How to judge the quality and/or versatility of a home sewing machine?

Question

The sewing machine presently in use has problems with the tension knobs. It is more than fifteen years old. Have the features on newer machines changed drastically and is it practical to invest in a newer moderate priced machine -- $200 range - versus having this older one repaired. The sewing machine will be used for quilting and home sewing projects. I'm not into fancy embroidering stitches but zig-zag is useful. Can anyone recommend the merits of different brands.

Answer 1

Take you machine in for a good cleaning and servicing. It's possible the tensions knobs have slipped or the mechanism is gummed up with lint or other gunk or the springs have unsprung. If you are comfortable and happy with your current machine then a repair is a far better investment than buying a new machine.

There's been a lot of consolidation in home sewing machines, a few companies own many different brands now. Some new machines, especially the lower priced ones -are simply not worth the money.

If you do end up needing a new machine, then take your time when buying a new one. Try to buy through a dealer, they will be able to give you lessons for operating your new machine, they will have needles, accessories, whatever you need to keep your new machine happy and healthy. Take sample of the type of sewing that you do so the dealer can help you select the best machine for your needs. I agree about not needing fancy embroidery stitches, what good is three thousand duckies and bunnies if it can't do straight and zig zag? Test drive as many machines as possible to get the one that's best for you. Don't buy only based on price, try to buy the best machine for your purposes.

I like Janomes the best. They are good quality versatile machines and have many different models for many different purposes. They can take generic low shank presser feet, so you can buy all those fancy specialty feet that make sewing so much easier. I also like SInger, I have a couple industrial singers and they would happily work 24-7 without complaint. Bernina is a durable and hard working brand, but quite expensive, as are Pfaffs. Pfaff has the very best top of the line machine with every bell and whistle ever imagined; for those times you have an extra 10,000 dollars floating around for buying a sewing machine. (yeah, sure, i can afford that...NOT!) Their lower priced machines are okay, but in my opinion overpriced for what you get.

And that's all I can think of for now!

Answer 2

In the $200 range, I'd stick with an overhauled used machine.
Under $200, the machines are basically throwaway once they've got a problem. Janome Jem Gold is the only one at that price point that I've heard good things about, but it's a small machine, too small for most machine quilting.

What's going on with this one (what is it?) and the tensions? Has it been cleaned and adjusted in the last few years? Have you tried cleaning the tension yourself?

In the low priced range, I think Janome probably gives you the most bang for the buck -- they also make at least some of the
Kenmores. Singers have had a very long dry spell, but I hear some of their newer machines may be worth looking at. Europros are hard to find parts for. Toyota and Juki might be worth looking at. The Big Brands right now are Viking, Bernina, Pfaff and Elna, and I'd suggest going up in price before considering any of those.

Answer 3

Singer sewing machines have had an excellent reputation for years
So has Phaff.
I had a Kenmore for 25 years and loved it, although all it did was sew back and forth and zig zag.
I bought a new Euro Pro last year because of the fancy stitches it does (300 to be exact) it is computerized and it took me 4 months to get up the nerve to try it , but I love it now.
However if Singer had the model I wanted in the first place at the price I paid for my Euro Pro I would stick with Singer.
Go to Singer sewing machines web site and look at all they have. If you just want the basics you cannot go wrong with a Singer.You may pay quite a bit just to get one repaired but it is still fairly old. unless it is steel instead of plastic. My repair man told me those old steel ones will outlast anything new on the market today unless you go upwards of a thousand dollars. (Who can afford that?)

Answer 4

I love singers and have two. If you just want a basic machine, I would go for a singer. You should check to see how much it would cost to have yours repaired. My machines are at least 25 years old, and I wouldn't trade them for any thing. Tension is not a big problem, so check that out first, unless you want a new machine. Sometimes the local shops have trade ins that they refurbish and sell. You have alot of options.

Answer 5

USHA is the astounding determination for sewing machines in india. (Its with my very own adventure) U have an excellent catalogue to choose from ur requirement and value selection. And its upkeep is likewise very very low. Its consumer friendly.