I am very partial to Bernina, they are very user friendly. And I have a dealer fairly close. I WOULD NOT buy a cheap one at a discount house as they don't care what happens after you walk out the door, they won't give you any lessons on how to use it, and they won't be there if you have any problems. Go in a dealership and ask to test drive some different models. Tell them what you are going to do with it and don't let them start with their most expensive model. You'll fall in love with it!!! :D You can do this at several if you are in a big city, and then make a decision.
That said, Bernina does make some very nice lower end models. Jan

I got my Viking from Joann's and they do have classes on how to use it.I my machine and haven't had any problems with it. , it's a Saphire 850.

The salesperson at the shop will sit down with you and show you what the machine does, and let you try it out. Tell them you are a beginner, and they should help you get the feel of the machine. That's why it's better to buy from a sewing machine dealer than online or a big box store. There you can't test them to see how they feel and sound.

Hello Star,

As a previous sewing machine dealer (Husqvarna Viking), you need to ask yourself a couple of questions, write them down and take them with you when you go sewing machine shopping. Question #1: What features are important to me(example: needle up-needle down etc.) Question #2: How often am I going to use the machine and for what purposes. Question #3: What is my budget. Hopefully, the dealer (please go to a dealer...they are knowledgeable and can help you) will demonstrate the machine and its features for you. If not, ask them to. Dealers will also give you free classes on how to use your machine. Hope this helps. Good-luck. By the way, I love my Husqvarna Viking.

BAD Rags

I agree with Terry and Loretta. It's not the machine that will make you a better machine sew-er. (Just like a fancier computer hasn't made me any smarter :lol: ). Get your feet wet on a less expensive machine to see if it's for you. Then as you develop your skills, you can go on to bigger and better things. As far as I'm concerned, I think a good straight stitcher is all you really need to do piece work, but some of the "bells and whistles" do make things a little more interesting. What I like most about my Janome is the needle down feature and the fact that I can move my needle position. The decorative stitches are nice but not really necessary. I think the most important thing is that you have a machine that is in good condition and makes a good stitch. If ever "step up" I would like one with a roomier throat (is that what it's called?).

I agree with what the girls said. Buy one at a store that offers free lessons and repairs for at least one year. I love my Viking SE, but it is also an embroidery machine. Viking does make a quilting sewing machine. Some women I know love their Babylocks. It's true that there are so many to chose from. Try talking to different people and also try out different machines. Good luck.

I talked to my mom and she has my grandmas old brother machine that she is going to give me. I am going to try that out but I am still going to a sewing shop that offers several different machine brands and free lessons and support for my questions. Their site was very friendly looking and had quite a bit of info.

Honey, take that Brother machine to a reputable service center and have it cleaned and put in order so you can learn on it. You are so lucky that your mom has offered this to you. Then when you are more experienced, you can buy a machine that will suit your needs. Happy sewing.

Star, I'm so glad your mom has a machine for you. I started out with a machine that only did straight stitch and didn't even reverse. I guess a lot of us did. Anyway, you'll have a machine and you can get started and explore other options along the way.

Best of luck with your new baby!

I've had Singer, Brother and 2 Bernina's. If you can afford it, I highly recommend a Bernina. I love mine - just got the new 830. And my dealer gives free classes to those who buy from her. I would think that would be a requirement of a Bernina dealer, but maybe not. The Bernina website has a world of information too. Good luck on your purchase!