back and forth to Denver. It works very well. I have had no problems with it. Cost less than $100. Not all Walmart's carry sewing machines. You can order it on line to be picked up at the store nearest you. No shipping charge that way. There is a very good selection.

For $300 you can get a Janome. Anyone have an opinion on this one?

Not the Singer

I would see if you could find a better used machine on craigslist...just a thought.

Janome and Singer are not by the same company, are they?

I have vintage machines but don't think I can machine quilt on them. Any advice?

I bought my Brother CS6000i from Walmarts and I really like it. The only thing that's not the best about it is that the harp gives you very little room to quilt any large pieces. Otherwise, it's got everything you need...needle down, darning foot, walking foot, quilting stitches, decorative stitches etc. It's very light, and comes with a carrying cover...making it easy to take with you to classes, bees etc. I bought mine online and picked it up at the store for no shipping cost just like "kateyb" said in her earlier post.
Also , doesn't Walmart now have layaway? If that model is too expensive, you could try layaway? Good luck with whatever you choose.

No...

Yes, you can quilt on your vintage machines. Any machine can quilt.

Try to find a nice local dealer who carries Brothers or other good brands, and buy a nice used machine that someone has traded in. Personally I always support the local dealers whenever there is a choice.

Wally World could care less. :thumbdown:

Brother machines get the best ratings at viewpoint.com

I've been to classes with gals that bought the Singer, nothing but trouble.

:thumbup:

Look at Craig's List. If that doesn't pan out, go with the Brother.

Get the brother, but look around and get the better one. And start checking the Salvation Army and thrift stores in your area. Forget the Goodwills. I picked up a Kenmore at my big SA store a couple of weeks ago for $14.99, and I love it. It had everything but a zigzag foot. THat actually cost me a couple bucks more than the machine...still well worth it.

I teach sewing, and occasionally let one of my students have one of my machines so they can sew at home. Hence was talking to my sewing machine mechanic a few days ago, and he said to stay away from all of the new Singers. They have been bought out, and the new ones are trash. I asked him what he recommended and he said the best ones on the market today are Brother and BabyLock. I have a Pfaff 7570, a Brother 6000i, a Viking 1100 that is on permanent loan, and a New Home older model. I like them all, but will only buy a Brother for a student now. You can get them reasonable. And if you want to buy on-line, go to Ken's Sewing in Muscle Shoals, ALA. They are very reliable, reasonable, and do a great job of packaging for shipping. You can get a good Brother for around $100. Also, their factory reconditioned ones are great, too. Hope this helps. M

I have a Brothers PRW model that does the 80 stitches, and it is great for making my mind up for me, lol. I keep the manual close to hand, and consult it to see what stitch I would probably like the best for what project. And the buttonhole foot makes it really easy to make a buttonhole. I paid $149 or so for that one. I really like the drop in bobbin, too. Lol....front bobbins and I have issues, but my Kenmore is teaching me.

Go to www.shopGoodwill.com and check out their sales...you may find something nice there.

Brother, I have two of Them

got rid of my $400 Janome and now have a couple high end vintage - Singer 403 and an Elna SU. Much happier. Go green - the vintage have a great track record and will last a very long time with good care and hold value. Much less expensive even if you buy at a repair shop.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-134918-1.htm - some quilts made on vintage machines
http://www.quiltingboard.com/virtual...jsp?vsnum=1013
There is a lot of info on this board about vintage sewing machines - somewhere there is a gallery of pictures too.
I gave my DIL a Singer 503 and she totally fell in love with the machine and with sewing. She wasn't at all slighted that I got her an old machine. Kids these days think different than we do I guess. She named her's after her grandma Margaret.

Buy a used singer ,Vintage machine.

I am near Knoxville, and I have one of the walmart Singers. It's ok, but it feels cheap. I'm looking on Craigslist for a replacement. There are plenty of solid machines for less than what a plastic one at Walmart costs