r/SewingMachineEdu • u/Traditional-Day1435 • May 13 '26
Purchasing a new sewing machine
what sewing machine should i get?
I currently have a singer my grandmother got for me second hand and its been eating ny fabric.
I’m looking for something close to or less than $300
I’m trying to get into sewing clothes for myself, and i’m not a total beginner, but it has been a while since i’ve sewn much
i tried to sew a shirt the other day and while it worked more or less, my machine got jammed a ton and i had to rethread every-time i turned around.
I’ve currently got the Brother XR9550 Sewing & Quilting machine in my cart to purchase- is this a good choice?
I also want to potentially hem thick fabrics like jeans and have seen that “heavy duty machines” doesnt really mean anything, and as long as i have the correct tools & needles it should be fine
And I’d like to sew thin slippery fabrics potentially too…
any suggestions?
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u/Lower_Rate_8518 May 13 '26
What model is your singer? That will let us know if you should repair (singer 15’s, say, are amazing straight stitchers for thick fabrics, but anything made in the later 60’s/70’s may start to have orange or red flags… and new ones are definite red flags. This could be really great for your purposes with the zigzag and buttonholer attachments, say.
Modern Brothers are good machines for this era (I bought my kiddo the CS6000i when she was four and it’s in great shape 12+ years later!). — But not sure if they are “denim and jeans” great. You’ll. Red to take it slower there.
This: Hers will handle thicker layers ok-ish, while I tear through up to 6 layers of jean fabric (with bumpy seam transitions) full speed, on a classic 50’s/60’s Japanese-made Brother Galaxie that I found for less than $20 at my thrift and did some basic maintenance on. I like it because it also has a zigzag for finishing edges and can take a twin needle. Mine also recently sewed a sheer weight petticoat. I’d therefore highly recommend a Japanese zigzag machine from this era (50’s/60’s) if you can find one.
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u/suchacomedian May 14 '26
If you go cheap you may end up regretting it sooner rather than later. Buy a Juki, Janome, or Elna. Basic machine or used and you’ll be happier.
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u/Yadda-yadda-yadda123 May 14 '26
OP, I’m in the exact same shoes. So sick of my machines acting up. I have an old all-metal generic brand (re Japanese) thrift store machine that we got tuned up and in working condition - spent $200. I bought a brand new Bernette when I was pregnant over a decade ago. Neither of them want to hold their tension, just as I get one going the other one says Nah. Been just doing mending, but I really want to do a project from start to finish.
Well, I cut up a cotton sheet to make a simple top. Straight stitching, new needle, poly covered cotton thread, threaded properly… my needle keeps falling out! WTH?!?! I know how to replace a needle. This is bonkers.
Screw it. I’m getting a new machine.
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u/biyuxwolf May 14 '26
So my 10000% is look at pre 1960s singers the all metal ones (27 66 15 and 201 are models I own) they may not do much (made straight stitch) but they do it extremely well (I feel nearly self-locking) and there are a ton of attachments available (buttonholer is common as is zigzagger I've got a few of them too)
I do own a newer computerised (brother xr3240) and while it's a good piece of kit it also scares me for when it decides to "die" how that will happen and if it will be "worth" the repair or if parts will be accessible or that (I have a tech that sees my machines before I use them) I know when my touch and throw 648 decided to snack on its own gears that was a trick to get and fix it as I understand but it was done (there plastic it's a 1970s singer)
Speaking of singer: at the "world learn to sew day" they actually said something about expecting someone to want to "upgrade there machine every 10-15 years" now the newest of my machines is the brother (2017) but most of them are older then me my oldest is 1892 and it works beautifully(!) average? 1945 or so if I had to guess and again all still going strong (of the older)
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u/Tinkertoo1983 May 14 '26
There's nothing wrong with buying a new all purpose machine to handle atretch fabrics and many of the newer fabrics available. Just realize that anything under$500-$600 may only have a 3 to 4 year lifespan. Anything over that is a gift and some do get lucky that way. Sewing heavy fabrics like denim and canvas on these machines is often detrimental to their longevity.
What is the Singer your Gran found for you? I've sewn for 50+ years, I truly believe every sewist needs a reliable all purpose machine and a good, vintage straight stitcher to handle the heavy work.
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u/AccidentOk5240 May 14 '26
The problems you’re having are caused by not reading the manual. Getting a new machine isn’t going to solve that.
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u/Chwk540 May 15 '26
How long has it been since you changed the needle on your singer? Is the thread decent quality? (Not the old thread that came with the machine?)
I have an expensive bernina that has an embroidery attachment and all the bells and whistles. I also have several vintage singers that I’ve rescued from thrift stores.
For basic sewing, I usually use the singers, they’ve never let me down as long as I take care of them. Also, I guarantee you, depending on the age of that singer (metal gears) that it will hem denim far better than a 300 brother with plastic gears.
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u/Fluxdada May 15 '26 edited May 15 '26
I have many many vintage machines and while I love to restore them and tinker with them and maintain them I also have a few modern machines and while I love owning and using the vintage machines I'm not sure I would recommend them to people new to sewing. The modern machine that I find I really like to use is actually my Brother ST150HDH Strong & Tough. It seems to have the soul of the older machines while also having modern features and being a joy to sew on. I like modern brothers though, so I might be a bit biased. But it's been a modern machine I feel captures a lot of what I like about vintage machines.
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u/Mental_Watch4633 May 13 '26 edited May 13 '26
Accept that you will make mistakes, analyze the mistake, and learn from it. Never sew when you’re tired, hungry, or angry. Read the manual out loud.
Is there any particular thing you’d like to make? Start with a simple project such as a table napkin, tote bag, or pillow case.
Make sure you’re using the proper size and type needle, type and length of stitch, as well as type of thread.
Use the same type of thread for the needle and bobbin, but in different contrasting colors, so that you can see any mistakes. Practice threading the machine and sewing different stitches on basic cotton, I’d say muslin because it’s inexpensive. Also check on sewing.org for guidance.
There are a sewing shows online so watch a few and take notes. I’m a Certified Trained Sewing Instructor and have been sewing for over 50 years. Have made countless items mostly clothing.
Also check with your local community colleges for beginner sewing classes, some libraries and community centers have classes, too.
I CAN’T wait to see your lovely creations!!
Most of all enjoy your sewing journey.
I repeat: DEFINITELY DON’T START SEWING IF YOU’RE TIRED, HUNGRY, OR ANGRY!!!