need help in purchasing sewing machine
 

Hi everyone, my name is Bill and I am not a quilter but my wife is and I would like to buy her a good sewing machine for Christmas. Can anyone give me some help on what brand you would recommend and anything I should avoid etc.

Thanks

I use a Baby Lock which I just love. There are all sorts of price ranges - hopefully you'll hear from soem others here.

I am sold on Janome. You can see if there is a dealer in your area and they can go over your options.

I love my Brother sewing/embroidery machine.

I would give her a gift voucher and let her decide for herself. She knows better than others what it is that she likes to do and what machines would suit her purpose.

There are several good choices out there, First find a real dealership where she can get support, lessons, maintenince etc. when needed. ASk if they do repair at the place of purchase or do they send the machines out for serivce. Look at warrenty! good brands that come to mind are Viking, Babylock, Bernina, Janome and Phaff. Make sure to tell the dealer that she is a quilter and needs the proper feet to go with the machine ( walling foot, free motion and 1/4 inch foot )... do purchase extra bobbins .. a quilter can never have enough bobbins. Determine ahead of time if she wants a machine that embroiders as well as sews this will help to narrow your search.
If she has a favorite Local quilt shop , they may also sell machines and have some knowledge of what she might want or has had her eye on.

There are many good brands out there, but not knowing anything about her intended usage, it makes it pretty difficult to recommend any particular machine. Different machines are intended for different purposes, with many different features.

You can spend anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to over 10 thousand for a machine.

My advice would be the same as a previous poster -- figure out how much you want to spend, then go to a reputable dealer and buy a gift card or gift certificate from them.

OH! I SO agree with this! My family , years ago, was going to get me a serger. My mom was going to order it out of a catalog , sight unseen. Luckily for me, I found out and was able to get the one I wanted. A handmade gift certificate would work for me!

I agree with others who have suggested a gift card. A sewing machine is a very personal purchase.

That being said, I LOVE my Baby Lock machines. There are models for all types of sewing, and I just got an e-mail from them that they will have Black Friday specials, as well as special financing available. I got a Baby Lock serger last year with 2 year no interest financing, which made it affordable for me.

Also, kudos to you! You're a very thoughtful husband.

My husband did the exact thing for me 5 years ago. I did not have a clue that I was getting a new sewing machine until I opened the box. That is why it was so special is that he was able to get what I wanted with out me knowing. He knew that I was happy with the Bernina I had for 20 years and the local Bernina dealer because of the great customer service I had recieved. He went to that dealer and told him what he was doing and that I had just started to get into quilting. He purchased a 440QE with the BSR and embroidery and a lap top. So the question is, do you want to surprise her? If so, do your research, is she happy with the brand she has? If so, go to that local dealer, and tell them what you want to do and what kind of sewing she does. If she is not, then what brand has she talked about? If brand or cost is not a issue, then go with a Bernina (not a bernette, it is not the same) You can't go wrong. It is, hands down, the best machine on the market, but also the most expensive. They offer a large price range in machines and choices. If it is not a surprise, then get her imput. Good Luck, it will mean the world to her that you care about her passion.

Bill, go to your nearest dealer and shop. You will get a million different opinions here. The best way is to get a decent deal through your local dealer so you can make sure she has access to classes and warranty work.

I think Candace has the right idea. If you want to surprise her, go to the local quilt shop or any shop that she has taken classes at and ask them. If she hasn't told you what she wants, she has probably told the ladies at the shop what she would like. Classes are a good idea when you have a new machine, and repairs are also a good idea. The local quilt shop that I bought my Janome machine at have classes to teach the owner the various stitches and what you can make with them. The classes are free for the first year if you buy your machine there. Not a bad deal IMHO. My DH bought me my machine for Sweetest Day after telling me it was too expensive. I was surprised and delighted. He doesn't do that every year, but once in awhile, so I'm always surprised.
Sue

Gift Certificate would be my take, then she can try different machines out and decide what she likes. You are going to get many opinions because there are many machines. I am a died in the wool Janome lover.

I have to say I love my babylock too, have been very impressed with it, or you can't go wrong with brothers. The Laura Ashley and Symphony(same machine) are really popular. Mine is the older model, and I can say I highly recommend it

I would add to this... make sure the gift card/certificate doesn't have an expiration date. She may have her eye toward a machine that costs more than what you are prepared to spend and may need more time to save up the remainder of the money for the machine of her dreams. We'll mark you as a keeper in our books. Have a great holiday season!!

Go with her to a shop that has a nice variety of machines that she can test drive or see demonstrated and purchase the one that ticks the most boxes.

Aren't you a sweetheart!!!!!!I agree with those that talk about getting service after the machine is purchased. Go with a well known brand and make sure there is a dealer nearby for instruction, service and accessories. Bernina and Janome are two popular and dependable brands.

Or call one of her friends and see it they know what she would like. A friend's husband called me a few years ago and asked about the machine I was using, she may have mentioned to it him. Good luck and you are the best.

I am all for the 440QE they are expensive but absolutely wonderful and the nicest stitch I have ever used but you do need a dealership near you as you get free classes whenever as long as you want we have a very active Bernins shop here to also you can check them out by googling BerninaUSA

You are so sweet and thoughtful! My main thought is that if you decide on a "gift certificate" it should be one you just write out yourself, expressing your sentiments and putting a dollar amount on it, just like a "real" gift certificate. That way, she can use it wherever she wants to, wherever she could get the best deal, for whatever she wants. If you purchase a gift certificate at a specific shop or store, then she is locked into that vendor. (I have a Viking which I love.) You're a good man!

My vote would be Bernina also. I have the QE and wouldn't trade it for the world. You just simply cannot go wrong with a Bernina they are the top of the line and there is a good reason for their price. I cannot think of anyone who would not LOVE receiving a wonderful Bernina all wrapped up in love. I am interest to know what you decide to go with for your lucky, lucky wife.

If she has a best friend quilter, you might ask that person because we usually tell each other our wish list. And as others have said, it's going to depend on your budget. Years ago my husband put his Visa card in a Christmas card with a note to "go and get that sewing machine you want". That was awesome!

I totally agree. Everyone has their own idea of what they want in a machine and what feels right to them. What a great Chrismas gift.

I could certainly see why you asked here, there are sooooo many to choose from! In my opinion, and it is only my opinion, but I have and do own many machines and brands.....Janome gives the most bang for the buck, the 6600P, 7700 Horizon and such. The 6500 is a wonderful machine but it does not have the accufeed. Steer clear of Singer, they are all plastic and not what they used to be. Brother makes many good machines, so many you would have a hard time deciding. Brother's Project Runway machines are supposed to be good. You start spending big bucks for a name when you get into Berninas, Pfaffs and Vikings. This is only my opinion....what a lucky lady you have to have a husband willing to go through this with her. Also, you could ask her...in some sneaky way? Best of luck!
Michelle

Buying a machine is a very personal thing. I agree with everyone that suggested a gift certificate. I have a Bernina 820, which I love but it may not be for her.

I think of sewing machine purchases like getting underwear. while it is a nice gift it is a little hard for people to understand what you like or need in one. Look at what she does and maybe talk to a dealer near you. I would suggest maybe getting an empty box with a sewing machine on it and putting cash or a gift certificate in it. if you are wanting the wow factor. This way she can really get what she wants. I would love the one my hubby got me but would love it better if he would have given me money or taken me to pick it out.

Bill, I totally second this recommendation. What's important to us, to the dealer, to you might be very different than what's important to her.

If you want to surprise her, maybe research major brands of machines to find models that are in your price range and then "gift" her with the brochures and let her try out and choose one. You can talk to dealers to see what kinds of discounts from retail might be available. This will help to identify the price range.

Good luck

You have gotten such good advice I have nothing to add except your wife is fortunate to have you in her corner. Merry Christmas to you both.

I would buy locally from your area. Then if you have problems or just need help she would be more likely to get it. Also my shop offers lessons if you need them. I have a husqvarna viking and I love it.

My husband sssooooo knows better than buy a sewing machine for me and I would never choose a power tool for him. What would suit one person won't suit another. You might give her cash. The vintage machines are so much better mechanically....

I love Janome and have the Janome Horizon 7700, and would highly recommend it.
However, a larger sewing machine for quilting is a big investment and I agree with the idea of giving her a gift card. Then go shopping with her so she can pick it out.

does she go to guild meetings or retreats? where she has to take a machine? quilt classes? maybe a featherweight? does a great streight stitch! and very light weight.

I have 2 Berninas and love them. Like earlier folks said, they are the top of the line and sew so well.

I love my Babylock Symphony.

Recently bought a Juki F600. This is a beautiful sewer. Huge selection of stitches, and accesories including quilting feet and walking foot, pulse huge platform. Box feed ensures beautifully even stitches. It's a lotta bang for your buck.

I'd go with either the gift certificate or take her with you when you go shopping for it. Every woman has her own preferences in what she wants in HER ideal machine and she will be using it a lot. And she might have a special machine in mind as her perfect machine.

I think you should take your wife to the dealers and let her decide which machine she wants.
I'm sure she has a 'dream' machine on her Xmas list. When my husband bought my sewing machine,
he took me to a dealer so I could make my choice. You will definitely be the 'man' this Xmas. LOL

Wow! What a great idea for a Christmas gift. I know my husband would be lost trying to figure this out on his own. I think asking her friends or the dealer where she shops would be great. If this doesn't work, a gift certificate might be the way to go.

This year I have purchased a Bernina 380 and a Brother Innovis NX 2000. I love them both but got more bang for the buck with my Brother. I love that machine.

Good luck! Your wife is going to be so happy.

Merry Christmas

My first machine when I started taking my quilting serious was a Janome and I love it!! I didn't get one that had all the beautiful stitches because didn't think I'd use them at the time. Well....now I wish I would have. My next machine will be a Janome for sure because I really like the way the machine sews and it's ease of use. Everyone will have different opinions and I did so much research that I was in overload. I finally just opened my laptop, closed my eyes and pointed at one. The internet is a fantastic tool but sometimes you can get too much information and before you know it you're more confused than when you started your search. Does your wife have a friend she sews with or perhaps a group of some sort? Maybe ask them if she's mentioned a particular brand or feature she'd like to have. Good luck!

A new machine
 

Wrap a toy sewing machine with a gift card from a dealer
near you that has good service. Mine is a Bernina dealer
and he is there when I need him. . It takes time to pick out a
machine that fits your needs as everyone has different projects.
Its something you can do together after the rush is over.
Yes I have a toy machine that my dealer gave me.
Check to see if they offer a gift with purchase.