What Sewing Machine Do You Use?

[CharmCityOutfitters]

My machine is a Bernette. It is made by Bernina and it's by far the best machine I have ever used. I really lucked out when I got it because It was on sale and I got it for 50% off. I have it for about 4 years now and it works just as well as it did the day I got it. I very rarely have problems with it, and when I do, the manual is very good at helping me trouble shoot problems. I have 50 different decorative embroidery stitches that I haven't used a whole lot but are fun when I do use them. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to buy a new machine.

[SusanSewsLove]

I was given my Grandmother's Bernina (830, I think... Would have to go look). It works well. Making the receiving blankets in my shop was actually the first time I used the more specialized stitches. I'm really happ with how it worked!

I recently was given my husband's grandmother's machine. It's a New Home 551 (by Janome) in a 1930-40's Singer machine cabinet. I'm looking forward to using it, but right now it is being serviced since it had been sitting unused for several year. I don't have the manual for it, but my mother is going to ask the service people to give her a basic run down when she picks it up for me.

[Former_Member]

I have my mom's first sewing machine. She bought it in 1969 when she was thirteen. It's a Kenmore. It's avocado green, and I love it! I am starting to feel like a mechanic when I'm using it though.. there is always something going wrong - Usually with the tension, but a couple times in the past the motor has stopped.

I have taken it in several times to be serviced, and each time they tell me that it just wasn't made for quilting. So.. I am looking into buying a new one, but I have no idea what I want or how much money I want to spend. There are several shops around here that sell high-end machines. I was thinking Janome or Baby Lock - but WOW they are expensive!

What I REALLY want is for the machine I have to just work :)

[Former_Member]

My mother in law who always wanted a daughter bought me my first sewing machine and taught me how to sew. It's a singer talent. It works well for me

[CharmCityOutfitters]

I started out with my mom's old black singer machine in a wooden cabinett years ago. It went forward and back ward and didn't even have zig zag LOL but it was a sturdy well made machine. It served it's purpose when I was learning as a young girl. I think it's so cool to be able to use machines that have been handed down from our mom's and grand mom's. Sorta like passing the torch to the next generation. Kelly, you are right those quilting machines can be very expensive. My Mom qot a pretty high end Bernina a while back and she loves it but I'm pretty sure it was a couple thousand bucks! YIKES!

[littledutchacres]

My first machine was a kenmore from my mom. I now have a Viking Emerald 203. It wasn't cheep and I got it on sale, but it is my tool like a man has many expensive tools. This is mine (that is how I justified it to my husband). I chose the Viking because it has the most metal pieces. It is a great machine. I love it!

[CharmCityOutfitters]

Victoria you are exactly right you need a good tool to make a good product. I know that Viking are great machines. I went with the Bernina because my mom uses one and she helped me pick my machine out. I also figured if I had problems she already knows the Bernina brand and she could help me out if I needed it.

[ByCMO]

My first sewing machine was a Brother - Project Runway edition that I got from Walmart three years ago. At the time I had not touched a sewing machine since high school. My mom, who does all kinds of sewing, embroidery and needle craft told me to buy that machine because it was inexpensive and since I didn't know what I was going to do, if I broke I could throw it away Lol No faith in me. I still have that one but the one that I use more is a Viking Mega Quilter. Is not for quilting only. It is a mechanical straight stitch machine, very strong.

[DawnieLynnx]

My grandma bought me my first machine for my birthday this year. After doing some research for an affordable, yet practical machine, I went with the Brother XM2701. I liked it cause it's purple (my favorite color) and it had good reviews. Now I've been scouring around looking at embroidery machines. Here's to one day! :)

[LittleCreekMapleFarm]

I have a viking sapphire. I bought it about four years ago. My mom taught me to sew on a viking.

[SusanSewsLove]

Do any of you know anything about Montgomery Ward machines? I have a box of accessories listed in my shop, but would love to have more specific information to list. Model of machine that used that style of cams, etc.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/295263269/montgomery-ward-sewing-box-with-cams-and

[DelilahRaeDesigns]

I have two brothers and a Janome. The Brothers are my favorite. I go more for heavy duty than specialty stitches with my items. Looking for a Sail Cloth machine or super heavy duty on a budget to upgrade to.

[IronPeacockWorks]

I know it's several months later, but....

Haunt your local Craigslist listings - sometimes walking foot industrials pop up for something that's actually reasonable.

If you need just a straight stitch (upholstery, drapes, many non-stretch wearables, that sort of thing) then you'll be able to find a used straight stitch walking foot industrial without too much trouble.

If you strike out with Craigslist, check with your local "old sewing machine guy" shop - pretty much a shop that just repairs sewing machines, not a "vacumn and sewing" place - they will likely have an idea of who might have a machine of that type for sale, or be able to find one for sale.

[MarinaPatterns]

I have Brother Runaway Project LB 6800. I use it for my projects and can't be more happy. It sews lightweight and midweight fabrics. And what's important, it can do embroidery. Most often I do monograms on the men's shirts. Before I had an industrial Zoje machine, an analog to Juki 8700. It makes sense when you have lots of orders, it's quick and reliable, but very heavy!

[MaypopHandcraftedDec]

I learned to sew on my mother's Necchi when I was 12. Then I inherited a Sears Kenmore from my grandmother. Now I sew on a Brother ( my favorite ). I own several. Juki long arm, Bernina, Necchi, Singer featherweight, White. I still prefer my Brother machine.

[MaypopHandcraftedDec]

The Brother machine I have is heavy duty. I sew everything on it without a problem. It's my 3rd one in 35 years. I do a lot of home décor sewing using the heavier fabrics.

[BonniesSewCrazy]

I have 3 Brother machines. A serger, general purpose machine (my backup) and an embroidery machine (my main machine).

[CinBarDesign]

I have a Necchi QS60 - I sew and quilt with it. I love this machine : - )