WTMCassandra Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 Hi, I have about a 10-yo, basic Kenmore that I haven't been too thrilled with overall. Making buttonholes is a nightmare. The upper tension assembly just went on it, and the sewing store was surprised that Sears still made the part. I am fixing it for now but I need to start scoping out a new machine. I have simple sewing needs--basic stitching, buttonholes, and zippers--basically just simple clothing construction. I want something RELIABLE that doesn't skip stitches and break thread as much as this machine has (yes, I used it according to the book, got it cleaned regularly, etc.). I have heard of Bernina, but some people say entry-level Berninas aren't necessarily high quality. I am leery of Kenmore, but some people say their high-end ones are OK. I am willing to pay $200-$400 for a decent, reliable machine. I don't do fancy stuff. Sewing is frustrating enough for me without having to fight the machine as well. What brand should I buy? What has worked for you? (I have to go out for the afternoon and evening, but I will check the thread tonight.) Please, I really need some suggestions. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 :ohmy: I love my Kenmore! But, if I could have any machine in the world it would be a Husqvarna Viking. I've heard great things about them. The machine I would stay away from is a Brother. I had one. I gave it away. I just checked out the website and they look more sophisticated than the one I had, but mine was clunky, loud and just didn't have much to offer. I miss sewing. One day, I will have free time to sew again. ETA: I quilt, so that is what I consider when I look at machines... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 I love my 20plus year old Pfaff. I would recommend you find a sewing machine store..Not sears in the mall, but a store that sells and repairs sewing machines. Most of them will have a used section where you can get an old reliable machine that was traded in, hopefully in your price range. Ask a ton of questions and sit down and sew on some fabric. If you don't like it, move on to the next machine. BE sure you thread it and wind the bobbin and all that stuff in the store. Happy shopping! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3lilreds in NC Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 I agree with Monica - get a Viking if you can swing it. They are worth every penny. Very easy to use and they do lots of cool stuff. You can get very basic models too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 I love my 20plus year old Pfaff. I would recommend you find a sewing machine store..Not sears in the mall, but a store that sells and repairs sewing machines. Most of them will have a used section where you can get an old reliable machine that was traded in, hopefully in your price range.Ask a ton of questions and sit down and sew on some fabric. If you don't like it, move on to the next machine. BE sure you thread it and wind the bobbin and all that stuff in the store. Happy shopping! :iagree: Bernina, Pfaff, Viking--all good machines. Definitely check out a dealer for used deals. My Bernina does button holes like a dream, but I have a high-end Bernina. I had a high-end Pfaff and it did button holes well; I had a middle of the road Viking and button holes were ok. Avoid Brother, low-end Singer or any machine you can get at a mass merchandiser for under $100. Cheap crap, no matter what the brand is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in KY Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 I have a Janome 8080 I got from Sears. It's great! It has a plethora of stiches and functions. I've had it for 4 years and never had a problem. ETA: The Janome was, as far as I could tell, the best of the mid-line machines at the time. I didn't have the funds to get a Viking, Pfaff or Bernina at the time, though if I could have, I would have! One can quilt on the Janome with a quilter's foot attachment, but I haven't tried it yet so I can't tell you how good it is for that. HTH. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted September 9, 2008 Author Share Posted September 9, 2008 Thank you, everyone. Anyone have an idea of how much a lower or midline Viking or Bernina would cost? Just a ballpark to get in the market? Neither company website gives prices, *sigh* which is not usually a good sign. I know I'll have to go to stores to try them out, but I'm trying to see if there's even any point in going ; ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 Thank you, everyone. Anyone have an idea of how much a lower or midline Viking or Bernina would cost? Just a ballpark to get in the market? Neither company website gives prices, *sigh* which is not usually a good sign. I know I'll have to go to stores to try them out, but I'm trying to see if there's even any point in going ; ). When I bought my Bernina 200e, I emailed the dealer and he said he could not give a price via the internet but could over the phone. Something about it being a Bernina/Pfaff policy and not selling over the internet. He said that was in his contract to sell both brands. During a phone call, I got all the price quotes I wanted. LOL EX bought Dd a used, middle of the line Bernina for around $300, I think. I don't know the model number or anything, but it is just a basic machine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted September 9, 2008 Author Share Posted September 9, 2008 Thanks! I guess I'll just have to go and see if I'm price shocked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 Before you go, do some research on how the machines are made. Some newer machines have plastic gears and you do NOT want that. It will pay in the long run to have the machines with metal parts. Also, ask where the machines are made. You want the ones from Germany or Japan, NOT Mexico. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted September 9, 2008 Author Share Posted September 9, 2008 Thanks again! I didn't know any of that. I'd rep you some more but I have to spread it around! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaska Mom Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 All I really know is that I've heard you should buy from a sewing store vs. a chain store (especially the "discount" ones). The products - while they may look the same, supposedly they are not :glare:. Just what I heard when I was looking for mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle in MO Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 the Viking was very, very nice, but the Bernina is absolutely flawless. I think it's the best machine on the market---IMO, better than the Viking and the Pfaff, although they're very good machines. But, Bernina's are expensive. I'm not sure how much a lower-price range machine would run, or how well it would work. They're Swiss-made; I bought mine at a dealer in St. Louis, and I get free tune-ups for life! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy in Ky Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 I have a Bernina, and it is amazing. Simply amazing. I would never be able to afford one, but my mom died and I have her machine. What about buying a used one? The one I use is one that my mom bought in the early 1990's. She paid a pretty penny for it then, but surely a used one would be much, much cheaper now. It still works like it was brand new. And she was a quilting teacher, so she gave it quite a workout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwinMominTX Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 I purchased a mid-level Bernina about 7 years ago. It was +/-$800. It is a great machine. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jill Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 I have a basic Pfaff - tipmatic 6122 - that I purchased specifically for the ease of hemming denim jeans with it. It has a built in walking foot that I use for denim and quilts, or denim quilts. It doesn't have embroidery programming, etc, I didn't want or need that or to pay for it. If I could have ANY machine in the world, I would look into a Bernina. I agree, go to dealers and use the machines, test your most specific needs, buttonholes and such. have fun! - Jill p.s. mine is at least 8 years old and has been extremely reliable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 Timely post for for me. I need another new machine. My Kenmore died two years ago and I went for a Euro Pro:thumbdown:. At first I was impressed, but it was a piece of em...%$#@ as Michella mentioned. It is now resting at the dump. I think I might check out a used one too. Thanks for the tips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holly in FL Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 I have the basic model Bernina...it's 15 years old!...and, it's fabulous! I have a friend that has the model that came out before mine...she's probably had it 25 years...and, it still works great! I don't know what others are talking about with it not being a good machine. Maybe it's because it doesn't have all the "bells and whistles"...but, it still has a number of decorative stitches (which I've used maybe 5 times!) and makes a good button hole. I've altered a kilt on the thing...having to sew through leather straps and that thick wool material!!! My DD even knocked it off the table once...she didn't see the cord, walked right into it, and pulled it off the table. I had it checked out and nothing was wrong. I don't think you can go wrong with an entry level Bernina or Pfaff. I learned how to sew on a Pfaff with all the "bells and whistles." To me, it was just more to go wrong and have to fix. My teacher told me if the memory went out on hers...it would be $100 to get a new one...and, that was probably 18 years ago. Good luck with your decision. Smiles! ~Holly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted September 10, 2008 Author Share Posted September 10, 2008 Free tuneups? Including cleaning? Does it have to be at the same store where you bought it, or any Bernina store? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted September 10, 2008 Author Share Posted September 10, 2008 $800 for midlevel. Yowza. I'm not sure I can afford that. Thanks for the benchmark, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zelda Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 My mom is a seamstress and bought me a Husqvarna...kind of an entry level model. Its indestructable. I've done terrible things to it and it still zips along. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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