In a previous post, I went through 5 things you need to consider when you’re looking for a sewing machine. If you haven’t seen that blog post yet, it’s here.
Now, if you haven’t read that article, nip across and give it a quick read. Then, when you know what you need your sewing machine to do, come back to this one.
Because, in today’s post, I’m going to review what are, in my opinion, the best machines for beginners and experienced sewists alike.
I’ve searched the internet and marked machines of all shapes and sizes on the basic requirements of ease of use, durability, features, choice of accessories and, more importantly, value for money. The following are the machines I feel offer the best all round sewing experience. For both beginners and the more advanced.
So let’s get started.
I’m going to cover the elephant in the room first.
Singer
A number of people in the sewing world will tell you to give Singer a wide berth. Their reasoning is the company just don’t make machines like they used to. Which is true, up to a point. Today’s machines aren’t made from cast iron for a start.
It has to be said that Singer machines have had a bit of a bad rap over the years. Mainly due to the introduction of plastic components in the 1970s, management issues, rising costs and a decline in the popularity of sewing.
The 1970s was just one of those decades that was bad on so many levels. Fashion sense springs to mind… Kipper ties and flares… and don’t get me started on the vibrant mismatching of colors like bottle green and purple.
Times, color combos and quality levels change. Singer has moved on from the tacky, problem riddled days of the long-gone 70s.
They’ve improved.
So much so, these next two Singer models regularly come out on top of Best Sewing Machine lists for 2020.
Singer Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine
Up first is the Singer Heavy Duty 4452, available here:
With a top speed of 1100 stitches per minute, its powerful motor will breeze through your sewing projects in no time.
It has a durable stainless steel bed and an all-metal interior frame making this one of the most robust mechanical machines on the market. Suitable for beginners due to the simple to use functions, it will also tick a lot of boxes for the more experienced sewist.
The built-in stitches include the basic straight stitch and zigzag as well as 18 decorative stitches to add embellishments to your projects.
Coming with a range of presser feet for different tasks, a choice of decorative stitches and a fully automatic one-step buttonhole, this machine is ideal for general sewing and quilting.
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing Machine
The first computerized machine on the list, Singer's Quantum Stylist 9960 comes with an auto pilot mode.
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/2IOC17m
This machine comes with 600 built-in stitches, including 13 one-step buttonholes, and a stitching speed of 850 stitches per minute.
With more than enough power and a range of accessories to tackle garment sewing, quilting, crafting, curtains and throw pillows, this machine was built for creativity.
It comes with an automatic needle threader, needle up/down, one touch stitch selection and speed control. Beginners will love the simplicity of the controls and the ability to slow it down. The more experienced sewist will love the versatility of the many different features available.
Did I mention it has an auto pilot mode? Now that’s cool.
Brother
An industry leader in the world of electronics, Brother has a reputation of reliable, high quality, affordable products.
Their sewing machines span across all skill levels and are hard to beat. Brimming with innovation and creative versatility, there’s bound to be a Brother model that tickles your sewing mojo.
Brother
SE625 Combination Sewing & Embroidery Machine
Not only is this machine a great first machine for beginners, it’s also a brilliant entry level machine for embroidery.
Brother's SE625 is budget and user friendly! You can find it here: https://amzn.to/2Wix0XR
With 280 embroidery designs, 103 built-in sewing stitches, 8 one-step buttonholes and an LCD touch screen, there’s plenty for the experienced stitcher to get excited about too! Coupled with the fact the touch screen is in color and you can upload your own designs via USB, this machine is a sewist’s dream.
There’s no making a choice between sewing, quilting or embroidery with this one. It has it all.
Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine
Sticking with the combination theme, although this model only sews and quilts, it still packs a punch.
There are 60 built-in stitches, including decorative ones enabling you to embellish and personalize your sewing projects. If your interested in this machine, it can be found here: https://amzn.to/3850ePv
The machine comes with 9 sewing feet, an automatic needle threader, speed control, jam resistant drop-in bobbin and a useful extension table. Making this machine a feature loaded option for beginners and more advanced sewists.
Able to tackle garment sewing, repairs and quilting, this machine is a great all round workhorse.
Janome
One of the biggest names in the sewing machine world, Janome are well known for their high-class machines and the sheer magnitude of the accessories that come with them.
They may be on the pricey side, but you’re sure to get value for money with a Janome machine. You also get precise, rock steady sewing.
Janome JW8100 Sewing Machine
This model has features in bucket loads. See it here: https://amzn.to/2KxEuU7
It comes with a range of accessories including a selection of different feet, spare bobbins, spare needles, spare spool holders, an extension table. Heck, it even comes with a seam ripper.
Ideal for quilting and general sewing, this machine has a start/stop button and speed control. Both of which are ideal features for beginners. Experienced stitchers will also feel comfortable using the many computerized functions incorporated within this gem of a machine.
Weighing in at just 12lbs, this machine is portable yet sturdy. Medium sized yet more than capable of outperforming the larger machines on the market.
Speaking of larger machines, this next one is the one that gets me drooling.
Janome Continental M7 Professional
This one isn't available from Amazon, so you might need to head for your local Janome dealer if you want this one. Here's a link to the M7 at Janome.com
With a throat space of 13.5 inches, this machine just screams free motion quilting, long arm quilting… or just quilting in general. Better still, with 400 built-in stitches including straight, zigzag, plus a whole host of decorative ones. And a selection of 12 buttonholes, this machine is giving a shout out for garment sewing too!
The LCD touch screen is a whopping 7 inches of high definition color. Containing all you need to know to work the machine, the touch screen also incorporates a QR code. Scan it with your phone and it will take you to videos on how to work the function featured on the LCD screen. No more frantic searching through an overly thick manual trying to find a function when you don’t know what it’s called. Or trawling through YouTube.
It’s got an independent bobbin winder… and a one-touch computerized, removable, needle plate! No more messing with screwdrivers that don’t fit under the arm.
If I
ever trade Jerome in for a younger model, it’ll be this one. (My Janome QC6260)
This is just a quick selection of machines I feel would be ideal for beginners and the more advanced. They all have a range of functions and the ability to perform a whole host of sewing tasks.
Let me know in the comments which ones you like, or if you have a favorite I haven’t mentioned.
Meanwhile, I’m going to be in the corner going gooey over the Janome M7.
Bye for now
Olly
For more sewing tips and adventures, follow me:
| YouTube: https://bit.ly/38YJrzL |
Comments
Post a Comment