What kind of new sewing machine should I buy.
 

I have several machines older models, Singer featherwight, 99K, have an older Dressmaker that has no cams so only straight stitches, 403 that has no cams, a Good Housekeeper that just straight stiches and I love each of them. But I would like a good machine that can do some zig zagging, satin stitching etc. Would you all give me some places I could start and your recommendations would be appreciated.

It really depends on your budget. Before I purchased my Pfaff exprssion 2.0, I wrote down the things I wated such as built in even feed, needle up-down, then I went searching on the internet for makes and models, and where the closeset dealer was and tried them out. Hope this helps you. Merry Christmas

I would decide what features I wanted, then go looking at the various machines in my price range with those features. Sit and try them and do it at your own pace. Don't let the salespeople sway you, but do consider what they say. Take a friend who knows your budget, wishes etc and let them keep the salesperson busy while you try the machine. They can also be the "downer" to put the brakes on a pushy salesperson if you encounter one.
I wanted needle up/down, drop feed dogs etc. which I got. I do wish I had held out for a larger throat area to do my own quilting a little easier.
Also, if you do a little research on line before you hit the shops, you'll know what is or isn't a good deal.
Of course, service and classes to show you what your machine can do have to be considered too.
Good luck and enjoy the search. Don't be afraid to bargain a little, it can't hurt and you have nothing to lose if you do it in a nice manner.

Why don't you just buy some cams for your 403? A few cams would be cheaper than a whole new machine, just for those stitches.

I used to have the Janome 6500 and now have the 7700 (DD has the 6500) and they are both great machines (as is the 6600). The 7700 and 6600 have the accufeed system so you don't need a walking foot. These are big machines with a lot of room under the harp. It depends on your budget. Janome also has some smaller machines that have a lot of features (12 pounds) and they have similar features. In addition to a bunch of stitches, I find I need need needle up/down a thread cutter and the ability to do a 7mm width stitch.

Kathyz gave good advice -- write down the features you want, find the machines that have those features and find the closest dealer and try the machines out.

Thanks so much you all. You made me think about the features and I really hadn't given that much thought on that which is very important. I have always bought used machines or hand me downs and I can afford a nicer machine now but was not sure of everybody's favorite. Seems like Janome or Phaff are high on the list. What about Baby Lock? I have been looking for cams for my 403, they seem to be very expensive too. I purchased the 403 at a sale for $5.00. Got it running, it does have one zig zag cam in it that does not work. I does do a pretty good straight stitch tho. Oh I'm so pit-T-ful. LOL

I now have two Brothers and I like them both. My first one is a large Brother Innovis 2000 Lauren Ashley. Runs about $1300-$2300. It does it all and I love it. I just purchased a smaller Brother so I can tote it around. It is the Brother Disney model that sews and embroideries. It has around 100 different stitches and also embroideries. Runs about $750-$800.

The others are right. Go to a reliable dealer and see what they have to offer within your price range. Sew on it and get to know the machine.

When this topic has come up from time to time, it is very obvious that people usually love their machines and are very loyal to the brand. Same thing when the topic of e-readers comes up. You have been given some great advice. I have a Pfaff and love it. My sister bought a Babylock last year and she loves hers. I know Janomes are very popular.
The best advice is to take your time and don't feel pressured to make a decision. Good luck and have fun shopping.

I just purchased a Janome Horizon...after much looking and finally tossing a coin....not really, but it was hard to decide because I know it's the last machine I'll buy (new)....I've had a Bernina 1230 for 25 years, but the new ones are way more than I've comfortable spending...The Pfaff 4.0 didn't work for me and I traded down for a Smarter, but that was too difficult for filling the bobbin...and the needle threader worked only occassionaly.....The dealer is letting me trade it in on the Horizon....although she was really pushing the Laura Ashley....I've had the Horizon for less than a week, so I am just trying things out...Good luck....Hattie

When I went to buy my first machine, the advice my Mom gave me was to buy the most machine you can afford. I have bought 3 Vikings since then and love them. There are times I wished I had went with a Bernina as the dealer is closer and I feel has better classes. The dealer I bought my DII from closed a few years after I bought so now have to travel about 30 miles further for service. I feel any of the major brands of machines would be good---you just need to find the features, price and service that best suits your needs.

Things to consider:
Bucget
Needs vs. wants
New or gently used ... a local store would give you a warantee
Which machine had good service in your area [probably all of them do]
Which machine do you 'bond with' the best.

Have fun and try them all out.

ali

Check to see which dealers are in your area and spend some time trying out their machines. As others have said make a list of what features you want. The major machine brands have machines in different price ranges based on what you want the machine to do. Make sure you have a price in mind as they are in the business of selling and the higher priced the machine the more they make. Don't let them pressure you into something on the spur of the moment. If you like a machine that is above your price point ask about a used machine. Good luck with your search.

mltquilt

My lovely family just bought me a used Bernina 440 for Chtistmas. It is my dream machine. I have a Babylock Espire and it is a great machine. I have been very happy with it. Don't be afraid of a Babylock. I'm going to sell my Babylock because I have small sewing space and no room for two machine. I had hoped mt DIL would take it and learn to sew, but she wants no part of it. Good luck hunting.

I agree with all of the above and as other have said to write down a list of the features you want, those nice to have, harp size, etc. Make sure to bring fabric with you to test sew on and a fabric sandwich, if you do your own fmq. Do sew on different brands to compare/contrast - they do feel different. When I sat down to sew on a Bernina w/ their even feed foot - it felt like I was fighting the machine to fmq, plus the high price turned me off and the harp measurement was less than some other brands. Free lessons are a good idea, but wait to take them until you've had your machine a while, so you can try things out on your own and know what questions to ask. Good luck on your search.

I have 2 BabyLocks, both are embroidery machines. I bought the first one used and then got the Elegante new. It was pretty pricy but came with everything I could ever need. It also came with lessons from my dealership as did the used one. Be sure and go to a good dealer to get a good machine and help when you need it! Enjoy the search :)

Thanks so much for responding. You have given me plenty to think through. Will take my time. The nearest dealers are about 35 miles from my home. Better get ready for the search. LOL.

If you would prefer to keep your machines, look for cams for the 403. If your goal is to actually get a new machine, save up and get either a used mechanical Bernina or a computerized machine. You can get a Janome Memory Craft 5500 for between $1100 and $1,500 (depends on what the dealer includes). Bernina's are quite a bit more. The machines designed for quilting have a wider space between needle and motor which makes quilting way nicer particularly for larger quilts. My queen sized quilt was a complete bear to deal with but way easier with the wider space and it's only a couple more inches!

I love my Pfaff's!

When I see this question asked I always say, a sewing machine is like buying a car. Some don't fit as well as others. I've owned every brand, I prefer Babylock/Brother embroidery machines and Juki sewing machines. The Juki's are priced well, and take it from me, it will outsew every machine you throw at it. It has the strongest motor and goes thru everything. It feeds fabric well, no pounding your fabric thru the stitch plate hole when you start off. I have two Juki's the 98 straight stitch only, and the f-600 - more stitches than you'll ever need. Try them, you'll like them.
Judi in Ohio

I have a Babylock Espire for sale if interest PM me

If the zig zag feature on your 403 is not working, the cam is possibly not seated correctly or the bar that swings the needle is stuck with old oil - it turns to a hard, sticky substance like varnish.

A serious cleaning of the inside from the top, bottom and nose plate will start to alleviate the situation. Here's a picture of the bar that pushes the needlebar side to side - oil in this spot and start pushing the needlebar back and forth until it gives way and starts moving. There is about a half-inch of movement in this bar when it's working properly.

Where are you looking??? Cams can be had for only a few dollars each.

If you search eBay for accessory sets for the 600 & 700 series of Touch & Sew machines, the black "top hat" cams will all work fine as will the slant-shank attachments that were originally included with those sets. (the white cams will not function correctly - they will not even seat properly in your 403)

The sets for the Touch & Sews sell for far less than the sets sold specifically for the 400 and 500 Slant-o-Matics.

I've seen very large sets of the black "top hat" disks with a lot of attachments and sometimes even buttonholers and other options sell for $10-20 plus postage, which will run about $12 via Flat Rate Priority mail. Many times, these sets don't even get a bid.

Get a box of q-tips and a bottle of acetone or denatured alcohol to clean the steel parts inside the machine, a bottle of Tri-Flow to oil it all and you have a wonderful hard-working machine for a pretty small investment. :)

thepolyparrot, thanks so much that very well could be the problem. Will certainly try that. It was very, very dirty when I got it. Oiled and cleaned it up but probably didn't check that part.

Also, thanks so much for the info in the cams. I was wandering if any other cams would work. You all are great. I will know what to order if I can get the zig zag needle to work.

Thanks for your input Judi. I truly appreciate it.

I have a 30 year old Elna Carina, a 16 year old Bernina Activa, a Janome 6600 and a brand new Juki HZL 600. I needed the Juki like I needed a hole in the head, but I found it online for under $1000 and I could not resist. I like each machine for different things, but for sheer value, I'd go with the Juki. I found mine at Ken's Sewingcenter (online store). It was used at a weekend quilting expo and came with a 30-day moneyback guarantee. I do at least as much dressmaking and heirloom sewing as I do quilting, and that might not hold true for everyone. I do love having 4 machines--let's me keep 4 projects going. :)

I used to be loyal to Pfaff but they are not the quality that they once were. (Bought out and going for cheap imho). Now I have a Baby Lock and just LOVE that machine. My model is the Espire which is now marketed as the Symphonie. It has so many features, I don't know what to do with them all. Nice large harp, great light, needle down, adjustable speed, awesome stitch quality, built-in scissors, drop-in bobbin, single push threader (the bomb!), large table, and she sews sideways. I wish she had a built-in walking foot but.....it's not such a big deal to add one on.