best sewing machine between $300 and $500?

Question

I am looking for a sewing machine and don't know what to choose. What would you recommend for a budget limit of $500?

Answer 1

I'd recommend a midline electronic from a reputable maker, OR a really topnotch mechanical.

http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm

Why electronic? Because you get "full punching force" with stepper motors -- none of the stalling you get on old style mechanical machines at low speeds, plus some really useful functions like programmable repeating buttonholes, needle up/down, sometimes speed controls, etc. Why mechanical? Because those machines will probably still be stitching into the next century if taken care of at all.

I'd like to send you to the library for two books: John Giordano's Sewing Machine Guide, and Carol Ahles' Fine Machine Sewing. Giordano's book is about choosing and rehabbing older machines (and some modern ones) while Ahles initial chapters and final chapters have some excellent information on testing and comparing sewing machines.

What do you want to do with your machine? Are you going to be production sewing for pay or sale? If so, you probably want an industrial or commercial machine, not a home machine. Are you going to be doing a lot of quilting? If so, lots of space to the right of the needle is useful. Are you making garments? Make sure you love those buttonholes, and that the machine sews whatever you love to work with. Are you an "heirloom sewing" buff? Then you'll want all the various types of pinstitches and fagoting stitches and hemstitches... Oh, and take along all those fabrics you consider to be absolute misery to sew with... if you have always wanted to sew velvet to satin and cordially hate both fabrics because they misbehave, is there a machine that's helpful? Are there machine tasks you hate to do? (I learned a really neat waistband elastic application from one of the salespeople when I was shopping.)

Do you have a serger? Or will this be your only machine? Do you need to lug it to class, or will it stay in a cabinet or table?
Do you love having eleventy-seven different specialty presser feet, or do you just want a few more versatile ones? Do you need to fiddle with bobbin tension on a regular basis because you like to do bobbin work (that'd push you more towards a machine that can accept a second bobbin case.)

Go shopping. Try out as many machines as you can, even if they're way out of your price range. It's easier to make a selection when you know what a really good machine can do -- and if you can find all the functions you need/want in a lesser priced machine than the Really Good One and maintain the stitch quality, you may well have a winner.

Make sure you like the interface of the machine. Berninas are lovely machines and have some real partisans. They make me feel like I've suddenly got 10 thumbs, but I've never met a Viking or a Pfaff I couldn't sit down with and be comfortable with instantly. Janomes tend to be a lot of bang for the buck. Elnas are nice machines, but they're not intuitive for me. (On the other hand, I have periodic machine lust for my mother-in-law's Elna Lotus, just because it's so cute.) Etc. Etc....

Have fun shopping!

Answer 2

I have a 1918 singer treadle machine, 2 Sears Roebuck And 1 montgomery wards machines. The sears are the best for the money. Had a new Singer....it fell apart.

Answer 3

My husband sells sewing machines. He says the best one in the world is the Janome. If you can find one in your price range, grab it. You might want to check a local seller of Janomes, they might have some reconditioned machines, which would be cheaper. A used Janome is better than a new anything else.

Answer 4

Although it does have other stitches, I have a upper-mid range Brother that will hem and dart jeans. Obviously, unless you want to spent the cash on a heavy duty one, you won't want to make a pair of jeans on it unless it was light demin. It doesn't sound like you really care to be a designer, though. :) Brother just stopped making mine so I can't recommend that model. I have Even if you get a top of the line machine though, you won't get anywhere unless you use the appropriate needles for your job. Heavy duty needles (and proper thread,though I have used regular) for denim will ensure a nice stitch, unbroken needles and less hair you'll pull out fighting with it. But after doing quite a bit of research for mine, they are THE brand to get. They are also super easy to thread! Sorry I couldn't be more help!

Answer 5

I love my Pfaff.
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