World Wide Quilting Page
Question of the Week
Question for the week of November 10, 1997:
Our question this week comes from Patrice Servant
What is the most affordable ($) sewing machine for general sewing, quilting
and embroidery ?
NANCY COUNCILMAN :
ANY machine with a walking foot, drop feed dog feature and zig-zag can get you there. I have a New Home with many embroidery stitches that I am still learning.
Jane D. Davis :
New Home
Carol :
Don't get carried away or taken in by all "the bells and whistles" a machine has. Decide what you are going to do with the machine... just piecing requires a straight stitch, machine quilting requires a machine that can run for long periods. I have a 20 year old singer that my hubby gave me when our 1 st was born. I love it . I very rarely use any of the fancy stitches. When I see the new machines in stores I feel some envy, but "old faithful" has never let me down.I dread the day when I'll have to replace her....we get along so well.
Anthony :
This is like asking what shade of lipstick would look best on you. Everyone has her or his own personal preferences, non of which may speak to your needs. I certainly have my favorite, but no use cluttering the issue. I'd suggest you visit as many shops as you can, and try them all out. One will speak to you and that's the one to buy. Besides, youll get to know which shop you'd rather deal with if you need service. --Bring your own cottons and some of the stabilizer you normally use. Many shops have you test the machine on buckram and any machine does well on that stuff.-- I do recommend that once you find the one you want, try to find a used (but loved) one. Quilters are always trading up. Used machines can be quite a bargain and often for 1/2 the price of the same model new. Go to www.sewserg.com (no affiliation) they have good basic descriptions of most of the machines currently on the market. This might be a good place to start. But, remember that they are giving you the opinion of the reviewer which is no better that your gut feeling when you sit at a machine and decide that you love it.
Nancine :
I use to own a Singer and after that a Viking. Two years ago, my wonderful husband bought me a Bernina 1260. There is nothing this machine can't do. In general, the quality of the Bernina is unmatched - yes, others will say it is more expensive, but for your $$$ you are getting a wonderful machine that is a powerful workhorse. The tension on the machine is unmatched, the knee lift is incredible, and the possibilities become endless.
Kim :
I used to have a Singer, The 169 dollar kind that
you can buy anywhere. I hated it.
I almost gave up quilting because
I thought that I could not do it.
I purchased a Pfaff. It is not fancy
and has no bells and whistles. I love it.
It sounds really wonderful when you sew
with it. It doesn't jam, and quilting is wonderful because of the built in walking foot. I have had many problems with
the dealer where I purchased it, but I
love the machine!
karen @ omnilinx.net :
a Bernina is my choice. Even an
older used Bernina carries a good
guarantee. They are really worth
the extra money.
Randee :
About a year ago my husband purchased a NewHome machine for me for my birthday. Not only does it sew beautifully for quilting but is is great for anything.They can be purchased at all price ranges and you can get more elaborate ones than just straight stitching, zigzag, or buttonhole.
I have never used a Bernina but most people rave about them. I have always found them to be expensive. My last machine was a Babylock and I always had trouble with the tension. Look around and try the machines- you will get a feel for what you like.
Kayce :
I have what was the top of the line Brother 3 yrs. ago and have never been happier. I have a small Brother that I take to classes (basic stuff) that is only about 8 lbs - it works...not exciting. As for the affordable, sometimes it's the 'where' and not the 'what'. I looked at the Janome Memory Craft 8000 and liked it, but I think the 5000 would be a lot closer to the mark and a lot more affordable. Best thing is to go to a couple stores that have at least two brands and try them yourself. Check out the Sewing Machine Super Store online for lots of good info on the different brands.
June Mendel :
I have two Vikings, one with all the fancy stitches that is about 20 years old, and new one about 3 years old. I love both of them, the newer one was not very expensive, about $400. It has everything a sewer or quilter would what on it. Very easy to use.
Ann :
I love my Viking - I have had one for aloost 20 years and currently have my first one and my most current one j- the #1+ - does embroidery along with general sewing and decorative sewing. It works great and Viking is always working to make it even better.
laura :
I currently have a New Home with many of the bells and whistles on it . I rarely use more than the straight stitch. The embroidery stitiches work fine until you come to a seam but then often jam up going over and over in the same spot.
I am currently on a quest to find an OLD used Bernina(the cadillac of sewing machines!) this would be used for quilting and clothing construction.
And of course I would love to have a Singer featherweight for quilting.
JulMJames :
I own 2 "New Home" machines and love them both. I feel you get a good quality machine at an affordable price. One of them is 5 years old and I have never had any problems with it or had to have it serviced. I can't afford the expensive brands with all the bells and whistles, but the New Home has lots of neat features for a reasonable price.
Terrie Korpita :
For general sewing, I would recommend anyone look for an old, used straight-stitch Singer. They are real workhorses, and there are plenty of repair shops around if you should run into any trouble. Tag sales are great resources, but if you want to be certain it's in good working order before you buy, shop for a machine which has been turned in at a shop. I have a Singer 99K, which was a gift so I don't know the price, but I've seen them at flea markets and tag sales for $100 or even less.I've never done machine embroidery, so I cannot comment on that.
Joycetwining@novagate.com :
I believe the answer to the question of the sewing machine could vary as much as material pattern.
Personally I have a Kemore Electronic and a White Serger, I love both the machines, I am sure that the choices
vary depending on how much and what kind of quilting each quilter does. Dollar wise it would depend on what the machine has to offer and how the service is backed up and where you have to go to get that service. To me service means alot, althought I do not by any service contracts I want to know when and were I can get service for my machines.
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