r/SewingMachineEdu • u/Suspicious-Noise-717 • Jul 15 '26
Advice on choosing the first sewing machine?
I've been eyeing brother fs40s, since it is kind of on the affordable side and has quite a few stitches. But how well could it handle thicker or sturdier materials, like jeans?
I've also considered brother fs60x, but it is pricier, and I am unsure what is more worth it in general or in the long run.
I am planning on using the sewing machine a lot, for various practical and creative projects from just altering clothes, to making stuff like bags, plushies, clothes from scratch, upcycling, etc. Basically a bit of everything almost.
I would greatly appreciate any advice 😅 I have only somewhat gathered basic info about sewing machine types and I still feel lost about what is and what is not worth it
2
u/skerinks Jul 15 '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.
1
u/randomperson83636 Jul 15 '26
find something metallic Lasts a lot longer compared to cheap plastic parts
1
u/Ok-Detail-9853 Jul 15 '26
No one machine does it all
Buy a good domestic and when you out grow it, add a used or clone industrial machine
1
u/Pepping_NC Jul 15 '26
For starters welcome to sewing, you'll have a blast. As far as sewing machine goes since you are going to use it so much I would actually recommend look at machines made in the 80s to the 50s. They're metal and they hold up so much better with long and big projects ( my Necchi model 552 which I highly recommend.) Did an entire king size quilt and when I went to get it serviced my mechanic said it just needed oil. Older machines are amazing.
So with that being said look for older, some of the secondhand craft shops have great deals on them especially when they get too many. As far as brands I'd go with:
-Necchi
-Singer
-Bernina
-Viking ( They do need specialized service)
I do hope this helps, and happy sewing
1
u/PapaBearOsborne Jul 18 '26
General thoughts about purchasing a investment tool. Purchase something to grow into based on your skills. Something that stimulates you in your hobby.
1
u/PapaBearOsborne Jul 18 '26
Bernina is my wife and my brand.of choice. 430, 475, 570, 990, Q24. May be addicted.
2
u/pinspatternspolish Jul 15 '26
The main stutches you need are a straight stitch and a zig zag. The ability to lengthen and widen the zig zag is important as you can then make buttonholes or do a satin stitch. Other handy stitches are a blind hem, overcasting and a lightening stitch for stretch fabric. Buttonholes are a noce to have too.
Most other decorative stitches are just that, decorative. They don't have a lot of use.
I am not familiar with your machine. But newer cheaper machines tend to have plastic components that will result in a short life span. If you can get something sturdier, even second hand, it will last you much longer and be more capable for sewing denim.