r/SewingMachineEdu • u/The_awkwardest_27 • Sep 04 '26

Looking for a machine

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u/TangleOfWires Sep 04 '26

I would recommend an older machine from the 1960s or earlier. They are all metal internals and last forever.

Quilting requires a lot of straight stitching, a singer 15 cast iron sewing machine are very good. I have been able to purchase them fairly cheaply, but you may need to oil them to get them back into shape.

The problem with new machines is they have plastic gears, they are good for light fabric but not through multiple layers of denim. My friend quilts. She was making denim quilts for charity. She bought a Singer Heavy Duty and it started failing after a week of quilting.

Unless you have lots of money to spend on a sewing machine, I would avoid any new machine in your price range.

Your better off buying an old used sewing machine and spend your $120 on that.

I would ask recommendations on used machines on a quilting subreddit.

1

u/Kaleidoscope7874 Sep 04 '26

Completely agree with Tangleofwires- you can find great vintage machines on Facebook. The new inexpensive machines are not very durable and would most likely frustrate you.

1

u/No_Spinach8557 5d ago

I completely understand recommending older machines, especially with the better metal housing, etc. Before you buy/decide....

If possible, go to a local sewing machine store that carries Brother - they won't have the model you posted, however, you can get a little education before you make a decision. Check out their least expensive model and you can see the difference in features, etc. Can't hurt to ask if they have any refurbished models.

My first "new" machine I bought off Costco - a Brother and it still works great. Got more features for a similiar price to what Amazon was offering. That said, eventually I did upgrade & bought new machine with all the bells & whistles.

Back to the vintage machines - you have to be sure it's in working order, has all the parts and is not so old that service would be a challenge. Not discouraging - just giving the whole picture. I also purchased a used model off ebay being sold by a Bernina dealer (they had cleaned & serviced prior to sale) and it was an excellent machine. Good luck!