Choosing a sewing machine for a Christmas gift
December 1, 2016 12:59 PM   Subscribe

My wife has requested a basic sewing machine for Christmas. I have a maximum budget of about $300 (Canadian) but would rather go closer to $150-200. After some research I have narrowed down the choice to about 3 models but I am out of my depth and need some help.

The three models are:

Singer 4423 (on sale at amazon.ca for $150)
Singer 7258 (on sale at amazon.ca for $195)
Janome SUV 1122 (on sale at local store for $299)

This machine would likely be used for clothing repairs, taking up jeans and making the occasional costume for the kids. Basically looking for an easy to use all purpose machine. Also trying to take into account the following:

1. The Singers have very good reviews on Amazon but at least two people have told me the new Singers are lousy. My friend tells me I am better off getting an older used machine but it's hard to know what is suitable or in good condition given that I know nothing about sewing!

2. The three listed above all seem to have slightly different functionality - is it better to have heavy duty (Singer 4423) or more stitches (7258)? Which one is the best all round machine?

3. In terms of servicing would it be better to buy the Janome which I can take back to the store?

I'm completely out of my depth here so would appreciate any advice on these machines or alternatives in my budget and subject to availability in Canada. Thanks!
posted by piyushnz to Shopping (30 answers total) 4 users marked this as a favorite
 
we have a brother that was probably less expensive than any of those. for simple stuff like you describe you do not need computerised anything, but you do what something fairly sturdy because jeans are actually quite tough to sew once you have a few layers. so from the ones you list above, i'd go with the 4423.

our machine has needed no servicing. disclaimer: we only use the machine for repairs, small mods to clothes, and making odd things like a tool roll for my bike.
posted by andrewcooke at 1:15 PM on December 1, 2016


I also have a Brother, one that I bought on sale at Target for US$100. I use it for exactly those uses you describe, as well as making curtains and a queen-size quilt. Had it for about 12 years, never had a problem so far with it.
posted by BlahLaLa at 1:19 PM on December 1, 2016


I have a basic Janome and it's been great and trouble-free after about 10 years sewing occasionally (curtains, the occasional clothes-making project, hemming pants).
posted by snaw at 1:26 PM on December 1, 2016


(i wasn't implying you should go with a brother btw. one thing we don't like about ours is that it's quite flimsy. so the idea of a solid machine with more metal like the 4423 is attractive).
posted by andrewcooke at 1:30 PM on December 1, 2016


I've had a Janome Magnolia (which are still for sale in the US, at least) for 4 years maybe? It has taken me from beginner to intermediate sewist. Every problem I have had so far has been solved with a drop of sewing machine oil. I really like it.

Speaking of, modern machines are self lubricated, so it's best to sew every week. But who does that?
posted by Duffington at 1:38 PM on December 1, 2016 [1 favorite]


Best answer: The reason people say new Singers are lousy is because they tend to have more plastic parts, instead of metal parts like vintage machines. Plastic breaks more easily. So if the 4423 is more metal, that's a good sign of a sturdy machine.

Most repair shops repair many brands and will have no problem with a Singer.
posted by kyla at 1:38 PM on December 1, 2016


Seconding the Janome Magnolia (which is still the Sweethome's pick). It's solid, repairs easily, doesn't confound with thousands of options, is easy to clean, and is rugged enough that I've been using mine to quilt and make jeans for two years without a worry. Mine has a decent 2 year warranty, and you register on the website.

In general, opt for sturdiness over stitch options. You'll likely never use more than 5 or 6 stitches.
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 1:43 PM on December 1, 2016 [5 favorites]


Best answer: OK, sorry, didn't really answer the question, I think heavy duty is better than more stitches. You can do almost everything with basic stitches and a good book.

It would be better to buy from a store that services, even though the store would probably be happy to service the singer as well.

If buying used, go for all metal parts (the bobbin case is really what I mean). Probably a singer or a Pfaff.

On preview, I agree with kyla.
posted by Duffington at 1:44 PM on December 1, 2016 [3 favorites]


I have a janome 625e and I love it!
posted by St. Peepsburg at 1:51 PM on December 1, 2016


Best answer: Heavier, duty if you are sewing jeans is preferred. As well as the machine with the most metal parts. Disclaimer: I have a Janome machine, bought used from a sewing machine dealer 10+ years ago and it's still going strong. I also sew most of my own clothes, plus knit scarves and canvas items for sale and I only use about 6 stitches out of the 30+ that my "fancy" machine offers.
posted by sarajane at 1:51 PM on December 1, 2016 [1 favorite]


Best answer: Heavy duty is better than different stitches. I'm an avid sewist and 90% of the time I use one of like 3 stitches, all of which are going to be available on any machine.

Don't get a vintage machine. You just won't be able to evaluate if it's working properly. I vote the Janome, based on the Sweethome's recommendation and the fact that having a relationship with your local store can be a very good thing. They may offer classes that your wife can take advantage of, for example.
posted by mchorn at 2:46 PM on December 1, 2016


I also vote the Janome. I have the computerized version of the Magnolia and I really, really like it. I researched the crap out of it before buying and it's known far and wide to be a really good value.
posted by HotToddy at 3:00 PM on December 1, 2016


Response by poster: Thanks for the advice so far.

I looked into the Janome 625E and Magnolia and they both seem to be about $400 US which is beyond my budget. Based on the feedback so far seems to be a choice between the Singer 4423 and Janome 1122. If anyone has personal experience with either of these machines that would be much appreciated. Also, any specific Brother models I should look into?
posted by piyushnz at 3:07 PM on December 1, 2016


Best answer: Of the 3 you listed, I'd go with the Singer 4423. It looks basically like The Sweethome's budget pick (Singer 4411) but with a few extra stretch stitches that will actually add a lot of function. Agreeing with previous posters that you don't need a computerized machine or five hundred decorative stitches, especially if your wife is just starting out (I'm assuming if she were an experienced sewer she'd have voiced stronger machine preferences).

I inherited a cheapo plastic Brother, if it's not the VX1435 it's something pretty close. I've been sewing clothes and quilts on it for five or six years, and it's only just getting to the point where the creakiness and minimal functions are starting to feel limiting.

On preview, I would not actually recommend the Brother I have, it'll sew denim but not particularly well, just pointing out you don't need a lot of bells and whistles to get things done. Check out The Sweethome review, they talk about using the very similar Singer 4411.
posted by yeahlikethat at 3:23 PM on December 1, 2016


Wow, I just found a Janome Magnolia on Amazon Canada and it was 868CAD. What? I guess because it's an import. Ridiculous!
Anyway, the Janome SUV 1122 looks very similar to the magnolia. And it has a needle threader, cool!
posted by Duffington at 3:36 PM on December 1, 2016


In the US, local sewing machine vendors/repair shops almost always have trade-in lightly used models *that you can get a warranty on*. They might have even more of them when other people are getting trade-up presents. Sometimes the deals are deep (sewing machine price ranges are insane). I'd go and ask, taking a piece of denim to put through the machine.

For basic home sewing, I'd want to manage at least 4 layers of denim; sew a straight seam on doubled quilting cotton; have a stretch-stitch even if it isn't pretty; and a buttonhole maker that can repeat a buttonhole (even if you have to stop-start a couple times per buttonhole; that is, does not need to be fully automatic, just repeatable). This is a TINY FRACTION of what sewing machines now do! My mother has been sewing almost constantly on a single Bernina for, oh, twenty thirty years now, and it's in perfect condition but terribly unfashionable. You want that as a trade-in, for practical purposes.
posted by clew at 5:05 PM on December 1, 2016 [3 favorites]


I have a Janome 1860 which has apparently been discontinued, but I would recommend a Janome wholeheartedly as a basic, reasonably-priced machine that does plenty but is easy to use and rarely has problems.

When I was in patternmaking school, all the classroom machines were basic Janomes and were used 3-4 hours a day five days a week and it was rare for a machine to be out of service.
posted by bendy at 5:06 PM on December 1, 2016


Best answer: My husband just got me the singer 4423 for an early Christmas present to replace an old inherited sewing machine that is in desperate need of repair.

I love it. I'm not a professional sewer by any stretch of the imagination, but I love it.

My cousin who has much more experience with sewing took a go with it when I was having some initial difficulties (the thread likes to occasionally come loose of the hooky thing - she has encountered this in other machines - which is easy enough to fix once you know but as a beginner was very frustrating). She said it is very smooth and nice.

My main sewing purpose is quilting and maybe making costumes for my kid, and I believe this will last me a long time for those needs.
posted by kellygrape at 5:47 PM on December 1, 2016 [1 favorite]


Buy her a vintage (produced 1920s to 1960s) Singer 221. Look on classified ads and then bring it to a vacuum repair shop and they will tune it up for $75. They are increasing in value but you will likely be able to find something in your price range (though closer to the top of your price range). You'll be buying a machine which will work for her all her life - and be a heirloom to pass on. Best of all, they're compact and easy to store.
posted by arnicae at 6:45 PM on December 1, 2016


I love my Janome and it's always been very easy to find someone to service it.
posted by padraigin at 7:07 PM on December 1, 2016


Best answer: Singer 4423 (on sale at amazon.ca for $150)

I have this and I really like it. I also had an older (1980s) Singer that used to belong to my grandmother, and the new Singer is every bit as good and hundreds of dollars cheaper, in relative terms. I originally took the old Singer to a repair shop for an engine issue, and they told me they could no longer get the parts for the old Singer. They tried to sell me a $500 Bernina, but I went for the new Singer for $150ish, and it does everything the old one did, only better because it's new. For a light use, project machine, I think your wife would be very satisfied with it.
posted by Miko at 8:42 PM on December 1, 2016


What you do is: find a local shop that repairs sewing machines and is run by someone who seems basically trustworthy. Once you have found the shop, go there with your wife. They will have an assortment of second-hand machines which they've refurbished. They will recommend machines in your price range, let your wife try them out and give her pointers. That way she can find the machine that best suits her.
posted by Pallas Athena at 12:19 AM on December 2, 2016 [3 favorites]


Best answer: Your wife does not want a Singer 221 (this is the Featherweight), and one worth owning is unlikely to be in your price range. It is a great little portable straight stitch machine, but it doesn't sound like it would meet her needs.

I'd personally go for any Janome (or Brother) over any modern Singer. And any Sewing Machine store model, even used, is better than a Big Box model. Go get advice from people at a Sewing Machine Store, if you can.

It isn't just about the plastic parts, it is about general durability and usability. A badly made machine can easily make you think you hate sewing and are bad at it.

The Sweethome is not the best source here. They tested no computerized machines, even within the $300 price range, which excluded some otherwise good machines. I'm not a fan of computerized machines, but it skewed the results.

Most full-size machines are ok to do a bit of heavier work, like sewing denim, occasionally. "Heavy Duty" is a fairly useless designation here. It is more important to use the right thread, test and adjust tension, and to use the right needle for the job. And to change the needle roughly every 8 hours of sewing time. If you only want to buy one type of needle, do not buy "universal" style. They are just a set of compromises. Buy size 12 or 14 topstitch needles or sharps (also sometimes called microtex) for general use. For denim, use a denim needle. Organ, Schmetz, or Klasse. Don't bother with Singer branded needles, even if you buy a Singer machine, as they are terrible.

The Janome SUV 1108 is a less expensive sibling to the 1122 and might be a good choice.
posted by monopas at 1:20 AM on December 2, 2016 [4 favorites]


I bought a 7258 from Amazon a couple years ago, based on the price point and the reviews and it's been a great machine for me. I've worked on a variety of fabrics, knits and wovens of different weights, with success. Good stitch quality, good button holes. If I was going to be
sewing hours everyday, I'd prefer my mother's vintage Bernina, but this Singer will do everything she wants and have the extra stitches and
accessories to branch out too. So, basically, just saying that my experience reflects the Amazon
reviews. It's a good machine!
posted by sk932 at 3:03 AM on December 2, 2016


I got a Brother sewing machine a few years back that looked like this (mine was blue, though). It was similarly inexpensive (under $100) and I am so glad that I got a basic model because sewing machines already intimidate me and I don't want or need fancy options.

It's been great! It has had no mechanical or power issues. Figuring out how to thread it was the hardest part. I definitely recommend getting a super basic model if all she needs to do is make costumes or hem jeans.
posted by amicamentis at 7:15 AM on December 2, 2016


I only just started learning to sew two summers ago and I agree with above recommendation to go through a local sewing store that has used models for sale. The classes through the sewing store are very helpful, and buying a used - but warranteed - model can mean a nice price break on a good machine.
posted by jillithd at 9:29 AM on December 2, 2016


I have this Brother machine. I freaking love it. Handles heavy materials like a beast. I have not sewn jeans, but I have sewn heavy canvas items with multiple layers, and it's done brilliantly. Personally, I really love having lots of stitch options. I mean you can pull out a book to figure out how to do a bartack or buttonhole, but it's a hell of a lot easier to hit a button.
posted by slipthought at 10:09 AM on December 2, 2016


Response by poster: A report from the field:

- called three different local stores. The first has second hand machines starting from $400. The second doesn't sell second hand and the third is closing down. Seems the pickings are slim in Edmonton.
- Spoke with my wife. She really doesn't want me to spend too much because she said she thinks it probably will not be heavily used anyway (also possibly related to the fact that we share bank accounts!). She also already knows how to sew so unlikely to take classes from a local store.
- Based on all this inclined to press the trigger on the Singer 4423. I do hear you all about the Janome and Brother machines though so if the 4423 doesn't work out will probably step it up to one of those.

Thanks all!
posted by piyushnz at 1:39 PM on December 2, 2016 [2 favorites]


Based on location, sent you a PM.
posted by monopas at 9:39 AM on December 3, 2016


Just wanted to point out that Costco in Canada has sewing machines, including the 4423, and the return policy is 90 days vs Amazon's 30. Interesting that they don't offer any Janomes, because Costco in the US does.
posted by HotToddy at 9:50 AM on December 3, 2016


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