High end machines? Are they Worth the $$?
 

Hi-

Quick question for everyone..for those that have machines that are $3k or more, do you really think they are worth the $$? I'm just asking because I am in the market for a new sewing machine and its been years since I've looked and between all the new bells and whistles, its mind boggling.

When I say $5k, I am talking about SEWING machines only..not the embroidery combos. Thoughts??!

Generally the more it costs - the more options it has. I would base my decision on which options you want/need. Make a list and start checking it off. For me it was # needle positions, automatic presser foot, a handful of must have stitches - the extras were just icing on the cake so to speak, sewing area, extended table availability (now you can order aftermarket ones that fit) and dual feed (which at that time narrowed it down to one brand - Pfaff - now others have it). I, being somewhat "frugal" lol , purchased a used Pfaff Performance 2048 that had been upgraded be a dealer to a 2054.

I have said this many times - but will also say it here - which ever one you decide on - you would be happier if a dealer was nearby for service. Many of the smaller repair centers are not trained to work and service on these newer computer driven machines.

After I retired, I bought a new Singer for around $300. At that time that was the most I ever spent on a machine. Boy did I come to hate it. It was impossible to get the tension right. Next came a Bernette 65 for $250. Did not like that one either. Then I was given an old computerized machine that had auto tension and needle down. It was like driving a Cadillac after driving an economy car. Smooth going. But, it was made for sewing and not quilting so it had a small throat space and the presser foot lever and the thread would get caught up in the bulk of the quilt. Then bought a Babylock classroom machine that was originally $3400 and got it for $1700. Sure is nice to have all those decorative stitches, auto tension, needle threader, thread cutter, and nice large throat space (9") and the pressor foot and the thread are out of the way of the throat space. Nice.

But, the bad thing is that the local dealer has to send the machines to the next state over to get a certified repairman to service it. Which means being without my machine for atleast two weeks.

Figure out what you can afford - most dealers offer interest free for a set amount of months. Also, ask them about trade-ins. You might be able to get a more expensive machine that way. Some people treat their machine like cars and upgrade/trade-in every couple of years.

I bought one for $1500 several yrs ago, Janome. I pretty much use my old singers. I find more value there. Depends I guess on what you want from them.

I have a Janome 7700 and a Diamond both are high dollar and I love them both. Both do and act much nicer much much better then any of the cheaper machines I have had. At the same time some of the cheaper machines are very good just do not have the options mine have, and one important options on both is the larger throat area.

My babylock espire was 1800, my dreamweaver was 6400 with trade in on the espire, loved them both for various reasons and do think they are woth the money, that being said I used my cheapos for 10 years with no problems, so are they necessary no, are the wonderful if you can afford them yes, do i still use my cheapo, all the time, but when i do i very much miss the features on my TOL. IMHO they are worth the money if you can afford them why not have something nice for yourself, you work hard, you've earned it

Test Drive an inexpensive machine ($200-$300) then test drive a mid range ($1000-$1500) then test drive the
expensive babies! You can feel a difference in each one. BUT.... The high end to have many more bells and whistle of which you may not use often. BUT they also have features such as a larger throat area compared to the $300 ones that normally only have about 6" or so. I have a "Mid range" and love it! It has more stitches than I need but nice to have when you do want to do something more. Best advise I can offer is to write down the features you would really like to have, then go try out machines. Good Luck!

I learned to sew on my mother's Featherweight which she purchased in 1935. I worked for a Bernina dealer some 20+ years ago and fell in love. Over the years I have done thousands of hours of sewing in one form or another. I was able to purchase my first Bernina sewing machine at the dealer's discount, which at the time made it $1800. I probably had the equivilent of ten years worth of sewing hours on it when I traded it in on a newer but used model Bernina last year. I also purchased one of their basic lower end models for workshops etc. because it probably weighs 20lb or more less than my everyday machine. I also own a Bernina serger and a stand alone embroidery machine. Both of them are well used. The most unique thing a Bernina has is a knee lift. Until you have sewn with one you have no idea how wonderful it is. I only do basic machine quilting on Linus quilts but I don't know how I would do it without the knee lift. It is like having a third hand at all times.

My Viking Sapphire was $1100 new over 5 yrs ago. I love this machine with the 10 in throat. It is computerized.
It does not require lifting and lowering the foot, its automatic. When in needle down mode it will lift the foot just a little when you stop sewing. The only thing it dosnt have is a thread cutter.
I rarely use the fancy stitches and it has alot of them.
It also has a drop in bobbin which I insist on having on all my machines except one that I hate. The Baby Lock Jane. It is so primitive and has a complicated threading and a bobbin case under the machine. It came with my long arm table that I dont use because of this machine. Just wish I had the money for a long arm machine.

Go test drive some machines. I think that is the only way to know what you like. Mine is a Pfaff expression 2., and I love it, but it has about 120 stitches I don't use. Doesn't matter, I hadn't expected to use them when I got it. :) I fell for the "built in walking foot"..(I can't recall it's real name) and the wide throat. It was also quieter than most other machines I tried out. Mine cost $1500 from a local dealer. I don't think I got a "deal" but I do have service in town, lessons...even after 3 years if I want them...and free cleaning for 5 years.

But, go test drive. Take your own fabric so you can "feel" the machine better. Have fun. I let it get frustrating, but the hunt should be fun. :)

Dina

I have sewn on most all the high end machines. The all sew a nice. All the features and options give me a headache though. I'm just not sold on spending thousands for a machine I will use 99% of the time to sew a straight seam. I bought an older Bernina that has the features I knew I would use.

I had an older Bernina that I traded for a Janome. I now have a Janome Magnolia 7330 computerized machine, that I love, love, love! That one sells for around $400. I think it depends on how much money you want to spend...there are many lower priced machines that will do the job.

I bought a top of the line Pfaff probably 15 years ago. I have never been sorry. The high end machines have features you just can't get on the cheaper stuff - needle down, dual feed, needle threader (only started using that recently), etc...
That being said, I still use my old faithful 401a when the Pfaff is in the shop. Even if there isn't a problem, the newer ones need to have maintenance work to keep them running well. I do all the maintenance on my old Singer and she has not spent a single day in the shop in the 30 years I have had her!

I really love my Janome 7700. I just went for it. I have a computerized Brother ES6000. It was free and you can't beat free, but I wanted a bigger throat. I'm 70 years old and just started Quilting in December of 2012 so I think I deserved a really good machine. It has way more stitches than I will ever use, but I don't care. I have yet to install the knee lifter, but after reading the post from above, I think I will try it. Just do it!

I'm retiring TODAY! ( happy dance!). DH said to go upgrade my current 7700 Janome! I traded it and a second machine in,and took advantage of the sale they had ,and came home with an 8900! It came out at a price I. Could afford. This machine is very smooth and quiet( important since I sew inLiving Room,right behind DH's chair and he fusses if I sew fast and make too much noise). It has great lighting,an 11 inch bed and sews like a quiet dream. It'll be my work horse for years to come,I hope. I test drove a lot of machines before I made my decision.

The most expensive machine I ever purchased was my Janome 6500 and it has been the worst machine that I have ever had. I don't think you can judge a machine just by the dollars. My newest machine is a slightly used Juki-TL98Q (which I bought for $600) and I absolutely love it because it is capable of handling what I do. I do a lot of piecing, walking foot and FM quilting which this machine was designed to handle as it is sturdy, fast and has a larger throat. There is no point spending many extra dollars to buy a machine with 250 stitches if you just want to machine quilt. You need to figure out what you want your machine to do and what features you really need and shop for a machine based on your list. I haven't been able to find a machine that does exactly what I need so my solution has been to have two machines. My Husqvarna #1Plus was also purchased slightly used (many components still in the box) for $200 and will stitch multiple stitches, buttonholes, embroider etc. For $800 I now have machines that will do everything that I need to do.

Yes and no. It depends on what you want your machine to do. You can do amazing things with a very simple machine. BUT, that being said, some of the bells and whistles are really nice to have. Also, if you don't want to drop that kind of cash but want a high end machine, you could consider buying used. My Mom bought a used Pfaff at a local sewing machine dealer...she spent $1000 on it, new it was twice that. She's used it for ten years now and the only thing that has gone on it is the bobbin thread sensor...and she just doesn't want to pay to fix it. ;)

I would not recommend spending the extra money on a high end machine just for the fancy stitches. I would buy a higher priced machine for the features such as needle down, dual feed, etc.. Most of the time you can get a used machine with all the great features. I agree with Shelbie - who needs 250 different stitches??

I would first go to a dealer and see what they have in trade ins. A lot of time, they'll have a high end machine that was traded in for a higher end machine, this is how I got my Elna Quilter's Dream, a year old at the time, for $900.

I agree with the above. Go test drive some machines. I made sure I tried not only different price ranges but different brands of machines. I settled on the Janome 7700. It is my 2nd Janome and love them both. Also make sure you have a local dealer who can do repairs, answer questions and hopefully offers free classes to teach you all about using the many features of the machine. Mine gives free lessons for the life of the machine. Good luck.

I used a walmart brother for years and it did everything I needed... but as I found my self quilting more I wanted more throat space. I started researching and test driving. I ended up deciding on a baby lock symphony. It took me 2 years to save the money and when I got it in November I was so happy!!! Its not a $5k machine... but its has everything I wanted and more so that I can grow into it. I looked at the crescendo when I was in ready to buy the symphony and decided that I didn't need the extra bells and whistles that one had to offer at a higher price point. I love love the needle threader, the stadium lighting, auto foot lift, auto thread cutter, all things that I don't know what I did with out :) I tell my husband every night as I turn off my machine and clean up my sewing project that my symphony was worth every penny!!!

I bought a Bernina 440QE once my baby left for college and I took up quilting seriously. I don't remember the cost but it was a couple of thousand dollars 9 years ago - a lot of money for us. But, it had the features I knew I wanted; needle up/down, needle position, able to adjust pressure on presser foot, good free-motion tension, knee controller for presser foot up/down. I tried out all of the major high end brands and I just liked the "feel" and sound of the 440QE. It is a quite, precise, and reliable machine.

Since that time, I now own 17 more machines (mostly treadles and vintage Singers). I like them and use them most of the time since they do a great job at what I usually do - sew a straight stitch. However, I just mentioned to my cousin this week that as much as I like my vintage machines, if I had to keep only one machine it would be my TOL 440QE. I think that it was well worth the cost since it can "do it all". I am still happy with it and have no desire to trade up.

I bought my Creative Vision when I was still working. Yes, I have used it, but as I get older I tend to use it less because I have trouble lifting it to take to a friend's to sew together. I love it for the simplicity of the embroidery.

I like to stay with the same machine throughout whatever process I am doing: quilting or sewing.

In 2003, I was in the market for a really good sewing machine. DH was with me and I had a Bernina in mind, although I had not seriously shopped for one yet. We stopped first at the Baby Lock dealership. I was told that it was every bit as good as the Bernina. Perhaps it is, I don't and may never know. BUT, the issue is that it will do everything except make my morning coffee. It is the Ellageo esg3. Around $5,ooo at the time. It has the knee lift and lots of great features. It has the floppy disc drive for embroidery. I have never, and may never use the embroidery feature. It soon became obsolete, because soon after, they came out with a flash drive instead of the floppy disc. I only do quilting and making dolls and clothes for the great-grands.
Bottom line is, don't buy more machine than you intend to use.
~Skeetersmom

I bought a TOL Bernina about 15 years ago. I had a cheap Singer and went to a class at a Bernina dealer, didn't have the right presser foot and used one of the store's machines. I came home that night and told my husband I NEEDED a Bernina. The difference in quality was like night and day. I didn't rest until I had my Bernina. I've done a lot of sewing on it and never had a single problem. I would cut off my right arm before I would give up my original machine but I kept worrying that I needed a back up machine, just in case. I bought a 440Q and love it just as much.

I agree that you should consider the features, not the stitches. And be honest about how much machine you really need. I think you want to make sure you buy the best quality you can afford - it is a lot more fun to sew on a machine that never gives you problems.

As others have said, it really depends on what features YOU want/need in a machine AND the type of sewing YOU do. Me, I piece quilts, do home dec and crafting and every once in a while think about garments again. I don't machine quilt, don't have a desire to - I like hand quilting. I'm a spreadsheet queen. When I was looking for a new machine about 10-12 years ago, I made a list of my 'needs'; 'wants'; 'must-haves' and let my fingers do the walking on the internet for machines with those features. Then went test driving and pricing. Came home with my Viking Platinum and am extremely happy with it. Got it for a great price at the time and the repair guy at the local dealer is awesome. I had experience with him before that so knew what I was getting there. Some of my dealer's employees can be annoying but the repair guy is great so it's worth some attitude on occasion.

I love my Bernina-all four of them-plus a Bernina serger and an old 540. My last purchase was a Bernina 820 for $6,000. The only problem with it, is I can't afford two, one for sewing, and one for my frame.

I have the Bernina 830 - yes it also has the embroidery unit. I love my Bernina! Just bought a second machine, A Bernina 350 to take to classes and the quilt retreat. I would buy both of them again in a heartbeat. My big machine tells me when it runs out of thread, top or bottom, tells me when to oil and when to take in for service. I really like the way it sews.

When I was in the market for the first time I was looking into quilting therefore I wanted the "waking foot" function. Back then Pfaff was the only brand that had the built in IDF which is the walking foot. This alone made me looking into Pfaff only, then it was about the budget. The one I bought had the needle up/down, some needle position and 60+ stitches. I loved it and still do. Some years ago I decided I wanted to embroidery and looked into Pfaff again because I love the features. I bought different models until now that I upgraded to the Creative Vision.
I bought it when the Creative Sensation was put in the market so the CV dropped to 3K after being a 10K machine for 2 years. I love love the machine. I still cannot believe the difference when I am quilting in the free motion mode. The difference with the old machine as far as evenly stitches and easiness to free motion is amazing. I also love on this one the threader cutter and the automatic foot lift, which I cannot live without for applique which I love.
I don't regret the money spent. I cannot afford a 10K machine but settle with the used one from my Dealer which gives us the clients the best support.
Best advise, set up a budget, look into the features and how much support your will have from your Dealer.
good luck and let us know what you buy.

I love my Viking Mega Quilter. It's 6 years old and it only has straight stitch but its my workhorse. I also have the Viking Platinum 955E that is great for embroidery but I don't like it for sewing. My DH is buying me a Viking Tribute tomorrow.
I have wanted it since it came out and its now on sale. If anyone has one I would like to know what you like or don't like.I cannot wait for morning.

I have 3 Berninas and love them all. all I had a Kenmore before these and did not know how great a machine could be. Well worth it if u can afford it.

YES YES and YES. I am pretty thrifty and always chose the lower end of products for my own use. Finally decided I was worth it and yes, I could afford it so I bought a high end machine. I never once regretted that decision. I sewed a lot on that machine which was a real workhorse. After 5 years, I bought another real high end machine. Felt like I'd outgrown my previous machine. Again, no regrets. I sew every single day. I would certainly spend the money again.

I've had them all. Started with aSinger 60years ago. Went to a Kenmoore that was a real work-horse. Then it was on to Janome, Viking, bernina and I think there may have been a baby lock surger in the mix. Most were high-end machines. I now have a Bernina 720. (Have a Janome 300E for labels and stuff.) I traded in 3 machines, got a good price and it was still more than I ever paid for a machine. Is it worth the money? I doubt it. Why did I buy it? I am a gadget person and this Bernina dealer is close, honest, fair and extremely helpful. Of course you can sit right down and sew and do wonderful things But there is a huge learning curve if you want to get the very most out of them. I continue to take classes on the different feet and ways of using the 720. They are informative and stimulating and as a widow of 81, I can use these things. I make only quilts now and for piecing and quilting, I loved my old Viking Saphire but wasn't thrilled with the dealer. IMHO, think of the features you want, find a dealer you like, test drive all that you can and go with the best you can afford.

When I finished college ever so many years ago I purchased a Singer 401 with a desk cabinet. I have used it for 50 years. I inherited a Featherweight from my MIL and use it in our camper or to take to classes. I also have a Bernina 1130 that I have used for 30 years-I got it the first year they came out. All that being said I like top of the line machines and feel that they are worth their weight in gold because of reliability. I love my machines and use them a lot-like daily. Some days I think it would be nice to have a new machine-just to have a new machine. If I did do that I would certainly go for one far enough the line to be good to do quilting wonderfully well. My daughter-in-law has one of the inexpensive Singers (made for the Walmart crowd) and it is nothing but a headache. I taught a grandson to sew on my machines and he loves to sew-but he hates his mom's machine because of the problems. That being said, go for the best you can afford. You may not use all the bells and whistles but you could if you had the desire.

Congratulations on your retirement! Can you tell me more about your 8900, have you done any FMQ with it yet?

I think it depends on what you want to do. Some years back I got a Pfaff (higher-end than anything I'd had). I like the dual feed and use that a lot but I've not had occasion to use any of the special stitches, buttonholes, etc. on it. My workhorse is an old Singer 301A -- we have two in this house and you can't beat 'em for straight stitching and ease of use.

My diamond was expensive. It is my favorite one to quilt on. Plus I like to do machine embroidery. Viking has come out with the Diamond Deluxe. If I could afford it I would trade up. ( I can't!!!). I did embroidery on it during a class to introduce it. I could not tell which side was the front. That said....mine is still wonderful.

I've never owned an expensive machine until I got my longarm. Still have my old Brother for pieceing and binding. I did upgrade the old Brother and I absolutely hate the computized model. I have more trouble out of it than I ever did the cheapo one.

I want to just add to this - I do a lot of free motion quilting on my sewing machines and it IS worth it to get something industrial like a Juki if that is you goal. I am just burning my machines out and at this point, because I long arm quilt too, they don't keep up with me! Juki's actually stitch more stitches per minute than my long arm, so for projects I want to free motion I do want a higher end machine. But all high end machines are not made equally, so again, much of this has to do on what you want your machine to perform.