🧵 BUYING A NEW SEWING MACHINE - 8 QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU PURCHASE

Think it’s time for a new sewing machine? The process of buying a new domestic sewing machine can be exciting… but also overwhelming. Before you invest in a new machine, ask yourself these 8 important questions.

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Referenced Videos:
HOW TO CUT STRAIGHT - QUILT SKILLS TUTORIAL

HOW TO SEW STRAIGHT

HOW TO IRON FOR QUILTING - A REALLY GOOD METHOD

FROM SCRAPS TO BLOCKS - 6 FAST & EASY QUILT BLOCKS MADE FROM STRINGS

LET’S TALK ABOUT SEWING MACHINES WITH BERNINA JEFF

Didn’t see the last video? Check Out:
QUILT LABELS - DO YOU REALLY NEED ONE?

Have you checked out Karen’s Quilt Circle? Watch the latest episode here:
🧵🌸LET'S TALK ABOUT CREATING A BRAND WITH TULA PINK

Want more Just Get It Done Quilts content?

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Previously Recommended Tools
Where indicated, the link will direct you to Amazon where I will receive a small commission on your purchase. There is no obligation to purchase from these links. These items may be available locally or you can use or modify something that you already own.

My Favourite Quilt Tools

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Just Get It Done Quilts
3911 Chesswood Dr
North York, ON M3J 2R8

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[suelargen]

When my husband knew he was going to die shortly he bought me an expensive machine to make up for all the birthday and Christmas presents he was going to miss. Every time I sew I remember him and thank him again! It’s a great machine and I have to go off and use it now!

[susanlee]

I’ve been sewing since I was 10…and quilting for 40 years beyond that. I really do believe your accuracy is not only experience, it’s equipment just like any other skill.

[kimmyg]

Dear Universe, could I please have the Brother BQ3100 ($5100 NZD) or the Bernina 770QE Kaffe Fassett edition ($8000 NZD). Thanks Universe 💋

[patriciaferrito]

I just bought a travel/back up machine this week. I've never had one. My regular machine is in for service and will be gone at least 2 weeks more. I couldn't stand being without a machine. So I'm enjoying exploring what the new basic machine can do. The last time I upgraded, I donated my old, perfectly good machine to a group for refugees. The women all sew and sell to earn money for their families.

[helenedesmarais]

What timing. Last week I was looking to change my old Janome of 41 yrs (!) before electronic time. I payed about 1, 000$ then, about 4 mths wages. It has a full rotary bobbin with the most wonderfull purring sound instead of clacking, could easely take 8 thick denin layers. I was sold. Since then it has yellowed to deep pumpkin color and serviced only once in her life, oiled about twice and it did enough garments to fill a store. I went to a Janome dealership to see and try the new stuff. Amaised but totally disapointed. Nothing compared. I had it fully serviced for 101$ and I'm in love again with my old ugly gal again, and she will probably outlast me.

[conniekirby]

Karen, you are one of my favorite you tubers. You give much helpful information. Thank you!

[kathyweverka]

I bought my Bernina in 1976. About 10 years ago I bought a new Janome. Needle down is automatic, thread cutter is very convenient, easy walking foot. That's it. My Bernina still is the go to for quality work. My story for what it's worth

[makaea]

Thankyou Karen, i have an old Janome i brought when my older son was just a baby and it keeps on going, I've had it serviced twice from the place i brought it from and she's in good nick. I'm a big fan of mechanical machines, i don't need the fancy stuff as that's not where my sewing is at. I brought a babylock overlocker off marketplace and i had the electrical cord checked...it purrs like a kitten.

[debraclogston]

I fell for the machine with the bells and whistles. I bought it and blew it up. The owner was rude answering my question. I found a vintage machine. I can work on them. They're all straight stitch. I can drop feed dogs for fmq. They have gizmos for button holes and other nifty stuff. Last awesome bit a about vintage, I can do a full sized quilt on them.

[MarciaALW]

Another great video.

Couldn’t help watching even though I am still thrilled with the Bernina 930 I inherited from my grandmother. I can’t imagine I’ll ever replace it as long as it runs.

[goldensmamma]

That was a great show. Really enjoyed it. I did just what you said and but did it in 2008 when I got my Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0.It's a great machine big harp auto lift foot etc.I kept my Pfaff 7570 so I could go to classes or club sew alongs. I splurged after 15 years with my 1st embroidery machine I did a big upgrade and I couldn't be happier. You are my inspiration and glad I found you a long time ago. See you next video. Thank you...

[pixiepout]

It's like you were in my head! I just started researching new machines and honestly it's exhausting!

[unmaryunamariposa]

Read my mind, really... This is what I need🙏🙏💕💫❤

[Mickey-jnhz]

I sewed a lot when my kids were young. I am not a speed fiend but I would like the down needle, the thread cutter. I have a cabinet that will have to do….with a plain machine, I believe if one takes good care of it, all is OK but with the computer operated ones….not sure about those. Can’t afford a Bernina that is for sure…..quilting is fun, good for us but Oh, so expensive…..I have a cheap machine purchased at Walmart when my very old Singer was refused by the repair store, that hurt a lot because that machine clothe my kids and made all my household items, dog beds curtains etc. Please I agree with all that you said but I am still no further ahead…I was looking at a Baby-Lok 2 but people are saying it is hard to thread and do bobbins…..I am headed to a store to try out some but scared of the people trying to push 4 figure machines that for one I cannot afford and I truly don’t believe I need. I am not looking entering in any quilting competitions but just to amuse myself and enjoy once again sewing.

[lizzieannethus]

Wow, don't dismiss "Your mother's old machine out of the attic" there (although it would be some job to get that one into an attic!). That's an electric Singer 201, probably the best sewing machine Singer ever made for domestic use. I have one very like it, although mine also has a treadle.

It'll pass your tests of speed, and ability to do FMQ. The visibility of your work is great because of the slim head area, it's reliable, you can still get spares for it, and there's very little to go wrong. The only downsides are the weight for portability, and the lack of fancy stitches... although you can get a buttonhole attachment for it.

[LittleKnitWhit]

At the end of the video (8:09), what kind of tablet holder/light is shown. I may not need a new sewing machine now, but lighting in my current space would help with the first tip- it’s me not my machine.

[sharonhackney]

I literally bought a new Bernina 570 yesterday! I had previously purchased a fairly good Brother to see if patchwork and quilting is something I wanted to do or if it was something I should be doing because my mum and sisters have done it for way too many years lol… well at Christmas last year, I got to use my sisters Bernina and fell in love. I am very lucky to have a husband that knows the value of having good tools. My sewing room has had a complete make over. I am looking forward to sewing… I just need to wait to heal from shoulder surgery 2 weeks ago lol.

[tracisass]

Also you guys, don’t you feel like the sewing machine industry is so shrouded in mystery on pricing, worse than buying a car! I don’t understand why they aren’t just price controlled and upfront. I feel like a lamb going to slaughter when shopping for them lol! My husband’s expensive wood working tools are not like this. Is it because we are predominantly women purchasers?

[pollyjazz]

I think it was really great that you pointed out right away that you might want a machine to sew better but if you don't have the basic skills the best machine in the world won't make you sew straighter. I'm so tired of reading posts like:" I just bought a 6000$ machine now i can finally get those 1/4inch seams right".
I 've been around sewing machines all my life and prefer mechanical. I've spent many hours on my mom's treadle and a cute little featherweight and have an old really heavy singer that's supposedly portable that is put away for emergencies. 20 yrs ago I was given a brand new Pfaff which was really nice but was so fiddly it eventually put me off sewing altogether. Fast forward to the beginning of the pandemic and dealing with illness and lockdown at the same time i decided to try patchwork and quilting to stave off depression. (I'm hooked!😂) I bought an 89€ simple machine at the supermarket and have not looked back. It's great to have an expensive machine but if you have the skills or if you're starting to sew a cheapie is ok. Let's not be snobs. After all for patchwork you only really need a good straight stich. If you keep the machine clean and oiled it does the job. I've actually start doing other sewing projects again and will keep using this machine until it dies which will probably be in the next year or 2 because new things just aren't made to last anymore.
The only thing I can complain about is about how hard it is to quilt on a home size sewing machine. The neck is just too short for bigger projects and the tension is not the greatest. If i could buy an expensive machine i would love one of those sit down quilting machines. Maybe someday.... 😊

[jonnacrutchfield]

Luckily, I live about 3 miles from Bernina Jeff's Shop!