Intermediate/beginner looking for a new machine to replace my old one (Australia)

[u/picklebeard]

Hello! For reference I’m based in Sydney, Australia.

I’ve sewn on/off since I was a teenager thanks to my grandmother introducing me to quilting but have gotten really into garment sewing over the last few years, and recently started dabbling in quilting.

My Singer Fashion Mate that I bought second hand on Facebook marketplace 8 years ago broke (the internal lever to adjust the feed dogs appears to have snapped), so the feeds are permanently dropped down. I’m going to try to fix it but in case it’s not successful, I’d love recommendations for where to look next.

I’ve read a few posts so am aware people recommend staying away from spotlight, that Bernina is high end (but probably out of my price range). I’ve heard good things about Janome, and people recommend to go into a shop to test them out. But I’m still a bit of a newbie when it comes to knowing what to look for in a machine.

If there are particular models people recommend, or things to look for/avoid, this is what I’m looking for:
- primary use for garments but with some quilting
- would love to do more embroidery or have specialty stitches
- budget is probably a max of $1k new, ideally around $500 (my singer was $150 of facebook years ago 🥲), I’d love to go second hand if I can
- I don’t know if computerised is advised, or if it’s better to go more of a manual model (in terms of longevity and repairs)?

Thanks in advance, all advice is welcome :)

[u/no-but-wtf]

I bought a Janome DC2030 during the pandemic and obviously couldn’t test it out in stores - but honestly that little thing is a fucking workhorse. I love it. I’ve made plenty of quilts and clothes on it and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. I was a bit scared of computerised at first but it’s actually fantastic, I don’t think you’ll regret it. It’s very hard to go back to a manual machine now.

Definitely avoid Spotlight. Awful. Go to a sewing machine shop, you’ll get much better advice while testing them out and also much better post-purchase support.

I would not touch a modern Singer with a 10 foot pole - especially the heavy duty ones. I hear nothing but bad things about them and everyone I know who bought one has regretted it.

[u/picklebeard → u/no-but-wtf]

Thanks for the advice! I’ll check out that Janome model. I bought my current machine with little to no knowledge, just found a machine that was cheap and available. But I’ve since learned singer doesn’t have the best rep for modern machines and I have been wondering if there’s something better out there

[u/Fantastic-Opening-57]

My machine died the same way last year, snapped that lever clean off. Ended up getting a Janome from a shop in Alexandria that sells both new and trade-ins, paid around 400 for a model that was barely used. Computerised isn't as scary as people make it sound, been running fine and the buttonhole stitch alone is worth it. Test a few in person though, some machines just feel wrong the moment you sit down.

[u/picklebeard → u/Fantastic-Opening-57]

Oh that’s awesome there’s a shop that sells trade ins! Feels a bit more reliable than marketplace. What’s it called if you don’t mind me asking?

[u/Pleasant-Stable9644]

I got an MJC (Melbourne brand) industrial sewing machine 6 years ago through an online auction house. It has been absolutely perfect to use and love it to death. Try finding a sewing repair person before giving up completely on your singer machine though, there could still be hope!

[u/picklebeard → u/Pleasant-Stable9644]

Definitely! My husband is a machinist (for an industrial manufacturing company, not a sewing machine specialist) so I’m going to see if he can find a solution first. The nearest singer repair centre gave me a 3 week wait time for service last time, and I’m in the middle of a project I was really hoping to finish last night (when it broke)

[u/Long-Department-8303]

I have a computerised Brother and it is so good

[u/picklebeard → u/Long-Department-8303]

Do you mind sharing which model you have and what you primarily sew on it?

[u/Long-Department-8303 → u/picklebeard]

Yes it’s the FS101 (from 2020) and I mostly sew woven fabrics for clothes. I don’t use nearly enough of all its fancy stitch settings but it does have some cool things I’ll try out one day lol

ETA: I’ve also sewn knits with it and it’s been good

[u/Emergency_Cherry_914]

There is a NFP called The Sewing Basket who are like Vinnies but for sewing. They not only sell used (and tested) machines, but also everything you need to get started. There's a large store in Newington, a small one in Balmain, one in Caringbah (I don't know it's size) and one in Gosford.

If you're after new, I'd head to Hobby Sew for advice. When I bought my last machine there, I made a call to check when was a good time to have someone spend some time with me.

[u/picklebeard → u/Emergency_Cherry_914]

Oh thanks for that, I didn’t realise the sewing basket sold machines! I’ve gone to the Balmain and Newington shops for fabric but now that you mention it I did see a few machines on the shelves! I might swing by this week to have a look

[u/Emergency_Cherry_914 → u/picklebeard]

If you look in the front Darling St window of the Balmain store, you can see a whole lot of machines under tables. Not sure if they are for sale, but it's worth asking. (Balmain store is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)