I need a good sewing machine!

[spinuntilyoufall]

I want to do some quilting, and need to pick up a sewing machine. I've done sewing in the past, so I have a basic idea of what I want, but it's been a long time, so I'm looking for some advice.

Looking to spend under $100, but I could do a bit more for a great machine if it would make a difference. These are the ones that I've been looking at:

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XL2610-Fr ... 87&sr=8-11

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-LS2125I-L ... 787&sr=8-5

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XL2600I-A ... 787&sr=8-3

What would you guys recommend?

[tnitnetny]

I actually own 3 brother machines and absolutely love the quality and ease of use of brother. I approve of your choice of manufacturer. That said, if you had to pick one of the three you have listed then I would go with the first one. It still isn't a great machine, but for very basic simple sewing it will do.

This one is a little better though if you can afford a few extra dollars: http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Affordabl ... 631&sr=1-1

It depends what you are looking for. If you are looking for a machine to fix your clothing every now and then, pick the first machine you listed. If you are looking to learn how to sew and will sew on a regular basis, the motors in the machines you linked will burn out in 1-2 years. The one I linked could handle regular sewing on a daily basis for quite a few years.

Now quilting and sewing heavy materials like jeans is something completely different. Don't ever use any of these machines for heavy material or quilting. I learned that the hard way and burned through a motor on a machine in 1 month. This is probably the minimum quality machine I would get for quilting, and when quilting daily, it will only last about 2 years: http://www.brother-usa.com/Homesewing/M ... tID=NX450Q. You can't get in on amazon, only at authorized stores and it runs about $850-$900.

So if you are going to get into quilting, you can make the tops with the machine I listed, but don't do the actually quilting (sewing the sandwich) unless you can put the money into a good machine. Your local brother dealer may be able to do a finance plan, but seriously, the cheapest quilting machine that will last is the one I linked from the brother website. This is the one I have for my quilting: http://www.brother-usa.com/Homesewing/M ... tID=nx2000 It cost me $2500.

Quilting is a very expensive hobby.

[spinuntilyoufall]

This one is a little better though if you can afford a few extra dollars: http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Affordabl ... 631&sr=1-1

I like the look of this one, I think it's going to be the one I go with for now. I used to have a nice Brother machine growing up, but I'm not sure what happened to it - maybe I'll see if my mom still has it....

Quilting is a very expensive hobby.

No kidding!! If I get into this as much as I think I will I may have to make a nice machine next year's tax return gift to myself

Thanks for all the advice tnitnetny, I really appreciate it!!

[tnitnetny]

When you start considering a nice machine, visit a quilt shop that sells brothers. They will let you test out the machines before you buy and some may have an upgrade program. My local shop allows me to trade my machine in up to a year for the full amount I paid for it to put towards another machine.

And you are welcome!

[carand88]

bernina is a really good machine, as well. my mom has been using the same bernina for about 10 years (not positive, definitely more than 7, though) and she hasn't had too much trouble with, besides getting it tuned and little things that just occur with age.

[tnitnetny]

I agree Bernia's are really good machines, but they run in much higher prices then the brothers (they also break down less). If she is trying to keep costs low, then brother is where she will want to start. That is why I suggested when she wants a higher grade machine she go to her local quilt shop. She can try brother, bernia, viking, and any other brand they have and see what she likes best.

[spinuntilyoufall]

Ooooooo....... trip to a quilt shop! That sounds like a good idea no matter what

[Eliste]

I've had issues with Brothers before I gotta say. I also found they were too light.(I hate it when my machine jumps around when I sew)

Berninas and Singers have been the ones I've been happiest with. I'd also tell you to skip anything that claims to do more than basic stitches if this is your first machine. You really don't need more than the basics to quilt until you get more acquainted with what you're doing, and even then, you can do tons with the basics. A quality machine that just does the basics is a solid investment- the kind that if you get it right, you can pass on to your children.

[kuja.girl]

I just bought a Brother CE500PRW a few weeks ago. I'm not a sophisticated sewer so I maynot be asking as much out of it as you will, but I have been very happy with the machine.
And if you can bring yourself to go into a Walmart.... It rang up at something like $75 instead of $114 :D