What do you think is the best brand of sewing machine?
 

I’m looking around for a second machine to take to classes and it got me to thinking;

what do you think is the best brand of sewing machine and why?

I think that's a very subjective question. Everyone looks for and likes something different in a machine. Everyone uses their machines differently. For me, it's Bernina. Best machnes I ever had were Bernina's but they aren't for everyone. That's why there are so many brands out there.

I have been very lucky with Janome since I started sewing again about 8 years ago. I had a 25 year old electronic Singer that died and went to a shop that sold many brands. They believed that Janome was a good solid machine so I went with it - the 3160. After I brought it home my husband suggested I make something just in case anything was going to go wrong. I decided on a quilt. Sewing with that machine was so nice -- I loved it!! That started me on my current path of quilting as much as I can. I still use the machine for classes, but have upgraded a few times since then -- all Janome's.

I have had excellent luck with Janome's and can only remember one time having a tension issue that the dealer resolved. I also like that the motor is quieter than other machines I have tried, It's a good value for my money.

I have 2 Janome dealers close to me and I believe having a dealer you can go to should weigh heavily in your decision.

I'm a Pfaff girl. Love my Pfaff with duel feed. It sews and embroideries beautifully. I have owned a Pfaff for 25 years.

I am a Pfaffie too. And my Pfaff is also 25 years old! -- a 7550, one of the last made in Germany Pfaffs. I pray that my machine will remain reliable forever. I don't know what I'd get if it died. I agree with those who feel it's subjective. How long is an appropriate length of string? It depends on who you ask and why you're asking ;-).

I think a machine that does the functions you need and that you feel comfortable and "bond" with because it does everything predictably for YOU is the best machine. The brand doesn't really matter.:) I've seen gems and duds in every brand. And even paying more doesn't mean you'll get the best machine. Make sure and read loads of reviews before deciding.

I own 3 Babylock Elizabeths and one Crescendo. When I owned a Bernina 153QE I took it to quilting groups as I do now with one of my Elizabeths. I don't want to sew on a different machine at a class than I do at home.

I love my 20-year-old Bernina 1230 but as the saying goes, "they don't make them like that anymore." The new Berninas have way more features than I want or need in a sewing machine, not to mention the cost. Back in the day it was a stretch for me to pay what I did for the 1230. If Bernina had a simpler machine made in Switzerland I might consider it, but now their only machines made in Switzerland are the priciest ones.

I'm quite happy with my Jukis... a 2010Q and a 2200QVP longarm. Before Juki I used my Bernina 830 Record as my main machine... for like 30 years! It still works well and I love it. I have old Singers too. They are simple, dependable and strong and they stitch beautifully.

I love my Viking/Husqvarna Designer Topaz and my Janome MC6600P and , my Singer 15-91, and my Singer Featherweight, and my Damascus (treadle) and last my little Europro. The Europro was the one I got to take places - light weight and if something happened to it I wouldn't have to kill someone. But I do travel to my friend's home in Phoenix with my Viking if we are going to do machine embroidery. My 15-91 is in a cabinet, so doesn't travel but very fun to use. My Featherweight travels well, but I got it years after I got the Europro. So it depends on what I am going to do depends on which machine I take.

So it all depends on what you want it to do.

I’ve used Singers, & Brothers way back in high school in the 80’s & then bought a Husqvarna Viking back in 2005 that I never really liked. Now I finally have a “new to me” Bernina 440QE & I love it. I had tried other people’s machines at a quilt store that has since closed down & fell in love with the Berninas. I’ve heard good things about Pfaff & Juki too but I knew I wanted a Bernina. I even like the way they sound when they sew, like everything is quality. Good luck on your hunt.

I agree with Patrice (aka cashs mom) that everyone’s sewing needs are quite different and you are sure to get many responses based on what is working best for them. You should make a list of items that you want or need on a machine for traveling to classes and start from there. I have two Janomes and a Bernina...love both brands but if I were looking for a smaller machine for classes I would find enough features on a small Janome at a lot less money than a Bernina and I’m sure Brother, Singer, Pfaff and all the rest have light weight machines too. What machine are you using in your sewing room Pamela?

I used to tell my customers it is like cars. There are Ford people and there are Chevy people. The best one is the best one for you. I love my Brothers, I have 4 now and love them all. For years I had thought I wanted a Pfaff until I started researching and test driving.

For me, the best machine is one you can get reliable and trustworthy support for. I've found that they can be quite proprietary, so if you don't buy it from a local dealer, you may be hung out to dry if you do need support.

You need to decide what is important to you, and then look at machines that have that feature and test drive them until you fall in love with one. Take a good look at the warranty if you are getting machines with electronics, you may be surprised at what some offer (or don't offer).

The best brand is the one that meets all Your needs, fits your style, is in your budget.
asking what brand is best is like asking which Car is best. Everyone has their own likes, dislikes, styles & needs.
I own a Viking, a brother, 2 singers, a Janome and a Brenina. All of them are Great brands. I’m sure there are others that people have that are great brands too. It’s best to visit dealers, test drive machines ( just like buying a car) and choose the machine that is best for you.

I am still using my 57 year old Singer 401A which I bought when I graduated from high school. After making clothing for myself and my daughter for several years and over 50 quilts in the past 30 years, it still serves me well. I do all my quilting by hand.

There are some new models in the different brands. Take a few demo days to see them and then decide. It really depends on what features you want/need in a machine. Everyone has different requirements.

Make sure you can transport the machine easily too.

I always wanted a Bernina and got one in 2001. It works as well as it did from day 1. I bought a much less expensive Juki for FMQ because my Bernina doesn't have a wide enough throat area. I love that machine too but use my Bernina almost daily.

Had several. One a Viking computerized, in the closet now broken and unable to get it fixed. My favorite is my very cheap-- $100.00 mechanical Singer Heavy Duty. Had it for a couple of years and it just keeps stitching along. Great machine. Not fancy, but reliable.

I prefer Singers. I have one I purchased in 1965 and it runs so well. I also have a heavy duty Singer I purchased 10 years ago. It has always done a great job. Recently I was gifted a 1954 model Singer. It is a jewel. You will get as many opinions as there are people. I also have a Husqvarna Viking mega Quilter.

Babylock has been making their top of the line models with HUGE throat spaces for FMQ, and their machines are primo! So if you plan to quilt your own quilts, you can do it more easily with that elongated throat space. Their machines are a bit pricey (tho not as pricey as Bernina), but they offer a great no-interest monthly payment plan which makes them easier to afford. I went to an FMQ seminar at a dealer that sells Babylock, and got to sew on all of their top of the line models, as well as their longarms. They are a dream!

Light is good! One reason the vintage Singers that are aluminum 301 and 404 for instance, are popular, about 15 pounds. And the Featherweight is a long time favorite. I sold my Featherweight and bought an Eversewn and I'm thrilled with it. It is about 15 pounds.
My friend swears by her Janome Jem. I think the Jem has been updated to numbers as far as name

i have a brother dream machine. It is big. I can pack it up but it’s a real pain to take to classes and it doesn’t handle heavy layers as well as I would like.

There is no such thing as a best brand all brands have their own specialties and their own deficits as well. There are almost things I like different in every brand I have sewn on, but having sewn on practically every brand I did learn that I am a babylock brother girl. I wouldn't mind having a viking or janome or pfaff on the side but can only afford one. Many think bernina are the best and I couldn't stand the 5 or 7 series m a chines I used. I am sure they are lovely for someone else but they are just not for me. Every sewer is different and loves different fewture. Some can't live without IDT on pfaff. I did like it but that was the only thing I liked on pfaff, for me can't see paying thousands for the one feature. Viking had the best stitch quality of any machine I have used but I absolutely hate the hover feature that some so dearly love. So really every brand has a high quality machine that many love. What makes it the best is when you personally bond with it not the brand. You will get a different opinion from everyone as to why their machine is best

I had one of those Singers. It died on me after only 10 projects. It will be the last new Singer I will buy.

Pam, Do you use the walking foot for the heavy layers? I use the WF to attach binding with no problems. What fabrics are you sewing?

It is hard to get these machines packed up for class especially the arm bag too. Wish they had better roller wheels. the new models have swivel ones. I keep trying to figure how to change the wheels. LOL.

My local brand dealer is less than impressive IMO so apart from purchasing the machine I don't use them for support at all. I love the Juki brand so much that "support" doesn't come into my decision, I buy the machine I feel happiest with.

I have 2 Janomes and I love them both

I tend to like Janome and Juki but the lines are pretty blurred cause for example Elna makes Janome (or Janome makes Elna) and many others like that. Go try various brands and see what works for you!

Yeah, I use the walking foot and that makes it better. With bag making it’s hard to maneuver as much as is needed with the walking foot on sometimes. I sew cork and other specialty fabrics. I know what you mean about the wheels! As much as those machines/bags cost you would think the wheels would be better.

What is IDT?

I love Juki TL98QE and Babylock Jane, both straight stitch only, all metal and sews like a dream.

Neither are light weight enough to carry.

IDT is Pfaff's top feed dogs. It's a small black toothed foot that slides into a groove on the underside of most Pfaff feet. It's there all the time unless you disengage it (then it stays popped up out of the way in the back) and it's very unobtrusive, not like big clunky add-on walking feet some machines have. And since it fits into the underside of most of the accessory/specialized feet, you have even feeding of both top and bottom fabrics all the time, no matter what kind of sewing you are doing. (Can you tell I'm a huge fan? Love my Pfaff!)

I have a small Janome that I take to class- although it has many stitches the truth is I almost always only use a straight stitch in class. Important that it has needle down and ability to move needle position. All my other machines are Vikings - love them and have great dealer.

I agree....I have had several Pfaff machines and have loved each one. I am sewing on a 7570 now. I had a large business sewing for the public for many years and this has been my go to machine. I have the embroidery unit and many cards and hoops that go with it but sadly, I have been too busy making garments that I haven't used this unit much. I may sell the unit so somebody could get use of it. I now use the Pfaff for making prayer quilts. It sure has been worth the money!

For me, I have always been a Bernini girl. I purchased one in 1992 and have never had a problem with it. I bring it in for regular tuneups every year and a half and have had wonderful luck. Twice I’ve been told by different technicians to never give up this machine and that I had no reason to purchase another. It’s one of the last ones made with metal parts. I did purchase a Janome Gem to take to workshops and it’s great for that (lightweight). But once home, back to my Bernina! It’s all about personal choice as others have mentioned above.

When I was recently shopping for a new machine, I tried the Berninas first since that's what I have used since the 70s. I asked the salesperson if I should try the other brands and she said--if you have been happy with Bernina, no other brand will ever make you happy. I got the 350 Patchwork model. It makes buttonholes and has many deco stitches, has the needle up or down function, but it's not a real fancy machine. I'm very happy with it.

I agree with so many others, this is a very individual thing. The best way to find out is to sew on as many different brands you can at different shops.

I sewed on a Pfaff 4.5 Expression recently. Lovely machine. Beautiful stitches. Smooth, quiet operation. IDT is wonderful. Couple of little things that I was concerned about (which I believe the issues and lack of info was due to the saleslady helping me - I think she was a bit confused). More $$ than I really wanted to spend, and the demo (plus other reviews over some issues a certain model had over the years) leaves me with the impression this machine might be more of a diva machine than I want to deal with (I've seen reviews where the machine is picky about thread, needles, etc).

Tried a Brother. Nother really wrong there, it just didn't have a WOW factor for me. Wanted to try a Janome Skyline 5, but apparently those are being phased out, and as the S7 and S9 are above what I want to pay, didn't try (I have had Janome, currently have an Elna 740 eXcellence that I am happy with - so familiar with Janome).

I had previously tried out a couple of Bernina's. Always out of my price range to get features I want, but as so many would not own anything other than a Bernina, I wanted to try it to see what all the hype is about. I didn't care for the machines I tried (one a more affordable to me option (read under $1k, the other way up the food chain with many nice features and the BSR) I didn't think the stitches were as nice as what I found on other machines, and I didn't care for the BSR at all. But that is just me.

Tried a Babylock Symphony. It was quite and smooth, but was acting picky during the demo and I had the impression again of "diva". I also was left with the impression that it would not handle (well) multiple layers, such as those found in a tote/purse. It had a delicate type feel to me. I might be wrong on the layers, but it didn't speak to me.

Then sewed on a Juki Hzl-DX5. WOW! That machine spoke to me! Love the sound, the feel (solid). No adjustments needed to be made when switching fabrics or when changing over to test FMQing. There are such great reviews on the F600, which is the machine right before this model. Rare to find anyone that doesn't love this machine. Feels like it will be a workhorse. Went back 4 days later to try it again (along with another Brother, which was again okay). But the Juki - it was speaking to me! She came home with me yesterday!! :-)

But, I felt good about my decision, because I tried a number of machines to have that comparison. I knew what features I preferred it have (auto-thread cutter at top of the list), I knew where I felt more comfortable at $$ wise, and other than the Pfaff, I didn't try machines that were way outside of my $$ comfort zone (once I determined what that was - which was after the Pfaff as I considered what I liked about that machine vs. the price and any reservations I had). I also watched numerous YouTube reviews on machines I was interested in and read many, many reviews.

Lots of great machines out there, but so much like a car - what speaks to one doesn't necessarily speak to another. I hope you find your dream machine (and have fun on the journey to find it)!!

My choice is Bernina. Was a Viking lover until I got a Bernina. Now have two and love, love them. -- Just make sure your choice matches up with service that is available.

I have several Pfaffs and love all of them, but I bought a Janome jem to take to classes as it only weighs 12 lbs and it is also a great machine. Just doesn't have the IDT like the pfaffs.

Are you sure because I have had no issues with thick layers on my dreamweaver. It goes through like butter.my walmart brother even handles thick layers