You are so right about big box stores and cheap machines. When I was 23 I bought my first machine, a Kenmore. I would sew on it and my seams would fall apart in the wash. No matter what I did nothing helped. It left me thinking that all home sewing machines were like it, so I stopped sewing. Fast forward 15 years later after talking with a sale person I found out the tension must have been messed up and the machine was broken right out of the box. I got a viking and a baby lock serger and have been happy ever since. Buy the best you can afford!
I've sewn on most machines, including industrial. I've owned Brother, Pfaff, Kenmore, Janome and Bernette. The only one I had problems with was the Pfaff. My favourite of the less expensive machines was the Bernette. It just had a really nice stitch and was super reliable and easy to use. I currently have a Janome 6600 and an inexpensive Brother for the free arm feature. My overlocker/serger is Kenmore which is okay but I have my eye on an old Elna a friend is considering selling. It runs like butter. I run sewing workshops with Singers and they're always breaking down. Singer used to be good but I'm not impressed with the newer ones.
My experiences are a lot like yours. Wide experience sewing on different brands of machines of different eras. Don't have experience with Babylock. The older machines usually sew well once adjusted. Pfaff...a mixed bag. As far as Pfaff goes, the original Quilt Expression 4.0 is not even mentioned by Pfaff now! I have one. Was in the shop more than out. BUT two things happened to fix the issue. First, Pfaff retrofitted the take up lever to the improved QE 4.2 lever. Then, I found a repair man that comes to my house for 1/2 the money Pfaff charges...and he is great. He found problems that had never been touched since that machine rolled off the assembly line. Now the machine works sooo well. EXCEPT: needle threader...I don't care, I just ignore its existence, and automatic thread cutter...would be nice, but not worth manually pushing the knife back into position every third or fourth cut, so I also ignore it. Would I upgrade or switch brands? Oh yes, just can't affort to right now. I've heard the QE 4.2 and the Performance 5.0 work well. So there's my take on Pfaff. Singer: It's no longer a brand, just a badge owned by SVP. It seems Singer has been relegated to their lower end position. I bought my granddaughter an older machine with just 10 stitches for her first machine. Nice stitch, quiet, no problems with decorative stitches. My vote for newer sewers: don't ignore the older machines. And, look for a repair person you can depend on. Sorry for the long post, but you inspired me to comment.
I have a brother sewing machine everytime I use it the fabric gets jammed and makes a loud noise it scares me I jump Took it to a sew and vac store that sell and repair machines twice it's doing it again its computerized no embroidery I am so upset with this machine it 3 yrs old don't sew much because of this problem The brother sewing machine was a gift I rethread it, make longer bobbin and top thread and keep it clean after I use it so frustrating
Yes, U R so Wright about Singer's Machine is Fix & Repair Daily.....Mines been in the Shop 3 times, I had got it fixed 2 sell it online, I hve Bernatte B37, I love my machine, Had it over 1 year never gve me no promblems @ all...Im getting a Viking Jade 20, There are very good brand!!!! Best Brands, Bernatte, Viking, Juki, Bernina, machines!!!!@
@Dawn Johnson I have the Bernatte B37, B37 it never jamed on me it always wrk 4 me, I even sewn thick book bag Vinyal Material, I had mines over a year!!!!! B 38 is good 2!!!!
I really learned a lot, and loved your take on buying a new machine for quilting. Thank you. Will be heading to my local retailer tomorrow. Great advice.
I love my Pfaff! Never had any problem. No screws, no extra parts. Takes about 3 seconds to put your walking foot in place! I use mine almost all the time for sewing everything. My needle threader is still working very well. The one on the Babylock is spotty. I own both a Pfaff, Kenmore & Babylock and used a Janome.
Excellent advice Stephanie! I bought a Brother at Costco about 5 years ago and it broke irreparably within 2 years. So I bought a Baby Lock from a local dealer, which included 8 hours of free classes. It does everything you described, AND it's the quietest sewing machine I've ever used. I now have a Baby Lock Serger also, and 2 antique Singers that still work.
My first sewing machine was a White some 40 years ago, pass it on to my oldest daughter and it is still running well today. Then I got a Singer (still working like new) that I pass on to my step-daughter. Bought the Pfaff Expression 2046 (used) from a fabric shop. Had a few problems with the bobbin chamber which I had to get repaired (haven't used it since). Bought a Husquavarna Viking (New) which can do embrodery (which I haven't learn to use yet) ; this machine was too heavy for classes so a bought smaller one same brand which later I passed on to my youngest daughter then I decided to go back to Singer ( Singer Quantum Stylist 9960)about 5 years ago, which I have been sewing on almost everyday (Quilting and other projects) I love that machine. I also own a Singer 221 (dated 1947) very fun to work with and to carry to class. Singer has been part of my family for many years ( my mother, grandmother). So far it has been the best brand for me personally along with the Pfaff. Facebook has a group for the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 which is very interesting and informative.
I bought a baby lock Lyric for 1,000. And have had trouble with it, I clean mine out after each project I get skipped stitches, the bobbin doesn’t wind correctly and getting a 1/4 inch seam was impossible and I bought it at a local dealer and they are useless. If I had to do it over I would buy a Juki from big box store for a cheaper price.
Number 1 concern should be whether there is a local dealer. Buyer beware-many dealers only service the high end machines that they sell, they won’t repair inexpensive machines by the same manufacturer. That said, the Brother SE625 is an amazing inexpensive machine with an outstanding set of features that normally are only found in higher end machines.
Another issue that may apply is big box stores may have an OEM variation. For example, John Deer tractors have have a dealer model that uses quality steal in the differential but Lowes can list the same model but the differential is made in India from pot metal to get production down to box store pricing. One on the major reasons dealers only service machines that they sell themselves. I imagine that the sewing machine industry is similar.
Edward Hugus, that is what’s what we had in home ec in jr high, 6 million years ago. My mom got a Viking to move up from her old Singer. I guess she wanted more than 3 stitches to choose from. (A really good machine but it only had a straight stitch, back stitch and zigzag. I still have it) Twenty-five years ago my husband asked me to pick out a sewing machine for my birthday. My Husqvarna 500 Computer has been everything I needed. (at the time Husqvarna was Viking sold in Canada) Both my children learned to sew on that machine. My husband has used it on occasion. I’m now looking to upgrade but I know I want a Viking.
So, if you don't live near a sewing machine store, you're in tough shape. Seems to me the only option for many of us is "Big Box" store. We all should be aware of the effect the "big box" had on our local businesses. As far as I can tell, a Baby Lock dealer is probably 1000 miles away from me.
I was In a sew and vac and I was looking at the pfaff quilt expression 720,pfaff creative icon and pfaff expression 710 and janome continental m7 trying out all these fancy machines just to get a feel... I love the feature of the pfaff that when you put u press pedal that the presser foot goes down automatically
My plastic disposable Viking died and my husband offered to buy me a new machine for Christmas. I told him that I wanted an all-metal mechanical machine from the 70s. I did a lot of research and bought a 1977 Kenmore and wouldn't trade it for anything.
Good Choice. I had a Kenmore for 48 yrs., never had a problem, never had it serviced. It ran thru 3 generations. Sold it prior to moving out of state, Big Mistake!!! I now have a Brother, no comparison...
I love my Babylock Aria but I don't love Babylock as a company. You can't comparison shop by price on line. They give very few extras with their machines and they are expensive to purchase. You have to pay for almost all online support, including know your presser feet, which is essentially a commercial. The company, even for a simple question, refers you back to the retailer. Mine is an hour away. But, yes, I love my machine.
Check your local sewing machine shop. Although they may not feature the Babylock, they are usually very knowledgeable. Mine has been a life saver for me. I also have a Babylock Aria and find it is very handy to use for quilting if you have someone who can answer your questions, without charging.
28 year later my phaff still going strong never had any problems ever , unlike the plastic singer i pay 650 for 28 year ago i had and through away I would not give that mess to anyone buy metal part sewing machine that needs oiling if u dont oil it run , i wont a new machine but i am keeping my old phaff for sure but um looking at a industrial machine. funny thing I saw a my use phaff machine on kijij and they wanted 350 for it 30 years later
If everything that we think was built to last from back then" then we would have so many more of those things instead of what we do have. So through a matter of attrition just because something has lasted to today. How many Singer sewing machines manufactured exist today and say if you found one in the charity thrift store how often have you found that the person got rid of it because it no longer worked--and that was a clunky metal heap. What should you expect of something that is a mix of metal and plastic of today? Good sewing.
I swear by my Janome, love both of mine! Personally I hate Brother sewing machines, and the newer Singers aren’t built like their older models. You’re absolutely correct when it comes to maintenance.
I recently sewed on a Janome in a quilting class it was a awesome sewing machine if it sews like it did in the class it didn't miss a beat I was impressed
This didnt feel like what we need to know when buying a machine. It felt like, this is what my baby lock does. I wish you would have spoken in general to what quilters need and gone in froth more than just some feet that can easily be bought and dont really need to come with the machine. There is a lot more to consider. But yea, maybe retitle this, Look at my baby lock or when I switched to a baby lock.
Great points for buying my next sewing machine. My current Brother machine was purchased at Costco in 2019. It is okay for basic sewing. It has an extension table, and a selection of over 100 stitches. You’re correct about relying on owner’s manual for operating instructions. I had a difficult time learning the functions. I started to get into quilting and appliqué and realized a large throat area and faster stitch speed is needed. I’ll be visiting my nearest sewing machine dealer using your advice. I also want a laser light for guiding seam allowance. Thanks so much for your suggestions. Edna Los Angeles, CA
I've had my White 2999 for 14 years and I love it. All metal guts and any decent shop can service it. I am definitely checking pawn shops in my are though. Love that idea!
Both have some great machines. For some people it also comes down to having a dealer that is close and is easy to work with! Good luck with your decision!
I have a Babylock crescendo, which I love. The only thing I do not enjoy is the dual feed, which is used like a walking foot. It is too bulky. They also sell 2 different walking feet. Which one do you suggest, the regular or deluxe?
I have a Brother Dreamweaver - essentially the same machine as the Crescendo - and I love it too. Actually, I love both machines, but the Dreamweaver was less expensive. It has the same dual feed device. I agree that it's bulky and not suitable for some applications but it sure is great to put super long basting stitches in a quilt before doing any FMQ. It prevents fabric slippage and creasing. When necessary, I just use a regular walking foot. Other than the dual feed situation, it's a joy!
I looked at this model online but the fact that it doesn't come with walking foot or extension table made it a no for me. The BabyLock Lyric is past my price range, even on sale.
I got a brother sq9285 for $200 at Walmart I love it , I have 2 singers and a bernina, all 3 broke down in one week ,it was less money to get a new one .
Hi , What about you want the sewing machine only for adding label tag on the clothing your brand name. What type of machine should I purchase . Iam opening a online apparel . Thank you
I have problems with my brother machine fabric gets jammed everytime I use it been repaired twice started using it jammed again I am frustrated its 3yrs old barely use it cause it gives me problems cleaned after every use it was a gift I hope Babylock doesn't have problems now they are owned by brother
Not at all. They're both good, but like some other manufacturers, they do make low-end, throw-away models to sell through places like Amazon and Wayfair. You did yourself a favor by buying from a dealer instead, they sell the quality machines. And you may already know this - dealers often provide some free training, special trade-ins when you want to upgrade, and more.
Singer isn't what it used to be. Some years back Singer, Viking and Pfaff "joined hands" to become SVP and the quality has suffered since. I love Brother machines as well; I have two of them.
I mean chain stores that won’t support you after the sale. And Babylock didn’t give me anything to do this video and I don’t sell them, so this is just my honest opinion of the brand.
Frequently the machines sold at "Big Boxes" (Walmart, Target, and even some at Amazon, & Wayfair) are lines specifically made for those sales venues. They are cheap disposables. If it breaks, it's not fixable and must be replaced. Buy from a dealer instead; you'll pay more but you'll get a repairable machine that will last (as long as you take care of it that is). Having said this, ANY new machine purchased has some level of planned obsolescence built in. But they still can give many years of good service. The only way to avoid planned obsolescence is to obtain a quality all-metal vintage machine with the features you like. These mechanical machines won't do EVERYTHING modern ones do but many of them will do almost everything with the appropriate accessories and presser feet, they just won't do it automatically. Plus many of them are more powerful and will sew upholstery fabric, canvas and even garment leather easily. They can be passed down to family because they'll still be running long after you and I are gone. In addition to 4 modern machines, I have 3 vintage machines that are strong, dependable, easy-to-use, and will do just about anything I need. Plus I can easily do basic maintenance on them myself. One of them actually creates gathers much better than my newest electronic unit. They're great to have around when my modern "babies" go in for routine maintenance. And yes, if you haven't figured it out yet, I'm a sewing machine addict. Sigh! Just can't help myself.
Depends. Some units have quality assurance issues. But if you bought from a store with a great return policy, you can return it until you find one that works or go with something else.
I just bought the singer quantum stylist 9960 a couple weeks ago and although I’m still learning how to use all its features it’s been a great machine, sees very quietly and I like the speed control setting. I also have a 27yr old Juki serger that works like a champ and I would definitely buy a Juki again.
I don’t sell machines. This is just my opinion as a sewer who has sewn on these machines for nearly a decade and as an instructor who has seen dozens of beginners struggle with cheap machines purchased at big box stores.
