What sewing machine you recommend?
#1
I am looking for a new sewing machine. I have only $400 to spend. I have never learned the difference in sewing machines and always bought the least expensive from WalMart. I want to be able to quilt, regular sew and some embroidery (if this is even possible at this amount).
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Nicole.
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Nicole.
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Maple City, MI
Posts: 2,135
You are much better off going to a dealer and buying a used machine than a cheaper model at JoAnns, etc. Just tell them what you want to do with it, and see what they have in your price range. The machines that do serious embroidery are much more expensive...but you should be able to get some nice creative stitches for that amount.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 606
Originally Posted by hrtireladie11185
I am looking for a new sewing machine. I have only $400 to spend. I have never learned the difference in sewing machines and always bought the least expensive from WalMart. I want to be able to quilt, regular sew and some embroidery (if this is even possible at this amount).
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Nicole.
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Nicole.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Glenmoore, PA
Posts: 7,941
Originally Posted by hrtireladie11185
I am looking for a new sewing machine. I have only $400 to spend. I have never learned the difference in sewing machines and always bought the least expensive from WalMart. I want to be able to quilt, regular sew and some embroidery (if this is even possible at this amount).
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Nicole.
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Nicole.
#5
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Keene, New Hampshire
Posts: 4,211
I have an old non-computer Bernina 1030 that I love.
I also have a Jem Platinum that I also love - got it for just under $400. It has a walking foot so you can quilt on it. It is semi-computerized, whatever that means.
I really like 2 features 1. a needle down button and 2. the regular foot has a bar attached that keeps one sewing at 1/4" seam allowance.
I recommend it without reservation.
The Jem Gold is cheaper, no computer features but does have 1/4" bar.
Good luck.
I also have a Jem Platinum that I also love - got it for just under $400. It has a walking foot so you can quilt on it. It is semi-computerized, whatever that means.
I really like 2 features 1. a needle down button and 2. the regular foot has a bar attached that keeps one sewing at 1/4" seam allowance.
I recommend it without reservation.
The Jem Gold is cheaper, no computer features but does have 1/4" bar.
Good luck.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: The middle of an IL cornfield
Posts: 7,014
There are many people quilting on sewing machines from Wal-mart that fall in your price range. My machine that I use for decorative stitches is a cheap Brother from Wal-mart. Until recently it was my ONLY machine and I was able to quilt large throws on it it.
Buy the best machine you can find that falls in your price range. Look at Wal-mart, look at dealers and do some research on the machines you find available. You can find many customer reviews online and get a feel for what people who own the machines are saying about them. Most of all don't let anyone push you into buying a machine that costs more than you are comfortable paying.
I don't do machine embroidery, so I can't answer that part of your question.
Buy the best machine you can find that falls in your price range. Look at Wal-mart, look at dealers and do some research on the machines you find available. You can find many customer reviews online and get a feel for what people who own the machines are saying about them. Most of all don't let anyone push you into buying a machine that costs more than you are comfortable paying.
I don't do machine embroidery, so I can't answer that part of your question.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,334
The suggestions people have made are good. I have another thought.
Make sure and 'try out' the machine. I go to a craft day with some of my sister's friends (I think they ask me because a couple of them wanted to learn to quilt). One lady has a machine that clacks when it sews....like the machine is angry that it's having to do its job. I've oiled it for her but it still doesn't keep even stitches and it still clacks..... and moves around. You want a machine that sounds like it's happy to sew for you.... a nice hum or click, click, click like my featherweight. And you want it heavy enough that it stays put when you're sewing a couple of pieces together. There are many good machines out there but look for a good brand (no new Singer ... the newer ones aren't worth the price). I have 2 Vikings, 1 featherweight and 1 treadle. All but one were used when I found them. I had to buy a 1/4" foot and walking/ darning feet extra. I love them all, keep them clean and oiled and they love me.... sew like it's what they live for.
Good luck in your search. Let us know what you find.
Make sure and 'try out' the machine. I go to a craft day with some of my sister's friends (I think they ask me because a couple of them wanted to learn to quilt). One lady has a machine that clacks when it sews....like the machine is angry that it's having to do its job. I've oiled it for her but it still doesn't keep even stitches and it still clacks..... and moves around. You want a machine that sounds like it's happy to sew for you.... a nice hum or click, click, click like my featherweight. And you want it heavy enough that it stays put when you're sewing a couple of pieces together. There are many good machines out there but look for a good brand (no new Singer ... the newer ones aren't worth the price). I have 2 Vikings, 1 featherweight and 1 treadle. All but one were used when I found them. I had to buy a 1/4" foot and walking/ darning feet extra. I love them all, keep them clean and oiled and they love me.... sew like it's what they live for.
Good luck in your search. Let us know what you find.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Missouri
Posts: 959
I would recommend a used Bernina. They are great machines.
But I don't think you can buy any kind of quality machine to do sewing and embroidery for $400.00. A dealer will probably let you make payments on a used machine.
But I don't think you can buy any kind of quality machine to do sewing and embroidery for $400.00. A dealer will probably let you make payments on a used machine.
#9
I would go for a good machine for quilting. A Brother 1500 has a large, little over 9", throat. Its great for quilting and piecing as it has the auto. cutter on it. It is a straight sewing machine. No fancy stitches, but a beautiful quilter. Later, you may find a used Janome 5000 for about 250. to $300. in my area. Does fantastic embroidery 4x5" but I think the nicest embroidery of all the machines.
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