Sewing Machines - what do you seamstresses prefer?

I'm in the market to finally upgrade my sewing machine from a bare bones 1960's Nelco to something modern! I'd like to get a machine that can eventually have software added to create my own embroidery designs, while at the same time offering a large range of decorative and heirloom stitching options.

I've decided the Viking Rose is too minimal, and as much as I'd like a Viking Designer I, I don't think I can spend over $4,000 at this point in time.

Right now I'm debating over a Viking Designer II and a Bernina 180E. Does anyone here have experience with either machine? Are there any other machines in the $2,000 - $3,500 price range I should be looking at?

Any advise or input would be greatly appreciated!

-Kay Dee

S_S edit: just unlocking

 

I own a Bernina Activa 131 and even though it is not a embroidery machine, I love it all the same. This model sold for $1000 when I got mine over 2 years ago and if you want something you can scan images into, you will be looking at something at least $2500 and up.
I think getting something like a Bernina or Viking is a great investment for a serious sewer. The quality in the stitches my machine produces even on the straight stitch was worth the money.

 

I have been very happy with my Viking Victoria, but it's sounds too basic for you. No embroidery.

The thing about sewing machines like the embroidery ones is that you might be able to find a used one cheap. There are a lot of rich little old ladies who get the $2000-$3000 model, then decide they just have to "trade up". The other thing about sewing machines is that they are heavily discounted at certain times of year. I got mine for half price before Christmas. I also got them to knock an extra $50 off just because I wanted them too. I have seen them giving away $900 sergers with the high-end models. You can get terrific deals.

 

I have a decent Elna, but in the lab at school they have a huge collection of Berninas, which I have grown VERY attatched to. They are very reliable, and produce good quality products

 

Thanks for the input! Purchasing a new machine that's such a huge step up from what I've been using is quite stressful. I'm having to get a crash course in all of the modern features and my head is just spinning!

I'm definitly calling around to differnt stores to see if they have any open stock/used modles for sale. I was almost going to get the Bernina Arista 180E at a bargain used price, but from my reasearch is seems that the extra wide 9mm feed dogs cause problems for regular straight stitching and 1/4" seams.

I really like the automatic foot pressure sensor on the Vikings, as well as the top loading bobin - so I'm still debating over a Bernina 165E and the Designer II or I. I think it will come down to what deals I find

-Kay Dee

 

ive got a janome memorycraft 5700.it sews wonderfully and does the embroidery.not sure what these units are selling for used but it has digitizing software to do your own logos and designs.might want to price those as well.

 

Well, I finally took the plunge and purchased my sewing/embroidery machine. The Bernina's seemed like good solid machines, but I ended up going with the Viking Designer I. I was able to get a convention demo model, which was virtually brand new (the foot pedal was still sealed, so I don't think it was used - just on display). The machine plus embroidery unit after tax was $4298. I never thought I'd be getting such an expensive machine - that's more than I sold my little old Mercury Tracer for! I sure hope it lasts. It's so hard to know which machine would have been more durable in the long run. In the end it's going to be a heck of a lot better than the 1960's Nelco handed down from mom!

Thanks for the input

-Kay Dee

 

Way to go kay_dee! I'm sure you'll be happy with the Viking D1 - a coworker of mine's wife has it and he says she loves it and is very pleased with the quality, uses it all the time.

 

i found this thread and hafta get a question answered

what is a serger? and what is the difference between a serger and a regular sewing machine?

 

A serger can sew with 3, 4, or 5 threads and produce stitches that sew, trim and finish seams all at the same time.


I sew on a 1930's Singer that has one one stitch and I have a basic 4-thread White serger.

Someday, if some rich little old lady wants to sell me an embroidery machine at a fantastic price, I might consider it, but until then, I will figure out how to use the reliable old-timers to get my work done.

 

Sewing machines...hmmm. I have a Singer, it's so old it doesnt run with electricity! Its an old pedal one that I quilt on for reenactments. But I love it. My hubby thought enoughs enough I guess for he bought me the new Brother ULT2003 combo sewing and embroidery. I about died from shock. (Recovering and having fun pushing all the buttons! ) I also have a Kenmore I liked until the parts department sends them overseas for repairs. It took 3 months for it to return. That's why no Senate dress yet.

Jenni

 

I have a Singer as well. Every old lady I ask says the equivilent of 'They're the mustangs of sewing machines'. I have one myself, one I bought at sears that's a 1998 version., It works beutifully. I suggest anyone who wants a machine to get a Singer.


Have you guys seen the machines with buttons and 'computers' in them? My god, I nearly choked!!!

 

I have a 1970s Kenmore...which is basically a Singer. I love it to death...It still runs like the day it was bought. Of course, I wasn't born when it was bought, lol....

 

I saw this thread and decided to put my own search on here. I'm in the market for a new sewing machine, too. But I can't spend nearly as much money as Kay-Dee did!

Can anyone give me recommendations on high quality, simple to use, easy to maintain machines that are under $300? I don't need anything terribly fancy, as I just do mostly beginners sewing (leave the fancy work to the hands).

 

Aye, The Singer I have. Only mine has a red stripe, but here:

http://www.sears.com/sr/product/summary/productsummary.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0814455807.1060187233@@@@&BV_EngineID=cchkadcjddeillgcehgcemgdffmdflk.0&vertical=SEARS&bidsite=&pid=02013016000

 

Jedi_Junkie From the research I had done, it looks like Singers and Brothers tend to be in your price range. I would definitely call around to sewing machine stores and look for a used machine if you want to get more bang for your buck (more features - maybe a different brand).

These are some sites I used when I did my sewing machine research and found them to be very helpful in my decision making:

GoSewing.com
epinions.com Do a search on "Sewing Machine" or even a specific brand such as "Singer Sewing Machine"
PatternReview.com
AllSewing.com

So far I'm very happy with my Viking. My only complaint is the way these new machines are made with so much plastic. I'm always afraid I'm going to break something!

-Kay Dee

 

My '76 Kenmore seems to be on the verge of clunking out. I'm so happy to ride on coat tails of everyone else's research.

While doing some of my own research, I looked into the Husqvarna (we use them in my sewing class and I really like them). I found this recall, Kay-Dee, which might be the same machine you purchased. It doesn't seem to much of a fix, but I hope not.

 

Thanks BobaFemme I think I read some comments about that old recall when I was doing my research - but it's an issue with older machines and hopefully there won't be any recalls for the 2003 models!

It seems with these computerized machines there can always be something that goes wrong. Time will tell if I run into any problems... for the most part Designer I seems to get good reviews.

-Kay Dee

 

I bought a Viking at a half price Christmas sale and have been extremely happy with it.

 

Hey, thanks a bunch Kay-Dee. And I agree about the plastic thing. I look at all the new machines and my first thought is "This warrants six-hundred dollars out of my pocket for what amount of quality...?"

One more question, what does everyone think of Kenmore sewing machines? Chinsy? - I lean toward Singers just because I used to have one.

 

I wouldn't go with it, just because they don't specialize in sewing machines. Singer specializes in the category and I would suggest it more.

 

Raef_Wolfe and Jedi_Junkie: Kenmore sewing machines are made by Singer...They just stamp their name on it. I have a 1970s model that just won't die...Not that I want it too...I just love the old thing!

 

I also have a Kenmore. A late 80's model and it just keeps going no matter how much I abuse and misuse it.
The thing I like most about it is that it sews fast. Fast fast fast!

 

Don't know about 70's or 80's Kenmores but my mom purchased a Kenmore about 3 years ago (emergency purchase when her Elna decided break down), and she can't say enough bad things about it. Gets the very basic job done, but not well, and you can get much better quality for the same or slightly more money.

Having run my machine ragged the past 5 months, I can heartily say I LOVE my Viking. I know I paid a lot when I bought it, but I?m very glad I did now.

If you are not doing much fancy sewing, I'd recommend staying away from anything that has computerized controls.

~H~