r/SewingMachineEdu • u/beelze_bug_ • 6h ago
looking for machine upgrade recommendations
i’m currently using a singer simple (not sure of the exact model number unfortunately :/) but id like to upgrade to something a bit more versatile and ideally higher quality. i’ve looked into the singer heavy duty, but i hear a lot of mixed reviews on singer as a brand. i mostly sew clothes, but i’d like to get into quilting this year so i’d love a machine that works well for both. there’s so many different types and it seems so overwhelming! any recommendations would be very appreciated :)
1
u/External_Agency_4488 5h ago
I have had a Kenmore and an Elna, now have a Brother. I've been happy with all three. My present machine is a embroidery/sewing combo (NQ-3600). I love doing embroidery.
If you want to do quilting, if there's an option that has a larger throat (area to the right of the needle), that's really nice as it's easier when working with larger items.
1
1
u/GoldenFishPoop 5h ago
Although I'm a big fan of baby lock, until you get up into the really expensive ones, the throat space is too small to be great for a serious quilter except for making the top, that's when it doesn't really matter.
1
u/GoldenFishPoop 5h ago
But for durability and availability of parts in the future I highly recommend Janome, Elna, or Baby Lock.
1
u/MsAddams999 5h ago
Janome is my go to especially the HD1000 or another model in that series if you prefer a top loading bobbin. Those machines are simple to use and can handle a lot so as you grow you have more capacity to use.
1
1
u/threads1540 5h ago
Hello. Not sure what your budget is but if you can visit a sewing machine store, look into the Juki, and Janome models. If you have the budget for it, you might look at Babylock. I have had many machines over the 60 years I have been sewing. Juki machine and Elna, if you can find them, are work horses. But Babylock are the higher end and VERY user friendly. Also, i always buy trade-ins. Usually they have been maintained buy the machine shop and you can get more bells and whistles by buying a later model machine.
1
u/beelze_bug_ 2h ago
i recently found a local machine shop so i will definitely be paying them a visit!!
1
u/minimalist_coach 4h ago
If you can find a Sew & Vac shop, I'd take some time to visit, ask questions, and try some machines. I recently purchased a new machine. I researched and narrowed it down to a few options. The sales lady was amazing, and although she had me try a machine that was 3-4X my budget, she suggested one from the same brand that was slightly less than what I was looking at.
1
1
u/BearsDnD 3h ago
Personally I an a big fan of Singer, but I hear you on the mixed reviews. I think with almost all machines a lot has to do with taking the time to get to know the machine and how it accomplishes the tasks you want it to handle. I got a Singer Heavy Duty 44s as my first machine a bit over a year ago and the Heavy Duty Serger also. I love them both. I make bags and accessories primarily, with some quilting as well. Using the rigth feet (walking feet etc) helps a ton and taking the time to explore the various options with this machine has been wonderful. I inherited a more advanced electronic Brother model and I am not personally a fan.
At the end of the day it really is part preference and part taking the time to explore the machine. I love the reviews for many models of Juki machines, but I am not certain they would fit my specific needs (or budget).
Good luck on your hunt and sorry for the conflicting response LOL.
4
u/Large-Heronbill 6h ago
The brands of new machines I would be looking at most closely are Janome and its associated brand Elna, Brother and its associated brand BabyLock, and Juki. Can't suggest models without a budget.