How To Choose The BEST Sewing Machine!

With so many sewing machines out there, which one is THE best? I'll show you how to figure out which one is the best... for YOU!

Q U E S T I O N S

1. Do you like bells & whistles? 2:21
No: Mechanical #Sewing Machine
Yes: Computerized Sewing Machine

2. What is your level of experience with sewing machines? 5:07
Beginner: One Step Buttonhole, Automatic Threader, Speed Adjustment
Intermediate/Advanced: Will the new sewing machine replace the old one?

3. Are you a tinkerer or willing to DIY using tutorials? 9:26
Yes: Used Sewing Machine
No: New Sewing Machine

4. What are you sewing? 11:27
Occasional Alterations: Lightweight with a cover
Quilting: Wide table, drop feed for free motion sewing, number of stitches, should say that it's for quilting
Clothing: button holes, consistent quality stitches
Drapes: durability & speed
Denim/Leather: Extra high lifter foot, strong motor, accepts thicker threads

5. What are your sewing goals? 17:01 Do you plan to change what you're sewing over time (i.e. fashion design student) or is it something you just want to try out?

6. Do you care how it looks? 18:29
Clean Lines: Bernina
Boho Chic: Brother JX-3135F which has flower design plates for front
Manly: Juki industrial
Curvy: Janome or Brother
Boxy: Pfaff or Necchi
Futuristic: Husqvarna Jade 20

7. What is your budget? 20:33 How does this mesh with what you learned about your need in the previous questions?

S E W I N G M A C H I N E S

USED
Local Thrift Store

BASIC
Singer Start 1304

HEAVY DUTY
Brother Strong & Tough
Singer Heavy Duty 4423, 4432, 4452

COMPUTERIZED
Singer 7258 100 stitch
Brother CS5055PRW Project Runway 50 stitches

INDUSTRIAL

Remake your wardrobe to be just as fun as you! #Upcycle your clothes to fit your size and personality with a little creativity and a few alterations. Join this crew of #refashion renegades!

____

✂ NEW VIDEO EVERY SATURDAY @ 9am CST

Sign up for email notifications and NEVER miss another video!

C O N N E C T

(I use affiliate links. I make a small commission from items purchased, but you don't pay any more. Your purchase helps to keep this channel going. Thanks for your support!)

[stephanieray]

Back in the Seventies my mom bought a lightly-used Singer 401 from the Fifties, but neither of us could figure out how to use it, and so it sat in the guest bedroom all this time. With the help of the internet, I figured out to use it in 2020, and just love it. All metal body, pristine table, and perfect paint. Real time capsule.

[thisbedazzledgirl]

Machines are important but the right needle size of a good brand is also very very important. Your machine can do miracles if you use the correct needle as well. 🥰

[azcharlie]

I am 73 and just started sewing last year. My wife bought me a Singer 6125 from a thrift shop for $35. I sewed some heavy duty bumpers for my boat trailer and a few other things. Then, I bought a Barracuda 200ZW walking foot (similar to Sailrite, but not as good) which is a beast! I sewed a heavy duty cover for my airplane and saved about $200! I also recovered our patio furniture this winter. My wife also brought home a Singer CG 590, which isn't a walking foot, but it will still sew just about anything. It is probably just a step up from the 4452. Nice machine! So, I now have three machines, and I love them all! Love your channel, too... thank you!

[marathonfortruth]

Where to start? Oh my there are so many considerations. I have 50 years of experience. I have 2 machines currently but have sewn on top of the line and low end. Avoid really low end. Beginners should not be burdened with the frustrations of a low end machine. And one machine will not do everything you need in your lifetime of sewing. This was a pretty good overview of considerations. Not mentioned is the 5 mm versus 9 mm stitch width. My high end Bernina sewing /embroidery machine has 9mm width. Has interesting stitches but I ended up not using them and the increased size of hole beneath the needle allows the fabric to be drawn below to the bobbin area and become stuck at times. The feed dogs are set wider apart so that smaller pieces of fabric don’t feed well. Just pointing this out. I would not buy 9mm again. I sew garments mainly. 5 mm is better. For me, who sews garments and home decor, the best combination is two machines: 1) A heavy duty one and 2) a middle of the road machine with a fine stitch quality, several buttonholes one step, speed control, needle up/down, needle left /right adjustment. Consider the feet available too. Purchase of a sewing machine is worse than buying a car! More options. The second machine I own is a 5mm machine from Husqvarna that is middle range in price and excellent overall. My back up machine.

[valeriamoscoso]

I have a Janome 243S
I sew leather, denim, PVC, as well as thinner fabrics and lingerie.
Make sure you have the right needle and thread for your fabric, that's the best tip I can give.

[salmahmohamed]

Goodness... this is, hands down, the BEST sewing machine purchase advise I've come across on Youtube. Most videos talk more about the machines themselves and what features they have or don't have... but your video focuses completely on the person that's looking to buy a machine, their needs, interests and situations. Very buyer-focused. Thank you so much for this video, it saves me watching tonnes of other videos trying to find the answer to my purchase question! :) :)

[sophiarose]

I have a 50+ year old singer. Pros: it can sew things. Cons: IT DOESNT ALWAYS SEW THINGS.

[janejones]

I have an very old Singer. All metal. It weighs 40 pounds at least. I have sewed enough seams to go to Mars and back at this point. I am still using it. Its worth its considerable weight in gold.

[solj]

Thank you for this awesome video! I love my Singer 4423 Heavy Duty, it is perfect for me. My biggest driver was something I could grow into. I make costumes, and do a variety of projects, and really didn't want to be hindered that my machine couldn't handle thicker or heavier fabric. I do agree that you really want to think of all her questions thoroughly for sure, because what works for one may not be ideal for another. I understand my machine is super fast, I like having the speed, it works for me. However, I've met some amazing folks just starting out or who have sewn for awhile who prefer their machine to be more slower pace and that's totally ok too! To really drive home, the best machine is the one you're going to use! Thank you for your content, I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and energy when making these. Let's keep on with a community of positivity and not throwing shade on others.

[MsXtianFonk]

This is one of the most useful videos I will ever see on YouTube. Thanks to Angelina’s excellent presentation, I discerned that I really am a computerised machine user (due to 26 years sewing with a Husqvarna Viking 1050). Watched the vid several times, wrote down the list questions and after a little more research secured my dream machine for today. “Bernadette” has 394 stitches, including alphabets! Thanks again, Angelina.

[brittanystone]

I have an old Bernina from the 70s and I love it so versatile lots of different stitches and I sew quilts, clothes, cosplays and accessories

[curiouscat]

Thank you sew much! Great discussion for first time machine buyers. I began sewing in 1963 on my mother's vintage 1942 Singer! Over the years I used that machine until I started getting hand me down machines, mostly Kenmore. When I started my Etsy shop in 2014 I bought a 1965 Kenmore heavy duty machine that has served me well. Now it's dead and I'm shopping around. Which makes me a "Beginner" machine buyer because I have not kept up with modern options. I agree, a single step buttonholer is crucial for dressmakers. Also consider how many of those fancy stitches you'll actually use. Most mechanical machines offer at least a few basic zig zag and curvy stitches, but the industrial machines do not - they're typically just straight stitch that I've seen. Then a serger is needed to deal with finishing seams. A little disappointed you did not mention stretchy fabrics - most dressmakers use knits nowadays so it's really important to understand the presser foot pressure, walking foot or rolling foot options, rolled hems, etc. before buying a cheapo basic beginner's machine (certainly for design students :)

[jeanninebooth]

Bernina mechanical, janome mechanical, and huskystar mechanical. Grew up on a Kenmore and a old singer that were frustrating. Got my Bernina in high school and never ever have had any issues. Ended up with the janome and huskystar for my kids to sew and as portible machines to sew with friends. Love them as well. No issues. I do quilting, clothing, and household this and that.

[yoshiew]

my Bernina 93. Bought it new in 1984 and have had dealers offer me a good amount of cash for it. But why? I love it and it still works a charm.

[bridgetjones]

I sew clothes, upcycle, curtains, home goods and some bags. I’ve owned a singer, brother, and a white basic machines. I recently spent more money and bought a juki f 300 series and I’m in love. If you can afford it (affirm for me) it’s so worth it and increases your enthusiasm for sewing. You just enjoy it so much more when your machine is a joy to you. Bobbin winding is a big one for me, knee lift, and auto threading, and cutting awesome. Having a serger is a must for me. Juki is great Mo-50. My backup sewing machine is a refurb HD singer right now.

[maureenausbrook]

Thank you so very much! I'm very much a beginner and feeling overwhelmed with so many choices. Your video has been very helpful. I want to sew decorative pillow covers, make cafe curtains, simple things to start. I don't want to waste money by over buying or under buying. I think you've given me clarify and focus. Thank you!

[AGreaterAmerica]

My wife and I use the 385 series Kenmore sewing machines. We currently use the model 1622, though we don't use most of the fancy stitches. We appreciate the extra high lift presser foot for thicker materials. It doesn't replace an industrial machine for power, but is the next best thing. As I am retired, and still refurbish sewing machines, I tend to have a number of them in my home, but very much prefer the Kenmore 385 series (manufactured by Janome), or the New Home mechanical machines that were manufactured by Janome, also. They do also have that same extra high lift presser foot. Thanks for the great videos that help in choosing the correct sewing machine. Keep it up. There can NEVER be too much info on that.

[mrsmojet]

so based on your review a month or so ago I bought the brother strong and tough secondhand from amazon. good machine. Fyi, not sure if you have noticed but most if not all sewing machines are sold out everywhere. Except the expensive ones

[pipermoonshine]

I used to bash new sewing machines but as a sewist I matured as I went. Now I firmly believe that there is a purpose for every sewing machine and budget. All sewing machines are good for one thing or another. There are exceptions but for the most part there are some really good new modern sewing machines out there for everybody.

[tanyazheng]

This is the best products review ever. You know sewing, you understand beginners’ need, so many helpful information, so many details, absolutely loved it. Thank you.