Sewing machines (watch before you buy) | SEW IT BEGINS EP 2 

Maybe you could try and make the same sewing project on all three machines to see how fast and easy it is for you to use them

Adding to all the helpful Wendy's advice: 1. don't get all excited about the number of stiches a machine can do. You'll play with them the first day and then will stick to the basic 4 99% of the time. 2. machines with the metal motor parts are sturdier 3. google repair/maintenance costs of the model you're about to buy. They might be surprisingly high for the cheap machines. 4. If a computerised machine gets broken, the repair might cost as much as a new machine, because you'd need to replace THE WHOLE COMPUTER inside. I'd personally would also look for a vertical transport on a more expensive machine. My machine doesn't have it and I'm dyyyyying for it.

I have a Brother CS-6000i and I LOVE it. It's in the budget range (150-200 depending on retailer) and it has a lot of special features. Top loading bobbin, speed control, 59 stitches, need threader, etc. The one thing I miss is an automatic thread tie-er. But, most importantly, it sews like a dream and has held up over numerous projects. Definitely look into it if you're researching sewing machine options!

I was so excited to actually unbox machines and show you how they compare, and there is SO MUCH to talk about! I had trouble hiding which machine I liked the most though 🙈don't forget to enter the giveaway!!! And tell me what else you want to see in this beginner series, I'm here for you!

Are you gonna do a video on how to set up a sewing machine? Most of the time I just watch in amazement because I’ve never learned to use a machine.

"If you have big dreams, maybe go with a little bit heavier of a sewing machine." I just loved that sentence haha...makes me excited to have big dreams! 😄

Thank you so much, Wendy! 30 minutes ago I was clueless, hoping to research and buy a sewing machine for my gf for her birthday. Now I've just purchased a machine that I'm confident is appropriate. This video was super helpful, and I like your style! Cheers 🙏

I've had the biggest urge to start sewing more frequently lately and this video is just the motivation I needed to look for some new projects - thanks!!

This is exactly what I’ve been looking for! I’ve been meaning to get into sewing but I didn’t know what to look for in a sewing machine! Thank you Wendy!

I find that, when i was first starting out, i was always having problems with my machine. and that was because i was using it wrong! I would thread it wrong, and i did that for a year before realizing it. So embarrassing... Always read the manual! My machine hasnt given me any problems in 5 years i've had it except for that awkward beginner phase lol

I personally own a Brother BM580 and it's worked wonders! It's super easy to set up, maintain and use in general. It's not computerized but it still has about 30 stitches and it can work with quilting, denim, and other more intermediate-advanced stuff. It was also relatively cheap - around $150 on a sale. I've been thinking of upgrading when I move abroad tho, so this video still comes in super handy! Thank you for testing those machines and for the tips for buying one!

Embarrassingly, I've had my sewing machine (a computerised Janome) for almost three years and only realised after watching this video that it has a thread cutter!!

on the first machine, the thread cutter is probably on the back of the needle shaft, a lot of machines have it there. The Janome is a good little mid-range machine, reliable, and the company has been around for a long time. The Singer is also a very reliable machine, having been around since at least the early 1900's, I have an older Singer, from around the mid to late 60's, and it's great for anything a bit heavier. I also have a couple of newer machines, having upgraded over the years, but tend to go back to the Singer, probably out of habit...she's a bit like an old pair of slippers, a bit tatty looking, but comfy as anything... I also have an old "Lamere Helvetia" from the 60's, solid as a rock, and weighs nearly as much, but pretty much 'bullet proof', I've taught a few people to sew on that one, and she has never complained :) This was a good video for anyone thinking of buying a sewing machine but not sure where to start, so for all those folk out there, thank you Wendy :) btw...2nd comment, not counting your own pinned comment...yaaayyy!!! :)

I have the singer simple 3337, got it for around 190 at walmart a few years ago and I honestly LOVE IT. 29 different stitches, bobbin winder, thread cutter, needle threader, button hole foot, 29 different stitches, clear bobbin plate and more. I'm pretty novice in the whole sewing scene but I really love my machine and all it has to offer and i'd definitely suggest it.

You also want an overlocking stitch for finishing your raw edges :) zig zag can do the same but the overlocking stitch is a little tidier.

I've used my mother's sewing machine for almost three years now and I've never noticed that it has this extra-high foot thing 😂 But thanks to you Wendy, now I do know it. Greetings from Germany

My first machine was $60. I almost gave up bc the machine messed up so much. Then I bought a $1,500 machine. Soooooo much better

Thanks for your great video. In my honest opinion, Bernina is the best - Swiss-made quality. I sold my last Bernina after 28 years of use and have updated to a new model, along with a fantastic Bernina overlocker. Quality comes at a price, but also pays you back with great service, maintenance and longevity.

I do a lot of sewing and quilt-making. About a year ago I bought the small Baby Lock to have as a backup for my higher-end Baby Lock. This little guy is a workhorse, very easy to use, reliable, and makes a nice stitch. I think it's a great buy. My other machine has a needle threader, but I never use it, so I don't miss it on the smaller machine.

I just got the brother xm2701 and it cost me $90 it’s amazing. And also has a cute design on the front. 27 stitches, threader, cutter, top bobbin, reverse, and is sturdy

This is one of the most helpful videos ever, I'm going to invest in a machine for my 21st birthday, and now I won't be going in blind. I love this channel! ❤️

I feel blessed 😂 My grandmother has a $7000 husqvarna sewing machine with a built in embroidery computer program And its such a cool machine! It tells me when i run out of bobbin thread, and everything is controlled on a touch screen, fully customizable with the rest of the quality of life goodies mentioned before. Definitely out of the normal person's price range.. but man is it a good machine

Bought my first machine aged 19 still using it aged 57, Singer with metal parts hasn't let me down, care for your machine it will reward you

When I was a teenager and getting into sewing, I used my mom’s old base model singer sewing machine and actually ended up wearing it out. So I said I wanted a new one for Christmas and my dad looked in Consumer Reports Magazine and saw that they had rated the Brother PC-210 Project Runway Edition a Best Buy and bought it for me. That was ten years ago and I love that machine. It’s semi-computerized and has 25 stitches. But one of my favorite features is that threading the machine has each step numbered on the machine itself so setting up is super easy. You can also operate it with a push button and speed adjustment knob instead of the foot pedal so it would be great for folks with a physical disability. And that allowed me to use it sitting on my dorm floor in college. I’ve had it ten years and it works great and I’m sad they don’t make it anymore but if you find a used one, grab it or maybe look into other Brother machines.

83 people gave this a thumbs down?! How rude. You did a very nice job of presenting these 3 machines, thank you!

I have been sewing for more than 50 years and had many machines, the best on the market is the Janome in my opinion and I did start with a Singer.

Im 51 and the last time I sewed was in middle school. I out-sewed the girls in the class, and got an A+. To this day I have the backpack I made in that class and nobody can believe I made it. That was then, this is now. I forgot everything and need to learn all over again. I went on Singers site before watching this video only to find three pages of machines! I don't know which one I'm going with yet, but this was a much needed video for this old hot rodder. I have to learn again because nobody I hire is any good at it. The last lady to do a good job was putting patches on all my Boy Scout uniforms. The lady that did my wife's wedding dress, smoked the whole time she worked and did a horrible job if fitting. This is a lost art these days.

actually the first two are what are called mechanical sewing machines because you turn knobs to get the stitches, width, length ect. ..electronic machines has buttons for stitches, stitch length, width ect..computerized has a touch screen and you can down load programable stitches for your projects. the machines that don't use any electricity are called treadle machines. I used to work in a fabric store that sold machines and I have a set of machines myself as I sew. what I have learned in the world of sewing is the categories for which machines fall into. Welcome to the world of sewing y'all. Thank you withwendy it is people like you that make learning to sew fun and enjoyable.

Oh hey! I have the Janome Gem Gold, I named it Gerome! Haha. Got it for like $20 at a yard sale 5+ years ago, and I love it but also want something more.... ummm... complex. It is a very fine machine, super easy to use, reliable with very few frustrations (which are ALWAYS user error. Like me putting the needle in backwards, or using crappy thread) but it’s largely functional and not for heavier projects. I sometimes like to make bags with thicker fabrics and poor Gerome gets real upset when I push his limits. I also find that it is a reliable workhorse-style machine, but that comes at the cost of both speed and bells and whistles. Gerome is a basic boy, as far as machines go, but he’ll be there for you through thick and thin because he’s hella dependable. The threader is actually super easy to use and I LOVE it!!! You pull the threader hook down so that the tiny little middle book goes through the eye of the needle (needle has to be in highest point). Then, you lift the thread up so the free end is hanging to the right. Make sure to hold it against the hook so it catches, then pull the needle threader back and BAM. Magic. Threads perfect every time. There’s also a diagram in the instructions for it! One thing that’s a bummer about my machine is that the needle can’t be moved, and a LOT of additional presser feet, like roller hem feet, are straight up unusuable because the needle hits the plate no matter what you do.

I still have a Singer 201 in very good condition. I love it, except that to sew anything but straight stitch, you have to add a gadget, such as for zigzag, buttonholes, rolled hem, etc., and those are limited. I still do buttonholes on it in preference to the much newer Viking (now dead), but I do like the more modern convenience of being able to easily dial and adjust different stitches. I will always have the Singer and a newer machine and a serger. Can't live without them. I have a friend whose dog even brings his torn-up stuffed toys and leaves them in the chair at her sewing machine. He was never taught to do this, just figured it out after a couple repairs. Can't live without 'em.

i got a brother sewing machine from walmart for around $75 lol. it’s pretty sturdy, and it has enough stitches for basic to intermediate projects. besides, i don’t think i’ve ever used a decorative stitch on an actual, wearable garment anyway. it has three of the four things you mentioned as key points, but all of the stitch lengths and widths are pre-set in the machine. it came with extra bobbins, a buttonhole and zipper foot, one other foot that must not be very useful because i forgot what it’s for, some extra needles and a very detailed instruction booklet. i think it’s a pretty good beginner machine, even though i’ve been sewing for about 8 years. for those of you who are interested, i cannot remember exactly which one it is (oops) but it has some blue/teal paisleys on the front and 18 stitches plus a 4 step buttonhole. :)

Also if you're looking at simple models - ask them if the machine has an internal frame. Some brands have the inner workings mounted onto the casing, and once something cracks, it's unusable and often unable to be repaired or the cost of repair exceeds the value of the machine. Basically, that's any machine LESS than 5kg/11lb. Janome is the go-to brand for creatives. There's a machine for everyone at every level and task, and they specialise in JUST sewing machines. Not printers, not washing machines, just sewing and quilting.

I have a Bernina 220. I love Bernina machines, they are amazing!

Beginner here. Thank you for doing these videos!!! They’re super helpful and make sewing seem less intimidating for me 🤣

I just bought a computerized brother machine and I am SO SOOO excited to get it! My mother has had her non-computerized brother machine for YEARS and I am so excited to have a machine of my own!

One of the Easier to follow Sewing Machine tutorial out there with Wendy's Warm & Honest explanation! Thank You So Much Wendy! Stay Safe & Stay Grateful! 🌷🌿🌍💖

I just bought my first sewing machine this week and even though I did a lot of research to decide what to get i have to say I’m very relieved to see that mine has all the beginner necessities Wendy talked about

*upgrades sewing machine instantly*

Ah I love the name of the series, it's so punny! Also, as a guy, your sewing tutorials has helped me make my own clothes. Thank you so much an keep up the great work 😊

I love this series. I have been wanting to learn how to sew and wondered what would be a good machine to begin with and this series is such a godsend. Thanks Wendy! I hope to be able to follow your tutorials soon. ❤️

Thank you Wendy for considering those of us who have 'big dreams' amongst the new beginners!

Something I think beginner-beginners should know is that the ~better~ machine, the easier it is to sew (in many ways). This is something I didn't know when I was beginning and would get frustrated with my projects until I came and used my mom's amazing (v expensive, like $8k lol) machine and was like "wow maybe it's not just me!" Of course, the most expensive machine won't mean anything unless you learn how to use it, but it does help the confidence to realize cheapy machines can make cheapy and difficult projects!

Don’t forget bobbin housing as a key feature. “Trickier” can be an understatement for some. Front loading are a pain in the rear because they tend to jam more often even with the highest quality thread, you have to remove the bobbin housing and that’s time-consuming (even when practised at it and how to put 3 or 4 parts back before enclosing the bobbin). I was relieved to get away from front loading for efficiency’s sake and for me the speed wasn’t compromised by purchasing a top loading machine.

I just purchased a Singer 2277 machine from a company online and it just arrived and I now have to get the supplies I need to begin working with several projects. The main reason for choosing the Singer brand was it's many years of service and I worked for a prison here in Arkansas and worked in their laundry and they had an older Singer and a newer Juki machines which did the same work and both was industrial machines and worked fine even though inmates had to use them. I didn't know about other brands so they was out of the question when choosing one for my personal use. The machine I chose has been around for some years and people seem to love it judging from the comments I read online.

That singer is what all sewing dreams are made of. 😍😍😍

I have been researching machines for the last month. I am looking to replace my 45 year old machine. Thanks for the giveaway.

I have an Brother HC1850 that was given to me for XMas in 2017. I absolutely love my machine. I made a book sleeve for myself with upholstery fabric and thick foam...and the machine went through it like butter.

I couldn't find a sewing machine ANYWHERE with everything thats going on until yesterday and two days before that. I got lucky and snatched them both..the first one was basic and the second was better and computerized with so much more which is what I wanted. So happy I found it.

You do know that in that Babylock Machine you can pull the hand wheel out to declutch the machine for winding a bobbin, that keeps the needle from going up and down, which is not good for the machine when it's not sewing on fabric. Just thought I'd throw that out there to you. Happy sewing.

Maybe next video...sergers! I am a beginner, just doing alterations. But I notice mostly what I needed was a serger, not a sewing machine.

I have the brotheer SQ9185 and its has more then 200 stiches and letters and use 1. I have never gotten the threader to work even once and it always seems very loud. My Grandma gave me one as a cheap singer as a kid and it was smooth and quiet. I would love to have that hand-me -down heavy ole machine again.

I am currently using the Singer Featherweight one and love love it!! It actually my first sewing machine I purchased and so worth it!!!

thank u SO much for this video; ive always wanted to try sewing but understanding how machines operate seemed so hard. thank u thank u thank u for such a great video, you teach so well!

I just found your channel and binge watched your videos while I‘m sick in bed in the last couple days, thank you for the amazing content you make, you really inspired me to get back into sewing. :)

I bought a Singer Simple around 150 CAD and I now using in a electronic in my sewing debutant class. So difference experience!! I even save time and thread with the electronic. . I think its smart investment to use a machine that simplifies and help you to do your projects.

I have also tried an old-fashioned non-electric sewing machine which just used a giant pulley, pedal, and rope as you sewed. It is great for when you are in country or place where the electricity goes out all the time.

Another great video Wendy. You always have great content and presentation which is why your channel is doing so well. I've had many machines over the years and my advice to beginners is to start with the cheapest machine you can find. The reason is that until you really get into sewing you won't know which features you'll need or use. There are too many expensive machines out there collecting dust. I saw one at Value Village recently for $15 and it looked brand new. Even tested it out and it worked perfectly. As I walked away I remembered a sewing student I'd love to gift it to so went back to get it and saw someone else carrying it away ... ugh ... still kicking myself. My machines: I have 4 machines, the first 2 have been on the market for many years. I included the links from SewingMachinePlus. BTW, I've been sewing for 55 years, teach sewing and do a ton of sewing for various charities, so my needs are different from most. But my students are mostly beginners so am used to getting them started with machines. The first machine is obviously not for beginners but am just listing what I currently have: (1) Sewing Machine (advanced/expert level): Janome 6600P ($2199) - This machine is a workhorse but if you're going to spend this much money on a machine (I got mine secondhand) I recommend you buy the custom table also (about $600) as you get a huge sewing surface and can even put an overlocker on it also, which is what I do. I'm considering upgrading to an industrial machine as do a ton of production line type of sewing for charities so speed is important to me. www.sewingmachinesplus.com/janome-MC6600P.php (2) Overlocker/serger (anyone level): Janome 8002D ($299) - Nothing fancy but gets the job done. www.sewingmachinesplus.com/Janome-8002D.php (3) Sewing Machine (beginner): Brother XL-5500 which was $135 about 10 years ago. I love it, just isn't enough for my needs. I keep it for backup when my big machine is being serviced. When it comes to low end machines I don't recommend Singer, prefer Brother. Singer is fine when you get above $300, just haven't had much luck with any of the less expensive Singers we use in our workshops. Here's my Brother machine on ebay: www.ebay.com/p/Brother-XL-5500-Mechanical-Sewing-Machine/62949521 (4) Sewing Machine (vintage): It's an Empisal and is from the 1930's/40's and works beautifully. I hate having it sit there collecting dust so will gift it to someone in our workshops who would use it and love it. It's a beautiful machine so will kill me to let it go but so long as I find the right person ... gulp ... I'll let it go.

Hello Wendy, I have a suggestion on Sewing Jargon or terminology. I still struggle with the terms thrown around from time to time. Like I didn't know what a "hem" was or a "seam". Would be fun video.

I have an old singer spartan I got from a garage sale and that thing can see through vegetable tanned leather and makes it look easy. Most of the newer machines struggle with the materials I like to play with. Just a little more technical because I have to utilize 1 stitch type for everything lol not fun.. but hey it cost me next to nothing and I make my own clothes with it so I guess it's good enough.

Another feature that I won't do without the next time I buy a machine is needle up/down selection.

All sewing machines have a thread cutter. There is always one on the back of the needle shaft. It is a curved slit, you bring the threads under the foot ,both hands and slide the threads pulling toward you to cut the threads. OLD SCHOOL. I own Baby Lock Machines and even with the cutter on the side there is still the cutter on the needle shaft.

Boo hoo from the UK 😭 Good luck to everyone who enters! Thanks for the reviews Wendy. My favourite is a Bernina.

Me and my boyfriend have been talking about buying me a sewing machine for so long. I used to sew all the time when I lived with my parents but the sewing machine belonged to them so I could take it with me when I loves out. Plus it was super old and didnt even have a reverse setting.

I went for a "low end" machine that cost considerably more than $100.00. I also shopped with a list of criteria; I am not a fan of computer controls so opted for a manual machine in my price range. It has everything I want/need except a threader which I probably would not use anyway, is on the heavy side with lots of stitches. I like that you reviewed machines from a sewing shop, when buying from big box or department stores some of the offered models are special editions unique to the store. This might make it tricky to get service from the manufacturer.

This quarantine has made me want to learn how to sew so this video is great! Thanks for your informational videos, Wendy!

What’s the Toyota Corolla of sewing machines?

The Brother XM2701 and Singer 3342 are both under 200 and have all the criteria that you mentioned at the beginning

Awesome video. Thanks for showing the set up too! I feel like one of my biggest fears when beginning sewing is getting a machine I don’t know how to use/set up!

Wow! What an excellent review. This is the most thorough review I have ever seen. I REALLY love the Singer. I like the added stitches and, for me, the button control and needle threader are a MUST because with my muscle disorder doing things the old fashioned way is very difficult. I have bought a couple of things from Sewing Machines Plus (not actual machines) and they are a great company. I love that they have video Tutorials showing how to use some of their products. It's very helpful if you're not quite sure how a certain presser foot works. It's so cool that they sent you machines to review. Great job! Thank you SMP & Wendy for a chance to win! 🙂

After a lot of research, I got the Brother XM2701, $85. You can only get it at Amazon and Walmart's site. It's highly rated, and comes with all the mid-range features you mention, and an instructional DVD. Brother has been making sewing machines for about 90 years, and the Inno-vis XP1 costs about $14k. I also highly recommend the book "sewing machine secrets" by Nicole Vasbinder. There are fewer machines on the market than it seems like. For example, the Brother SM2700 at Hobby Lobby is exactly the same as the XM2701, with slightly different styling, and costs $35 more. Watch out for how many presser feet a machine comes with. If you have to buy them separately, that can really add up. If you want to quilt, you'll want a machine that comes with a walking foot and an extension table. Home machine needles are universal (they carry the designation 130/705H or HAx1) but bobbins can be brand-and-model-specific.

Great video I’ve had my singer fashionmate for six years and it’s great helps me get my school work done. Currently saving up for a juki

Okay, I have one of those large spools of thread like that and I’ve had a terrible time trying to sew with it. When I saw you drop that large spool into the jar, I said out loud, “that’s brilliant!”

Great overview! I had to laugh when you said high end was $500+. If you go to Creativ Festival in Toronto next week you’ll see machines that start at $10,000. For a Sewing Machine! And yes, those little things do make sewing easier. I never would have thought that I needed a needle threader, but once I hit 40 my eyes went and now I love my needle threader on my Janome 6200. Next, can you do sergers?

Lol, my (gorgeous) featherweight 306K doesn’t have a free arm, a threader, a cutter or a buttonhole stitch (getting the attachment though) and she’s super heavy, but I love her anyway. She makes sewing super easy and she’s lovely and quiet.

For UK people, the John Lewis 99£ machines are great! They have 10 stitches, the usual tension dial, stitch and adjustment dials, thread cutter, extra high presser foot, removable arm for smaller projects. They are front loading but I bought mine having never used a machine before and have had absolutely no issues. They also have a cover (although I made my own) and a carry handle. Amazing quality for the price, in my experience!

I’ve been looking into getting a sewing machine. I have so many articles of clothing that I love, but have little holes or imperfections that I could easily fix with a sewing machine. Thank you for another informative video Wendy!

The last time I bought a machine, I was only interested in a machine that had a self threading option and a drop in bobbin.

Wendy, as usual, you did a great job. My very 1st sewing was a 1926 Selene. Similar to a Singer. I loved it. I find vintage machine to be a great way to learn the real basic. Very very easy way to thread it and to take care of..

This really helped me pick out my sewing machine. Got a $125 Brother and so far has worked great! Thank you!

You haven’t discussed the throat of each machine, or as I call it, the area where I jam all that fabric when working on bulky projects or wedding dresses. That’s important, as I’ve done some elaborate and heavy weight work, AND quilting, so I neeeeeeeed a little longer arm, and a machine that can accommodate a quilting table.

Great video!!! The Singer Featherweight has an important built in feature that you missed which is Dual Feed. Was a feature that was on our old Pfaff machines for decades. It’s a good reason to consider that Singer machine to make it easier to feed slippery or multiple layers of fabric. Excellent for hemming and quilting!

Kinda disappointed Wendy didn't include a Brother's. I grew up using Singers (I have my late mother's 1952 Featherweight machine) I switched to a Brother's (have 2 of them)

I do know that this is sponsored, good for you. I will still say: Plastic!!!!! what!!! Why not a nice vintage machine. If you move your sewing from one room or place to the other consider a Bernina 801 or 802 because they have a handle (not all of them you need to make sure it has) Fantastic machine. I am a convert to Necchi, my Julia 534 makes beautifull button holes. My repairman has been working for 20 years for the Valentino workshop (yes I am now in Italy) They used the Necchi Julia 534 for there shirt button holes! If you want one with a arm in the Necchi there is the Lycia that is so beautifull. We need to save our older and better made machine. Singer has good machine and many other comapny. Ciao

So cool! I was just looking at some fabrics I want to buy, and I could really use a sewing machine upgrade!

*Clicked super fast 😍😍😍 Who else can’t wait to watch ???* Smaller RU-vidr here 💕

You should clarify your recommended product. As a beginner I suggest the singer M3400 for it's: Free Arm to sew hard-to-reach areas, Automatic needle threader, and Simple one-step buttonhole that must-have feature for beginners.

Could you make a video specifically about width, length and tension? It’s my #1 problem and I can’t seem to find a video that not only is detailed, easy to understand, but also manages to keep my attention (no one likes a boring video lol), which you do such a great job with all those things! :D

I wasn't even aware that something like a drop-in bobbin exists, and also never saw a needle threader ^^

brother CS6000i was my first and totally recommend. main reason besides what she mentioned you want, it stops needle down, making corners a lot easier for a newbie. it does take an extra button push when your seam is done before you lift presser foot and remove the fabric, but its great even still to this day being able to creep up on corners by tapping foot pedal for one stitch at a time to be able to nail the pivot with needle being down, then raising foot and pivoting. when needle always ends up like on the singer i have, you have to turn the wheel which sometimes can put you one extra stitch too far. It has everything she said you need and should want and has many presser feet with it including the over-lock foot and over-lock stitches. without a serger and if you wash your fabrics before sewing them this is great. You can use a zig-zag which i still do with that machine, but the over-lock foot it comes with is nice, but use hand wheel before starting to make sure the width is right to clear the guide. The guide is great for keeping the overlock/zig-zag even so you don't have to trim too much fabric off after wash and press before making your project. i'm sure there are many great beginner machines however i wanted to add my $.02 for the one i started with and why it made it easier before gaining the skill to use pretty much any machine. Once you have the skill set you can use anything and it becomes more about preference and other bells and whistles like babylock's feature that cuts your threads for you and other nice features many brands have. great video and thank you for making it!!!Oh i have to add another great newbie feature!!!! Adjustable max speed selector. Not that you shouldn't learn to use the pedal to control the speed, but at the beginning you can use it so the machine wont speed up out of control if you press the pedal too hard and can concentrate on controlling your fabric and getting good stitches.

I have the Janome Gem Gold and although it lacks some of the features (free stitch width and length adjustment and the ability to sew with double needle) it pays off with the quality of the stitch itself on any kind of fabric. I've had it for 7 years now and sewn anything from super-thin knits to 3-4 layers of jeans fabric and it never dropped a stitch.

I bought a baby lock years ago it had over 100 stitches and even did embroidered letter! It was over $500 back in like 2007-08 it was the best & i loved it. Makes me sad thinking about it..

can you do a video on sowing a few sewing machine covers? Thank you! you've inspired me to start sewing after years of wanting to!

After all this time, i finally get this recommended... :)

Your production quality is great that is: audio levels, mic, camera angles and crops are just all working. In addition your instruction, points you articulate as being the 5 features you should consider are extremely important. Your voice and overall personality are both pleasing and entertaining. If you were my neighbor I would find it most difficult to move. Thumbs up.

I have the next machine up from the Zest called the Zeal - not my only machine? I’m still learning on it only because I have a BabyLock Presto 2 (about $799) thst I really love and it’s just a learning curve for me when I use this smaller machine. But BabyLock is a great machine and my a presto 2 is the first machine I’ve ever had that has the top bobbin - that’s a game changer - so much easier!!!

A very important part, and the difference between a machine that will frustrate you and one that won't, is whether the feed dogs are on an elliptical pattern and a box feed pattern. An elliptical pattern will kick your fabric out to the left and not sew a straight line without fighting you. The easiest way to test this is to let the machine stitch and remove your hands from the fabric. If it runs straight, it's probably box feed. If it deviates to the left it's probably elliptical feed. Never ever ever buy an elliptical feed machine.

If someone asks me what machine to buy, I always advice to firstly ask the mom or grandma or aunt if she' got her old machine standing since several years in the attic or any closet. If not, look for an old (about '60's to 80's) Bernina household machine. (beginners usually don't need countless ornamental stitches, but almost every user needs a machine with a strong motor and reliable mechanics!) Here in Switzerland You can find some used Berninas in useful...good condition from 100 bucks upwards, that's cheaper as many modern (scrap) plastic machines. Why Bernina? Because some of them have the "Bernina FHS" (Hands-free-system) that's a big lever to attach on the frontside of the machine. You can operate it with Your right knee, it lifts/lows the sewing foot while You can have BOTH HANDS on the fabric. Many industrial machines have this comfortable function, but household-machines I only know Bernina "Record" models (and some of their newer models like example my wife's B485) who offers that function. BE WARNED: Once You get used to have this function, You'll NEVER want to sew without it any more.... P.s. my favorite sewing machine is a Bernina KL-117 which is 71 Years old. Strong as a tractor but smooth running like a swiss watch. Some sell those machines for 50 bucks, I already seen some to pick up for free. Often they are in working condition and almost complete, but needs a good clean-up and lubricate (full metal machine!! Almost indestructible.) and the furniture needs some polish. But this machine is worth it, it can sew silk as well as 10 layers of denim or doing some (not too heavy) leatherwork. Most of the 117's have the FHS mechanics attached - although the lever itself is often missed...

All you need is an industrial lock stitch. You cannot beat how durable they are and the quality of their stitches. A small bernina will do the job for zig zag; buttonholes, etc. The machines being sold as household machines are more like toys rather than for daily work.

Thank you so much! I bought the Janome Jem Gold and it is on the way! I had the Singer Traditional and it just broke (reverse button stuck in reverse). I won't throw it out. I plan to give it away for free. (with someone who wants to just fix it) It is a good machine but it's 8 years old and I wanted something that would make my set up easier. Your video helped me so much!

My sewing machine is still in the box 3 years after I bought it. It mocks me every time I see it . My finger almost got caught in my grandma’s singer when I was a child so I wore thimbles on all fingers when I learned hand sewing 😅