What type of sewing machine do you use?

[AGypsyRed]

I just had to replace my sewing machine, and it got me to thinking what kinds of machines everyone else uses? The one I wore out was a Viking 400 I bought about 19 years ago. While I was "transitioning" (figuring out a way to pay for a new machine) I bought a Brother machine at Sears, and while it was a good little machine, I could definitely tell a difference between a "home sewer" machine and one meant for more serious use.

I know they aren't owned by the same company anymore, but after considerable research, I stayed with the Viking line and got an 875Q. So far, I've been really happy with it.

I'll be looking for a second "high end" machine (something in the $2000-$2500 range) to have for a backup machine for when this one is in for service. While the temptation is certainly there to buy another 875Q, I was wondering what other machines people have found to be good? I sew on a lot of fancy fabrics (satins, brocades, etc), but also do leathers, pleathers, cottons and cotton blends, so I need it to be versatile and have some good power. Good zippers are also a must. The one thing I didn't like on the Brother was the zipper foot and how temperamental it could be to get a good zipper seam.

[Former_Member]

I have used a Bernina from the day I took my first sewing class. I love my machine and have not had to service since I've had it (3 or 4 years). Good luck :)

[Former_Member]

I use a Brother, and it's just right for the sewing I do. Nothing heavy duty. My friend, a professional seamstress, has a Bernina, and wouldn't trade it for the world. She also highly recommends Bernina's other machines too.

[Former_Member]

I have a singer curvy and a brother surger. They work amazingly well I've gotten that machine through tons of costume's and fabrics with the help of different foots etc. IZ've never really had any problems with it.

[Former_Member]

I use a 1970 Singer Futura Sewing Machine (inherited) and I serge with a 1968 Designer Lock Serger (Estate Sale for $20 because the seller had no idea what idea what it was or how valuable it is!)

In my opinion, the older the better. New machines are plastic junk and I was always having to replace parts. As long as I oil these girls and take them in for a once a year check up, they've never failed me once.

<3WW

[Former_Member]

BUT! If you're looking to get a commercial machine, I've used Juki and Brother and have loved them both. Good sturdy machines.

Age rule still applies. Older the better =3

<3WW

[Former_Member]

When we started out, we had a cheap $15 machine from a thrift shop. It did the job. Since then, we've upgraded to a Singer Curvy. It wasn't expensive at all, and is working just fine for our needs right now. Once we start needing to make more advanced products, we'll upgrade.

[AGypsyRed]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Still looking. A lot of people have suggested Janome, but a good friend who also sews a lot bought one of their high end machines and in less than a year is putting it up on Craigslist and getting a Pfaff.

Ugh, decisions, decisions!

[Former_Member]

This is probably a weird question to you all but I've always had no so fancy sewing machine's and I will admit sometime's I have to hand sew a few things if the fabric is way to thick or I've jammed the thread a few time's but I always make it through very intricate costume's with these.

Do you think it's worth it to invest in a more top-notch sewing machine or since I've been making through like this no real actual complaints to wait? Before the machine I have now I actually had an old brother that I purchased from the thrift store now that machine was amazing but it gave me a lot of hell towards the end. Since then it's been retired and I only use it when sewing leather since it can.

[AGypsyRed]

I use high end machines for the bulk of my sewing, but a lot of them now can't handle really heavy stuff unless you go full commercial. My Viking today choked twice on some thick sweatshirt fleece and knit (about 6 layers of fabric) and popped up the "Main motor overload, please wait" on the screen. But that's why I keep the 50+ year old Singer handy, it'll power through anything so I use that when I have something too heavy duty for my Viking.

If you're doing a lot of sewing, or just want more control and available options, I'd seriously consider going with a high end machine. I've learned from experience that I can completely wear out a $200 walmart machine in less than 6 months with the amount of sewing I do. I'd still keep an older heavy duty machine on hand for the stuff that's harder to sew through, though.

[Former_Member]

check out the juki line powerful and trouble fee! great value!
for example: sergers which are great investment
http://www.jukihome.com/products/sergingmain.html
If you see something you like contact me for a great deal, drop shipped

[Former_Member]

I'm old to sewing, new to Etsy. And I thought I was the only sewer out there for years!!! Anyway, just bought a Janome 6600 and looooove it. I now have that, my Kenmore serger and cheapo Brother sewing machine all in a line on one side of my sewing room and they all get used. The cheapo Brother is great if I want to sew something quickly with a different thread colour. I was going to put it away when I got the Janome last week but am surprised at how often I hop over and use it.