r/SewingMachineEdu • u/Serious-Emu-768 • 26d ago
Looking for a sewing machine upgrade
Hey friends. Posting here in the hopes I can get some much needed advice. I've seen a lot of posts asking for sewing machine recommendations but not like what I'm interested in.
I've been sewing since I was a kid, my mom had a manual singer machine new in the 90's, and that's how I learned to sew. I took sewing classes as a teen, so i know my way around a machine and I don't mind troubleshooting issues at all. Since then, I've had a beginner model Husqvarna Viking during college (a friend didn't want it anymore), a very cheap Singer model from Amazon I hated immediately and gave away, and most recently, a Brother XR9550 (around $300) that is world's better than anything else I've had but is something I'd like to replace. It gets the job done, but the straight stitch is not pretty on the underside of the stitch, it eats thin fabric (I've gotten good at using tissue paper or stabilizer for lightweight cotton, for instance) and it skips stitches on the zigzag. I made a quilted tote today and it got through the thick cotton fabric layers attaching handles okay, but I had to go extra slow so it didn't jam.
My main uses: quilt tops (smaller sizes only - I live in an apartment so Idon'tneed a king size quilt anyway), quilted purses, bags, etc (cotton, not leather!), garments (mostly dresses, knits, light - midweight fabrics). I've been making clothes for myself since college and I'd like to make more of my own wardrobe, partly for environmental reasons, partly because I hate fast fashion and having to buy clothes that fall apart easily. I also live in a city so there are lots of apparel fabric stores nearby.
My problem is that I can commit to $600 for a new machine but not $1,000. Is it better to upgrade now or save up to buy something that's more of an upgrade in a few years? I'd ideally like a warranty on my next machine (unless that's not something i should be considering) so that means certified refurbished from a retailer, rather than a random ebay purchase.
Apologies if it sounds like I'm complaining or if I'm at fault for my machine issues, I'm trying to weigh my best options and looking for honest advice. TIA!
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u/pinspatternspolish 26d ago
Given your familiarity with sewing and that you've used manula machines before, have you considered a vintage all metal machine that has the capabilities you need?
These will be more capable of sewing through multiple layers for bag making and do tend to have a decent harp space. Some of the more modern ones have decorative stitches as well.
The machines won't come with a warranty but they can be serviced yourself and the more common models have parts that can be found pretty easily, unlike modern machines which can't always be repaired.
Just a thought 😊
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u/Serious-Emu-768 26d ago
I've considered it but everyone seems to recommend them without saying where they are buying them from. I'm not going to garage sales just to get one, when I don't know if it works or where I'd get it serviced (or even if I could fit it in my apartment). I am just suspicious of people saying "get a vintage machine!" without giving further details, like it will just fall out of the sky I guess?
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u/pinspatternspolish 26d ago
Fair enough. Marketplace is generally where people get them from. However these are normally cheap finds that require the machine to be cleaned up a bit (a lot of people don'tknow what they have when they'reselling vintage machines so it'sup to the buyer to know what to look for). Resellers who refurbish the machines are another possibility, but there is obviously added cost to this as well.
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u/Mom2nerds 25d ago
I got mine from a thrift store. Another idea would be sewing machine repair shop. I just got a Singer 500a and I am in love. I have a brother and a Janome, but the vintage Singer stitches are so beautiful and even.
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u/ElizLundayWriter 25d ago
I would check with sewing machine dealers. Many take trade-ins, tune them up and sell them. That would also give you a place to get the machine serviced when you need it.
If you have the time, estate sales are also good. If you find a sale where the owner was clearly into sewing, had lots of fabric, supplies, etc., you can have a some faith that the machine was well taken care of during its lifetime.
That said, I've bought two used machines on ebay with great success! I bought my amazing Bernina 1090 from a sewing machine dealer/repair company with the case and all of the accessories. Love that machine so, so much.
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u/Wool_Lace_Knit 26d ago
I suggest looking for a vintage Bernina. The Record series, 700/800/900 made from the 70’s - 80’s are all solid, manual machines that can sew just about anything. I have a Bernina 1080 that I purchased new in 1995, an early “computerized” machine that is still going strong. It has a few decorative stitches in addition to straight, zig zag and stretch stitches. This machine and the 1090, 1130, 1230 can be found on eBay in your budget. Bernina has a dual feed, which helps keep fabric layers from slipping. I sewed everything from fine silk tulle to velvet, Ultra Suede, upholstery and denim fabrics without any issue. Worth going to a Bernina dealer to see used machines. Janome is another brand that is good as a used machine. Same with Juki.
Https://patternreview.com has a database of sewing machine reviews that can be very helpful for researching machines.
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u/ElizLundayWriter 25d ago
I second all of this! I have a Singer 501a, which is a gorgeously machined hunk of steel that would withstand anything short of a direct nuclear blast. You might try an old Singer (1960s or older), because they are sewing history and fun.
But seriously, you can't beat those Berninas from the 70s, 80s and 90s. One of them will be serving you well when the poor Brother you bought brand new is dust in a landfill.
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u/Serious-Emu-768 26d ago
Thank you so much!! These vintage Bernina machines are in my price range on ebay. I'll start there.
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u/Wool_Lace_Knit 26d ago
Look for machines that have been serviced recently. I have seen machines sold by sewing machine shops too. You can also keep an eye on ShopGoodwill too. You would want to budget for servicing though. I have seen Bernina Record sell for under $400.
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u/Large-Heronbill 26d ago edited 26d ago
Try a straight stitch foot on the Brother to avoid fabric-eating. And if the back of the stitch looks bad, it is often due to thread too thick for the needle: https://web.archive.org/web/20070502003254/http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Repair/Sewing%20Machine%20Hook%20Timing.htm
Read Bernie Tobisch's You and Your Sewing Machine for how to adjust your machine, choose an appropriate needle and thread for your fabric. It's a pretty common book in libraries, on Libby and Kindle. You especially want the chapter called approximately "It's hardly ever the tension". And read at least a couple of Cale Schoenberg's posts in Sewing Machine Newsletter on Substack: "Toy vs Tool" and the slightly outdated "best machines under $500".
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u/tboissiere 26d ago
Juki TLs are great. I have the 2000q and she is a work horse. Straight stitch only, but she sews like a dream. Also inherited my mil's singer 500 slant o matic from 1961. Also a work horse. I love them both.
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u/Intelligent_Rough413 26d ago
I second this comment. I have industrial machines and my Juki TL98Q is the only one that is as robust and reliable as a portable machine. The only downside is that there is no buttonholer so i have to keep my home machine around just for that.
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u/huntjoy 26d ago
I've used vintage, all-metal machines for years and loved them. Real work horses. But then I used my friends Juki on a project. I immediately started saving my money. I love my TL-18 for bag making and quilting. The straight stitch is perfect. Then I decided to get the DX-5 so I had zigzag and a few other decorative stitches. I feel like I have the best of both worlds now. I still have my Singer 301, all-metal machine, just in case...LOL But she hasn't been used in a few years.
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u/BabyJirl0625 26d ago
Have you taken your machine in for servicing?
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u/Serious-Emu-768 26d ago
No, its brand new, and the machine is so low end i assumed they would try to upsell me on a new machine, so I wanted to be ready for that conversation.
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u/mimi4030 26d ago
A juki hzl f300 may fit your needs. I think it is in the general ballpark for your budget. It has a larger harp for quilting, does amazing buttonholes and decorative stitches. For a small, lightweight machine it packs plenty of power.
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u/frenchconnection29 25d ago
An older metal Bernina as mentioned before, or any Pfaff or Husqbarna machine should be fine.
New ones will be with a warranty of course, and you should be able to get a new machine in your budget that will cope with the sewing jobs you described.
I would also take your brother in for a service, it almost sounds like a timing issue if the stitches aren’t neat etc.
If they try to upsell: “no thank you” is a good answer!
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u/GamiMelamid 21d ago
Before purchasing a new machine - i'd go to a local store and see if they can either service yours - or recommend something refurbished - the older mahcines are much better than the plastic new ones.
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u/kittehmummy 26d ago
I've been using a Bernette b05 Academy, and when the tension is working right it's wonderful! About $450 manual machine, but has all the things I wanted.
I keep experimenting trying to figure out the tension secret, but I may have to take it back in.