What is the best straight stitche sewing machine?
 

So I have been looking on online for good sewing machines for me to piece on that way if I need to get my other sewing machine cleaned I can have a back up. I have looked at several but before ordering I would like to know if you have used these sewing machine's or know anything about them. I have read and researching them for a couple weeks know.

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XR9500...VV5HP4KX3EK68Y

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AKKPW3K?psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XR1355...sewing+machine

If you are only looking for a good straight stitch, I would skip all of those machines and purchase a vintage Singer in good working condition. Check your local Craigslist, E-Bay, and GoodWill stores. You should be able to pick up a machine for $50 or under that needs some cleaning, or a machine that is cleaned and ready to go for under $200 ... with a cabinet.

Models 15 & 15-91 are good strong machines that can sew a beautiful straight stitch. The 15-91 is gear driven (no belts) and providing you keep it in good working order (oiled and cleaned), it will go forever. It's a fairly large and heavy machine. Another fantastic full size Singer is the model 201. I wish I had a 201 in my collection.

The model 99 is a smaller (3/4 size) machine and is also a nice machine.

The 401 and 221 (featherweight) are smaller and lighter weight machines, but both sew a great straight stitch. The featherweights are harder to come by at reasonable prices - expect to pay upwards of $200. The bonus for both of these machines is the portability - easier to travel with.

While I agree with DogHouseMom mostly, don't overlook vintage Japanese machines. I've got several 1950's Brother machines that will rival any Singer for stitch quality ( I have several Singers too) and can usually be found for less $$.
I can't really comment on the machines you're looking at, but for just a basic back up any of them might fit the bill.

Cari

I can tell you that I have a bunch of low end Brother machines and they are very good. I have the first one on your list and although I don't use it much in favor of a different low end Brother I am very pleased with all of them. I also collect and spruce up a few vintage machines. I have a featherweight, a 301, a 401, a very old red eye, a 15 without a motor that shares the treadle cabinet with the red eye, a 66 in a cabinet and a sew handy. The vintage ones took me years to collect. If you want something faster go for a Brother. If you have time to spare search out a vintage. It is easy to think you can just find a good vintage. And maybe you can. That has not been my experience. Good luck whichever way you go.

Thank you Stitchnripper, I will defiantly looking in to buying the first one just wanted some incite and yes I would love the get vintage machines, but haven't been able to get one. The lady that I wanted to buy it from was too far away for me to buy it from her.

I have a Juki and Babylock Jane. Both straight stitch only. They are all I use and I love both of them. I have four other machines, these are my favorites.

My old Pfaff makes a beautiful straight stitch! IDT is the way to go!

Although proponents of vintage machines have a low regard for the new machines....I will duck as machine parts come flying over my head....my feelings are get a NEW reasonably priced, good rep machine as a traveler or a backup or even the everyday go to machine.....vintage is for those who want to collect.......thought I really wanted a FW until I bought it...NOT!!!! Love my new plastic ones better!!!

I totally agree with this. I have several 15-91's, 201's, featherweight's, 301's and they are all terrific at straight stitch sewing. They are also very easy to maintain and rarely need a repairman.

I picked up a barely used Husqvarna viking for $150 off craigslist, doesn't have all the bells and whistles but it purrrs like a kitten, just love it. freesia 415. I was able to find an instructional video on line before purchasing. The poor woman bought it new then lost most of her vision. Her son had it posted for a year, can't believe my luck.