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Sewing Machines?

Staysfit

Veteran

My 24 year old Pfaff Varimatic 6901 broke and is apparently not worth repairing according to the repair shop. For one, it will be much more expensive than the machine is worth, and they also are not able to get parts for it at present. This put a damper on my mask making project. Note to self: Check machine before purchasing project material, not after!

So, I need a replacement. For those who sew, what machine(s) do you use/like and why?

When I started to do research, I was quickly overwhelmed by the choices. I am looking for a machine that would be appropriate for an advanced beginner/intermediate level (much experience already making quilts), and that can be used for machine quilting as well as for altering and making clothing and household items. Something that could handle denim and leather would be a plus....

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19 replies

Latest reply was from JAileen

April

Veteran

I have a Singer Quantum Stylist. I find it actually does more than I need (I'm a rank beginner at machine sewing) but I imagine it would be a dream for people who know what they're doing.

Ginger

Veteran

I have a Kenmore by Sears, but I don't think those are being made any more. They were made by Janome which is definitely still going strong. It's a basic machine, nothing computerized, and I've been perfectly happy with it. It's definitely not a top of the line machine, of course.

I'm really surprised that your Pfaff is so broken they won't fix it! I know those are really good machines, and typically older machines are still worth fixing unless there are many parts to be replaced. But not being able to get parts at present anyway is definitely a factor.

For what it's worth, I have heard that machines with drop-in bobbins tend to be stronger than machines with vertical bobbin placement. If true, that may be a factor for you, since household sewing tends to work with heavier fabrics and more layers than garments. I used my Kenmore a year ago to fix a heavy canvas tent, and the motor handled it just fine.

Runcarla

Veteran

Mine is a Pfaff Varimatic 6091 (mechanical - made in Germany) and it works great! I’ve certainly got my money’s worth (quilting projects, Halloween costumes, clothes, household furnishings). I’ve had it serviced regularly, including last summer, and the mechanic said he likes the old mechanicals a lot. My previous machine was an old Singer. I traded it in when I got the Pfaff and the shop reconditioned it and sold it as a used machine.

A reconditioned used machine might be a better deal if you don’t do as much sewing as you used to, but still want to sew a seam now and then!

I wonder if we have the same machine? The numbers on mine are 6091.

Gail

Veteran

I have 32 year old Kenmore basic with drop in bobbin. It was playing up and I was about to get something new but took it to be looked it. He cleaned it up and it seems fine. I always liked Bernina years ago but they are expensive for what I would need. I looked at reviews and would probably buy a Brother or a Singer and wouldn't need computerized for the basic things I do.
Sorry I just read what I wrote and it's not helpful in the least lol!

rachylou

Veteran

Another old Kenmore mechanical here

Bonnie

Veteran

I bought this Singer machine four years ago and I would not recommend it. I finally gave up trying to make it work. I mentioned my woes to a local fabric store and the owner told me that this brand has gotten worse over the years and she recommended a couple of other brands. She related how some parents buy this machine for their teenagers because it is reasonably priced who then give up sewing because this machine is so difficult not realizing it's the machine and not their abilities that's at fault.

SINGER | Tradition 2259 Sewing Machine with 19 Built-In Stitches, & Easy-To-Use Free Arm - Perfect for Beginners - Sewing Made Easy

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JAileen

Veteran

I have a Singer from the 30s - a Featherweight. It’s like the Energizer Bunny - it just keeps on going.

Runcarla

Veteran

Those Featherweights are legendary, JAileen!

Staysfit

Veteran

Runcarla, I think we must have the same machine..same brand, same model number.....I purchased mine new to make quilts, and it has been a workhorse. I have made many quilts, Halloween costumes and repaired various household items, etc. My only complaint up to now has been its size...it’s a bit small making it awkward for machine quilting King sized pieces. At the same time, it’s portability allowed me to easily take it to quilting classes.

The repair shop I used cannot get parts, which I assume is because of the pandemic, although maybe it’s because the machine it too old now? This is not my usual repair shop....I had to make use of what was open, and not my typical service shop. Maybe I should try a second shop?

My mother still uses her Singer sewing machine. It’s from the 1940’s, but obviously a sturdy machine. It’s pink!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I used to work at a sewing machine store. I doubt the inability to get parts has to do with the pandemic at all. It was very common not to be able to repair some of those machines from mid-20th century. Something like the Singer machines from earlier in the century are so simple that they can be maintained and continue to be used today; many quilters like to have a Singer featherweight for taking to classes. You could pick up one of those if you find one, to use as your "travel" machine.

For your home machine, with the kind of sewing you want to do, I would recommend asking your dealer for suggestions. I learned that dealers sell much better quality machines (made with more durable parts, more metal inside, etc.) than the ones you can get online or at non-sewing-machine dealers (e.g. Walmart, Target, etc.). Some brands are only available through dealers, but some brands also sell online and at discount stores; these brands actually have completely different models for those different markets.

For many years I used Pfaff machines and loved them. I now use a Bernina and love it, too. You really can't go wrong with any brand, if you stick with the models that are dealer-quality. I know dealers in my area are doing some business by phone and with curbside pick-up during the pandemic, so you don't need to wait until the all-clear to move forward.

Anonymous

I used a Husqvarna machine for many years and was a sales rep for Husqvarna /White back in the day . Best machines I’ve ever used . I really miss my machines

Bonnie

Veteran

I loved the Singer I had when I was young but gave it to my daughter many years ago.

Staysfit

Veteran

Firecracker, I am going to look at a Bernina 480. A local dealer has a floor model that has been touched less than a dozen times and is willing to sell it at a discount.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I have a Brother sewing machine.lam no expert and it’s my first machine.l took the advice of the specialist shop that I bought it from based on what I wanted to sew on it.

Style Fan

Veteran

I have my mother`s Singer! It must be the same one as the featherweight. I have seen them in thrift stores and I considered buying one because they are fantastic. I have a Janome from the early 90s that I like but I have considered buying another one. I want to get back into sewing.

Staysfit

Veteran

Amazing news! DH found a repair shop in a near enough location (maybe 60 minutes drive) that has the correct parts! They spoke with the technician from he first shop and then told DH they could fix my machine for as little as $50! Mr. Staysfit graciously transported the sewing machine from one shop to the other last pm. (Second shop is apparently in someone’s house.). It should be ready in a few days.

I am relieved I do not have to decide about a new machine right now, but I will eventually add a larger machine so I can more easily work larger pieces and heavier materials. One of my long term goals has been to improve my sewing skills, to do more quilting, and to learn to how to do some alterations on my own clothing, and maybe to make a few simple items myself as well.

I admit that the Bernina 480 looks very nice online. It’s eye candy at the moment!

Ginger

Veteran

Wow, that is fantastic news!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Yay, great news!

I have a Janome-made Kenmore from a few years ago (15ish now?) which has been really great. Anyone who's looking for a new machine, I'd avoid the really cheap ones and look in the $300-500 range by Janome and the other 'known' names who make machines.

Ikea has periodically sold a machine for a really inexpensive price, and gotten decent reviews. But I'd imagine that if it was still available all of them have been snapped up in the last month or so.

JAileen

Veteran

What a relief! A friend’s husband has a heavy duty machine. He makes canvas shades in their house. I would want something like that. I’ll find out what brand it is.