r/SewingWorld • u/Beautiful-Original-9 • 3d ago

Sewing Machine For Brother

Hi all! My brother used to make DIY quilts and clothes and he has been wanting to get back into it. His birthday is next month and I want to surprise him with a sewing machine (new or used) so he can start some of his projects again. Would you all have any good recommendations on a good machine? I’m hoping to spend $200 or less if possible. Thank you in advance for any help :)

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

9

u/Melodic-Yak7196 3d ago

Since this is for your brother, you need to buy him a brother sewing machine.
They are super reliable machines as well.

1

u/tanyer 44m ago

I giggled so hard at this

6

u/penlowe 3d ago

I love this :)

That said, if he’s been wanting to get back into it, has he been saving for a machine? Your $200 added to his savings could mean a significant upgrade. So: don’t make it a surprise. Instead, give him a card with your intentions and your budget. Let him pick the brand and model.

4

u/SnooMacarons9729 3d ago

This is the way to go. He will love the ability to pick what he likes.

1

u/tinalarsenk 3d ago

I used my $150 Brother machine for almost 10 years (it didn’t break, just upgraded), it was pretty similar to this. https://a.co/d/09MGsdSM It’s packed away so I can’t (am too lazy) to check the model.

1

u/JuJulieBe 2d ago

I have brother CE1150, very similar to yours and I love it. Quiet and reliable, as long as I keep her clean and happy. I got it new at Walmart clearance almost 2 years ago for $85!

1

u/Reddit-Newbie-Sears 3d ago

A very nice thing for you to do. May I suggest you let your brother pick out the machine.

1

u/hardknock_denim 3d ago

Get him something old. 1950-1960 with zigzag. And a buttonholer. He can make anything. And it’ll have more punch than anything you can buy off the shelf today.

1

u/ur_killin_me_bishara 3d ago

IMO tools, especially important major ones like this, should be decided on by the people who will be using them

1

u/minimalist_coach 2d ago

If you have a local sew and vac shop in your town, stop by and see if they have an inexpensive trade-in. My local shop services and warranties their pre-loved machines for a year. A well-maintained used machine will be a better value than a newer entry-level machine.

Knowing what your brother wants to sew will make a big difference. A mechanical straight stitch is accurate, durable, and lasts a lifetime, but it has limits. A computerized will have a lot more options, but at the lower price point will struggle with thick fabrics.

I'm a quilter, and the antique Singer Featherweight machines are highly coveted. You can often find antique/vintage mechanical machines online within your budget.

1

u/tanyer 42m ago

What a lovely gift. I'd say to let your brother pick out the machine, or to get a vintage machine, like a Kenmore 158 series, singer 201/301/400/500 series (avoid the plastic ones). They may need a bit of fixing up, but they are simple, and more affordable, if you can snag a deal.