SillySusan

Hi and welcome from North Carolina!

I wanted to step up from my little simple sewing machine several years ago and got one of those fancy computerized Vikings for pretty big $$$$. I was so sorely disappointed. It had all kinds of fancy buttons and switches, but it didn't last long and couldn't be repaired. The service guys said that it wasn't worth fixing. I went to Walmart and got a "Heavy Duty Singer." No bells or whistles, but it does everything I ask of it.

Don't be so quick to toss your old Singer. It could be all you need.

Mousie

this is such an excellent answer!
The last time I upgraded this is what I did and now asking someone
else to pick a machine for me is like sending them to buy my clothes
or shoes. I'm being funny but you have your own unique likes and
dislikes and need to find out what they are.
This thread may give you accessories/options to consider though.
Also, when you narrow down the brand, googling reviews on prices
might not be a bad idea.
Some dealers will sock it to ya and others are much more fair.
I'm not above buying gently used things either depending on what it is.

Schill93

I think that you have to be aware of the features "available" in the price range you can afford in narrowing down what machine to get. Before I purchased my Babylock, the only feature I was aware of that I knew I wanted was an automatic threader. As I only had a simple mechanical sewing machine before, I was not aware of what kind of features were available, as until I had an opportunity of using them, I did not know I wanted those features.

I think this is the basis for a new informative thread we should all contribute to. This could help many new quilters as to what is available on different price range machines, and what you find most useful on yours. Price vs. features is a important component of this. Comparing features available on a $300 machine with a $10,000 is of no help.

I think that the poster needs to post their budget that they are working with, so more people could make some suggestions to help them out. What is mid level to one person, may mean a budget of not more than $500, where to another it is $3,000.

Murphy224

I would suggest going to the websites of the major brands and see what they offer. Do a google search to find the manufacturers website.....Babylock, Bernina, Janome, Viking, Singer, etc. Nearly all of them list their machines, the features of that machine, the costs, where you can find a dealer, etc. They also generally have a way to compare the machines. Or go to the websites of the machines that are available from dealers near you. I suggest doing this before you go to a dealer so you are better prepared to try out the machine you are interested in.
Welcome to the board but your question is extremely broad and difficult to answer without more information,as Schill93 has kindly pointed out.
Good luck in your search......I think you may be awestruck at the machines available in the market today! Your pocketbook may be shocked as well!

jmoore

There are a lot of machine choices nowadays....I just want to say Welcome to the QB. Please share back with us when and if you decide on a new machine.

craftdiva

From another neighbour- North York.
Take your time. Actually take something you are working on and use it as you try out the machines. There are so many little features that you may think you don’t need but suddenly realize that they’re handy. My machine has a knee lift which I can’t quilt without. It’s like a third hand when manoeuvring a big quilt. It’s the little things that become important.
Check out Guelph for a sewing machine place with a good variety of machines. Can’t remember the name right now but several friends have used them. Purchasing, classes, etc.

QuiltMom2

Please don't discount an older/vintage machine. Good luck and happy quilting with whatever you get.

ka9sdn

All of the above are great input. When you have narrowed it down take some of your own fabric to try the machine out--two pieces like you are making a block and if you want to quilt try it with 2 fabrics and a batting to see how that works. A lot of the stores use a stiffer piece of fabric that will indeed sew differently that your fabrics. Quilting and pieceing really are 2 different sewings. Hope you find your machine

suspendedglass

Yes I lived in and purchased my very first pfaff over 40 years ago from a sewing machine business in our home town of Guelph! I still have it and it works fine. I have upgraded a few times as my life changed and we moved around but still can't bring myself to sell sell it!
I think that same business still exists. You might consider a phone call and get some suggestions on a reliable machine that meets your price point! Good luck!

Flyboy Jim

A question that comes to mind to me is: "Why do you want to upgrade"? Once you answer that question, you'll be well on your way to finding your new machine.

Also, knowing exactly what "basic Singer" you have would help folks.