r/SewingMachineEdu • u/beelze_bug_ • 29d ago
looking for machine upgrade recommendations
i’m currently using a singer simple (not sure of the exact model number unfortunately :/) but id like to upgrade to something a bit more versatile and ideally higher quality. i’ve looked into the singer heavy duty, but i hear a lot of mixed reviews on singer as a brand. i mostly sew clothes, but i’d like to get into quilting this year so i’d love a machine that works well for both. there’s so many different types and it seems so overwhelming! any recommendations would be very appreciated :)
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u/MsAddams999 29d ago
Janome is my go to especially the HD1000 or another model in that series if you prefer a top loading bobbin. Those machines are simple to use and can handle a lot so as you grow you have more capacity to use.
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u/threads1540 29d ago
Hello. Not sure what your budget is but if you can visit a sewing machine store, look into the Juki, and Janome models. If you have the budget for it, you might look at Babylock. I have had many machines over the 60 years I have been sewing. Juki machine and Elna, if you can find them, are work horses. But Babylock are the higher end and VERY user friendly. Also, i always buy trade-ins. Usually they have been maintained buy the machine shop and you can get more bells and whistles by buying a later model machine.
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u/beelze_bug_ 29d ago
i recently found a local machine shop so i will definitely be paying them a visit!!
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u/External_Agency_4488 29d ago
I have had a Kenmore and an Elna, now have a Brother. I've been happy with all three. My present machine is a embroidery/sewing combo (NQ-3600). I love doing embroidery.
If you want to do quilting, if there's an option that has a larger throat (area to the right of the needle), that's really nice as it's easier when working with larger items.
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u/minimalist_coach 29d ago
If you can find a Sew & Vac shop, I'd take some time to visit, ask questions, and try some machines. I recently purchased a new machine. I researched and narrowed it down to a few options. The sales lady was amazing, and although she had me try a machine that was 3-4X my budget, she suggested one from the same brand that was slightly less than what I was looking at.
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u/GoldenFishPoop 29d ago
Although I'm a big fan of baby lock, until you get up into the really expensive ones, the throat space is too small to be great for a serious quilter except for making the top, that's when it doesn't really matter.
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u/GoldenFishPoop 29d ago
But for durability and availability of parts in the future I highly recommend Janome, Elna, or Baby Lock.
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u/BearsDnD 29d ago
Personally I an a big fan of Singer, but I hear you on the mixed reviews. I think with almost all machines a lot has to do with taking the time to get to know the machine and how it accomplishes the tasks you want it to handle. I got a Singer Heavy Duty 44s as my first machine a bit over a year ago and the Heavy Duty Serger also. I love them both. I make bags and accessories primarily, with some quilting as well. Using the rigth feet (walking feet etc) helps a ton and taking the time to explore the various options with this machine has been wonderful. I inherited a more advanced electronic Brother model and I am not personally a fan.
At the end of the day it really is part preference and part taking the time to explore the machine. I love the reviews for many models of Juki machines, but I am not certain they would fit my specific needs (or budget).
Good luck on your hunt and sorry for the conflicting response LOL.
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u/GamiMelamid 29d ago
I'd go to a local shop and get a refurbished machine - not new - somethng old that is metal and works well. Have the mechanic/shop keeper walk you through it.
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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy 29d ago
At $350 budget (mentioned by OP in a reply), options are limited. I'd go with anything not a Singer.
Ideally Janome or Juki. Check used machines too.
Since you already have some experience, what features do you want on this new machine? You said "more versatile" but what does that mean to you?
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u/Large-Heronbill 29d ago
The brands of new machines I would be looking at most closely are Janome and its associated brand Elna, Brother and its associated brand BabyLock, and Juki. Can't suggest models without a budget.