Light Weight sewing machine to sit on bedside table.
 

I have been looking and to many out there. I just need it for pretty much straight stitching. I have 3 other machines but they are to heavy. Any help with light weight, good basics, that doesn't cost an arm and leg. I have dreams that this will enable me to keep sewing in future. Brothers have good rating, singer not so good. Those are the 2 that I have looked at. Hope you can give me some good advice from first hand use. Have a wonderful holiday season.

I have heard that the Janome Gems are small and lightweight and have heard good things about them. I don't have one but have 2 friends who do. Not sure what the weight on them is.

See if you can find a Singer Featherweight - fabulous little machine.

I just purchased an old lightweight singer. It only goes forward and backwards. It is great and over inUS easier to find . There is a featherweight that does a zigzag but these can be expensive. Somewhere over there sells and repairs no idea but do a web search.

Old Singer Featherweight...definitely! The new plastic machines are JUNK in comparison!

i got a brother 6000i from walmart and love it. it is very light to move from place to place and it makes nice stitches

Janome Jem is excellent.

I got a Brother SQ9050 from Wal Mart for traveling, I'm really impressed so far. I don't know how it will stand up over the long haul as I've only had it for a few months. It's only 13 lb.

I own a Janome Gem, got it now for at least 15 yrs. and I'm still very happy with it. Not once did the machine need a repair and I use it a lot.

The machine is not very heavy and wonderful to take with you, wherever you go.

I believe the Janome Jems run about 12 lbs. Lots of good comments about them from quilters. There are different models of this machine, ranging from those with just a few features and those with a lot of feathers and decorative stitches. Here is a link to just one of them on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Janome-Jem-Gol...dp/B000FLH2VE/

A lot of quilters buy these to take to classes because they are very portable (handle on top too).

My sister has one and it is very lightweight and it sews beautifully.

A Featherweight or Singer 301.

I agree totally with Candace. Those machines can't be beat unless you need stitches beyond the straight stitch.

Dayle

brother SQ-9050 from walmart, love mine

I have two Heavy Janome's that I love. I needed a light weight mahine for classes so I bought a Janome Jem. The Jem doesn't compare with the other machines. It has a nice straight stitch, but it just doesn't feel sturdy to me. S, I went and bought a Brother CS-770 at Hancock Fabrics for $139.00 on sale. It was a very pleasant surprise at how nicely it sews. I wasn't expecting to like the machine, but I really do and could not beat the price. It weighs about10 pounds.

We have started collecting and refurbishing Vintage Singer featherweights because what's not to love. They only weigh 11 lbs. They are quiet. And they are cute as the dickens. I'd go for the featherweight. At least if you accidentally knock it off its not likely to break like a plastic one. And parts are pretty easily available. They even come in colors, we just got in a white one.

Janome Jems are reliable. They are approximately 12 pounds. Perfect straight stitch. Janome seems to have the best portable machine on the market.

You gals and guys have come thru again. Was surprized at what you pick as I didn't even looked at some of the models. I will have to spread out the field for shopping. Thank you for your help. You are great.

I would get s Singer Featherweight or a Singer Spartan or 99. I have all of them, and LOVE them!

I have had the Janome 3120 for two years and love it for its portability. It weighs only 12 lbs., has needle up & down function, thread cutter, several decorative stitches, needle threader AND it sews a really nice stitch. I also have the Janome 11000 & an Elna 7200 but I love to use my little 3120.

I've heard good things about IKEA's inexpensive sewing machine. It has straight stitch plus quite a few decorative stitches, the feed dogs don't drop so it would be hard to use for FMQ.I looked at one last week and it is too small to FMQ on it anyway. It's cute and runs about $80.00, I don't have a backup machine, don't think I need one but I might ask Santa for one anyway. My grandson wants to quilt and I won't let him anywhere near my Bernina which I love. It's worth looking into.

I have a Janome Harmony that I teach my grandchildren on. I'm always surprised when I sew on it how well it does. I just discovered (by accident) a great little decorative stitch on it that I love!!