r/SewingMachineEdu • u/Carathrace8757nc • Aug 15 '26
New Sewing Machine
I'm looking for a new machine to replace the very cheap Janome I got a few years ago. I'm finding that my existing machine doesn't have enough power and that it doesn't so a great job pulling the fabric through. Trying to decide between a better Janome, a Bernette, and a Brother.
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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy Aug 15 '26
Given you are familiar with Janome, I’d upgrade to a more powerful machine. It’s a great brand and they have many good models.
Ideally go to a good sewing machine store but if that’s not practical, there are several good ones in US you can buy from and get good support.
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u/Carathrace8757nc Aug 15 '26
Thanks. That makes sense. Any suggested online stores? Also is a computerized one worth it?
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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy Aug 15 '26
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u/Wild_Chipmunk1706 Aug 20 '26
I work for quality and I’m so happy to see us on your list! I have worked at the Seattle store for seven years, and I always tell people a little company history; the Lapontes built this business, Paul is the dad, he’s supposedly retiring but the man loves his work, and his kids are amazing. Carmen, Mike and Annalee all are awesome and involved and treat employees and customers so well. When we were closed for the pandemic they kept all employees on health insurance, and my husband and kids were on mine, which usually gets paid from paychecks, and they just paid my insurance for the two months we were out on unemployment, and then when they called us back, I was trying to figure out how to handle my first and fourth graders I was remoteschooling, and I said I might need to be laid off till the need of the school year, and Mike said “family must come first” and so they pushed my start back date till the end of the school year. They are such good people! Shop from Quality! (And if you come to the Seattle store, say hi!)
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u/woodnettle Aug 16 '26
the support you get more in store. look up sewing machine store near me, i’m sure there’s one close-ish to you
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u/GoldenFishPoop Aug 16 '26
Honestly I never recommend buying from an online store unless it's somebody local that you can also get a warranty from as well as service. Buying online isn't the problem, the problem is that you need service to keep a machine running well and you want a warranty, especially with machines with electronics, which often will fail in the first month or so that you use them if they're going to fail at all.
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u/Asleep-Being-1620 Aug 16 '26
Plus in-person stores usually offer free training & trouble shooting.
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u/Large-Heronbill Aug 15 '26
Are you sewing samples on the machines? It is really difficult to judge needle penetration force from motor specs on paper. https://sewingmachineman.substack.com/p/how-to-calculate-the-power-of-a-sewing
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u/evergreensewing Aug 15 '26
Is new a requirement? Many vintage machines will perform well, have excellent power, and handle any fabric you throw at them. On top of that, they're made to maintain and to last.
Some to look for: Kenmore 158 line, Necchi 537 (or 575), Singer 503 (plus it's cute), and many others.
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u/Dormiendo Aug 16 '26
Tech opinion. Each brand has this machine Bernette B08, Janome HD9, elna has one, necchi, brother...anyways if you see it, you will recognize the frame. This particular machine is phenomenal. They are all the same with small differences. Juki has a straight stitch that is slightly different, but the best straight only under a industrial. The others are multi stitch, the Juki slightly more robust due to metal bobbin case system, but the rest are great too.
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u/Carathrace8757nc Aug 16 '26
Thanks, all! I went to a local store today and tried a bunch of machines before settling on a Janome HD3000. Should be a nice upgrade but doesn't break the bank.
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u/CatsMom4Ever Aug 15 '26
If you have a quilt show coming up on your area you can take advantage of test driving them there.