Help me pick a new machine!
 

Dear all,


I am new to this board but not new to sewing..

I have been sewing on a kenmore machine since 1985(!) and feel like it’s time for an upgrade.

I plan to mostly make garments but the occasional quilt or home decoration.

The machines have changed so much since 1985 as you can imagine,

right now I have been trying to decide between a PFAFF quilt expression 720 or a Husqvarna sapphire (not sure of the model number)

I did have quite the sticker shock when I saw how much these things cost now…

I like the IDT function with the Pfaff but the husqvarna is half the price..

Any and all opinions are welcome

Thankyou in advance!

Unfortunately, I am not familiar with either machine but just want to welcome you to the QB. I would be sure to test drive them especially for the investment. Good luck.

After having a nightmare experience with the service end of the new ownership of Husqvarna Viking I would stear clear of them. I have 3 and love them, but servicing is expensive. I now have Babylocks, an Aria and a Katherine and just love them both. Try out many machines to find the one that fits you. Telling someone which sewing machine to get is like recommending what kind of underwear to get. And buy one up from what you think you want because in 6 months you will want something better.

Welcome from Michigan!:)

I have been sewing forever and then some. I used to be a Pfaffer, but in the early 2000's, Pfaff, Viking, and Singer all got bought up and became SVP and the machines went downhill in quality. I bought a top of the line Pfaff 2170 in 2007, and in 5 years I went thru 3 mother boards, parts were no longer available and sadily for me, the machine is dead. I switched to Bernina and I'm very happy with the brand & customer service. I have the B770, which is amazing, and Activa 230 which is my travel machine. I also have the 830, but not as happy with that one and would not recommend it. The only other brand that I would recommend is Babylock. They are the same as brother, but more high end. Spend some time with at a dealership, if you can, and do some serious test drives. Dealers are making some amazing deals right now because of COVID. It can be harder to find a basic machine, the better prices are on the higher end machines. Get a machine that you can grow into and have fun with.
BTW, I had a basic Kenmore that I received for a graduation present and I sewed on it for about 10 years, it was a good little machine.

The only thing I know about Pfaff is my SIL has one and cannot find service in her area. She loves it but can't use any of the features that need to be repaired or replaced.
I only have Berninas and a shop that I love whenever I need them.

Welcome from Southern Indiana! I'm not familiar with either of those machines, so am no help, sorry...however, I'm sure you will get the info you need, because all of the members are so-o-o-o helpful, and knowledgeable! Welcome!

One thing I would say that is very important in your decision is that you have good service in the event you should need it. The store where I got my Babylocks is wonderful, will answer any questions over the phone and has very reliable service and at a good price, yearly maintenance is at no cost during the first year.

I love all my Brother machines.

My Pfaff and my Husqvarna are each 100 + years old, perhaps I am not the best info source.

Thought you might like to see my four year UFO sock project that my GF has in time out right now

Sewing machines
 

I have six different Janome ranging from class machines to the 15000. None of them have been in the shop for service. I have been sewing for 50 years. Started on a Kenmore in 1970.
the price on the Janome are very reasonable compared to all others. The 6600 is a workhorse.....been around for more than a decade. Still selling strong..now that they have a 6700, the 6600 should be much less...but with lots of features. I would stay away from Pfaff for issues and Bernina due to cost of the machines and repair costs. If you are quilting, take a quilt sandwich to a Janome dealer and try it out. Do not buy from a discount store, no matter what the brand. Determine your budget, determine feature use, test drive at dealer. Best wishes in your quest. Enjoy sewing/quilting.

I have a husqvarna quilt designer 2 and it is a pleasure to sew on I have had it since 2006 I think I could have got it earlier. I make quilts and do fmq it is a great machine

I currently have 3 Pfaff machines; a Select 3.0. Passport 2.0 and a Performance 5.0 and love all of them for different reasons. The thing I love most is the IDT built in walking foot. The Select 3.0 was my first Pfaff and it is mechanical so it is mainly backup, I use the Passport 2.0 for classes and even use it for ruler work and the Performance 5.0 is my primary machine that I have set up in my sewing room it has a throat opening of 9 1/2 inches. I have not have any problems with any of my machines and take for yearly maintenance. One of the biggest reasons I chose Pfaff is I my sewing dealer is only 15 miles from my home and is where I bought my machines from. Your choice of a machine should be based on what your budget is, features you know that you want and need and service of your machine if you have any problems. Test drive machines you are interested in to make sure it is the right fit and you can't go wrong.

Welcome from NE Ohio 🙋‍♀️

Wow, thank you all for all these great comments… I felt like I was getting the hard-sell from the dealer. They also service all the machines. (Pfaff, janome, Bernina, husqvarna)

He thinks the Bernina bobbin system is not good so steered me away from those... but I sewed on a friends bernina years ago and loved it. All the machines have changed so much since I started sewing, I’m a little bit in the weeds!

Welcome to the quilting Board and happy quilting :)

Hi, and welcome.

I am no help with the machines, either. I have machines I am happy with - but my newest one was made in the 1980s.

Welcome to the quiltingboard! I just purchased a Husqvarna Viking Jade 20. It's a lower end machine for that brand. I've heard good things about the Sapphire. Right now it's a bit difficult to get parts as shops are closing and delays due to closings for Covid. I think that may be the case regardless of brand unless you have a well stocked dealer nearby. The other brand I considered was Bernina. In any case, I hope you find the best fit for you and you enjoy it for years to come.