Looking to purchase a new sewing machine
 

I am looking at purchasing a new sewing machine around Christmas time. Right now I am looking at the Husqvarna Viking Opal 650 but I am also intrigued by the Eversewn Sparrow 30 and its price. Does anyone have experience with the Eversewn machine?

A Little background:

I started out sewing on a super old Kenmore that had been passed down to me from my great grandmother. I loved that sewing machine but it eventually died and I have been using my brother embroidery/sewing machine and have gotten quite used to all the bells and whistles it has. I use my machine every single day and mainly sew multiple layers of fleece. While my brother has done well, I would like something with more power.

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I'm afraid I don't know anything about either of the two machines you mention.

For sheer power, I don't think you can go wrong with a Bernina - but they are $$$

I bought the Husqvarna Opal 690Q in March and I am very happy with it. I love how the foot pedal can be used to raise and lower the presser foot. I don’t remember if the Opal 650 had that feature, but in any case, I think the Opals really sew nicely and have a little more workspace than my old machine.

I don't have the Opal but do have an older Viking (@ 15 yrs - computerized) and absolutely love it. No issues whatsoever in the entire time I have owned the machine. So far the only thing I've found that it won't sew through is 5 layers of boat canvas!

I have a 17 year old Husky - Quilter 525. Never had any problems with it, and hope I don't have to buy another one - I hate learning a new machine.

I would buy the viking, they have been around longer

I have had a Bernina record for 36 years and 3 years ago my sweet husband bought me a new larger computerized Bernina that I love. The problem was it did not fit in the built in cabinet in my utility room where I did/do most of my sewing (while I do laundry). So I bought the eversewn 25 for under $400. It is a nice enough machine but I have trouble sewing over seams while piecing. It frustrates me that it moves off of 1/4 inch or hangs up when going over a previous seam. I now run up stairs to use my Bernina all the time. Getting lots of exercise. I’d buy the Viking if I were you.

While I can not comment on either machine as I have not sewn on either, I do have some advice about purchasing as I worked for Viking Husquavarna for a couple of years.

If you are looking at new machines, do not hesitate to try and negotiate the sticker price. If they are firm on their price, haggle for extra feet, single hole needle plate etc ... They make good machines but I will tell you Pfaff (with their IDT option), Babylock and Bernina (which is pricy) do as well. I am a Pfaff fan because of the IDT (integrated dual feed) which is excellent on multiple thick layers.

If you are a seasoned sewer and can learn the machine from the users manual, you might look on craigslist. There are a lot of excellent machines out there that are almost brand new at a lower cost than purchasing new. If you do look at used machines, bring with you some scrap fleece so you get a sense of how the machine handles the thicknesses you sew through. I have bought my last three machines off of Craigslist with great luck.

Good luck in your search!!

I am a Viking owner, have been since 1975, have loved them all, from my first 6040, to my Epic. So I guess I would say get the Viking!!!!

I love the Eversewn 30! I sewed on one at a class and it was like sewing on my Bernina. I really couldn't tell any difference in the feed or the stitch from my Bernina. For the price it sure beats all the other newer machines out there for me. The Eversewn Hero does machine embroidery.