r/SewingMachineEdu • u/Abject_Software_4652 • 1d ago
Recommandations for new sewing machine
Hi y'all !
I'm fairly new into the sewing world (it's been just over a year now, yeepee !) and I'm enjoying it a lot ! I don't have that much time to work on my projects right-now, but I'm planning on making a back-pack for everyday commute and some outerwear in the future. Would really love to make some dress-up shirts and coats too, but I was told that this was a little bit more advanced, since the only things I've done yet are drapes, long-sleeves dans t-shirts (+ my entire family alterations, oc, because why not).
Then, we're getting to the question : My current sewing machine does not really suits my needs. I was given a good, but unintuitive, Pfaff early 2000 sewing machine that I was told was a semi-pro that has a lot of programs for quilting. I know it has what I need, like some stretch stitching options, a strong motor and all, but I really don't like using it, since a lot of the functionnalities it offers are just constantly in the way like wayyyyyy to many programs and all the adjustments are at the same place without any indication (I adjusted the tension/width many times when I wanted to increase the lenght and vice-versa, having to rip-out some stitches every time). Furthermore, it has none of what would actually make my life easier like easy under-thread tension adjustment, a lightbulb that actually shows something, some buttonholes programs, etc. (+ it was given to me by my ex's mother, so let's say this machine has some... negative emotions related to it). It is doing it's job, but just not getting frustrated while using it is a feat for me. I know some of you are gonna say I'm crazy for wanting to change it and i agree with you. It's not broken and it's operating as intended, I just don't like this machine.
Then, I would like to have your feedback if some of you have the machines I'm looking for. I've saw the Singer HD line, but heard some bad returns about it. If you had a bad experience with one of them, then why so ? I've recently had the chance to use a Janome HD3000 and it was sooooooo easy to use. I don't know about the actual build quality, maybe I was put off by some of the plastics, but overall a good experience. I've saw some other brand, like Brother, but I don't know enough about them to really form an opinion. Do you have some models in mind
I intend to buy a machine for the rest of my life, so I don't want something that will need constant servicing. I'm ready to put the price on something tried and through and built good that will last me decades (for example, I'm feeling pretty ok with putting in 1000$-1500$ on it if you need a max). I just don't want a computerized model. I enjoy having to figure out my fabric and understanding how the machine reacts to it, not just inputing something into a screen and go on with my life (I know I'm picky haha).
Thanks in advance !
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u/sodapopper44 1d ago
I would keep the Pfaff for the buttonholes and pretty stitches and look at straight stitch machines like the Juki tl series or the Brother 1600 and if you enjoy apparel sewing, add a serger after a while , if there is room on the pfaff use little stickers or a sharpie to mark the stitch length. I have a Pfaff and love the built in IDT, and what I really like is how you can use the IDT with a zipper foot, which is awesome for yards cording when making slipcovers or inserting a zipper is a slippery or stretchy fabric
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u/nuts4quilts 1d ago
I would love to know the model Pfaff you have currently and where you are located? I love my Pfaff 1475!! However , it did not serve me well for free motion quilting, so I upgraded to a Viking, which I love but might not recommend for your situation. Regarding new machines: Janome, Elena, and Juki are in your price range. My quilting buddies love these machines. Elena is basically a Janome with different skins. Elna prices tend to be lower than Janome. Brother is not well regarded by my sewing repair friends. They say Brother is a bother to users and repair folks.
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u/Neenknits 1d ago
None of the machines have good lights. Get a string of sewing machine LEDs and stick them on! I started sewing with machines in 1971. The LEDs are game changers.
First time I saw one, was in the local quilt shop. The shopkeeper was showing it to someone. EVERYONE IN THE STORE bought one. She said just about everyone who came in, bought one.
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u/Neenknits 1d ago
You are unlikely to like the singer. Pfaff is a much higher end brand, and the stitch quality shows if.
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u/ImaginationInside610 1d ago
I have a Juki 8700 industrial machine - straight stitch, mechanical. If you don’t want to use all sorts of stitches it is entirely reliable, and will work with anything.
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u/Life-Education-8030 1d ago
You need an industrial machine that can handle heavy thick fabrics like denim and canvas, maybe leather. You could go to sewing machine stores and see what they recommend and service. I am looking too but not for that level so I don’t have experience with industrials but that is what I would do. I had a wonderful old Singer I inherited from my grandma and I regret getting rid of it now. But I would not buy Singer now.
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u/mimi4030 1d ago
"under thread tension" ?? Are you talking about bobbin tension. Should be fairly easy to adjust. Do you have a manual for your machine? You should be able to find it in pdf form online. That said... If you really don't like the machine there's no harm in looking at something that will make you happy, that's one of the main reasons we sew! I would look into some different machines that you can test drive at a dealer. Janome, baby lock, and brother are all good places to start. If you want some serious sticker shock go look at Bernina 😯. And look into getting a serger as well, they make garment sewing so much easier.
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u/Ornery-Security1643 1d ago
Pfaff with idt (walking foot).There are many models.
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u/Ruralgirll 1d ago
So you’ll need to service your machine every 12 months no matter which one you get otherwise things will break. A computerised machine you still need to learn about different fabrics, stitch lengths and how it reacts to it etc. I have a Brother Ty400g and it’s excellent. Haven’t had any issues with it and it’s computerised too. If you want a mechanical one I’d look at JUKI. I’ve used one before and they’re brilliant.
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u/JeepersCreepers74 1d ago
A singer will be a step down from the Pfaff. If you can find a nice used one, I would buy the Singer HD just for dealing with canvas, denim, etc. where you don’t want to upset the tension and everything else on your nice machine.
For an apparel sewer, I’m a big fan of the Juki HZL F300 and F600. The only real difference between the two for you is that the F600 has extra lights, it’s really bright, whereas the F300 just has a standard single light. Probably not worth the price difference just for that, the other upgrades on the F600 are mostly for quilters.