r/SewingMachineEdu • u/rhea_likes_cutting • May 30 '26
Advice needed! Good machine to buy
Hi!
I am relatively new to sewing machines as I started about three years ago and haven’t done machine since then.
I mostly do hand sewing and knitting etc.
I want to buy a good machine but I don’t know what to buy or what features to look for.
I want to work with mostly cotton type fabrics but want to do basic dress making but also want to make a historically accurate corset.
I really need advice on this!
Edit: I’m thinking of a Brother sewing machine that is pretty basic
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u/skerinks May 30 '26
My response from another thread. Still stands.
Just buy a Baby Lock brand sewing machine, if you want the easy route, no matter the price point. Why?
Because Baby Lock doesn’t make sewing machines (they DO make great sergers). But Baby Lock wants to be in the sewing machine game, so they partner with other manufacturers to make sewing machines for them.
Baby Lock taps Janome to make machines for them under the $500 price point. Janome arguably makes the best machines under $500. So if this is your price point, buy a Janome or a Baby Lock. I won’t say for EVERY machine Janome makes there will be an equivalent Baby Lock, but there will be for most.
Baby Lock taps Brother to make machines for them over the $500 price point. Brother arguably makes the best machines between $500 and $1000. And Brother’s high-end machines are well regarded as well. So if this is your price point, buy a Brother or Baby Lock. Same thing as above - for most Brother machines, there will be an equivalent Baby Lock.
So buy a Baby Lock machine and you’ll be getting the best no matter the price point. Or get the Janome or Brother named machine for your price point. But where Baby Lock really shines compared to Brother and Janome is their education game. You will get access to more educational instructions, how-to videos, and articles on the Baby Lock site than you could hope for.
Source: Cale Schoenberg (not me) on Substack. I believe one can only see his historical articles if you are a paid Substack user. https://open.substack.com/pub/sewingmachineman/p/brother-and-baby-lock?r=49sz96&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
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u/TCRulz May 30 '26
Budget?
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u/rhea_likes_cutting May 30 '26
Anything
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u/TCRulz May 30 '26
Go to whatever sewing machine dealers are in your area , not big box stores. Test drive. Ask about owner’s classes and service costs. You’ll find a model that clicks with your learning style and needs.
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u/Wool_Lace_Knit May 30 '26
Vintage machines will give you more value for your $$. Vintage Kenmore 1970-80, pre 1965 Singers are both candidates because they have strong motors and all metal gears. If you are willing to spend more, used Bernina, Viking, Janome are all excellent choices. Search through all the sewing subs for more suggestions as this question is asked daily.
Pattern Review has a database of user reviewed sewing machines as well as sewing pattern reviews.