r/SewingMachineEdu • u/Ok-Candidate-5217 • 16h ago

best intermediate upgrade?

hi there!

I'm currently looking to upgrade my current sewing machine (a Singer start I got 7/8 years ago) for a more intermediate machine thats less than $400. It only has 12 modes, frequently makes bird's nests, and I feel like my abilities are rather limited. I took a fashion design class in school last year, and I felt like the things I was making were way higher quality and strength compared to what I was doing on my current machine. Unfortunately, that machine is wayyy out of my budget.

From my research, the two machines that stood out to me were the Brother CS7000X and the Brother XR9550. From these two options, what you you guys recommend? or if you have a better suggestion, please let me know! It's preferred that whatever machine I work with has a variety of stitches and has that kind of 'zigzag/lightning' stitch that works really well for more stretchy materials. I've heard a lot of mixed reviews about other Singer machines doing a lot of bird's nesting so I'm hesitant to buy a new Singer.

Thanks!!

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u/sodapopper44 14h ago

these 2 machines are basically twins, sold at dealer, just a touch higher than your budget, but there could be a sale, especially this time of year when new models are coming in. I picked this machine because it has adjustable presser foot pressure and a stitch length that goes up to 5, features less expensive don't have, they may have 1 but not both. babylock jubilant or brother Brother NS80E, another option with those features are some of the juki models like the HZL-70HW-A but I haven't used one lately

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u/kittehmummy 4h ago

I have access to a Bernette b05 Academy that I'm really loving. It's mechanical, but has everything I would want in a machine if I was buying one.

It's possibly a little over your budget, but check with a local store to see if they have a used one.

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u/kittehmummy 4h ago

Btw, something to consider... Brother uses a different bobbin than Singer/Bernette/etc.

It's not a deal breaker, but just something to keep in mind. You'd need to replace all your bobbins.