The past few weeks I have been on a “quest” to find a new sewing machine. It truly feels like a quest. My first sewing machine, I brought was about 15 or more years ago. I didn’t put much thought into buying it. I was in Target and saw they had Singer sewing machines and made the purchase. Both my mother and grandmother had Singer sewing machines so that was how I based my decision. It was a very basic mechanical sewing machines. I did two types of buttonholes and had 5 stitches to choose to use. I probably with taxes paid around $90. It was good learning sewing machine no bells or whistles. Fast forward today- I can’t make a decision. I’m probably overthinking it -correction I am overthinking this. I’ve read so many reviews on various sewing machines that I’m having trouble trying to decide. I know that will at least be electronic. My reasonable self keeps saying don’t over buy features that I will probably not use. Here’s the list in no particular order:
- Singer Stylist: 100 stitches with 9 presser feet. It priced well and great reviews. It was very nice. I questioned if I would use all 100 stitches. Free motion sewing capable.
- Singer Confidence: 30 stitches with 5 presser feet. It felt solid to use in testing it.
- Brother CS7130: 130 stitches with 8 presser feet. The best priced and I was surprised that I liked it.
- Brother XS2100: 100 stitches with 11 presser feet. It was very similar feel as the other CS7130. Alpha-numeric lettering feature.
- Brother XR9550PRW: 110 stitches with 8 presser feet (I think, I didn’t write it down). This is limited edition. It had a user friendly feel as well. Alpha lettering feature.
- Singer Sew Mate: 30 stitches and 3 presser feet. Although this one was very basic it was a very easier to use machine. No bells or whistles as the others but it was more advance than my first sewing machine. The shop called it an entry level but I could see it lasting for a few years. It felt more like my first Singer. But I forgot to ask if a free motion presser foot could be used with this machine.
I want a better sewing than the first one I brought without breaking the bank. I was surprised that I liked the Brother sewing machines. One of the features that I wanted as free motioning sewing which the Stylist and two of the Brother sewing machines can do. Until I saw it, the alpha numeric lettering had not been important to me. I could learn how to do free motion monogramming the Stylist can do this. I think what is holding me back is that I’ve never used a Brother sewing machine. Plus I had good success with a Singer sewing machine. Everything that I have read the Brother sewing machines are rated very well. I plan on in a couple of years to add embroidery sewing machine. In part of my quest to find a sewing machine, I noticed that many people had at least two or three machines. I should do this as well, at one very basic and then an embroidery machine. I may just buy the Sew Mate and make it my basic and then add something like the Stylist later. I haven’t brought it yet I hope to make my mind up by the end of this week.
lizsknitsandstitches.com 