Inexpensive new mechanical machine
 

I am wishing to obtain an inexpensive mechanical sewing machine to do straight-stitch even stitching of variable lengths. A new machine is preferable. I enjoy piecing only. Model suggestions?

I suggest a basic mechanical Brother.

I'm no expert, but I think all new machines are electronic these days. (I assume you meant mechanical vs. electronic.)

bkay

I have a mechanical Janome that I bought a few years back. I too like to have a mechanical for some things.

I will second the Brother suggestion. Be careful with the new inexpensive Singers out there, most aren't much good, even the ones that claim 'heavy duty'. (I unfortunately learnt this from experience!) I have had three Brothers now, one I had to leave in New Zealand when I moved, one I gave to my sister a few years ago when she showed an interest in quilting, and then the one I have now, which is a cheaper end one from Costco. It is computerized though.

I enjoy piecing too, but once I discovered fusible appliqué, I am now enjoying it too.

I recommend the Juki 2010qi. this site has a great price https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004C04YII...a-309685373732
it has a larger harp and great stitches. i used to have an older model of this and loved it!

I also have the juki 2010qi. Bought it because of the larger harp as I do my own FMQing. Am now going to buy a HQ sweet 16 sit down and will use the juki for piecing.

The Juki isn't exactly inexpensive though, unfortunately. I really want one, or the Brother one that's similar. I just need to keep saving my pennies!

I have a Janome Magnolia 7318 which is mechanical and I love it. It was $250 when I bought it, and it's still doing a great job for me. I do everything on it - piecing, quilting, binding. It was the only sewing machine I've ever owned until recently when I bought a cheap computerized Singer to use downstairs while taking care of the baby and toddler, but I returned the first one because it randomly skipped stitches every 20 stitches or so, and jammed. Bought another, hoping the first was just a lemon, but on the second day of using it, it also randomly skips a stitch when I use the needle down function. Sad, because I'm learning that I really love the needle down!

I wonder why you would prefer a new machine. For straight stitch, the old Singers are fantastic. Some models are very inexpensive, you can do any maintenance yourself, and they are super reliable.

I'm not the OP, but I had considered buying a featherweight since I was looking for light and portable and mostly for piecing, but in considering the current price of them in my area ($400), plus it would probably need to be checked out by a repair shop and may require maintenance (minimum $100), and if it needed a new motor ($150 for the part) or other parts, the costs were just racking up. Combined with the fact that with a used machine purchased from an individual, there is no return policy, it wasn't worth the risk for me.

At least with a new (cheap) machine, it wasn't much upfront cost and I could return it if there were issues (which there have been for me). I knew Singers were cheaply made and not of good quality anymore, so I was prepared for problems at least :)

Check out the Eversewn machines. They're getting great reviews, a lot of machine for a smaller price point. There are 3 mechanical models, Sparrow 15, Maker 100 and Maker 200. Amazon sells them as well as some dealers.

Cari

Yes to Sparrow! I think I'm the only one in my guild that doesn't have one yet. LOL Everyone loves the Sparrow 25. The Sparrow Hero has embroidery. I'd buy the Hero for the auto thread cutter. The auto thread cutter saves me a lot of dollars in thread cost.

For less than $100 in most of the country, the OP could buy a Singer 201 in very good shape. This was the Cadillac of sewing machines when it came out, and it makes a beautiful straight stitch. It will also last until she gives it to grandchildren on her deathbed, assuming just a little bit of regular oiling. For less money, she can buy a Singer 66, another good machine. These don't have needle threaders or needle-down buttons, but they are rugged, easy to maintain, and just about bullet proof with a beautiful stitch quality. If you need portability and cuteness, the Singer 221 (Featherweight) is also a nice machine but not as rugged as the other two. I have two of each type, though I haven't used any of the 66s recently, and only one of the 201 and 221 get used. I really should thin the herd some.

The old Singers are great for straight stitching. True, they don't have needle down or needle threaders, but on the other hand, you can pick up a 201 or 301 fairly cheaply. I have my mother's 1956 or 57 301a and it's still just stitching along after 60 years with very little maintenance. I love to piece on that machine.

all true with an exception. I have collected a bunch of nice vintage machines but the big but is that when I wanted one I didn't just run down to the store and get one. Some of the ones took years to locate in good condition for a price I was willing to pay. So if the OP wants a basic machine any time soon and doesn't come across a nice vintage one she will not be doing any sewing at all. And we have read the horror stories of shipping from eBay and shop goodwill. Just my point of view from my own experience.

I have used a Janome 128 (or 3128 the same machine) for piecing. It has served me well.

Any opinions about the old Singer 404? It is a straight stitch only, slant needle machine -

My son used one - and it seemed relatively hard to mess up.

Also a great machine. I hesitated to mention vintage machines because the OP didn't ask about them.

Cari

I have had a good experience with the Janome HD3000 there is also tge HD1000.

I have a Juki 2010 and a Janome HD3000 both are great mechanical machines. The Janome 2212, is a nice basic machine, the 2206 is good too.

Wow! A lot of options. I am so excited about looking into this at more depth, and really appreciate all of the advice and suggestions. You guys have made my day!!! Thanks. I've been searching at Goodwill, Estate Sales, Thrift Shops, and Yard Sales for about a month, and am thinking a new machine is the way to go for me at this time.

The Juki 2000Qi is still available for under $700. I bought one recently to replace an older Juki and the new one is fantastic. It is a simple straight stitch machine, but has the wider harp space.

don't have one, but I'm hearing the same thing and a friend that sells LA recently started stocking them because they are so dependable.

What price point would you consider "inexpensive"?

Please do not discount the used machine market. I purchased a wonderful machine, a used Brother PQ1500 from another quilter who was upgrading to a full-sized longarm. It's a mechanical straight-stitch only and it's a workhorse. A new one runs about $700-$800. I purchased it for $400. I own 7 machines and it's my favorite.

Try looking for a used machine at your local sewing machine dealers, and let people in your local guilds and quilt shops know that you're in the market.

Also, check into reconditioned machines. Years ago, my husband bought a reconditioned machine from Overstock.com for $300. It came with a full warranty. It worked beautifully and was my "daily driver" for years until I bought the PQ1500.

Exactly what I would recommend. I have one. It works well and travels to guild meetings well.

This ad is for the Juki 2000 not the 2010q, but I have seen the 2010q cheaper on line with free shipping, you just have to look.

For piecing, make sure you get a machine with built in top feed dogs (as well as lower feed dogs). I suggest buying an older Pfaff. They are awesome machines, and you can probably find one for less than $500. I had two and sold one a few years ago when I bought a newer machine with knee lift and thread cutter (Babylock Serenade) besides top feed dogs. I still use the Pfaff for backup. I just didn't need two backup machines.

Do you have a sewing machine repairman near you? Sometimes they take in trade ins. You can pick up an old (I mean vintage) Singer for under $100.00.

My sister bought the Brother Quilting package at Costco years ago and has been very happy with it.

A mechanical Janome if you want a new machine or used Singer 15-91 or the like.

You can't go wrong with a reconditioned Singer Featherweight. Very reliable.

As someone else mentioned - it might be easier to just go to a store somewhere, buy a new machine, and take it home - now.

One can get awesome used/old/vintage machines - but it can be luck of the draw when it comes to finding one at the time one wants one.

my favorites are Janome Jem Gold, Janome MyStyle100, Janome HD 1000. These are $300 or less. The Mystyle has drop feed and pressure adjustment and I think the HD3000 mentioned above also has it. The other 3 do not have those 2 features but they sew extremely well. I'm currently using my Jem Gold as my go-to piecing machine for the narrow feed-dogs, quiet operation and perfect straight stitch. Pfaff, Viking and Bernina also carry a mechanical machine but they are considerably more more..start at $500-$600 I think. There are quite a few mechanical Brothers also starting at $100 but I'm not familiar w/ their model #s.

I have the Brother 1500 also. It's a great machine. Straight stitch only. Built to last.

I love, love my 1958 Singer; all metal parts and it will do any job asked of it.
model 401A

I have a Janome Jem and it is great. You might want to consider some of th older machines, they were built to last and really out preform the the new ones hands down.

I bought a Viking Emerald about 2 months ago. I was looking for a machine to travel with. One that didn't have a lot of features but would handle satin and organza to denim without an issue. I went into the store to get a Babyloc Anna or something similar. The Emerald was only $50 more. I think I paid just under $400 for it. Why did I buy another machine? Well, I had been working on a quilt at work. I took my daughters free Singer in to sew on. It decided to tank and quit working. Then I took an old Brother in. It decided to do the same thing. 2 machines in one week. The local sewing machine store said they weren't worth fixing. I bought the Emerald. I love it. Check it out.

Get an inexpensive Brother or Baby Lock(they are made by the same company) Great machines. My first one was from Costco, and as far as I know is still running. I replaced it because I wanted a larger throat as I do DMQ.

Definitely look for used machines. I was at a class at my Bernina dealer last night, and they had received 30 Bernina 220 (I think?) machines from a school for resale. They sold 5 of them in 3 days! A happy user was walking out as I was coming in. Used machines at most dealers will get you classes and discounts.

I again appreciate the responses. Thanks!