Quilt in a Day Forums

I am now facing a dilemma. I have been using the same sewing machine my mother used to use since I began sewing as a girl. Now, with that sewing machine getting towards retirement, I am thinking of purchasing a new one, but this is proving more difficult than I thought. After using a new sewing machine my friend has and having it lock up on me numerous times, I think I'm going to need some help.

Would anyone be able to recommend a simple sewing machine that is the most likely to keep going with the least amount of trouble? I am not really looking for any extras, it only needs to do a straight stitch and machine quilting and I'll be pleased as punch.

If you own one that you really love, please let me know EXACTLY which one it is? I'm hoping to spend less than $350 on it if possible, but I can save up if there is one which is especially foolproof.

Thanks so much everyone for your input in advance!
Tishia Tedder

Brother makes a good sewing machine and Bernina....I have a Janome and a White Quilting/Sewing machine. I love both of mine. I'm sure you will get other suggestions soon from the Forum gals.

I have a Kenmore that has been trouble free since 1965. I clean, oil and dust it myself with the pictures in the manual. A lot of the Ladies have Janomes and have mentioned that Kenmore/Sears is made by Janome. You might want to go to Sears and check them out. I also have a little $99.00 Kenmore that I have for taking to classes or if I have someone that wants me to show them how to sew. My 14 and 15 year old Nieces for example.

I have been looking at the newest Janome, but there is quite a price tag on it.

Good Luck and have fun looking.............

Linda/Oasis

You aren't going to get a quality machine if you spend around $350. Try and save up to buy a machine that's at least $600. Stay away from Walmart ... I've heard nothing but bad things about the machines they sell, like Brother. Go online and check eBay or Craigslist. Lots of sewers/quilters like to get the newest sewing machine model and want to get rid of their other one, which works just fine, it's just a couple years older, so you may be able to get some good deals. The bad thing about eBay is that you can't take it for a test-drive, which is very important. Oftentimes, these Ma and Pa sewing machine stores have very knowledgeable people working there, and they often have lower-priced refurbished machines that they will service, if anything goes wrong. I have a very basic Bernina. She doesn't have any of the bells and whistles, which you don't need for quilting. I spent $1,000 for her about 7 years ago and it's a fabulous machine for me, but find one that's perfect for YOU. Good luck! Nancy

I had a Kenmore for years - it is still going - I am a Pfaff girl - I love my Pfaff - mine is with all the bells and whistles - but I have a GF that bought one like you are wanting and I love to sew on that one too.

I would save up and watch for sales at a sewing machine shop - I would stay far away from Walmart and the likes. A good sewing machine shop has models that are discontinued and demonstrators that have very little "mileage" (LOL) on them and the price has been slashed. I bought a demo - serger - a machine that was originally priced around $1800 - got it for $500 - only had been run just a few minutes in the shop to show customers - great machine!

When you buy from a shop - you get the lessons on how everything works and how to maintain the machine. They are very helpful.

Good luck and spend you time test sewing until you find the one that fits you!

Jana

I have a Kenmore that I have had for many years and I still have my first kenmore that I bought about 20 years ago (it still works).
They are nice machines for the dollars. I think I got mine for around $350 about 5 years ago.

Brenda

I am really glad to hear about those of you who are suggesting staying away from Walmart. I am a big supporter of small businesses. Living in a little town my whole life, I have seen the wonderful things that an independent shop owner can bring to a community.

I am also glad that your feedback is matching that of shops I have questioned. Kenmore seems to be fairly popular. With the previous popularity of Singer and Brother, I would think they would be more towards the front. I suppose that's what happens when a company starts depending more on their name than in keeping their standards high.

I'm going to start saving up again and try to get closer to $750. Thank you all for your super quick responses and I'd be happy to see additional feedback if anyone else wants to share

Regards,
Tishia

Hi Tishia,
I bought a singer a year ago and I can quilt with it. I got it on sale. If you have a Joanns near by just go and check them out and yes do check out the sewing shops. All shops charge different prices..I wish you well in your search and let us know what you deside.
Girl


I have a small problem as well I went to do a zig zag and it wants to skip, first time using that stitch and come to find out that my machine is out of time and the place I bought it won't send it in for me for repairs. So please ask them if they will care for your machine if a problem arises and you need it fixed. Very unhappy camper here.

I went into the store the other day and talked to another lady about my sewing machine and she is going to send it in for me. I'm very pleased with the outcome.

I've had my Kenmore for about 12 years now. It's not computerized...nothing too fancy. I used to make clothes before I fell in love with quilting.
I was just at Sears a few weeks ago, and they have a machine very much like mine (non-computerized).
My machine is work horse too. I've sewn denim with it. And I can free-motion quilt. Simple threading and bobbin winding. I love it!
It's in your price range.

However, at my local JoAnn's, they're selling some Husqvarnas. I've heard those are sturdy machines too.

I love my Janome machines. I have the 6600 and than a smaller one to take to classes. I know many people who love Janome.