Sewing machine recommendations?

Ookoo

Ookoo

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My antique sewing machine finally died, and I'm looking to buy a new one. I kept the old one all these years for sentimental reasons (it was my mom's).

I'm excited at the prospect of finally being able to machine sew denim, knits, buttonholes and zippers!

Any recommendations? I haven't done a lot of sewing but hope to get more practice at it.

Thanks for your help!
 
I highly recommend Viking Husqvarna. Just be firm in what you want and don't let the salesperson upsell you into a machine that has fancy extras you won't use. If you don't do a lot of sewing, you have no need for a machine that does embroidery.
 
What kind of "antique" did you have? Even though older machines have limited functions, some are quite wonderful--that doesn't mean you shouldn't get a "new" machine.

My favorite is a Bernina 930--mine is 30 years old. It has a great repair record. I bought a second one--used-- last year for the sewing workshops I teach. I also use Singer featherweight machines, but when you teach couture, most of the sewing is by hand with a little straight stitching.

My best advice is to find a good dealer. Many have good used machines as well as new machines. Buy what you need today, not what you think you'll need tomorrow. Most dealers will work with you on a trade-in when you are ready to expand your skills and needs. And most have sewing classes with employees who can help you when you have a sewing problem.

A dealer is a bit like VFG--a place to go when you have a question.
Claire
 
It's an "Empire" that my mother got as a wedding gift in 1951.

I just don't have the room to keep two sewing machines, so this one has to go if I buy another.
 
I think Anne, VintageBaubles just asked recommendations a few months ago?

she may come by and offer her experience buying a new one.

i have the best "machine".. a little tiny older lady in town who does things very reasonably.. lol..

and i dont have to try to thread the needle. :)
von
 
Yes, Von's right--I asked for recommendations a few months ago for a machine to replace my 2nd-hand White (which I hated) that I got to replace my Singer Touch n' Sew (which I loved). I second all the opinions on Viking machines. I got a great deal on a used Lily model at a Bernina dealer in my area. It has "just enough" stitches & bells/whistles that I can do everything I need with it, but is not over the top with things I'll never use--quilting, embroidery, etc. The only thing extra I need to buy is a rolled-hem foot. This brand is very expensive, but I got mine used, after trade in, for around $400--which is a great price. New this model was at least a couple grand, I think. Dealer gave me a 90-day warranty and free class on "getting to know your machine." Of course, the class was geared toward Bernina machines, but most of the functions and how you use them are same or similar, so I got a lot out of the class. However, I was up and using it before I took the class, as I find it very intuitive to use. So far I love it.

When I worked for Singer and sold machines, Viking was THE top brand. Bernina and Pfaff were close. But that was a long time ago, so I can't speak to the comparisons now. Claire is right that the Bernina 930 is a workhorse. If you want new and not used, the Bernette models are the baby sister, lower-end Bernina line.

You can go to a site called patternreview.com, sign up for their free membership, and read reviews on a host of machines.

There is
 
Anne, the difference in Bernina and Bernette machines is Bernina is made in Switzerland where they are obsessed with quality. Bernette is made in Thailand. The quality is still very good but they are not Swiss made.

A couple of years ago I went to Switzerland with a group of educators. The technician who "works" on the machine last, signs his name as a guarantee that everything is installed and working properly.

I recently borrowed an Activa to use for the DVD I made. Claire
 
Claire, that is why I opted for the used Viking instead of a new Bernette. (And why I didn't get a Singer--all made in China now except their industrial machines). I wanted one of the European-made machines, but couldn't afford a new one that had the features I wanted. But if someone who doesn't sew a lot but wants a nice machine, and isn't keen on used ones, I've heard the Bernette is still a good machine.

Myself, I'd rather buy a top-of-the-line used model, but there are people who prefer new. I just can't see someone who doesn't sew a whole lot paying a grand or likely more for a brand-new Viking or Bernina. I planned to look at used Berninas as well as Vking when I was looking, but couldn't find one. But now that I have the Viking, I'm so delighted with it that I have no qualms recommending the brand....
 
Oh yes, we had these old Berninas at school - you couldn't kill them.

My mom and I are great Husqvarna fans - but of the old ones! I'd go for a solid vintage one that has been well-kept or can be easily repaired (we have our machines "done" every now and then), than one of the new one with computer technology or what have you. They're less prone to problems I think and will probably live almost forever.
My mother has had a simple Husqvarna since the 70s, she gave it good care and it still works like new. It has no fancy stitches, only the "normal" ones and some utility ones, like overlock, elastic etc. I think it's pretty much like these old Berninas.
I myself use my grandma's old Husqvarna 2000 from the 60s - my mother did her first sewing on that one, and her brother once sewed the leather seat covers for his convertible on it. Ok, this machine is terribly heavy, but it works like a dream - and it has lots of extra stitches too! I just hope I can keep it running as long as possible. Since I used it mostly for doll clothing, my sewing often involves small pieces and thin fabrics, all of which is no problem. But I've repaired my jeans on it as well - no problem at all.

Karin
 
A word of caution if you're looking at top of the line machines--even used ones.
When the machine makes a wide--9mm--zigzag stitch, the feed dogs must be farther apart than for a 5-6mm stitch. Therefore, if you are sewing lightweight silks, the fabric may wiggle under the foot more than you would like. This is a good reason to have an old straight stitch machine as well as another machine. Claire
 
I feel like such a Luddite - I still use the Singer treadle machine that I rescued from my great aunt's basement more than 30 years ago! It's in an oak cabinet that folds up to about the size of an old Victrola.

I got so used to the mostly slow and easy feed of using the treadle, that I've never been able to get completely comfortable with an electric machine - it feels like it could run away with my seam if I press a little too hard on the power.

I do wish I had a zipper foot though. And it's getting harder and harder to get replacement needles, so I have to be very careful with the ones I have.
 
Maggie, there are only 3 different presser foot shanks: short, tall, slanted. There are some odd balls like Bernina. If your machine has a regular presser foot you may be able to find a zipper foot. Take your foot into a dealer and ask for help. C
 
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