Comparison Table
Get a quick overview of sewing machines for beginners using the table above. The guide provides a condensed snapshot about each model for which we’ve written a review. Sort by any of the column headings or enter a brand, model number or other criteria in the Search box to filter the results.
Click the model name to visit our review of that sewing machine.
Click the machine price to check current pricing and in-stock conditions.
To narrow down the list, make use of the Search box located just above the table. If you type “100” into the search box, for example, you’ll get only the machines that have a “100” in the price box anywhere and the rest of the sewing machines will drop from the list. Clear the search box again to return to the entire list of beginner sewing machines. You can do the same with brand or any of the other features. If you’re only interested in Janome, for instance, type “Janome” (without quotes) into the search box and you’ll only see the list of Janome sewing machine reviews.
If you use this table at all, I’d love to hear your feedback!
Erin Rhodes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
After spending more than three hours trying to sort out sewing machine features and prices on the net — and getting very frustrated — I stumbled onto your site. It’s wonderful! Thank you for sharing the fruits of your work. I’m going to have my daughter check it out, too, since both of our machines have died this summer. I only wish your site had shown up hours ago! Thanks so much.
Teri-K – You’re welcome! Glad it helped. Similar frustrations my mother experienced when shopping for a machine for my nieces were the inspiration for this site. In fact, she and I went out to test sewing machines last week. She lives in a very large city and I was in town visiting so it was the perfect opportunity. Finding a store with any decent selection, however, was extremely difficult. I really wanted her to see some Janome machines but we couldn’t find any in her neck of the woods. It astounds me!
Erin
THANK YOU for all your effort!! Videos!! A comparison table!! I have spent hours and hours researching and now I find everything in one spot!!
Hugs,
Rhonda
Every now and then I look at the next sewing machine on my review list and think…maybe tomorrow. (I’ve hardly taken the time to play with my own new sewing machine!) Then a comment like yours comes along and I want to get to all of the ones on my list right away! 🙂
It’s actually been a lot of fun to put together but it does take some time to research each model – as you discovered. Glad this helped and hugs back at ya! 😉
Erin
Fabulous site. I’ve been researching online for days, driving myself nutty. Sewing stores have gone out of business, online is thriving. Thank you for the videos, the stitch information, straightforward pros and cons and the sit down experience of the Jenome 7330 larger space(big deal for me) and solving the mystery of the Janome 8077 which I purchased even without adjustable pressure, because it sounded like it could handle the job.
You are wonderful for putting this down so others can use it. I hope it can save a young girl without much money from making a wrong decision and having to live with it for many years until they can afford to get the machine they want (not always more expensive, but just better suited). You should be promoted!
Jenny – LOL! I agree. I should be promoted. 🙂
You’re going to love the 8077. I have to say I’ve grown partial to the Janome machines. The stitches are so well done and you’ll have a hard time finding a review on a Janome that doesn’t mention the word “workhorse”. To be fair, I should mention there are a number of Brother machines to which I’m drawn as well and also have excellent reviews. The Brother SE400 is on my future list of purchases mostly because of the added embroidery functionality.
My only problem is finding time to actually use my machine around all the time I spend comparing them. 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Erin
I love your website! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! You’ve done all the research for all of us and now I don’t have to pull my hair out trying to find my first sewing machine. I haven’t sewed since high school(25+ yrs ago), and even then all I used was a very simple Singer machine and all these modern day computerized and other vocabulary words were a bit daunting to try to figure out what they all mean. If you have any personal preference for a simple machine to sew clothes, little embroidery here and there, mainly for children’s clothes, under $100, I’d appreciate your comments. Perhaps they’re already in your site but I haven’t had time to still browse deeply yet as I gotta run to pick up kids, but wanted to say Thank you for your hard work. Blessings to you.
Sandy – I got ya covered! 😉 Check out this post on the top 5 sewing machines under $100: https://www.erinsayssew.com/top-5-beginner-sewing-machines-under-100/ I updated it just a little bit ago and I’ve kept my eyes on it as the holidays approach. I can tell you that a lot of people have been buying the Brother XL2600i – it’s easy to use, easy bobbin set up, and has cute stitches. Today it’s exactly the same price on Amazon and Walmart and still under $100. It doesn’t really have embroidery capability and you can’t drop the feed dogs even for some free motion work but it might be enough to get you started. As soon as you add embroidery functionality, the prices generally climb over $200.
Another thought…try going here: Shop crafts & sewing at Overstock.com
and check out their refurbished sewing machines. “Refurbished” on Overstock can mean someone returned a sewing machine the very day it arrived because they got impatient and bought one locally instead. It doesn’t necessarily mean it was even used! Just read the descriptions carefully but it you want to stretch your sewing machine dollar, that’s one great way to do it!
Thanks so much for your kind comments and blessings to you, too!
Erin
Hi there,
I love your website, it is so helpful. I am interested in starting to sew and wanted to know if all machines can sew denim or if I needed to get a specific one that can do lighter fabrics and denim. Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Patrice – Yes, most of these can handle denim although some do much better than others. You might want to read this: https://www.erinsayssew.com/best-sewing-machines-for-denim/ . It touches on the best machines to use with denim. That should point you in the right direction and then just let me know if you have additional questions. Thanks!
Erin
Hi Erin –
Thanks for replying so quickly, the link for sewing denim you recommended was so helpful. I was looking at your review for the Brother CS6000i and thought that I needed to run out and buy it asap! Then I went to Costco’s website (I love Costco, they always seem to have great deals) and saw a Brother XR-7700. The later seemed to have the same features as the first, maybe one or two more additions (minus the interesting picture frame) but I wasn’t sure if it was a new version or of the same quality. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Here is the link for it from Costco’s website. http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11222787&search=sewing&Mo=12&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=sewing&Ntt=sewing&No=8&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1
Patrice
Patrice – Nice find! The XR-7700 is exactly the same as the CS6000i but with 10 more decorative stitches. (Is it a coincidence that the price is about $10 more for 10 more stitches??) Your timing is ironic. I’d never seen this one before but I have a step-mother-in-law (I know – complicated…) who does a ton of crafting and she was really excited about my having gotten into sewing. We had a chance to catch up over the weekend and I asked her again which sewing machine she had and it’s this one. I think I asked her 3 times if she was sure of the model information because the XR-7700 model doesn’t come up very often but she was sure. In fact, the Brother website says this is a Costco exclusive. She used it to make a gorgeous heirloom quilt for her mom (one of those years long projects that lasted over two sewing machines) but it was the XR-7700 she used to finish it up and she absolutely loves it.
I compared the two manuals side by side and they’re identical page for page. It’s only the stitches that are different and the reviews on the Costco site for the XR-7700 are excellent so I think you’re in good shape!
Erin
Thank you for this information. I was also looking at the Brother machines at Costco and right now they have their XR4040 for $119.00 after instant coupon. I’m having a hard time figuring out how this compares to the XR7700 besides the number of stitches. I am looking for my 10 year old daughter. For the price difference, which one would you recommend?
Tasha – There are a few differences. While both come with the same presser feet, drop feed dog capability and include a twin needle for twin needle sewing, the XR7700 includes three handy buttons that the XR4040 does not have: the Start/Stop button, the speed control slider, and the Needle Up/Down button. With those buttons, you can sew without the presser foot and also cap the max speed of the needle which is great for those who are just learning – particularly kids. It also has 70 built in stitches while the XR4040 comes with 40 built in stitches and the XR7700 includes the extra-wide extension table and a hard cover case.
I’m seeing about a $60 price difference on Costco and the XR7700’s additional stitches, buttons, hard cover case and extension table are worth the price difference. If your daughter is going to take the sewing machine around to classes, grandparents’ houses, or friends then the case is nice to have. I have a machine with the Start/Stop button, speed control and Needle control buttons and I can’t live without them now.
All that being said, the XR4040 is still a nice machine, too. If you just want to make sure your daughter has enough stitches to play around with and can do different kinds of sewing with the machine you get for her, then the XR4040 is more than enough machine. The XR7700 just has some added features which would be nice to have if your daughter is going to use the machine for years to come.
I have visions of you actually standing at Costco comparing the boxes. Hope I answered quickly enough to help you out! 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Thank you so much. Your response was so quick and so helpful.
I appreciate knowing that it’s worth the extra money from somebody that knows. I think I’ll stick with the XR7700.
Tasha – Phew! Glad I could help and Happy Holidays! Erin 🙂
Would love your opinion again. 🙂 I didn’t jump on the XR7700 yet…and now it’s not on the website.
I was at Costco today and saw a Brother XR9000 for $149.99. It was a “last one”. I’ve been reading your review on this site and comparing it with the CS6000i.
Would you keep the XR9000 or get the CS6000i from amazon?
Thanks again!
Tasha – I think I’d grab that Brother XR9000! At $149.99 it’s less than the CS6000i, has more stitches in total, has the letter font which you don’t have on the CS6000i, and still comes with the hard cover case and the extension table (I assume?). You’d be missing the walking foot which you may or may not need but can always buy separately whereas you can’t add the letter font to the CS6000i. My thoughts, anyway! 😉
Erin
Thank you! I did grab the XR9000. It looks like I’ll keep it…I feel so much better about it knowing that’s what you would do. I know practically nothing about sewing machines and my daughter has been wanting one for months.
You are so kind to respond so quickly and positively.
And yes, it has the hard case and extension table. I didn’t know how big of a deal the walking foot was.
Thanks again!
Tasha – Ooh! Congrats! I think you got an excellent deal and you don’t need the walking foot unless you start doing a ton of quilting. The walking foot is just a presser foot with feed dogs that coordinate with the bottom feed dogs for improved fabric control on thick projects. Your daughter’s going to be a happy girl!
Happy holidays!
Erin
I want to see a list of machines that have jam proof bobbin system and will allow you to turn the wheel on the side of the machine in any direction. I currently have a Singer Advance 7422 which the bobbin case is continually getting jammed and move out of position. All the lights come on, and I have to move the wheel backwards to get the needle out, which the instruction book tells you not to do or you mess up the belt, but it is the only way to get the needle up and take the bobbin case out of the machine. I am so frustrated with this machine, I only bought it a year ago and don’t sew that often with it. I just bought two new bobbin cases thinking that that would fix the problem, but it hasn’t. I want an idiot proof sewing machine that will sew anything and everything without you having to be a mechanic. Help!!!!
Sandra – LOL! You poor thing! Okay – give me a little bit to dig in and do some digging. I have some ideas but want to check them out. Hang in there – I’m here. 🙂
Erin
Sandra – I wanted to refresh my memory regarding the 7442 stitches and features so that I could recommend something comparable.
I think you’d do really well with a Janome. They’re one of the most truly jam proof machines I’ve ever used. I have the Janome Magnolia 7330 (see it here) and can sew right off the fabric without causing any thread jam. I’ve had this machine for over four months with not a single jam.
In fact, I went in to test some things on my own machine before responding to you and you know another thing that makes a difference for me? The Magnolia has a Needle Up/Down button. I almost never need the hand wheel. A push of that button and the needle comes straight up and out.
The Janome Magnolia 7330 costs more than the Singer 7442 but the Janome 8077 (written about here) has the same stitches and features as the Janome 7330 but for less money.
There is a search box right above the table on this page. If you type “Janome” (without quotes) in that search bar, you’ll see a list of just the Janome machines I’ve reviewed. Click on the names of any of them to get to my review page for that model. All of these have “jam proof” bobbins but not all have the Needle Up/Down button. The detail in the review will tell you which ones do have this feature.
Not everyone wants to switch brands, however, so let me know if you’d prefer to stick with the Singer brand and I’ll do some more research for you. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Thank you Erin for your help. I am on a fixed income, so I don’t know if I would be able to buy an expensive machine. My machine is also causing the thread to make large bunches of thread at the bottom of the machine. I thought it was due to the bobbin, but I will try to re-thread the top today. If that doesn’t work, I will look at buying a Jarome. Thanks again for your help.
Sandra – Regarding your problems with the Singer, are you using Singer needles? I just read something today about a similar problem someone was having with a Brother machine but they mentioned that if they use the needle made by the manufacturer, the problem goes away. You might try a couple of different needles to see if that makes any difference. Sometimes the shape of the needle can be different by just enough to better suit the machine. I know, seems odd that the issue might be the needle instead of the bobbin case itself, but it may be worth a try.
Should you end up looking for something new, I have a couple of ideas. I haven’t done a review on a Kenmore before and I have no idea why that is since my mother is still sewing on her original 1973 Kenmore and may never part with it! Janome actually makes some Kenmore models including the Kenmore 16231. It is identical to the Janome 11590 which you can sometimes still find as a refurbished model at places like Overstock. It has excellent reviews, a 7 piece feed dog system, 31 built in stitches, drop feed dog functionality, a Start/Stop button and the Needle Up/Down button and it costs about $145.
The other thought is to keep an eye on Overstock’s listings for refurbished sewing machines. If you read up on the descriptions, refurbished can mean that the machine was simply returned unopened by someone else so you can get some great deals on Janome machines through them every now and then.
Hopefully you’ll find something minor like a needle solves your whole problem and then you can back to having fun! 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Erin, I have not thought of the needle. I will try and go buy a new one today. I thought the problem was with the bobbin case because the thread gets stuck between the notch on the bobbin case and the spring (Tension spring?)that the notch is suppose to bump up against.
Erin,
I just checked the package that I got the needle from and it said Singer.
Sandra – Shoot. I had my fingers crossed. Have you changed needles in between jams at all? How about thread type? Have you used different weights of thread? Just trying to come up with anything else that might make for a simple fix.
Erin
Erin, My husband was able to fix my machine for now. Apparently it was the tension of the upper thread. I had been sewing on auto the first couple of projects, and it did fine, but after a few, I had to set the tension at 1+ because my sewing started to look like basting. It worked good for a few more, then my machine started jamming and the bobbin case would pop half way out of my machine. It did it at least 3 times before I bought new bobbin cases. I noticed my needle was bent before I got the new bobbin case, so I had changed my needle. But when I put the new bobbin case in, it started bunching up the thread at the bottom. I thought it was because the notch having to be in front of the spring wouldn’t allow the felt part to be directly under the feeder dogs. My husband took a screw driver to the spring mechanism and adjusted it, I think. I tried the machine again, and it didn’t bunch up but it looked like it was basting again, so I changed the tension to 2+ and it is sewing fine now. I think my machine was just loosing tension for some reason. I don’t know what originally made the bobbin case jam at an angle in the machine, unless it was the bent needle. Thanks for all your help. Sincerely, Sandra Moore
Sandra – Husbands come in handy, don’t they? Glad things are back in order! Happy Holidays! Erin 🙂
I want to sew my own dance costumes. Headed out to purchase a “HomeStyle” 69.99 sewing machine on sale at Zellers. On my way I dropped in at local Fabricland to talk to staff who sew a lot. So here I am on your website researching a sewing machine just as I did my car 2 years ago. Thank you so much for putting this “all together” for the novice such as myself. I am now leaning toward the Jenome 8077 and am willing to pay the extra for a computerized machine.
Karen – I imagine being able to create and sew one’s own dance costumes is the ultimate in expressive art. Not only do you get to pick your own fabrics, patterns, and designs but then you get to see the pieces in action. How fun is that?! I have the Janome Magnolia 7330 which has all the same features as the 8077 and I absolutely love it. I don’t dance but I do know that machine will handle all kinds of fabrics and just keeps going and going.
Let me know if you need anything or have any questions.
Thanks!
Erin
this has been so helpful as i surf around looking to buy my first sewing machine. i have been borrowing to do little projects (making aprons for my kids, hemming, halloween costumes). i would really like to try quilting and wanted to know your thoughts on a machine <$200 which would be recommended. Would the Brothers 2600i work for quilting? (i haven't even begun to quilt, so i'm not looking for the ultimate quilting machine). i have been looking at the brothers xl 3750, LX 3125. i am really a beginner sewer with a can-do attitude. so i don't think i will be doing heavy duty or very very frequent sewing, just projects a few times a year.
Carol – Yes, the 2600i would be fine for occasional quilting. The bonus walking foot presser foot will help you work on different thicknesses of quilts and is one of the most desirable accessories used when machine quilting. That machine also has strong user ratings and a history of solid performance. The only thing I’d suggest you look at in comparison would be the CS6000i (my notes here) because it comes with more decorative stitches which you can use to enhance your quilting projects, includes a wide extension table which comes in handy for supporting projects where lots of material is involved, and has drop feed dog capability so you can do free-motion work if you wanted. It is a bit more machine but also highly rated and one of the best bargains for the price. It’s not worse or better than the 2600i – just different. Slightly more features, slightly higher price but if you thought you might end up doing more sewing down the road this one has a lot to offer.
Hope that helps! 😉
Erin
I am looking at a Janome 2212 – I am a beginner – any thoughts regarding this machine?
Thanks!
Becky
Becky – The Janome 2212 Sewing Machine is a great Janome machine for beginners. I’m not sure why I haven’t added it the site yet. I’ve added it to my list to review in depth but I’ll give you my initial thoughts here.
The 2212 is a really reasonably priced machine with 12 built in stitches and one 4-step buttonhole. Here are the pluses: It has drop feed capability so you can do some quilting, darning and free motion work if necessary. Everything is controlled with a couple of dials and levers so it’s really easy to learn. It’s lightweight and can be moved around without issue. Twin needle and free-arm sewing are possible with this machine. All the stitches for basic sewing.
It does have a front-loading bobbin (which always gives me grief) but I promise you’d get used to it after awhile. My mom has a front-loading bobbin and while she does agree top-loading bobbins are easier, the front-loading style is not a problem for her. The stitch adjustments for width and length are limited as compared to other machines (5mm for width and 4mm for length as compared to some others that go as far as 7mm for both width and length) but this might only be an issue if you find yourself doing really complex work down the road.
It’s a solid machine that should hold up nicely. Great for just starting. Has the Janome reputation behind it (I love Janome) and I can’t find any negative reviews.
Hope that helps!
Erin
Hi! I’ve gone through your site and I’m still confused on what machine I should get! LOL I’m a very beginner. As in I don’t know anything at all! If you were to pick one machine for a very beginner what would you pick? The Janome machines sound promising since they don’t jam but they don’t come with very many stitches. Are stitches that important?
Shannon – Welcome to the group! Believe me, I completely understand how daunting it can be to know what to pick when you’re just starting. Inexperienced or not, you hit on a great question – are stitches that important. 😉 They are for this one reason…you can’t add more later. A sewing machine has a basic set of features to control fabric and the needle and those are either automated or manual on any given machine but they’re always available. For example, you need to be able to raise and lower the needle. On some machines you do that with the hand wheel only – on others you can do it with the push of a button but you can ALWAYS perform that function.
For stitches, each machine is programmed with that one set of built in stitches and you can’t add any more. If you come across a cute little heart stitch online somewhere or in a magazine and your machine doesn’t have that pattern built in, you’re out of luck.
If you’re getting a machine just to do some alterations – fix a hem, reattach a button – then you only need basic stitches anyway and a basic machine with fewer frills will do. However, since you mentioned that some machines don’t have a lot of stitches, I suspect you have some fun projects in mind and having a few decorative stitches will make your machine more exciting. The one thing I wish I’d held out for when I bought my first machine? More decorative stitches. 😉
Do you know what kinds of sewing you might want to try? Are you interested in making clothes, making home goods, doing some quilting, and/or embroidery? That’s the first decision I’d make, if I were you. Once you know the types of projects you might want to try, then you can concentrate on machines that have the stitches that will help with that kind of sewing. I’d also highly recommend going with a machine that has the Start/Stop button, the Needle Up/Down button and a speed control button.
Let me know what you want to do and I’ll help you narrow down some choices, if you’d like!
Sincerely,
Erin
Wow! You are fast! I’m interested in everything. That’s my problem! I see something cute on the internet and want to make it NOW! I’m mainly wanting to sew clothes for my toddler daughter and I’d also like to be able to sew costumes when the time comes. I don’t think I’d get into embroidery or quilting right now but who knows what I will want to do later. The Brother machine that has 60 stitches sounds promising but you intrigued me with the Janome reviews and their awesome job of non-jamming. That sounds like something I’d really need as a beginner. Also, speed control sounds like something that would be very useful.
Thank you so much for this website!
Shannon
Shannon – Glad you like the site. It’s my little pride and joy. 🙂
Your timing is ironic as I spent some time this afternoon testing out one of the new 2011 Janomes at the store today. They really do make wonderful machines. Thank goodness my husband was there to keep me from pulling out my wallet….
Sounds like you’d do best with a set of stitches that have a little bit of everything but excluding the combination embroidery machines. I don’t know what price range you’re looking at but I always tend to be a bit price conscious so I’m going to suggest the lowest priced option first. 😉 There’s a Janome I’m reviewing right now that just came out and could be perfect for you. (In fact, I was working on the review when your comment popped up.) It’s the Janome DC1050. You can see it here: Janome DC1050 Computerized Sewing Machine with 50 Stitches.
Here’s what I like best about it – it has all the best automation, the Start/Stop button, the Needle Up/Down button, speed control, conveniently placed controls, a nice sized work space, and the stitches are a great mix. Best of all, it’s $100 less than other Janomes with the same features but fewer stitches. I don’t know if it’s just because it’s new that the price is so low but it really caught my attention.
You can see the stitches in the online manual here: http://content.janome.com/documents/File/ManualFile/DC1050%20Inst%20Book.pdf. Now, it doesn’t have the heart stitch and since I’d mentioned that one in particular I feel obligated to point out the Janome DC2010 (see the page here). It also has 50 stitches – including the heart pattern – but costs more than the DC1050.
Let me know what you think or if you have more questions. I’ll be on for awhile still and will also have the full DC1050 review up by tomorrow afternoon if that will help. 🙂
Erin
Erin
Thanks so much! I think I’ll add the Janome DC1050 to my wish list. It will probably be a long while until I get it but I thought I’d start searching for what I want early! Maybe I’ll have by Mother’s Day! crossfingers!
Shannon
Shannon – A sewing machine for Mother’s Day would be very sweet! Good luck and just let me know if I can help in any way. Thanks!
I am looking at getting a sewing machine for my birthday. I am a beginner sewer and I am trying to figure out what machine to buy. I went to Joann’s and looked at the Singer Curvy 8763 model and the Singer Confidence 7469Q. I wanted something that would sew any material and also if I decided to quilt would sew through multiple layers of material. These two are the same price at Joann’s right now. What would your suggestion be? Or do you recommend another machine that I should look at?
Melissa – Between the Curvy 8763 and the Confidence 7469Q priced equally, the 7469Q would be the better deal – especially if Joann’s is offering it with the bonus quilting accessories. While you might not use the additional quilting features immediately, it has more stitches, you wouldn’t have to shell out more later for those bonus presser feet, and the Optimum Power Control helps with thicker seams and fabrics.
You mentioned wanting to be able to sew any fabric. Both of these machines handle a variety of fabrics from sheer to heavy duty. However, just because a machine can handle all kinds of fabrics doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the right choice IF you are going to sew heavy duty fabrics for hours every day. If that’s the case, let me know and I’ll offer up another suggestion.
Happy upcoming birthday! 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Thanks for the fast reply. I have looked online and there seem to be some bad reviews the 7469Q so now I am unsure about that one. I will definately not be sewing everyday. I just want a machine to learn from and hopefully make my daughter some dresses and maybe start learning to quilt, etc. I also like to do crafts and I figured I could use it. I did not want to spend much more than $300 on one. Do you have any suggestions for a good machine? Or do you think one of the Singer machines would work well? I did not realize there were so many machines to choose from. I am definately overwhelmed.
Thanks for your help!
Melissa
And I just checked with Joann’s and they do not have the 7469Q for sale any more. 🙁
Melissa – Ask Joann’s when they’ll be having their next sale. Sometimes they’ll tell you and they usually happen often enough that it can be worth waiting. Sometimes you’ll luck out and they’ll give you the sale price even if it’s not currently on sale. It’s all about asking and timing. 😉
Or – check online. While researching your comment yesterday, I checked Joann’s online price for both machines and Amazon was lower on both of them. Maybe the in-store price you were looking at was even lower but you can check here to see today’s price and whether that puts the 7469Q back on the list for you or not: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G8FW1M?ie=UTF8&tag=sewingmach0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001G8FW1M.
Sincerely,
Erin
Do you have any other suggestions of machines that I should look into? Do you think that the 7469Q machine will work for what I want to use if for? Or should I look into something else? And you are right the prices on Amazon are cheaper. Thanks for your help!
Melissa – I know the 7469Q would do what you want it to do and would be a great choice. You’d have the quilting accessories handy when you want to try quilting so you wouldn’t have to shop around for them later. It has a lot of built in automation for tension control, threading, and a very easy control panel. It also has a lot of features that help it deal with thick fabrics.
The only other machine I’d have you look at would be a new Janome that just came out. It’s sort of a “secret gem” because it’s one of the most affordable Janomes for the features included. It’s the Janome DC1050. It’s in the same price range and Janome makes a solid, well performing work horse for getting through thick fabrics. It has a DC motor which provides consistent power no matter the sewing speed. It also has a Start/Stop button and a speed control slider so you can sew without the foot pedal.
However, the DC1050 lacks some things when compared to the 7469Q – it doesn’t come with the quilting accessories and it has fewer stitches in general. It weighs less and is slightly smaller. The only reason I point it out, in fact, is that I want to make sure you have an option that includes the most possible power in this range.
Based on the description of the type of sewing you have in mind, the 7469Q is still one of the best deals and can do so many different kinds of sewing. It also has really cute stitches that work well when making clothes for kids! I think you’d be pleased with your choice. 😉
Erin
I will take a look at the Janome machine as well. Thank you so much for your help! Now I just need to shop around for the best deal. Your website has been very beneficial as well!
Thanks again,
Melissa
Melissa – There might be some tips here to help you on finding that best deal, too: Best Sewing Machine Deals. Good luck! 😉
Erin
Hi – thank you so much for your website. It has been very informative. And it totally rocks! I’m a beginner – or at least I want to be! I just had my fourth boy (had not planned on another child, but a blessing if I can get past the depression) and am really interested in making burp cloths and hopefully, eventually, blankets for him as well as my other three. And if I ever get good, maybe that sandwhich costume my 3 year old has been asking for since Halloween. Do you think the Brother LX3125E will suffice for what I would like to do? I literally don’t know anything about sewing, or any of the features or anything. I’m gonna need to buy one of those books you have listed as well, I think. Thanks, diane
Diane – Congratulations on the birth of your son! I have 3 boys and wouldn’t have it any other way. Just suits me. Don’t worry – you’ll get past the difficult part and your hormones will return to normal and baby blankets are a lot of fun to make so hang in there!
Yes, the Brother LX3125E will have no problem doing burp clothes and baby blankets. Even the sandwich costume (that’s so cute!).
You may have already seen that the LX3125E is on my list of top 5 sewing machines under $100 but if not, you can read more here: https://www.erinsayssew.com/top-5-beginner-sewing-machines-under-100/ . The only reason it’s not #1 on that list is because it has a front-loading bobbin instead of a drop-in bobbin and slightly fewer stitches than #1 and #2 but it does have a higher average rating from online reviewers.
The difference between the two bobbin styles is that with the front loading set up, you put the bobbin in a case that you hold so that the bobbin is on its side and insert into the front of the machine. With a drop in bobbin style you literally drop the bobbin into the built in case just in front of the needle. It’s just easier but that’s my personal opinion. Others have no problem with front-loading bobbins at all. My mom has used one for years and has never had an issue with it. Just takes a little practice but not so much you couldn’t have it figured out in just a couple of tries even if you’ve had no experience.
Let me know if you need anything else. 🙂
Sincerely,
Erin
Morning Erin, Thanks for your quick reply! I love your website. I love how you have this page broken down so that we can see all the comparisons on one page, and I love how you also have the tabs so that the comparisions are broken down by price range as well. Honestly, I am all thumbs and looking for simple. Should I still go with the Brother LX3125E or should I go with the first on your list, the Brother XL2600i?
Wow, I don’t know many people that have 3 or more of the same gender. Most of my friends have both. 🙂
Thanks for your help! –Diane
Diane – I almost mentioned (but decided against and now see how much you’d appreciate) that I have all boys, my brother has all boys (5 of them!), my other brother has all girls (3) and only our baby sis figured out how to get both – one boy and one girl. We tease her like mad! 😉
Frankly, I’d go with the XL2600i. Somewhere in this site is the story about me chasing rolling bobbins across the floor because I was once again giving my mother’s old Viking a try with its front-loading system. You’ve got enough on your plate not to be crawling along the floor chasing thread. 😉 In addition, you’ll get a few more stitches to choose from which you can use for some decorative edges and trim AND the average score of online ratings for the XL2600i has held solidly since I included in that top 5 list. Today, it looks like Walmart has the best online price: Brother 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine, XL-2600i
, although you have to watch Amazon and Walmart like a hawk. One day Walmart’s lower, the next it’s Amazon. Comparison shop and the two machines are really only a few dollars apart in price.
Glad you like the website!
Thanks!
Erin
Thanks Erin! Its funny you should mention it — I think I read the article you are talking about, and decided on the xL2600i as well! So I just did the free site to store shipping at Walmart! And I bought the sewing books from Amazon. I have my fingers crossed that by next weekend I will be making those burp cloths!! Thanks so much!
All my boys keep asking when will we have another baby, and can it be a girl next time! I tell them they can hopefully have girls when they have their own. Funny! Have a great weekend! I really appreciate your help! — diane
Erin,
My husband bought me the Singer Simple 2263 for my birthday. Learning to sew is something I’ve been wanting to do, so I was really excited. However, after reading the reviews on the Walmart website, I’m a little afaid to take the machine out of the box – specifically because of the issues some people seem to be having with the thread jamming/nesting and bobbin tension. The last thing I want is to have a machine that doesn’t work right when I’m just learning how to sew in the first place. That said – I’m a little leary of going by customer reviews. That’s how I chose my current camera and I hate it 🙂 So, I was wondering if you could give me a more informed opinion. Would you keep the Singer Simple 2263 or return it and get the Brother 2600i?
Thanks for your help! Heidi
Heidi – Your comment about your camera reminded me of exactly why I don’t rely on movie reviews to pick a movie to watch. 😉 You’re right to be cautious about online reviews. You just can’t believe everything you read online. Reviews could be faked to make a product look better or worse, the buyer may be using the product incorrectly, or something could have been fixed internally by the manufacturer and the reviews have become outdated.
So what if we remove the whole possible thread issue and just stacked up the 2263 and the 2600i side by side on features? The 2600i comes with a couple of additional stitches, a drop-in bobbin system vs. a front-loading bobbin system, and 1-step buttonholes vs. 4 (1-step buttonholes are as easy as pushing a single button). The 2600i is built to be easier to use. Now, the stitches are different and if there was a stitch on the 2263 that you really wanted to use that wasn’t on the 2600i, I’d take that into consideration. The price is also higher on the 2600i than it used to be. It was running $86.54 on Amazon and Walmart but as soon as Walmart ran out of them the price on Amazon climbed over $100.
If the additional price and the different stitches aren’t an issue for you, I think you’d find the 2600i was just easier to use.
Does that help at all? 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Erin,
Thanks for the input. I was leaning towards the 2600i for the reasons that you mentioned, but was tempted to keep the 2263 because 1) it’s sitting here just waiting for me to take it out of the box and start sewing and 2) if I do have any problems, I can drive 5 minutes down the road and return it to the store instead of having to deal with shipping back the 2600i (since I would have to get it online). Would both machines handle hemming jeans okay?
Thanks- Heidi
Heidi – Yes, both should handle jeans but you’ll need to change needles. The manual for either machine will tell you which needle to use for denim. LOL – the poor 2263 sitting there tempting you! 😉 Plus it was from hubby so I can understand. You might find out what the return policy is from the store your husband got it from. If you can still return it after you try it, maybe you give it a whirl first and then decide?
One way or the other, we’ve got to get you actually sewing soon! 🙂
Erin
I had a question about which sewing machine to purchase. I am looking at the Brother CS6000I, Brother XR9000, and Singer 7469Q. I am not sure which one would be better. I am a beginner, but have been wanting to get into quilting in the future. I have not heard great things about Singers, so I am hesitant to purchase a Singer. But I may be wrong. I also have heard great things about the Janome brand and wasn’t sure if there was one that was comparable to the ones I listed above. Would you recommend one over the other? Or one that I haven’t mentioned? I want to make sure I purchase one that I can use for a long time and that is easy fairly easy to use. Please help!!!
Thanks,
Kara
Kara – All 3 of those are great quilting machines and I’d recommend any one of them. Brother machines do have stronger online consumer ratings than many of the Singer models but the 7469Q is an exception. However, if I had to choose just one, here are the things I’d look at:
Monogramming – The Brother XR9000 is the only one of the 3 with a font for monogramming. If you plan on needing the font, this might be your #1 choice.
Decorative stitches – The Singer has more decorative stitches than either of the other two. Take a look at them (you can find pictures of them in the detailed reviews on this site). Would you miss any of the ones on the Singer 7469Q if you purchased one of the Brother models? You can’t add those later so that could be a deciding factor in favor of the Singer.
Controls – The two Brother models include the Start/Stop Button and Speed Control slider that lets you sew without the foot pedal. I have these on my machine and I don’t think I’d ever go without again. The Singer does not have these.
Price – If price is a factor, the Brother CS6000i is by far the best deal. Just looking at Amazon’s price today, it’s $80-120 less than the other two.
As to the Janome question, they’re a very well respected brand. I have one and absolutely love it. They’re sturdy and the stitch patterns are crisp and professional but they cost more. One of the newer models that is comparable in regards to price and features is the Janome DC1050 (more here) but it still costs more than the Singer and doesn’t come with the quilting accessories the others do.
I think you’ll find any of these easy to use (that’s one of the most common comments in favor of the CS6000i). If you haven’t sewn in awhile they might look intimidating out of the box but just follow the instructions in the manual to thread the machine, stick in a piece of practice fabric, play around with the different stitches and you’ll be sewing along comfortably in no time! 😉
I know I didn’t exactly say “get this one” but I tried to simplify your decision while still throwing in a bit of my opinion. It’s such a fine line to walk sometimes! 😉 Hope that helps some!
Sincerely,
Erin
Erin,
Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate you breaking them down for me in terms of what each offers and what I need to consider. I hope to maka decision soon as I am anxious to start sewing! I have numerous projects I would like to start, but I need the machine to do them!!
Thanks again for the help!
Kara
Hi
I just purchased a Brother XL-3750 Convertible 35-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Quilting Features from amazon when I stumbled across this site is this one good or should I buy another one and return this? Any other ideas (if this one is bad?)
Sally – The Brother XL 3750 is a fine machine. 😉 It comes with a nice set of stitches and some extras and has more than 4 star rating on popular review sites. It also has a strong 6 point feed dog and a drop-in bobbin system. If you’re going to do some quilting this is a perfectly suitable machine.
If you have concerns, though, about how it stacks up with another machine or are worried that it might not do the kind of sewing you want it to do, go to this page on the site and compare a few machines side by side with the XL3750: Sewing Machine Finder.
But, no, the machine you picked is not “bad”. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
I looked but, are you saying it can’t sew denim or anythick material? Sorry to bother you so much just don’t wanna get stuck with… trash.
No, the 3750 WILL sew through denim but you’ll want to use the right needle and take it slow. If you were going to sew on denim a lot or if you wanted to be able to sew through lots of layers of denim or layers of other heavy-weight fabrics then you might consider something that has a little more power. If you just want to make sure you can hem a pair of jeans periodically then the 3750 is fine. Hope that clarifies it. It’s not a sub-quality machine, it’s just not one you’d buy if you need a lot of power. 😉
Well this is for my daughter (12 yrs old) she uses one at her cousins house so shes familar she just wants to sew pocketbooks, quilts, and maybe a little dress…. Thanks 🙂
For that kind of work this should do just fine! 😉 Enjoy!
Thank you!:) Sorry for being such a bother!:(
Hi Erin. This is a wonderful site, but I am still uncertain of what I should do, re: whether or not to purchase a new sewing machine.
Both my mother and I are used to sewing on her old New Home model 640, a heavy metal mechanical machine with 8 stitches; however, it needs to go into the shop if we want to continue to use it. I was given a Euro-Pro model 9110 two years ago. I attempted to use it several times without success, then misplaced the foot control when we moved six months ago. I am soon going to become an aunt and have many sewing projects that I wish to start: receiving blankets, toys, strip piecing a quilt, soft books, nursing cover, etc. I want to be sewing not only “standard” cottons but flannel, knits, minky, PUL, and the occassional fleece. I don’t know if I should invest my money into fixing the New Home, purchasing a new foot control for the Euro-Pro, or purchasing a new machine. Do you have any thoughts on the Janome HD3000 or my situation? I’ve been trying to make a decision for weeks now, and the process is making me sick to my stomach! Thank you in advance — Emily
Emily – Boy, have I been there before! It’s easy to become so invested in a decision that we can’t move forward.
One thing you said struck me right away and that was that you did not have much success with the Euro-Pro. Based on the way you phrased your comment, I’d suggest that fixing that machine not be an option you consider.
That leaves fixing the New Home or buying new. If you and your mom like the New Home, get a quote on getting it fixed. If it’s more than $100, then I’d take that money and get the Janome HD3000. I’m all for keeping the old one going as long as you can but there comes a point where you have to start fresh (my car has over 133,000 miles and I’ll keep her going until she cries “uncle”!). If you’ve got to spend more than 25% of the cost of the new machine you’re considering, then maybe it’s time to go with the new one.
The HD3000 is a great mechanical machine, too, that would hold up well and handle all of the things you wanted to do with it PLUS it would operate very much like the New Home that you’re used to. You’d get a few extra stitches, a big solid machine to work with, presser foot pressure control, and you’d be sailing through those new projects in no time.
You caught me at the perfect time, aunt to aunt. I’m at my parents visiting my family including my siblings and their kids (together the four of us siblings have 13 kids) so it’s one of the few times a year I get to enjoy my beautiful nieces and nephews!!! Being an aunt is so much fun!
Let me know if this helps or if you have additional questions. I’d love to help you move forward so you can get back to sewing and stop stressing. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi Erin —
I just wanted to tell you, I am so unbelievably happy with my machine and burp cloths. I totally love the drop in bobbin. But even better, when threading the top spool, it has the numbers as to where the thread is supposed to go. I’m loving it and have gone ocd making burp cloths for friends with babies too! Next I’ll work on conquering blankets and hopefully make that sandwich costume in time for Halloween! thanks! — diane
Diane – I’m so glad to here that!! Thanks to Steve’s suggestion, I’m working on a way you guys can submit images of your work to share with the rest of us. We’d love to see those cute burp cloths!
Take care,
Erin
I just wanted to ask Diane, could you post a photo of your burp cloths. I’m getting a new machine in the next couple of weeks and am wanting to make burp cloths. I was thinking of using the Gerber prefold diapers and then putting a strip (one third of the width of the cloth) of fabric down the middle. Would like to hear how you’ve made yours.
Dear Erin, this is a GREAT website/blog, just what I was looking for. Your answers are terrific! I’m grateful for your knowledge.
I read the Consumer Reports review for the Brother Project Runway machines and started hunting online. The different model numbers are very confusing. I understand that there are models with 20, 40, or 90 stitches, and that the lower end model is not computerized. What I don’t understand is the difference in price between most retailers (about $325-$400) and Walmart. The Walmart Brother Project Runway sewing machine is $149. How can that be? Is it the same machine, or is it made of cheaper materials, or what? Are the Limited Edition Project Runway machines the same as the CE500PRW or the CS6000i? There’s even one model of a Project Runway at Walmart for $49! And how do I compare the Consumer Reports recommended Kenmore machines to the Walmart Project Runways?
Also, two large Walmarts near me (Central Connecticut) no longer carry sewing machines. One manager told me the machines were taken out the door just two days ago! He seemed to think Walmart wasn’t going to sell them in stores anymore. I ordered the $149 50-Stitch Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine, CE5500PRW, because I didn’t want to miss out. It’s going to be delivered to a local store. Should I have gotten the Walmart $169 Brother 70-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine with Extension Table, CP7500, instead? It looks good too!
Thanks for any advice!
Katherine – Glad you like the site! 😉 It’s certainly been growing…I just noticed that next month will be the one year anniversary of the site and we’re only 10 away from hitting 1000 comments! Wow!
Pricing. I’m pretty sure I could fill lots of internet bytes writing about the topic. We all know it’s not uncommon to find the same machine priced differently at two different stores. That’s why we (consumers) should always comparison shop! There are all sorts of reasons those prices are different – differences in wholesale prices, different markup rates, different discount programs, etc.
Then Brother confuses us further by putting the same mix of stitches and features on a machine but changing the look or – sometimes – simply the model number. As far as I can tell, sometimes this is done to suit certain of the larger retailers and sometimes it’s done because the internal parts are different and here’s where it gets a bit hairy because the salespeople at Brother dealers have been known to say that those internal parts are “inferior” when, in fact, they are likely “cheaper”. This is why I find it so important to incorporate all of the online reviews from consumer who have purchased and used a particular machine.
Finally, we throw Walmart in the mix and things are a whole new layer of different. Walmart is a supersized retailer. They’re well known for aggressively negotiating contracts with their suppliers. It wouldn’t surprise me if such purchasing included the ability to sell exclusive sewing machine models that had to be made to certain specs and at certain costs in order to meet a pricing target for their customers.
That’s a long way of saying that the Walmart model may very well be made of some different materials in order to get the price down but it’s also very likely that some of the price difference is just because Walmart buys in bulk and gets great wholesale pricing so they’re able to sell for less even when selling the same item as someone else. As long as there are at least 10 good user reviews on a machine with some detail to them and a good rating, then I’d be comfortable with the purchase.
There are some very good Kenmore models. I’ve hardly touched those on this site yet only because I was working from a list looking at three of the most popular online brands as a start but my mother has had the same Kenmore for over 37 years and is absolutely content. Of course, her machine and the Kenmores made today are different, too. To compare the Brother models to any of the Kenmore models, go to my machine comparison wizard – https://www.erinsayssew.com/machine-search/ and use it to print out the details of a few of the Brother models and then make a note on that print out about the comparable Kenmore models. If you get a chance to see the Kenmores in person and try them out, make sure to note the feel of the plastic used for the outer shell, listen to the motor as the machines sew and make sure they run smooth, and – sometimes – you can even see inside (in any gaps where you thread the top thread) to note if the internal parts are metal or plastic.
I’m not surprised by some Walmart stores not selling sewing machines either. As you can see here, many of the models are sold only online: Walmart Sewing Machines and I’m sure the more expensive items don’t pay as much to cover the shelf space they take up so they probably make better online-only models. Just a guess.
As to whether or not you should keep the CE5500PRW or look at the Brother CP7500, a lot depends on the kinds of sewing projects you want to tackle. Both are really good machines with just a few differences, the most obvious being the stitches. It has more cross stitches, more decorative stitches, and the machine stippling stitch. If you’re going to do any quilting you might also find the included accessory feet with the CP7500 to be very useful.
Let us know what you decide! 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi.
I’m wanting to buy a sewing machine and have fallen for the Janome brand. I’ll buy in-store as they’ll give me free lessons for life if bought from them. I’m really liking the 2010, but also like the 1050. How great really is the start/stop button? I like all the stitches of the 2010 but it doesn’t have the start/stop function.
Thanks,
Shannon.
Shannon – I absolutely love the Start/Stop button but it’s really just a matter of convenience and you can sew without it just as well as you can with it. In fact, quilters and those who have sewn for a long time often don’t use the Start/Stop button at all because they either want both hands free or have just become so accustomed to the foot pedal. The fact that it’s not on the machine you like shouldn’t stop you from buying it. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Yeah, you’re right. I’ve never used it so I won’t miss it. I “think” I’ll get the 2010, unless you could recommend something else from Janome – same price or less.
I appreciate the fast reply, thanks so much.
Shannon.
Shannon – I think the DC2010 is a great deal and if you like the stitches I wouldn’t recommend anything else. It’s one of the heavier Janomes in that price range so it’s nice and solid, has a 7 point feed dog and the superior feed system. It’s going to be able to handle anything you throw at it. It might get a little heavy going back and forth to classes if you’re going to take it with you but it’s still under 20 pounds so very manageable.
It’s also really cute. I can’t help it…I’m often drawn to how a machine looks! 😉
Erin
I don´t know which to choose between singer 7258, janome HD3000 or janome 8077. is THE SINger good enough to compete with these 2 models? i read somewhere in the comments that price doesn’t really mean it’ better. my budget is 300-400 dólars but if the singer stands next to these janome i will gladly save some money. i want it to make some bags with plastic, medium thickness, and some other projects to sell so i plan to use it lmost every day. thanx in advance 4 your reply
Marcelle – That particular Singer stacks up pretty nicely against similar Janome models. The trade off between the Singer vs. the Janomes you identified is really going to come down to getting extra stitches and automation in exchange for some power and fabric control. The big difference between the 7258 and those two Janomes is the feed dog. The 7258 has a six piece feed dog vs. 7 piece for the 8077 and the HD3000. That might make just a slight bit of difference with the plastic material you’ll be using but nothing you couldn’t compensate for with specialty walking feet. No matter which you choose, make sure to get extra needles to keep up with your projects. 😉
The difference between computerized and mechanical machines is that there are computer microprocessors and chips that drive some components of machine performance inside of computerized models. These replace the traditional cams that perform stitch patterns on mechanical machines. The inclusion of these computerized parts introduces a potentially expensive repair cost to computerized machines. However you get a lot more flexibility, more stitch patterns, and more built in automation than you do with mechanical machines – a great benefit if you’re going to do lots of different types of projects and prefer to have a variety of stitches to choose from.
Sounds like you’ll be busy!
Sincerely,
Erin
Thank you very much for you advice and fast response! I never thought it will be so hard to choose a sewing machine. jaja
You’re very welcome and I hope it helps. Believe me, I know it’s a tough decision but you’re thinking about all the right things and you’re looking at some great models. Hang in there! Once you make your decision the real fun starts, right? 😉
also could you tell me the difference between computerized and mechanical machines? 🙂 the pro’s and con’
which will you buy magnolia 7330 or dc 2010 (I know you have a magnolia already but just curious) well which will you buy instead of magnolia 7330 if you were to replace it? between 300-400
I love my Magnolia but if I had it to do over again I’d get the DC2010 instead. Performance is similar but the DC2010 has more stitches and the one thing I really wish I had was more stitches. Other than that, though, I’ll say again – I love my Magnolia! 😉
Last question… which mechanical janome machine will you buy and which computerized? (usd$300-400) ja! can’t make up my mind. 🙂
For mechanical in that price range I’d go with the HD3000. I wish it would have been the TB12 but the HD3000 has the one step buttonhole and I have an easier time with those. 😉
For computerized I’d go with the DC2010 mostly because there are just a few models in that price range to pick from. There are a few in the $400-600 range I’d consider today instead, though.
Forgot… I want a janome with metal parts and body. I do not know if it’s called aluminium or iron. thank you
By metal body, do you mean the interior frame inside the machine or the actual exterior of the machine itself? Just want to be sure I give you the right options. 🙂
inside and outside. Looking at the magnolia, or dc’s the outside looks plastic. But I will follow your advise and save some more money and get the dc2011 I like the color. and since I pretend to have it with me for a very long time, might as well pick the one I will really adore. but still I think the only ones cast aluminium inside-out are the HD’s right? thanx again!
Marcelle – I’m not sure the HD’s have a complete cast aluminum exterior…I don’t think I’ve done a demo on one yet but I’ll add that to my list of things to check. Something makes me think the interior shell is cast aluminum but not necessarily the exterior. (Sean, you there? Was this one of the one’s you tested recently?)
The Magnolia and DC exterior’s are plastic, but it’s a very solid, shiny, extremely tough exterior. I actually like the feel and look. I’ve had mine for almost a year now, moved it all around the house and used it on a variety of fabrics and had no problems whatsoever and no scratches on the exterior, either.
I’m with you – get the one you adore as you’ll be using it for a long time to come!
Sincerely,
Erin
Unfortunately, none of the 3 dealers I’ve been to had a single one of the 2011 models in yet, so no, I was not able to see it in person, but I do believe you’re correct, although it lists “painted aluminum body” in the specifications like the TB12 and HD1000 so maybe? Sorry I couldn’t be more help. 🙁
It’s past time I make a trip to my local dealer and maybe they’ll have these on the floor. Last time I was there they had some in inventory but they hadn’t moved them from the warehouse to the showroom yet and that was a month or two ago. Crossing fingers. 😉
Erina, Sean: Thank you very much for your answers, I appreciate it!
I am reasearching machines for my daughter who is a beginner. I can purchase a new Kenmore 19110 ($279.99-new from Sears) which is supposedly a Janome 115110. Do you know if this information is true? Also, How does this machine stack up to a Janome DC2010? (I can purchase new for $399.00) I just want to invest in the best machine.
Thank you for any insight you can offer.
Sharon
Sharon – Yes, Janome does make some Kenmore models and it looks like they make the Kenmore 19110, too.
The Kenmore 19110 and the Janome DC2010 are nearly identical. The proportions are slightly different, but not enough to matter. Both have the DC motor, a 7 piece feed dog, come with the same presser feet and if they don’t have exactly the same set of stitches, it’s awfully close. The bobbin style and the horizontal thread delivery are the same. Both also have the Start/Stop button, Speed Control, and the Needle Up/Down buttons.
The reviews of the 19110 look very solid, too. Kenmore is a great brand and the Janome engineering behind the scenes is truly high performing. Both produce beautiful stitches and offer great value for the price.
Looks like a great deal!
Sincerely,
Erin
I am finding your site so helpful as I think about a new machine and new projects!
I noticed that you commented above about problems sorting by price column as you like. In case it is helpful to have feedback about that, I find it sorts very nicely for me, though ‘Under $100’ comes at the high end of the list, rather than at the low end. It most likely does this because symbols and numbers are sorted to precede ‘A’ in the alphabet. I frequently get around this sort of thing by changing my category values: e.g., “$100 and under” would come before “$100 to $200”.
Again, thanks for sharing such an informative site!
Cate – That’s brilliant! I’ll give it a try! That bugged me for so long on that darn table and I never thought to change the order of that one description. Thanks so much for the neat tip. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Erin–This site is fantabulous. And it is not often that I spend this long at one! Please could you tell me about DC motors, which I suppose are opposed to AC?
I have a 25 year old White Jeans machine. I have had enough of jamming and thread gobbling up underneath! So the time has come.
I am worried about the unfixabilty (perceived by me) of a computer machine, but am very attracted to what to the ease…and I could sure use that. I want a machine with some longevity. The comments I have read about the Brother machines concern me on that count, although Consumer Reports is high on them. What do you think?
I am debating Singer 7258 and Janome 8770 or the DC2010
Oh! One more thing. I am Canadian. Are there differences in the model numbers for the likes of us, and what do you recommend as a good place to shop?
That is a lot of questions.
Thanks for all of the very obvious effort you put into this site. I feel like I am asking a very experienced good friend.
Lynn
Lynn – Oh, I like the “fantabulous”! Thanks! She’s taken me some time to pull together but so much FUN!
Hate thread jamming so can very much relate. In a word – YUCK. 😉 I think you’re going to be pleasantly surprised whether you choose the Singer 7258 or either of the Janomes.
Let’s start with the motor difference. An AC motor’s power is dependent on the speed of the machine so it’s at its most powerful when the machine is sewing at top speed and it’s a little less powerful when sewing slowly. A DC motor, however, delivers a consistent amount of power to the needle arm regardless of the sewing speed. On most fabrics and materials the differences would not be terribly noticeable but if you work with lots of thick fabrics or do lots of complicated work at slow speeds, a sewing machine with a DC motor might behave more reliably for you in those conditions.
The whole longevity issue comes up a lot and I think a lot of this has to do with expectations. My mom has a machine that’s 37 years old and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if that machine went for another 37 years. Many of us own or have used machines like that at some point in our lives. We want the machines we buy today to do the same but the computerized machines on the market today haven’t had time to be tested for 30 or 40 years so it’s hard to say how long they’ll last. What I can say is that the relative cost of sewing machines has come down significantly from years ago. My mother’s machine cost about $200-300 37 years ago and in today’s money that would be over $1000 but you can get way more functionality from a machine today for a couple of hundred dollars (even though there are machines that cost $8000 and more – blows my mind!).
Brother does have a good reputation and they have a few models that have been out long enough to demonstrate some degree of longevity. They offer great value for the money. You mentioned a couple of other models, though, that also provide great value. The Singer 7258 has been very popular since it came out and reviews have been fantastic. The only thing holding it back is that it really hasn’t been out long enough to know how well it will hold up but it sure holds great promise.
Then there’s Janome. My fav. 😉 I have the 7330 which is the equivalent of the Janome 8770 so I know you won’t go wrong with that machine and the DC2010 is another great choice. A lot depends, though, on the kinds of sewing you do. Are you a quilter? Do you make lots of clothes? What kinds of fabrics do you work with?
Most of the sewing machine manufacturers do change up their model numbers between countries. Some models will be the same and some are different and I don’t know that there’s any rhyme or reason to the strategy. As for places to shop for a sewing machine in Canada, I don’t know any of the more specialty dealers but I know that Costco in Canada usually has a deal on a couple of Brother models and, for Janome, there’s a dealer locator option on their Canadian website.
If it would help, let me know what kind of sewing you do and I’ll try to highlight some of the differences between your model choices. Then I’ll see what I can find in terms of a place to buy any of those models in Canada.
Sincerely,
Erin (Lynn – ha! My middle name!) 😉
Lynn’s my middle name too. It’s a curse to be called by your middle name! Oh well
I have not been sewing a lot of late. Mainly because my machine is a pain in the a… I mostly do things for the house, some clothes..gotta love a homemade flannelette nightie! I would love to try my hand at quilting projects and especially free whatever it is ..form? embroidery. No pattern..just the scribbly stuff. I would love to stay in the $150-$225 price range.
Thanks
Lynn
I am new to sewing and would like to have fun with different projects, I just bought a singer brilliance and I am getting mixed reviews on the machine though I could not find many reviews for it. Could you please advice me because i am alraedy having a second thought about it.I wanted to buy brothers but a friend of mine said singer is better.
Sussy – If you’re having second thoughts now is a good time to explore them before you invest too much time in the current machine. Let’s see if we can’t figure out what’s going on for you.
First, most people would absolutely agree that Singer was better than Brother. Was. But I wouldn’t say that’s the case anymore. Singers aren’t made the way they used to be and there are some models that just haven’t performed to their expectations. In contrast, Brother has dominated the inexpensive home sewing machine market and they’ve done so with some sewing machines that offer lots of features for a low price AND hold up well. They’ve really given Singer a run for their money.
Now, Singer’s fighting back and they do have some models that are popular, too. The Singer BrillianceTM , based on appearance alone, looks like it could be a good product. It looks like it’s based on the platforms of the Confidence 7470 (see the page) or the Curvy 8770 (see the page) and both of those have good ratings. However, there are also at least one model in each of the Confidence and Curvy lines that wasn’t well-received by consumers and so there’s a risk the Brilliance may follow in those footsteps.
I read every review I could find online and they indicate the machine has average performance at best. Are you having second thoughts because of how the machine is acting when you use it or because of the other reviews? Do you know what kinds of projects you want to do specifically – like quilting or home decorating or clothes or is it a mix of all of those? That might help me provide some information about how the Brilliance or another machine might match up better with those projects.
Sincerely,
Erin 😉
Thank you. I have alraedy returned it and settled for Singer 7258.I want to be able to sew curtains, dresses for my daughters and probably me and more sophisticated projects in future.
The 7258 should do a great job. If you get a chance, come back and let us know how it goes! 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi Again
I found a Singer 7256 at the local Walmart….well at least the website says they have one! Says it is an older version of 7258. I’m inclined toward it but wonder if you have any reservations? I love my Canadianess but when it comes to buying a sewing machine I have market size envy!
Lynn
Lynn – The Singer 7256 (read more here) is a great machine, too. Yes, it’s the earlier version of the 7258 AND it won a Consumer’s Digest Best Buy award. The ratings are very strong and it’s been on the market awhile so it’s been fairly well tried and tested. 😉
I remember doing some research for another visitor from Canada not too long ago and being surprised at how many more models we seemed to have and how many more outlets for buying them. What are they doing to you guys up there?! 😉
Good luck and let us know how you make out!
Sincerely,
Erin
I’m hoping you can help me decide between machines, or suggest one I may have missed. I’ve narrowed it down to the Brother CP6500 and the CS6000i. I can only spend about $150. I am a beginner sewer but plan on sewing clothes, home goods maybe even trying a couple diapers. It seems like both of these machines should be able to handle that. I’m just confused on which may be the best for me. They both seem so similar. Any direction you could give me would be much appreciated! I’m ready to start sewing 🙂
Tara – These two machines are IDENTICAL – same stitches, same presser feet, and same feed dogs. There are only two differences:
– the appearance
– the included accessories that come in the box
The CS6000i comes with quilting accessories (walking foot, quilting foot, and quilting guide), the extension table, and a hard cover – all for about $15 more than the cost of the CP6500. The CP6500 doesn’t have the quilting accessories or the extension table and comes with a soft cover instead of a hard cover. All of those things that come with the CS6000i but not with the CP6500 can be purchased later if you need them, but they’ll probably cost more purchased separately than they would if you just paid the difference to buy the CS6000i now. That means the Brother CS6000i offers the best deal but if you absolutely need to stick to your $150 budget, go for the CP6500 and at least you’ll get the same stitches and well respected performance you’d get from the CS6000i. Both machines are capable of handling the projects you described with or without the added accessories and extension table unless you’re going to be working with thick fabrics, in which case having the walking foot could make a big difference.
Hope that clarifies the differences and helps you decide between the two. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Thank you so much!! I think I’m going to go with the 6000i. The difference isn’t that huge and I may inend up using all the extras. Thanks again–Tara
Hey, Erin! I was hoping you could give me some advice. I’ve never sewn anything before, but I’ve started looking into investing in some simple patterns to make my own clothes- blouses, skirts, and dresses, mainly. What machine would you recommend I invest in? I’m in school right now so I’m looking for cheap, hardy, and simple. Thank you for your help!
Katelyn – Fitting the description of your needs (I love cheap, hardy and simple!), take a look at the Brother XL2600i (see this page). It costs under $100 (most of the year – sometimes they raise the price just a few dollars above that mark), has very high consumer ratings, and is one of the machines I rate as one of the best sewing machines under $100. It has a drop-in bobbin where most of the machines in that price range have the more frustrating front-loading bobbin. It works with a variety of fabric thicknesses and includes the basic stitches that would easily work for making clothes.
If you think you’d need more functionality than that, take a look at the Brother CE5500PRW or the Brother CS6000i. Both have more features and stitches than the XL26000i but still cost under $200, are also very well rated and allow for more creativity.
You’d do well with either of those machines and they’re also decently light so you could haul your sewing machine around with you as needed.
Good luck with school! 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi ..
Am a beginner .Mainly starting to learn sewing for my daughters ( have 3 ) for dresses/accessories and crafts in home ..
Since am new .. It would be better .. if the machine is more automated and easier to use and learn …
If it has embroidary features .. should be great ..
Budget .. have 150 – 250 $.
Let me know which you suggest .. Since am new .. most of the points or vocabulary for sewing is new for me ..
But I like your website .. coz .. it had listed a lot of machines / comparisons / features ..
Its me .. who was finding it very difficult .. to choose something that will match up my need .
Kindly advise me on which machine i should get ..
Thanks in advance .
-Ineetha
Initha – Oh, little girl dresses…I love my boys and all but their clothes just aren’t as pretty or fun as those for girls. 😉
I would say the Brother CS6000i (read more here) would be a great match for you. It has a lot of stitches to choose from, lots of automation, one of it’s major compliments is how easy it is to learn, and it’s also one of the most affordable packages from Brother. It should handle all of the projects you mentioned and give you lots of room for growth so as you learn more techniques and tackle larger projects, your machine will up to the challenge.
Take a look and let me know what you think. If you have questions, let me know and I’ll help in any way I can!
Sincerely,
Erin
Very confused about sewing machines. Interested in either the Singer 7469 or the Janome DC1050 or the Janome Magnolia. Looking to start sewing. Very little experience. Price range in about $300. Looking to make projects like dog beds, costumes, purses, ect. Not into quilting yet…but who knows what the future holds. From the reviews it seems like Singer has some downsides, but the Janome 1050 is fairly new so no negative comments out yet. Singer does come with more feet. I want something that isn’t going to break. I like the electronic options of the Singer and Janome 1050. I read that the Singer isn’t lit well. Same problems with the Janome? Would like to be able to use thicker fabrics as well as delicate ones. I keep going back and forth on what to purchase. Seems like this site is very pro Janome. Thanks! Katie
Costco has a brother XM3700 74 stitch-function free-arm sewing machine for 89.99. Do you have any idea what model this most closely compares too, or an opinion about the machine? It seems like a great price for so many stitches, but there are no reviews at costco.com. Thanks! cara
Cara – I’d compare the Brother MX3700 to the Brother XL 3750 (more info here). The 3700 has 37 built in stitches while the 3750 has 35. The stitch set is close as both have a nice selection of utility, stretch stitches, cross stitches, and satin stitches but the 3700 has a few more satin stitches in the mix whereas the 3750 has a few more stitches that might be attractive to quilters.
Both of those models are mechanical with similar controls, just a slightly different layout. the 3750, however, comes with the extension table and a quilter bonus kit that includes four extra presser feet (narrow hemmer, blind stitch, walking foot, and quilting foot).
While there are no reviews of the 3700, my guess is that it would rate similarly to the 3750. Performance of most of the mechanical Brother machines has been pretty consistent.
Let me know if you need more info.
Thanks!
Erin
I find this website a faboulous service for sewing lovers, it is good to know about the opportunity we are given to find out more about sewing machines and comparison etc.
Hello! I am so glad I have found this site!! I am in the market for a new sewing machine. It has been several decades since I have sewed but I am getting the bug to want to at least do home projects such as curtains, pillows, hemming and mending clothes. I am interested in the Brother machines because they seem to offer a lot for the price but I do want a machine that works well, doesn’t jam, and isn’t too finicky about tension issues. I am considering either a Brother CS6000i or a Brother CP7500. Do you know much about the latter? I get the feeling it is a newer model.
Also, I notice that there are not many machines which have a presser foot pressure adjustment. My friend, an avid quilter, is warning me about that. How important is that feature if you are not planning on quilting? Can I live without it? Thanks for any advice you can give me.
Wendy – I’m one of those decade+ people myself. 😉 And you’ve nailed the deal with Brother machines – great quality and more features at a very affordable price.
The CS6000i (see my notes here) and the CP6500 (written about here) are identical in every way except looks. The CP7500 is the next model up from the CP6500.
While performance and features are the same for all three, the CP7500 comes with 10 additional stitches and all of the bonus quilting accessories, extension table, and hard cover that come with the CS6000i. Based on Walmart’s current price, buying the CP7500 over the CS6000i equates to paying $1 more for each of the 10 additional stitches – not a bad deal at all!
Ratings are just as strong as the CS6000i and it’s just as easy to use.
Adjustable presser foot pressure is becoming harder and harder to find on models <$500 except on a few mechanical Janome sewing machines. I believe this is mostly the result of the self-adjusting presser foot pressure of today's machines being sufficient for most home ec sewers. I don't have adjustable presser foot pressure and have not run into a situation yet where I'd have needed it.
Let me know if you need anything else! 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Erin – Thank you so much for the helpful information!!! You are providing such wonderful information for people like me! Trying to sort through all the different features of today’s machines is mind-boggling. Thanks for taking on that task!
Wendy – I have to tell ya…it’s a LOT of fun! I’m thrilled when it helps people, too. Enjoy your new machine!
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi,
Love the chart, thanks for sharing. I’m wondering about sorting by price. Is the chart made from an Excel spreadsheet? I think the problem may be that you have words in there such as “under” by an amount. My experience has been that Excel can’t sort if it’s not all numbers. Maybe try $50 – $99 instead of “under $100” etc. If that doesn’t work, try putting just one number. Thanks again for sharing all your work.
Linda – Thanks! I keep forgetting to mess with that description to make the dollar sort work correctly. It’s not Excel exactly but I think it works similarly. You inspired me to get this figured out. Took me a few variations but going with $100 and Under did the trick (which someone suggested previously and I meant to try and then got sidetracked…). 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi Erin, I love your site and thanks for all the info…I have a question..I am looking for a simple machine that I can zig zag and add decorative stitches on paper. I love to do cards and have found some patterns that look so cute with a zig zag on them and I have no idea as to if the regular machines can sew on paper or not. I am not a sewer so comething simple would be best for me…any ideas? Thanks so much
Marilyn – Good news! You don’t need a special machine to sew on paper. Any of the machines I’ve reviewed are capable of sewing through card stock. A few things to keep in mind:
1) Don’t sew through glue or adhesives. That can gum up your machine and your project.
2) Clean lint from your machine often. Paper is notorious for creating lint that gets trapped in the bobbin case.
Truly, though, you might want to sort the machines above by price, look for the ones in your price range with the best ratings, read the reviews and see the pictures of the stitches included with those machines and then choose the one that has the most decorative stitches.
I did some research online before responding to your question and made a call to someone I know who does a lot of sewing and paper crafts. I found some adorable images of sewn card projects and I think you might have given my mother and I a new hobby to try!
Sincerely,
Erin
Hello! I just discovered this site, and I must say that it has been so helpful in giving me a place to start! I’m hoping to do costuming eventually, along the lines of military uniforms and historical outfits, so it’d probably involve a lot of heavier fabrics. Are there any in particular that you’d recommend for that kind of sewing? Preferably something that isn’t computerised and is fairly simple? (I’ve been looking at number of presser feet available rather than stitches since I’m unsure I’d actually use most of those special stitches. Someone did also recommend me that I should check feet prices so I’m not dropping a bundle every time I need a new one.)
Thank you so much, especially for putting this site together!
Yun – Take a look at this machine: https://www.erinsayssew.com/singer-4411-heavy-duty-sewing-machine-review/. It’s not computerized and is made for heavy duty sewing. It has good ratings from other users and is specifically designed to hold up to heavy weight fabrics. It has the basic stitches, is easy to operate and is also very reasonably priced.
In addition, this post covers some of the more sturdy machines for anyone who would be sewing lots of denim and similarly thick materials, like those you’d use in your costume work (which always sounds like so much fun to me!): https://www.erinsayssew.com/best-sewing-machines-for-denim/
Hope those two help. Just drop me a question if you find a specific machine and need to know more before making a decision. Glad you found us!
Sincerely,
Erin
Thanks sooooo much for all this helpful information on your site! I was so excited to stumble upon it, and have visited a bunch of times already. I’m a novice — never sewed anything before, but have always wanted to. As a stay-at-home mom now, I am finally going to make it happen! I’ve been researching sewing machines for quite some time now, and have finally narrowed my choice down to two — the Brother CP7500 and Brother SQ9000. I mainly want to use it for hemming jeans and other clothing, and also make baby items such as blankets, pillow cases, and stuffed animals for my son. Is there one you would recommend over the other?
Again, thank you so much!
Jen
Jen – So glad you like the site!
That’s a tough choice you’ve laid out there. These two machines are similar but with two important differences. The SQ9000 has a letter font and a seven point feed dog whereas the CP7500 has no letter font and six point feed dog. The font is really rather basic (nothing curly or fancy) but if you think you’d use it at all, it might be worth the $30 difference for the SQ9000. If, however, you don’t think you’d use the font stitch, then the CP7500 is the better value for your money.
Both will handle denim and the other projects you describe and they have the same stitch quality.
Hope this helps you make a choice between the two. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi Erin!
I must say your website is absolutely amazing. I have been looking on buying a sewing machine for a while now. 1st was going to buy Brother SQ9000 then after reading reviews I could spend more bucks for SE400 and I was about to order it I came across this one Brother LB6800PRW Heavy-duty Computerized Sewing Machine for about $30 more at overstock.com and now I’m confused on which one to get? They have all 3 in-stock. Can you help me please, since all the reviews are good for all of them. I would love to have either SE400 or LB6800PRW. Thank you.
Ooops… I forgot to mention that “I am almost a begginner that means haven’t saw for 20yrs now” but I’m a good self learner. Thanks.
fatma – The Brother SE400 and the
Brother LB6800PRW Project Runway Sewing and Embroidery Machine with Bonus Rolling Tote are exactly the same machine. The only difference is that the LB6800PRW has the Project Runway label on it and comes with a rolling tote bag. Other than that, the machines are identical in every way – the stitches, the features, the control panel and the USB port. It’s just a branding difference. If you’ll use the rolling tote bag or are a Project Runway fan, you might find the extra $30 well worth the bag and label. If not, then you can save yourself the $30 and buy the SE400. Either way, you’ll love what you can do with these machines and even though you haven’t sewn in 20 years you’ll have no problem figuring out how to use this machine. There’s a really good instruction manual included and a whole bunch of users here on this site who LOVE the SE400 and will help answer any questions you have. 🙂
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi Erin, I left a comment back in January about getting a machine. You recommended the Janome DC2010 but I never pulled the trigger and actually bought it. So, I’m still agonizing over which machine I should actually buy. I’m a beginner that hasn’t sewn a thing ever! The DC2010 is out of my price range now so I’ve been researching and researching on what machine I should get. I have two sewing friends that are pulling me in different directions. One recommends the Janome 7330 and the other is pushing for the Brother CS-6000i. They are in two totally different price ranges! There’s a sewing machine detailer near me that has the 7330 in stock and on display that I’ve played around with several times. I adore it. My friend that recommends the Brother machine thinks I should start out with something less expensive to make sure I really want to sew and then upgrade later on. My other friend thinks I need to get a user friendly machine like the Janome 7330 to start out with so I won’t get frustrated and quit. She’s used several Brother machines and doesn’t care for them. What do you recommend? I’m leaning towards the Janome 7330 but it’s hard to spend $400+ on something. So, I guess what I’m wanting you to do is reassure me that the 7330 is a good beginner machine or steer me into a machine similar but less expensive.
THanks
Shannon
Shannon – Ok…don’t laugh at my answer. 😉
I have the Janome 7330 and I love it, love it, love it. It’s very easy to work with. HOWEVER, it just doesn’t have a lot of stitches and I’m finding that I, personally, like having decorative stitches. Part of what keeps me interested is having new ways to use pretty stitches but I just don’t have those on the 7330. I’m limited and now, after a year, I still wish I’d bought one of the Brother machines. The two that I’d consider are the CS6000i (read this) or the Brother SE400 (tons of detail here) (embroidery, too!). Both would have saved me some money, they have excellent ratings, and have more stitches yet all of the same automation as the Janome 7330.
Also, these particular Brother machines are still very user friendly. In fact, I went through 1000+ reviews of the Brother CS6000i (read EVERY word) and tracked every mention of every pro and con. The number one most mentioned comment from actual users of the Brother CS6000i was that it was so easy to use. Even people who had never sewn before had no problem getting up and going within minutes.
All that being said, if you still end up leaning towards the Janome 7330, take a look at the Janome 8077 instead. It’s the EXACT same machine but without the yellow flowers and costs less. What’s not to like? 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
I just ran across one of your reviews and saw you mentioned that the 8077 is the same machine. I may go that route and just put me a pretty sticker on the machine.
See! This is HARD!!! Even you are now wishing you had more! lol
I guess the real reason why the 7330 is pulling at me is because the guy at the dealer said it was the easiest and least finicky machine he has ever used. That really sold me.
So, if you had to choose between the Brother 6000i, the Brother CP7500 or the Brother SQ9000 which would you choose? 🙂
Let me add one more to the list…..Janome DC1050!
Thanks
SHannon
Shannon – I did a post on here somewhere about how to apply pieces of a laptop skin to a sewing machine to dress it up. 🙂 Worth it to save $100!
The dealer is right in that the 7330 is easy but I promise you the other machines are not more complicated. The threading is the same, the bobbin winding is the same, and even the stitch selection process is nearly identical so it’s not that the 7330 is going to be any easier than the other machines.
I almost put the Janome 1050 in the list for you but even with that addition, here’s the one I’d go with off of your list: Brother CP 7500. The reason is that it has more stitches in total, includes cross stitches (which the others don’t), has a side cutter stitch which works like a serger when you have the side cutter presser foot (you have to buy separately), and is really the CS6000i with 10 more stitches. I’ve already predicted that’s going to be the hot machine to give as a gift this Christmas. The only thing the CP 7500 doesn’t have that the others have is the 7 point feed dog. It has a 6 point, though, and still provides more than sufficient fabric control.
Let me know what you think. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
I think I’m going with the Brother CP 7500! Thanks so much for your help. I’ll let you know when I have one in my possession.
One more quick question, You mentioned the side cutter presser foot that acts like a serger, what model number is that? Do all Brother accessories fit each machine? How do I know that the accessories will fit the machine?
Oops – this question slipped past me!
The side cutter is the Brother SA177 Presser Foot. Not all Brother presser feet fit each machine. Some presser feet work only with machines that have the extra wide 7mm zigzag stitch and some are meant for 5mm zigzag. There can be other differentiations, too. For the most part, you can tell if a presser foot will fit your machine by either referring to the list of compatible accessories on the Brother website or by the product listing for the presser feet as they usually try to list all compatible sewing machine model numbers.
Ok, I lied. lol
Is there a side cutter presser foot that works with the Janome machines?
Erin, I’m so sorry to keep bugging you with my 50 million questions. I just need to pick a machine already!
I noticed on overstock.com that the have Janome machines. Do you know anything about them? I was told they were actually Kenmore machines (made by Janome) that were brought back to the store. Do you know if that is true? I’m having a hard time matching up their machines to the ones you’ve reviewed and the ones on the Janome website though.
I really thought I had it narrowed down to the Brother 7500 but my husband now wants me to get a Janome. *eyeroll*
So, then I thought I had it narrowed down to the Janome DC2010 but the more I looked at it I noticed that you have to use the foot pedal with it and it has no side thread cutter. Does the no side thread cutter mean I’d have to use scissors every time I need to cut the thread? I’ve watched my friends sew and that little side cutter seams really handy! 🙂 But I like that it has error codes.
So, now I’m back to the DC1050. Do you think I’m missing something? It seems that the 2010 is a more advanced machine. Gah! This is so HARD!!!!!
Let me know if you figure out those overstock machines!
Thank you so much!!!!
Shannon – It is hard, isn’t it? I’ve spent less time considering cell phones that cost more but when it comes to a sewing machine it just seems to take time. I think it’s because I know I’m going to end up replacing the cell phone in a year or two just to keep up with technology but I intend for a sewing machine to last longer. Or maybe it’s just that we want t make sure we don’t miss some important feature or other. Take your time!
The refurbished machines on Overstock were/are Kenmore machines that now carry the Janome brand because Janome makes a number of Kenmore machines (not the other way around). When they get refurbished, they have to meet Janome quality standards so they end up with the Janome brand in the product listing.
Overstock – like Amazon – will show something as “refurbished” if it was purchased by someone and then returned. It could be brand new and never used by the original purchaser or it might have been slightly used before they actually returned it to Overstock. It is supposed to be checked over by a tech to make sure it’s in full working order before being resold so it’s certainly worth a shot if you find a good bargain.
As for finding out about each machine, you can search Sears for the match. For example, they’ll sometimes have refurbished options. You might just have to use the images on each site to match them up and research the ones you like.
As for the side cutter, this can refer to two different things. Most machines have a manual little thread snipper on the side. When you’re done sewing you just run your threads through the slot in that snipper and it cuts them so you don’t have to hunt for your scissors. (Some machines have a button that operates a thread trimmer right under the needle so you don’t even have to do anything other than push the button.) This is different from the side cutter presser foot which actually trims the edge of your seam as you sew – much like a serger.
Between the DC1050 and the DC2010, they’re about equally powerful and have similar performance. The difference is not so much that one is more advanced than the other. Instead, the DC1050 is Janome’s version of a more lightweight powerhouse. It uses more plastic inside than other Janome models in order to reduce weight and expense – hence the lower price. The stitches are similar and both have a 7 point feed dog and DC motor.
Check out those Overstocks and let me know if you find a model in particular you want me to look at. Good luck! 😉
I guess what I meant by the machines at overstock was are they actually similar to the Janome machines. Can I compare
the
http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Janome-115110-Computerized-Sewing-Machine-Refurbished/3644309/product.html
to a specific Janome model on their website or yours?
I’m pretty sure I have narrowed it down to the 1050, mainly because of price. I’m intrigued by the presser foot that acts like a serger. What is that presser foot called and how do I make sure it will fit the 1050.
You know, you are a life saver! I really wish I could do something nice for you!
Yes, they’re similar to the Janome machines in the way they’re manufactured, the materials used to make the machine, and the quality of the stitches. While the exteriors may look different, they feel as reliable and sew as well as their Janome kin.
Because the exteriors are so different, though, it’s hard to match them up model for model. Using your example, the
is the Kenmore 19110. It has the exact same stitch set as the Janome DC2010 (see my notes). It also has the DC motor and the 7 point feed dog. All of the button controls appear to be the same, too. If I’m reading the sites correctly, the Kenmore model on Sears is less than the Overstock refurbished model?
Janome 115110 Computerized Sewing Machine (Refurbished) on Overstock
Start with the stitch patterns. If you find a machine you like on Overstock, look on Sears for the Kenmore model (just to compare prices) and then go to this page on my site and look for a Janome machine with the same number of built in stitches, go to the review of any that have the same number and see if the patterns are identical. Then start comparing the features to see if everything else is the same. (I’ve been meaning to add Kenmore sewing machine reviews to this site for MONTHS! Time I get working on that!)
Thanks,
Erin
I’m still agonizing over my decision. I read one of the posts on here that this website is for people with buying “issues.” That made me laugh so hard because it’s so true!
I also read somewhere that you were brainstorming ideas about having user names and such here. Did you follow through on that? Have you thought about starting a Facebook page? I’d love if you had something like that!
I’m still tossing around a few machines. I hope to figure it out this week!
I do have a list of my most important features that I’m looking for, finally! I’m actually understanding all the features now!!!!
Thanks so much!
Shannon
Yup! This site was built for those with “buying issues”. Every month, I change something about my little cartoon image on the top of this site and the slogan on the sewing machine. I’m often very tempted to put up Lucy from the Peanuts comic strip with her little stand and the sign that said “psychiatric help 5 cents – the doctor is in”. LOL! Of course, copyright laws also prevent me from doing so, but maybe I can imitate the sign one of these months and put it on the front of the machine. 😉
Somehow I missed your question about the user names and passwords. I haven’t gotten that far, although I really do need to add a forum or something. I’m just worried I wouldn’t have the time to moderate properly and I’d really want it to be something useful. The other idea was to add user pages so people could post images of their sewing projects but that could happen inside the forum, too. See, it’s like buying a sewing machine. I can’t make up my mind. 😉
I did it! I finally bought one. I went to my local dealer intending to try out a few machines. He had a Magnolia 7330, DC1050 and the DC2011. I really wanted the DC2010 but he didn’t have the 2010. But he sold me the 2011 for same price as the 2010. I’m so excited to start my first project!
THank yo so much for all your help. Words cannot express how thankful I am!
Shannon
Shannon – I’m so happy for you! Sounds like you got a great deal, too! I LOVE the pink trim on that machine. I have all boys in my house so when I get a chance to get something for me I love it to be as “pretty” as possible. Hence my Janome Magnolia with pretty flowers. 🙂
I hope you have a blast! Be sure to come back and let us know how that machine is doing. It’s new so any feedback would be well appreciated by others, I’m sure. I’ll have to get a new review up for that one soon. Oh, how this year is escaping me!
Enjoy!
Erin
I love your site. It has so much info and has been so helpful. I am looking at the Brother CS 6000i, but just saw on the Costco site the Brother XR 4040 for $119.00. I wasn’t able to find it on your site, but I think that sometimes Brother does special model letters and numbers for different stores. Is this similar (or the same) as another model and how does it compare to the CS 6000i? Thanks.
Hi, I need advice, I am looking for a new machine and I am confused about brands/price/quality/functions. I do some quilting (mostly baby quilts for my friends but I will like to learn more about sewing) but my sewing machine broke (it was a basic Brother type, and some of the plastic parts broke) and I love “tech-toys”, so now that I am looking for a new machine it’s not easy to only check the simple models (as the one I used to have). If I compare different brands (e.g Singer vs Jenoma vs Brother) and models and prices, there are big differences, (I can get a machine that it is capable to embroil for less than $400 for some brands or for the same price an almost basic machine), so it seems to me that my a criteria based on price, number of functions and stitches is not enough. Which other criteria do I need to add? I am not an expert in sewing machine brands, I know about Jenoma as there is a store that sell this brand very close to my house so I had been able to go and check some of the models, I know about Bother as this was the brand I had and about Singer as my aunt has old one (probably more than 25 years old and still works). I like the idea of speed contol, and decorative stiches, I like to avoid a lot of plastic parts ( or have a better undesrtanding of which plastic parts are ok and wich ones to avoid), a sewing machine that it is good for quilting (and some basic sewing projects). Any good advise for a very confused person?
Can you help me decide between XR7700 and Brother CS6000i.
Hi Erin,
My 11 year old daughter wants to begin sewing. She has low tolerance for frustration and I need the easiest sewing machine available!! Under 200? Any suggestions? And, is computerized easier or will this cause more difficulty? I’m not concerned about having to upgrade later. If it can last her through her teens, I will be happy. I just want her to be successful and be able to work independently as soon as possible. Your website is really great but there are so many considerations and I don’t know anything about sewing! Thank you!
Julia – Two choices come to mind and they’re very different. I’ll tell you why I’m suggesting each one and then maybe the reasons I give will clue you in to one or the other as the best choice for your daughter.
One is mechanical and the other is computerized. I personally think that computerized is easier but I’m a gadget girl and I love buttons and screens and codes and beeping noises. The benefit of computerized machines is that you can usually have more stitch variety. The drawback is that there are more internal parts that can develop a problem and require a repair. There’s no guarantee that a mechanical machine will have fewer issues, it’s just that there are fewer complex components inside so the ODDS are that these should have fewer issues. If your daughter is not enamored with buttons and gadgets, she may find the mechanical machine much simpler to operate but she’ll not have the same variety of decorative stitches. She’ll have all the utility stitches she’d need to do almost any kind of sewing she’d want but she wouldn’t have pretty vines or hearts, for example.
The mechanical choice that comes to mind is the Janome Magnolia 7318 (see this). It’s right at the $200 price mark which makes it more expensive than the computerized option I’ll discuss next and it has fewer stitches but it should hold up for a very long time. Janome’s are very powerful, very forgiving, produce beautiful stitches, and are usually set so well that the fabric moves straight through the machine with almost no guidance at all. It should just go and go and go.
The computerized recommendation is the Brother CP 7500 (detailed here). I truly think that will be the most purchased sewing machine for this upcoming Christmas. It’s identical to the Brother CS6000i which has over a thousand consumer reviews online, but was revived with pink trim and 10 additional built in stitches. It’s the best deal under $200 and has excellent ratings in its own right. You get 70 built in stitches, an extension table, and some great features for beginners like the ability to sew with either the foot pedal or with the push of a button and a speed control slider so you can cap the max speed. This prevents the machine from going faster than you want when you’re new or when you’re working on something delicate. Like I said, more options but this might also introduce more frustration for your daughter.
Let me know what you think. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi!
While the comparisons charts are wonderful, I have no idea what to compare! Our daughter is learning to sew this year (and hopefully me too!), but we need a machine. One was given to us, but it is old and there is no book telling us how to use it. We want to get a good starter machine, reasonably priced. What would you suggest?
Thanks!
Camille – Start here: https://www.erinsayssew.com/machine-search/
When you bring up that page, scroll down and tick all the options that match your needs. Then click the “Go” button. You’ll see a list of all the sewing machines I’ve reviewed that match your needs. Then select up to 3 to compare them side by side. This will help you narrow down your list. I don’t think it gets used very much because. I’ve tested a few ways to make it stand out as a tool on the front page but haven’t found one that’s very effective yet. Let me know if that helps.
Depending on your price range, the Brother XL2600i or the Brother CP-7500 are probably the best starter sewing machines for you to consider for your daughter.
Hope that gets you pointed in the right direction. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi Erin,
With so many choices, finding your blog is a really great help! Very informative and easy to understand for beginner like me..
Well, I just did it!..Finally, I bought my first sewing machine : [Brother CP 7500]!!! She will be my new baby 🙂
Can’t wait to make many projects with it 🙂 Once again..thank you so much!
PS: Is there any chance that you make reviews by video too? 🙂
I love your website. It’s really helpful to sort out the huge number of sewing machines being offered online. Do you know anything about the Brother 17-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine, LX2500 being offer for $75 at Walmart? Is it an update of an existing model? I like the design and the drop-in bobbin feature but was wondering how it would compare to the highly-rated Brother XL2600i and Brother LS2125i. It is a gift for my daughter so cuteness is a factor. Thanks! Melissa
Hi Erin,
Thank you for such a helpful website! Although it is still difficult for me to determine which sewing machine to purchase. I want a sewing machine that is capable of handling thicker fabrics like leather and denim. I used the search tool to help me narrow down my choices. The Brother XL2600i seems to stand out the most to me, especially with the many reviews.
Joann’s is having a sale on the Singer 2277 Traditional machine (http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat2097&PRODID=zprd_10855880a). I’ve searched for more reviews, but haven’t been able to find any great ones. Would you happen to know anything about this machine?
Walmart also has a computerized Singer machine (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Singer-Computerized-Sewing-Machine/17353003#Product+Reviews
). I’ve been recommended computerized machines for their ease.
Any opinions or recommendations on these machines? Any help is much appreciated!
Thank you,
Jaley
Hi Erin,
Oh how I wish I had found your site two days ago. I am bleary eyed searching on the internet for a new sewing machine. I live in Europe and the machines are far too expensive in comparison to those in the USA. I am seriously considering buying in the States and having a family member ship it on to me. I understand the difference in voltage and am prepared to purchase a voltage transformer. However what I am wondering is are you aware of any sewing machines that have duel voltage or worldwide voltage ?
The machines I have looked at and like are
Brother SE400, Brother CS 6000i and Brother SQ9050. While I am a beginner I am prepared to invest in a machine so that I can “grow into it”. I understand the difficulty with warranties etc but I am prepared to take this chance in order to make a considerable saving. Any help in choosing a machine is greatly appreciated.
Anne
Hi,
Do you know anything about the Singer Superb 2010.CL Sewing Machine? It is available at Costco right now and I can’t find any other helpful reviews. What are your thoughts as to how this machine compares to the Brother SE400? How about the Janome 8077?
Thanks for your help!
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11680185&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|90608|28071&N=4047459&Mo=8&No=2&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=28499&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=
I currently have a older Kenmore sewing machine. It is mechanical and I am looking for a better machine. I’m not sure what kind of machine I should get. I’ve been reading about the electric or computerized machines, but I’ve never used one and have no idea how they work. I would like one that I can sew denim, do some quilting, have the free arm, top bobbin and the needle up/down button, easy thread, and jam free. My machine currently has problems with the thread coming out of the thread take-up lever and it seems to jam up whenever any other piece of thread that gets under the pressure foot. I’m looking for something that doesn’t has so many things that I won’t be able to use or don’t know how to use, but has some bells and whistles at a reasonable price. I’ve looked at a Singer 7463,7467,7442,7470,7462, Brothers CS6000i and so many others I’m not sure what would work best. Please can you help?
Dear Erin,
Could I get your help on picking the best sewing machine for me? The first question I have is what is your advice concerning mechanical versus computerized. I have asked so many sewists including my teacher and I’m getting mixed responses from everyone.
I’m looking to
-hem jeans
-sew baby clothes
-do craft projects that may involve heavy weight fabric like bags
I would prefer:
-all metal parts ( a machine that will last me a really long time)
-simple and easy to use ( I just had a baby and I get easily overwhelmed if it’s too complicated)
-reasonably priced
-drop in bobbin and 1 step buttonhole
I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you so much.
oh and a quiet machine would be helpful too!
Erin,
I forgot to mention that I have been attracted to the Singer 7258 and the Janome Magnolia but maybe there is a mechanical machine out there that would serve me well. I don’t know what to do as far as computerized versus mechanical. I say whichever would make my life easier is I’m going for. Thanks Angela
Angela – Congratulations on the new baby! A perfectly wonderful reason to look for a new sewing machine. 😉
Because you outlined your needs, you’ve made it much easier for me to make a few suggestions. That’s exactly the first step one needs to take when choosing a new sewing machine. Outline your needs, find the ones that match those needs, weed them out based on your personal criteria for brand/price/stitches and then make a final decision.
As for whether you should choose a mechanical vs computerized sewing machine, a lot depends on what you want to do with your machine. There is no difference in sewing power between the two. The main difference is that a computerized machine has more flexibility. They often include more stitches and due to the use of computer chips, they can control more functions of the machine through the push of a button. A mechanical machine, for example, can’t be programmed to always stop the needle in the up position while you’re working on a special project but some computerized machines can be programmed to do just that.
The trade off is that a computerized machine MIGHT (and this is based on popular opinion and not on fact) require more maintenance throughout its life because that additional functionality is the result of computer chips in the machine that could, like any piece of today’s technology, break down and need to be replaced.
The question to ask yourself is whether you’re okay taking on the potential risk of added maintenance costs in exchange for the added functionality of a computerized machine. It’s like today’s smart phones, 3D TVs, or touch pads. We know that these things have higher replacement and repair costs than their earlier versions but the added features often make them worthwhile. Me, personally, I’m a gadget-girl so I prefer, and am comfortable with, the computerized sewing machines.
(Phew, just wrote a small book on that one. 😉 I get a little carried away sometimes!)
The sewing machines you mentioned would both do very well for the projects you outlined. But…I have the Janome Magnolia 7330 and the one thing I truly regret not having (enough that I’m considering adding another sewing machine to the mix) is not having MORE decorative stitches. So, while I love, love, love my 7330 and wouldn’t trade it for anything because it’s just a darn powerhouse, not having those additional decorative stitches has stopped me from using it for some projects I’d like to try.
I also have 3 boys and while they’re older now, I’m pretty sure that had I been sewing when they were little, I’d have had a million uses for those pretty stitches. While I suspect the Janome might last longer because of the way it is constructed, think carefully about the assortment of stitches one has over the other. (And when I say the Janome may last longer than the Singer, I don’t see why you wouldn’t get 10+ years out of either so I’m not suggesting that the Singer 7258 would need to be replaced any time soon.)
Both are quiet, too. I can operate my Magnolia in the same room as the rest of my family and comfortably hold a conversation or watch TV. Others have said the same about the Singer 7258.
Hope that helps a bit but let me know if you have any other questions!
Sincerely,
Erin
Dear Erin,
Thank you so much for your quick reply! Your response is very helpful! The question I have now is if I do decide to go for a mechanical, do you suggest one that would work well based on the criteria I mentioned? I still would like something sturdy with all metal parts. I really appreciate your taking the time to write me.
Thank you so much!
Angela
Angela – For a mechanical machine that will meet your needs, check out the Janome HD1000. It has a great selection of 14 utility stitches that should cover the projects you describe, has a metal frame, and because the HD stands for Heavy Duty, it will handle all the thick fabrics you want to throw at it. This one does have a front-loading bobbin instead of drop-in (which I always find takes some practice…) but Janome machines are just a pleasure to use. The stitches are so smooth and even and the work space is sufficient to handle some bundle of fabric if you end up working on a large project.
I was just so thankful I COULD get back to you! I used to respond to comments so quickly but life (read: kids!) keeps pulling at me and then I feel so horribly guilty when I don’t respond right away. Determined to get back to my regular routine. If I could just get the kids to do the laundry, the shopping, the bathrooms (especially the bathrooms), and the floors things would be so much easier. 😉
Take a look at that machine and let me know what you think. I haven’t added a review for that specific model to this site yet, but I’ve taken a look at it because it’s a replacement model for the Threadbanger TB12 that was such a sweet machine.
Sincerely,
Erin
Dear Erin,
Thank you so much! I remember looking at this machine and I was considering it. What actually deterred me was the front loading bobbin. 🙂 (Like I was saying after having my baby girl, I need something as simple as possible.) Other than that, I would probably get this machine. I wonder why it’s more money than the Singer 7248. I guess I thought that computerized machines were more money.
Out of curiosity, do you know if there is a good sturdy mechanical with a drop in bobbin?
I remember looking at a Juki ( I can’t remember what model) but I think the down side of that one was that it was loud.
Anyway, I appreciate all of your help. I’m sure I’ll eventually figure out what machine I should get. 🙂
Thanks,
Angela
Angela – I can relate to the desire for a drop-in bobbin. One of the posts on this site mentions my experience chasing a front-loading bobbin across the floor as it rolled away from me. They haunted me in junior high home ec and they haunt me today. 😉
I’ve got a couple of machines in mind for you to compare. These are all mechanical sewing machines with a drop-in bobbin. The list is whittled down to focus on the more heavy duty kinds of machines that should handle bags without a hitch.
I had the Juki HLZ 35Z on the list but it doesn’t really have the same heavy duty motor as the other three. That doesn’t mean it wouldn’t hold up to thicker projects, just that it doesn’t really fit the guidelines for the above list. Also, I’m still a bit iffy on the performance. I haven’t used a Juki and the reviews online are mixed.
If being able to power through thicker projects isn’t the overriding need, then I’d compare the Janome Magnolia 7318, the Janome Sewist 500, or the aforementioned Juki. There are also a couple of Kenmores that fit the bill but some of them are made by Janome so they’re very similar to the machines already mentioned.
Just what you wanted…more machines to add to your list, right? 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi Erin,
Thank you so much! I think I may have decided on the Janome Sewist 500. I like that it has a one step button hole and a drop-in bobbin. I’ll let you know how it goes! I can’t thank you enough.
Angela
Dear Erin,
I think I did decide on the Janome Sewist 500 but now I’m still thinking about it. I wanted to get your two cents about one more thing. 🙂
So there always seems to be one con about each machine. According to the reviews the Janome Sewist 500 is a great machine but it doesn’t have all metals parts. The HD3000 does have all metal parts but I read that threading the needle is a pain. (I need my machine to be easy, because I’m overwhelmed with finding time to do anything as a new mommy) The Juki seems to be all metal too but tends to be louder.
So, Do you think that the Sewist is still a good machine to get even though it doesn’t have all metal parts? How important is it that the machine have all metal? I’m almost set on the Sewist because it almost fits my criteria. At the same time, I don’t want to upgrade later. I want this to be my machine for a really LONG time.
What are your thoughts?
Thanks so much for all of your help.
Angela
Angela – While the body is plastic, the Sewist 500 interior parts are metal so the interior should not be an issue. As for the plastic exterior, so many of today’s machines by any manufacturer use this scratch-resistant plastic. It’s incredibly sturdy and should not present any problems for you. If the other Sewist 500 features are a better match for you than the HD3000, don’t let the use of plastic on the exterior worry you at all.
Sincerely,
Erin
I am hoping you can help me pick out a sewing machine. I just started doing small quilt projects. I am interested ijn teaching my daughter how to sew. Looking to spend around $150.00 money is tight. Any suggestions. Thanks
Jane
Jane – I’d love to help! I’ve got a couple of suggestions keeping the quilting projects, your daughter, and your budget in mind.
First, the Brother CS6000i detailed here) is my #1 recommendation for your needs. It has quilting stitches, is highly rated, and one of the most popular machines for beginners.
This machine comes with lots of stitches, an extension table which helps when you’re quilting, lots of extra presser feet, and some push button controls that will be useful for working with your daughter. One of the best is the speed control slider so you can cap how fast the machine will sew. Perfect when you’re just starting out. It’s truly one of the greatest value buys.
However, it’s right at your budget and I don’t want you to think that you have to spend that much to get a great machine, it’s just the one that would give you the most for your money.
There’s a machine that’s almost identical to the Brother CS6000i but a few bucks less because it comes with a couple of fewer presser feet. It’s the Brother CP-6500 (see my notes here). To understand the differences between the CS6000i and the CP-6500, you can see the comparison chart here.
And, for closer to $100, there’s a Brother machine that doesn’t have all the computerized buttons for speed control and starting and stopping the machine but it’s a great machine for beginners, still has a great deal of stitch variety and is very easy to operate. It’s the Brother XL2600i (see my notes here).
The difference between these 3 is that the XL2600i is a mechanical machine and not computerized. Computerized machines can offer more stitches and more buttons to control various operations. The results, however, are the same. 😉
Please let me know if you have additional questions.
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi Erin –
what an exhaustive website. i hope you are getting paid for this somehow! but i am an artist and filmmaker, i know what labors of love are!! so, i often look for one of these kinds of websites when I am looking at buying something and don’t know where to start. i was looking for reviews of the Brother CS600i, that is how I found you!
Here is my question. I am not quit a novice, and I am making things to sell, aprons, etc. that I have been hand sewing a lot of appliques. I am interested in speeding up that process and doing some of the work via machine. so being able to lower the feed dog, do some embroidery type (though i don’t think i want computer programs, etc.). the machine I’m looking at now is not on your list, i believe it’s newer. the Brother XR9500PRW. it’s $190 on amazon. that’s in the range of what I want to spend. I look for quality, what will last, isn’t too complicated (tho i don’t mind the bobbins that are not drop in), has some stitches I can use – I don’t know that I’d use the fancy schmancy ones, but as I’ve never had the choice, i can’t say for sure… I see you really like Janomes.
any idea of this Brother machine? or another?
thanks for all your work and time!
teresa
Teresa – The XR9500PRW is the Project Runway version of the Brother SQ9050 which you can read about here: https://www.erinsayssew.com/brother-sq9000-sewing-machine-review/. They even use the same manual. That machine is highly rated, a strong performer and has enough variety to keep you busy for quite some time. It’s one of the more popular Brother models for quilters and is built along the same lines as the CS6000i. You shouldn’t have any issues with that model and it’s a bit cheaper than the SQ9050 (by about $10). Nice find!
Sincerely,
Erin
Erin-
I was looking for a review for the Brother XR9500PRW to compare it to the Brother CS6000i. I need a new machine (my daughter took my old one off to college). Do you think it would be worthwhile to pay the extra $30 for the Brother XR9500PRW? Or should I stick with my first choice which is the Brother CP7500?
Lisa – Between the CS6000i and the XR9500PRW, the choice comes down to two questions, in my opinion:
1) Would you use the font? If so, the price difference is worth it.
2) The XR9500PRW has upper and lower thread sensors which will warn you when your thread is running out or has broken. This applies to both the top thread and the bobbin. The CS6000i does not have this. If you would find this useful either because you sew large projects or delicate work where the thread running out in the middle of your projects is a problem, then, again, the price difference would be worthwhile.
If neither one of those enhancements would be beneficial, then the CS6000i is basically the same machine without those two features and you’d save yourself the price difference.
Hope that’s what you were looking for. 😉
(And how sweet of you to let your daughter take your sewing machine with her! She’ll find that very handy, I’m sure!)
Sincerely,
Erin
Erin- My last sentence in the above email should have said Brother CS6000i!!! sorry.
Dear Erin,
I really need your help in deciding which sewing machine that would best suit me. I cant stress enough the word beginner when it comes to me and sewing. I was hoping that i could give you some ideas of how i would be using the machine as well as budget and how often i would be using it. First of all i love the chart and the comments that people are leaving, as i can see it has helped out a lot of people but when it comes to me i have no idea what some of the features even mean, like stitches, automatic theader, and other features that would be beneficial versus options that i dont have to have.
1. Im looking for something that will last and be durable
2. I wont hardly be sewing much, maybe a few times a year. any repairs needed for regular clothes and using it for a hobby of sewing clothes together make of plastic, ive been using tape but i would like to sew a few lines to make them more durable and last longer. so like sewing the zipper cloth pieces onto the plastic clothes, like a quick run down the cloth part on each side of the zipper, and along the edges.
3. a machine that is going to sew into regular clothes, but mostly plastic for clothes so not sure on the thread or count or anything like that.
4. looking to spend no more then $200
I hope you can help me out please! shoot me an email, thanks
Tyler – So sorry for the delay! I’d taken some time of for some family/school stuff and am just getting caught up.
It sounds like most of the extras like a needle threader and speed control buttons, etc, would be nice to haves but not necessarily must haves based on the frequency and type of sewing you outlined. In your case, a basic mechanical Janome would be a great option as it has the stitches you need, is certainly durable and would hold up to the materials you mention.
The Janome Jem Gold 660 comes to mind. It’s a 3/4 machine so it’s smaller and lightweight, though. If you’re working on large pieces of material that you need to roll up to fit between the needle arm and the right side of the machine, you might want something a bit larger. In that case, I’d look at the Brother CP6500 or the Singer 7258. Both of those have lots of the extras I mentioned earlier but they’re within your budget and are highly rated by many user reviews. The extras might come in handy some day. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi! I’m so glad I found your website during my searching for a new machine. I have a 40 year old Singer with the cams. I’ve had it serviced but the tension is still not sewing smoothly. They thought it was working fine. It’s not! So I’m in the market for a new one. I’d like one that can do some heavy duty work like denim but also embroidery. I love the monogramming capability of the Brother machines.
I compared the 6800PRW and can’t see the reason to buy it just for the travel bag so turned back to the SE400. I saw you replied to a post that the SE400 does denim work with the correct needles, thread, etc.
My main question is if the SE400 can embroider using any larger hoops besides the one that comes with the package, a 4×4? If not what would be the next step up with the same capabilities to include larger hoop capability? Thanks a bunch! Chris
In reading further through your blogs I wondered about the Brother PE770 for a machine with a larger hoop capability with same features as SE400. Any thoughts? Thanks!
I have a Brother CS6500i, and I love this machine, however, I sew thick fabric and bulky faux fur. The Brother works fine for this, but can you advise me if there is another machine that might be even better?? I am going to purchase another machine soon, as there will be 2 of us sewing at my home. I guess I am looking for a machine that might lift the foot a little higher to allow for the thickness??? Need about the same price as the Brother CS6500i or less??
I am wondering if there is a way to search your reviews by machine feature. For example, I want to find machines that have adjustable foot pressure and twin needle capabilities. Thank you for creating this website – researching a machine is overwhelming.
Kelly – It is most certainly an overwhelming process, isn’t it? You’ll get there, though. 😉
There isn’t really a clean way to search by feature but what a great upgrade to the site. I think I have a way I can build that in but it will take some time to code. In the meantime, most machines are going to have twin needle capability as long as they’re compatible with a zig zag stitch. Then you just need to find a twin needle that’s the same width (or less) than the max width of the zig zag stitch for that machine.
You can also use the search box at the top of the site to search for a specific feature but it will return a list of all posts that include that phrase – even if the phrase meant the machine did not have that feature. Makes it a bit tedious for searching but it’s one option for the moment.
If you have a list narrowed down to 3 machines that are all featured on my site then you could click the Machine Finding Wizard button on the home page, select up to 3 machines using the criteria offered and the final list comparing them all side by side will list the full feature set for each of the three machines so you can check if they have the features you are after or not.
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Erin
About Janome DC3050 Computerized Sewing Machine. I’d like to be able to sew and finish a seam at the same time. I realize a serger does this but is this Janome sewing machine capable of sewing and finishing a seam at the same time also.
Thanks,
Vicki
Hi Erin, Your site has helped me a lot in narrowing down machines, and I am finally so close to making the purchase. I was going for the Janome DC 1050, but found the Janome DC 1018 yesterday. It has the basic stitches (which you probably would not choose :-)) but I sew only clothes at this point, and just need a dependable, quality, computerized machine. It seems to have all the stitches I need for sewing knits, finishing seams nicely, etc. I never use any of the decorative stitches on my singer–well, yes I did twice and it was nice. Do you have any idea why the DC 1018 has a suggested MFG of only $300 while the DC 1050 lists for $499? Aside from the additional 32 stitches, I can see no big difference when I compare them. Could this alone make it so much more valuable in today’s market? I hope so because that would give me the confidence to buy the DC 1018 for $250. The only other thing that bothers me is that it is referred to as a beginner’s machine, yet has all of the features I need as an experienced sewist like 7 piece feed dogs and one step buttonholes. I am a simple sewer and don’t want to over-buy when I don’t need to. I would really appreciate your comments on how the two machines compare if you have time to check out the features on the DC 1018. Thank you! Kare