Help....Need new Sewing Machine...
 

I am going to buy a new sewing machine. I have only been using a sewing machine for about 2 yrs. I've been using one that was given to me. It is about 20 yrs old, but I want a new one. I started looking online at machines and oh my gosh, I really don't know what kind to buy. I'm looking at spending between $200 - $300. I have not learned how to "quilt" on my machine but I would like to learn in the future. So I would like to know what you guys/gals suggest for a sewing machine with this information in mind. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Decide which feature is most important to you. I would suggest the Janome Jem line for a new machine that has lots of features for the least price. I have the older Janome Jem and it has never given me a problem. Check out the top of the line Kenmores. They are made by the same company that makes Janome.

The Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116 is a great machine that's in your price range. Sews well and is quiet.

I am beginner quilter and I purchased a Janome DC3050 it is a great machine for me as a beginner and easy to use.

i love my little janome jem. check out your local dealers.

I have a janome jem and it is a neat little machine.

Decide what features you want, write them down in a notepad, then go to several dealers with some fabric swatches and try them out. Mark the swatches as to which machine. Take notes in the notepad, then go home and make a decision without the pressure of a sales person.
I think most dealers have machines within your price range. They will probably try to get you to buy higher. Hence the suggestion to go home and make the decision.
How much support they give after the sale is also a consideration, such as classes on the use of the machine, service, etc.

I am much like you. Just started back sewing, but was never really a big sewer to begin with. Made a few kids clothes when mine were little. But now I am learning to quilt and I also am sewing some for the grandbabies. I just bought a new machine, Brother LB 6800 THRD from Costco. It is the same machine as the Brother 400SE, just a pckage deal with thread from Costco. So far I love it. I have only used it for about a month, made a quilted table runner and a dress for my grandbaby so far. I want to learn the embroidery part, but no time to try it yet. I think that will be a great feature to have. It sews like a dream and I love the features! It was $368.00. I think it is money well spent. didn't want to spend too much in case this sewing bug is a passing thing. I am horrible to start something and then frop it after a short while. Good luck with your decision.

I am a Bernina snob, nothing sews like a Bernina. Buttttttt.......a couple of years ago I bought a little Brother, it is the fore runner to the 6000i, and it's a great little machine. I bought it because I can no longer lift the heavy Bernina's to take to class and such. This little Brother makes a great stitch, a darn good button hole and has a host of features and decorative stitches. I only paid $139 for mine, you can get the 6000i on ebay for less than $200. I don't expect it last for ever, but I figure if it last a couple of years I've got my money out of it.

I have been very happy with my three vintage singers, but, really do enjoy my dinky mechanical Brother, Walmart variety, which has never failed me, is not fussy on thread, and sews through anything. It is about 8 years old.

Oh how exciting, good luck with whar ever you decide.

I have 2 brothers. I had a basic that I bought 10 years ago at wal-mart for 150 works great and I quilted and sewed everything on it. Last month for my birthday my husband bought me the brother 6000i, i've progressed and wanted more stitching options and it had been 10 yrs! I was 200 and I love it!! came with bonuses too a walking foot, darning foot, quilting bar thing, and case. Awesome deal..im a full time student right now so i wanted the most for my money under 200. At first I picked a brother so I wouldn't have to buy more feet, they came with them was a bonus because the walking foot for my old machine is not compatible..its now my daughters machine.

Thank you all...I haven't decided which one I want..but I have narrowed it down to 3 (thanks to you all) Brother CS600i, Singer Confidence Quilter 7469q, or a Janome Jem Gold 660...These 3 got good reviews. I just felt so overwhelmed when I started looking at machines yesterday. I never knew there were so many different kinds. Thanks again, you don't know how much I appreciate all of your suggestions.

go to a dealer and test drive everything! sometimes a dealer will have a good used machine for lots less than new and will also enable you to get more for your money.....check with repair shops too....I bought a used Janome from a dealer for hundreds less than new and am very happy

I agree, decide what features you want. You probably don't need a lot of fancy stitches, just maybe a few basic ones: adjustable zig-zag and blanket stitch. You might want to be able to move the needle position [I do this a lot!]

Also consider any extra feet you might want: 1/4" flange guide, 1/4" foot, open toe applique foot, walking foot [if needed for the type machine you want - don't need with a Pfaff], and an edge guide foot. How much do the extra feet cost???

Are you open to a good used machine? Many LQS's have them. I have also seen used machines in estate and yard sales ... just ask to try them out to make sure they really work and have all their pieces like a foot pedal and and a power cord.

Does the store offer support in the way of lessons? If they want you to pay for these ... walk away quickly!

Try the different brands and see what you bond with.

For example I could have had my mother's machine years ago but the way it was I knew I wouldn't use it as much because my kids would distract me and I would set the stitch - seen only in a little tiny window at the front of the machine, seen only if I scrunched down and looked right at it - on the wrong stitch and would get upset. Definitely not a machine I could bond with.

ali

About 10 years ago was in your same place. My daughter and I bought mechanical Kenmores for under $200. Of course I loved quilting and now have 2 Pfaffs, a Viking and... the Kenmore... The Kenmore still sews strong and is a great machine for teaching the younger ones how to sew. They can concentrate on their sewing and don't have to fiddle around with the machine. So don't forget Kenmores.

I started out with this machine, and agree that it is a great machine for beginning. I kept it for two years then upgraded to the Memory Craft 4900....love that machine as well!