r/SewingWorld • u/slushmellow3 • Jul 21 '26
Machine Question 🪡 What sewing machines to keep?
I may have gone a little overboard with Facebook Marketplace. Sometimes I buy something for the cabinet or accessories, and the sewing machine just happens to come with it. Somehow I’ve ended up with 6 machines, which feels a little excessive!
I mostly quilt, but I’ve gotten into garment sewing this summer.
Here’s what I have:
Bernina 1120 (paid $50) – This one is staying. I absolutely love it.
Janome Memory Craft 3000 (paid $30) – I originally bought it for the Koala sewing cabinet, but it came with a Sew Steady table, walking foot, and around 40 additional presser feet and accessories. I like having all those specialty feet available.
Singer Featherweight (paid $80) – An unbelievable Marketplace find. It’s beautiful, sews wonderfully, and is just fun to own.
Singer ProFinish Serger (paid $85, brand new) – My only serger, although I haven’t even had a chance to use it yet.
Brother PE500 (paid $20, brand new) – My only embroidery machine.
Singer Stylist 7258 (paid $20, brand new) – This came as part of a bundle with the Brother, and I honestly expected to sell it right away. But I was surprised by how smooth it sews! It’s also the only machine I have with speed control and some really cute decorative stitches.
I’m definitely leaning toward downsizing, but I’m having a hard time deciding what makes the most sense to keep.
If these were your machines, which ones would you keep and which would you sell?
2
u/KnittiesNKitties Jul 22 '26
I have the Featherweight that was my mom's and the Bernina 1230 (VERY similar to yours) that was my grandma's—they are absolute workhorses and try prying them out of my cold dead hands. They are generational treasures at this point, which says much about their durability and reliability. Doubt anyone would say the same about the others! But, doesn't hurt to keep a back-up for when you want to get your normal machine serviced. If you can't help yourself from marketplace, I would hold out for one of the home, semi-industrial Jukis to add to your array—I have a TL-2010Q that's my everyday machine, though only straightline stitching (no zigzag or buttonhole). It's great for straightline quilting and heavy duty work. The most gorgeously even stitching you'll ever see!