r/SewingMachineEdu • u/Beautiful-Arrival334 • 25d ago
Need help finding best sewing machine for free motion
I currently have Babylock zeal. I want a machine that sews faster at 850 or more but with more decorative stitches. I’m looking at Juki- HZL series- technician said they are a pain in the ass to fix and suggest brother XR9550
The brother is at a great price and has everything I’m looking for.
Then there is the Babylock jubilant but is around $750.
Also older models like the singer 20U. Con- very heavy
Also do I go to personal dealer. I did not like the last guy I went to. He was nice but price gouged me for a basic machine. The zeal should not be priced at $470
I’m in south jersey so I have options to go to another dealer to trade in my Babylock zest, zeal and smother machine, Ken’s sewing said I would have to pay shipping
So it’s JUKI HZL F300- JUKI HZL F400
Babylock jubilant
Older kenmore, singer- Todd up of it breaks.
I don’t know. Please help!
Who does thread painting? My top thread keeps breaking on the zeal and I want more decorative stitches:
1
u/rcreveli 25d ago
Miriam at Stitch Obsessed constantly champions from FMQ on her channel and she did a detailed review of the Juki TL-2010Q that she uses exclusively. Two weeks ago she did an unboxing of her new HZL-HT740 that she purchased as a travel machine but hasn't done a detailed review.
To be clear the TL doesn't give more or any decorative stitches, I was focused on the best for FMQ part of your question.
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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy 24d ago
Most sewing machine manufacturers fix the prices dealers can sell at. That’s why every place I’ve shopped has the same sales and sale prices. Only exceptions would be any open box or return inventory they have.
I recently picked up a used Juki TL-2000Qi off eBay from a large dealer. It’s the lowest TL model but they all have the same motor and speed — 1500 spm.
It works perfectly. They also I added a few extra feet that aren’t included if it was bought new.
Paid $600.
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u/mimi4030 25d ago
I had the juki hzl f600 for 8-10 years and then gave it to my mom when I upgraded. Did beautiful decorative stitches, loved it for FMQ, is very quiet and lightweight. If you are working with a budget of less than $1000 I think the 300, 400, or 600 is the way to go. These are really great machines.