What Is Your Favorite Brand of Sewing Machine?

I bought a Brother about 6 yrs ago and have not had a single problem. I am even starting a sewing business and my machine does not hold me back at all (except that I would like an embroidery machine!). I got a fairly cheap one from W-mart. The only thing that drives me crazy about it is that it doesn't let me know when my bobbin has run out...but I don't even know if other models do that either. I learned to sew on this machine. Oh, and I haven't had any problems finding bobbins or anything else to go in it.

Good luck!

When faced with a similar decision several years ago (with different machines) I went to the stores that carried them and actually tried them out. That made my choice a snap, because I didn't like my first choice as much as the second choice.

Singer is not the same company it was years ago so you really can't go on past history. Bernina is the "gold standard" but very pricey. You might ask the folks at the sewing centers what their experience is with repair histories of different models.

I learned to sew on my grandmother's Singer. That was one heavy-duty well-built machine. I now own a Bernina and love, love, love it. First thing to consider when picking out a machine is what is she going to be sewing and how often is she going to be sewing. I've sewn on a lot of machines in between that first Singer and the current Bernina. They were mostly all-purpose machines, but some were better adapted for specific jobs. Also, I completely agree with go try it out. If she doesn't like the way a machine works or feels, she will be miserable trying to sew on it.

Having sewed for years and working in the sewing machine industry-(bernina,elna,pfaff,brother,singer,viking,janome)for a beginner I would recommend a Janome; but more important is that the machine comes with HANDS ON LESSONS not where someone sits next to you and shows you-that is called a demo. To get the most out of any machine whether you are a beginner or an expert you want user lessons on your machine. Make sure that where you buy puts in writing that hands on lessons come with the machine-ideally that should have a class schedule already with thier class times.

I love my Janome!

If it is between a Brother and a Singer, both brands are pretty equivalent. For a beginner, I would probably go with the Singer only because it's easier to find bobbins and other notions at most stores.

GL!

I am biased toward Bernina. Singer was the hallmark of sewing machines for so long but now they are not nearly as well made. Bernina is a 'get what you pay for' price though. Bernette is the entry level Bernina brand and is also very good, just more basic than Bernina.

I agree to try them out first. She will want to feel the difference between a mechanical and computerized machine, they sew completely different. And trust me, I was so frustrated with quilting when I first started because I was using a less accurate machine, that was given to me. It's worth trying them out first if your going to spend any money on them. I couldn't imagine how irritated I would have been had a dropped some money on a machine, but I have learned a lot and still use that machine!

I am not sure what price range she is searching. My MIL has a Brother that she has had forever and that's her standard. I still use a Singer, the ancient model I learned to sew on, for heavy duty, "mechanical" sewing and an Elna for all my piecing and quilting. Try several different models and go by the quilting shops, they have them out to try. The JoAnn's at Ridgmar has machines set up to try too.

Good Luck and welcome new quilter!! :)

I think for a beginner, Brother is just fine. Pretty dependable and good life. Of course nothing is made like the singers of many years ago... but hey.

I would just suggest one that is not too fancy- basic to learn and get used to... then she can always move up.

If your granddaughter truly wants a machine that will stand the test of time, how about a used machine from the dealer that has been traded in? I call this type of machine (all metal) a tank as it will sew through anything and keep on going. It may be a bit heavy but it won't break. Each brand has a feature or two that is different from the other so I would let her try them out with the fabrics she will be using (like a quilt sandwich) a bit of denim and such to get a feel for how each sews. Once she has become a better sewer or quilter she can move up in the sewing world. As stated in several postings Singer is not what it used to be. I would go with a Brother but not the beginning model somewhere around $300 to $500 if new otherwise the used one. Good luck to her in her. The other S.

I've always used a Kenmore. My mom had one that I learned on. Then I got a hand-me-down with only two stitches. As a graduation present to myself, I got one in 1981 that I still use today. It does 12 stitches and has a setting for stretch stitching (from the days when polyester was king).

I had to have it repaired about ten years ago when it accidentally hit the floor. The repairman had good words for my machine because he said the working parts were metal rather than plastic, so it was durable.

My mother-in-law was a professional seamstress in her small rural community for years until Walmart came into town and brought ready-made clothes to the masses. Then she switched to quilting full time. She was a purist when it came to quilting and never used any machine stitching.

She was also very picky about her sewing machines. She had a bunch of them because she'd find that they would go too slowly for her. She could whip out a straight seam in no time flat. With a beginner that's not really an issue. She also had an antique treadle Singer machine which was probably her first.

It used to be that there were sewing machine stores where you could go and test drive various machines. Sears used to have an area in their store to try them out.

I'd advise not to lay out a bunch of money at first for all the programmable bells and whistles. Start with something simple and inexpensive (you can find them in thrift stores very reasonably), and buy something bigger and better as she figures out how much sewing she'll actually be doing and what bells and whistles she'll really use.

Husqvarna Viking Huskystar 219

I have sewn all my life and used my machine to make extra money while home with baby. I only have a few material items I love and my Husky is one of them.
~~~~
It runs so smooth and self adjusts tension so know fidgeting with the controls. It also has a clear bobbin case so she will know when she is running out of thread on her bobbin.
~~~~~~
It really purrs. I purchased mine from a friend whose father owns a sewing machine shop in Atlanta. Not sure the price but have had it 6.5 years now and after lots of usage, still runs like knew.
~~~~~~
If you are going to buy her something to use for quilting and long term use, the Husky is a good investment. If you can't afford it, maybe she would be willing to go in with you to buy it?

I would research places that sells this and find a good deal. Sometimes JoAnn fabrics will have their machines on sale. Also look for sewing machine retailers for direct buys. I think they also sell knew on Ebay.

8 bids and $77.00 right now-excellent deal. Don;t forget to check out the seller first.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Husqvarna-Viking-Huskystar-219_W0QQit...

Enlarge

My first machine was a Brother. And boy oh boy was I hard on that machine! It stood up tho! The only reason I don't still have it is because I needed more/different stitches for myy business. As a seamstress, I needed more deco stitches to keep my clients happy!
I am currently in the market for an embroidery machine, and for the price, I have been looking at the Brothers!

For the money, you can't beat Sears Kenmore. I got one in 1970, my daughter uses it today, and last Christmas I gave a small one to my granddaughter. While visiting them in NC, I used it and it was great! I may buy one just like it for myself since I expect mine never to return.