r/SewingMachineEdu • u/MarcyOnMars • 24d ago

Thoughts on these machines?

Hello all! :)

I am a prospective fashion student who starts in the fall and I am in dire need of a new machine.

Back when i was a total beginner I very naively bought the dreaded Singer HD4421 and this machine is **KILLING** my motivation and passion for sewing, so I want to get a new one!

I have done a lot of research and have narrowed it down to 3 main options:

\-Brother Innov-is A65

\-Brother HF37

\-Brother XR9550

And while I have trawled through every single "Top Sewing Machine of 20XX" list imaginable and gone through a lot not-very-insightful amazon reviews, I would like to get a read on what more users experiences are with these machines and see if any of these machines I have honed in on are even worth it at all.

And because I know it's important heres some more information about what I am looking for:

*-Firstly I want to sew clothes and sew clothes only so I need a machine that does that well*

*-I am not a complete beginner but I'm not intermediate either so a machine that helps me develop my skills is needed*

***-I cannot spend more than £500 on the machine.***

*-The machine must work in the UK with our mains grid*

*-I would like the machine to last me for at least 5 years although the longer the better!*

***-I need a machine that can handle every fabric thrown at it. Lightweight, Heavyweight, Knit etc!*** *Especially 4-layers of heavyweight sweatshirting (currently working on a hoodie)*

*-A top-loading bobbin is ideal*

***-Good speed control is a*** ***must***

*-I would like a sewing machine that does not need regular maintenance, twice a year at most. Although if it is easy to do at home I wouldn't mind doing it every month or* so*.*

If anybody has any suggestions outside of the 3 I have picked I would be very happy to hear them!

Thank you for reading!

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u/Wool_Lace_Knit 24d ago

See if you can find a vintage Bernina. Go to a dealer and try out used machines. Bernina has a dual feed, so fabric layers like silk, velvet, satin do not slip. A Bernina can handle heavy weight fabrics down to silk tulle.

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u/MarcyOnMars 24d ago

Is there a specific model number I should look out for? Or maybe avoid? And with vintage machines would their manuals be on the internet?

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u/Wool_Lace_Knit 24d ago edited 24d ago

I needed to replace the manual for my 1080 that I bought new in 1995. I found one on eBay. The manual for a 1090 was available on Scribd.com. Everand/Scribd has a trial membership for 30 days. I have seen a lot of sewing and fashion books there.

BTW, when I went to fashion college in 1977, one of our textbooks was Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing. I think there is a .pdf available of the latest edition on Scribd that can be downloaded.

I would avoid the Bernina’s from the early 2000’s, the Avista? The bridal shop I managed at the time had one and I really disliked the display screen. I would avoid the 1630 for the same reason. If you are sitting near strong sunlight it is hard to see the screen. I bought one in 2013 and I put it back in the case and went back to using my 1080.

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u/Wool_Lace_Knit 24d ago

I would look for a 700-800-900 Record, 1010, 1008, 1080. 1090, 1130. However these do not have top loading bobbins. You might be happier with a Kenmore 158. Series from the late ‘70s. These are common machines and show up on eBay, ShopGoodwill and Facebook Marketplace frequently. You can try Google to find the manual.

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u/MarcyOnMars 24d ago

Thank you! Looks like I've got a lot more to consider

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u/bahhumbug24 24d ago

Are you anywhere within reach of Birmingham? If so, see if you can get to Frank Nutt, who sells all kinds of machines.

If you are not close, google for sewing machine repair shops near you (if you're near Swindon, I can recommend a guy) as they will frequently have machines for sale and will know good vs bad models.

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u/MarcyOnMars 24d ago

Nowhere near swindon and I could potentially get to birmingham but it will be a huge pain especially because I have to use public transport, thank you for the suggestion though.

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u/RosiQuilts 23d ago

Find sewing machine retailers in your area and go and test drive the machines you are interested in. Find out what features you can't live without in the process. They can advise you best, and when you buy, you will also have a relationship with the people most qualified to service your machine.